Carlye Hay

Area

Head of School

Professional Snapshot

B.S.Ed. – Wheaton College
M.S.Ed – Northern Illinois University
Ed.S – Liberty University

One thing to know about me…

I’m happiest when I’m running, learning something new, or spending quality time with my family.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Bob Whitt

Professional Snapshot

Judson University B.S.

One thing to know about me…

I am an avid golfer

A verse that encourages me in my role

Ephesians 5:14

Mark Johnson

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Pensacola Christian College

One thing to know about me

I’m passionate about helping students connect learning to life—especially through conversations about careers and investments.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3

Kristy Weidman

Area

Admissions

Professional Snapshot

B.S.- Baylor University

One thing to know about me

I would love to breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as a side gig.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.

Bob Young

Area

Principal, Grades 5-12

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Rockford College
M.A.T. – Wheaton College
M.A. – Olivet University

One thing to know about me:

I have a very dry sense of humor. If you think I am joking, I might be.

A verse that encourages me in my role:

Proverbs 24:10 if you faint in the day of adversity your strength is indeed small.

Laila Oliveira

Professional Snapshot

B.S.Ed – Eastern Illinois University M.Ed. – Concordia University, Portland

One thing to know about me

I was born in Sweden, went back to study abroad, and later taught math there for a year.

A verse that encourages me in my role

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” – Zephaniah 3:17

Carli Lopez

Cathy D’Alessandro

Jennie Labib

Area

Advancement Lead

Abby Parks

Area

Preschool

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Northern Illinois University

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

Chicken Caesar wraps!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Proverbs 22:6

Alexa Pupich

Area

High School Social Studies

Professional Snapshot

B.Ed – Liberty University

My classroom always includes…

My classroom always includes: something pink!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Matthew 5:16

Alison Klatt

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Martin Luther College

What I bring to the staff potluck…

My family’s chocolate caramel layer bars are a fan favorite 🙂

A verse that encourages me in my role

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Amy Mcloughlin

Amy Nichols

Area

Upper School English

Professional Snapshot

BS- Wheaton College
M.A.Ed. – Arizona State University

What I bring to the staff potluck…

I always bring my banana bread with chocolate chips to a staff potluck!

A verse that encourages me in my role:

Matthew 5:16: may my light shine before men in such a way that they see my good works and glorify my father, who is in heaven.

Angela Mason

Area

4th Grade

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – FaithWay Baptist College
M.Ed. – Maranatha Baptist University

One thing to know about me

One thing to know about me is that I love animals, especially talking ones from Narnia!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Phil. 4:13 I say this verse to myself during moments of need.

Beth Gottlieb

Area

Grades 5 and 6

Professional Snapshot

A.S.- College of DuPage
B.S.- Judson College
M. Lit- Judson University
D. Lit- Judson University

My classroom always includes…

books, natural curiosities, and Severus the snake.

A verse that encourages me in my role

I Timothy 4:12 and Ephesians 2:10

Bethany Paris

Area

3rd Grade

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Elementary and Special Education M.A. – Human Services Counseling: Crisis Intervention and Executive Leadership

My classroom always includes…

My classroom always includes a confetti popper (or ten) to celebrate what God is up to, academic and personal wins, and birthdays!!!

A verse that encourages me in my role

1st Thessalonians 2:8 and Romans 11:33–36

Charity Spurlock

Area

Preschool and Prekindergarten

Professional Snapshot

B.S.W.-Aurora University 30 years working in Early Childhood Education (social work & education)

My classroom always includes…

Lots and LOTS of JOY & GLITTER 🙂

A verse that encourages me in my role

Matthew 5:16~ ESV

Christi Brown

Area

Kindergarten

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Wheaton College
20 Years Teaching Experience

If my classroom/office had a theme song, it would be…

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

A verse that encourages me in my role:

Psalm 32:8: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Cindy Gafrick

Area

2nd grade

Professional Snapshot

Grove City College/BA Christian Education

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

Homemade pasta and meatballs

A verse that encourages me in my role

II Timothy 2:15

Daniella Condrea

Area

Pre-K Paraeducator

Danielle Keller

Area

2nd Grade

Professional Snapshot

B.S. in Elementary Ed.-Eastern Illinois University
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction w/ EL Endorsement- Olivet Nazarene University

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

Breakfast is my favorite meal, so any and all breakfast foods!

A verse that encourages me in my role

1 Thessalonians 5:11

David Johnson

Area

Bible

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Calvary University
M.A. – Northern Seminary

If my classroom/office had a theme song, it would be…

My theme song would be “Right Now” by Van Halen because I desire to be present to what we are hearing from Jesus through the Scriptures.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2-3).

Elvis

Area

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Professional Snapshot

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

What would’ve been on my (grade level) report card?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Emily Romano

Area

4th grade

Professional Snapshot

B.S. Bob Jones University

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

I could eat pizza every day and never get tired of it! My husband and I even had wood-fired pizzas catered for our wedding!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Emily Zange

Area

High School Math and Science

Professional Snapshot

B.S. Taylor University M.Ed. Purdue University

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

Pasta. Or chocolate ice cream.

A verse that encourages me in my role

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Ginger Oostdyk

Area

5/6 Science

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Calvin University ACSI Certified 17 years in teaching Have taught 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms; K-8 Music, Art, and PE

If my classroom/office had a theme song, it would be…

The Final Countdown by Europe

A verse that encourages me in my role

Romans 8:28, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Grace Weiss

Area

Lower School PE, K-2 music

Professional Snapshot

B.S.- Olivet Nazarene University

One thing to know about me

I love to line dance and travel!

A verse that encourages me in my role

2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Heather Pfister

Area

Grade One

Professional Snapshot

Bachelors in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois Universtity Masters in Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier 10 years teaching Grade 4 and 5 in the public school 5 years teaching as a Reading Specialist at HCA 11 years teaching Grade 1 at HCA

One thing to know about me

Mrs. Pfister is passionate about helping students see and know the Lord in their everyday lives, encouraging them to recognize God’s presence in both big moments and small, ordinary experiences.

A verse that encourages me in my role

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Holly Herrick

Area

PreK

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Taylor University (English Literature)

My classroom always includes…

Time in the great outdoors! Preferably knee-deep in the pond. I love seeing all the ways God teaches us who He is through His creation.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Matthew 19:14

Jen Stotz

Area

Preschool

Professional Snapshot

University of San Diego 7 years on staff in Children’s Ministry at HBC, now next year will be year 6 teaching preschool (if you’d like this kind of info, free to not use if you just want the degree)

My classroom always includes…

Messes, mischief, and wonder!

A verse that encourages me in my role

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11

Jenn Gray

Area

Middle School Math

Jennifer Hawkins

Area

7/8

Professional Snapshot

B.S. Wildlife Management, School of Forestry and Natural Resources – Purdue University
M.A.T.S. – Liberty Theological Seminary
M.Ed – Trinity International University

My classroom always includes…

background music or a live video feed of something in the natural world.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Psalm 84:11

Jennifer Melugin

Area

Middle School & High School

Professional Snapshot

Bachelors of Music Education- University of Illinois @ Urbana/Champaign

If my classroom/office had a theme song, it would be…

If my classroom had a theme song, it would absolutely be a score by the amazing John Williams; full of adventure, a little unexpected chaos, and many heroic moments in the making (which is similar to what teaching band in middle school is like).

A verse that encourages me in my role

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zeph 3:17

Jennifer Serrato

Area

Art, LS, MS and HS

Professional Snapshot

BA in Art Education from Wheaton College

My classroom always includes…

My classroom always includes music, ambient lighting and a relaxing atmosphere to create and learn.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name if the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through HIm.

Jesse Crognale

Area

Middle School / Upper School Bible

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Houghton College
I have been teaching for 26 years.

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of is Snickers along with an apple.

A verse that encourages me in my role:

I Thessalonians 5:14

Julianne Braker

Area

3rd Grade

Professional Snapshot

B.A.- University of Illinois
Type 29 Bilingual Endorsement- National Louis University
Masters of Education in Literacy- Judson University

One thing to know about me

One thing to know about me is I love to read and The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom is my favorite book.

A verse that encourages me in my role

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭13‬-‭14‬

Karyn Goodwin

Area

Kindergarten through High School Barton Teacher

Professional Snapshot

B.S. in Education – Concordia University – River Forest, IL.
Postgraduate work toward Masters in Curriculum development – Concordia University – River Forest IL.
Certified Teacher in the Barton Reading and Spelling Curriculum.
Trained in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech.
Trained in Search & Teach (Silver & Hagin) – a Scanning Instrument for Identifying Potential Learning Disabilities
Trained in the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing – Second Edition

One thing to know about me

I’m a former marathon runner who completed 6 marathon, including a race up Pike’s Peak in Colorado.

A verse that encourages me in my role

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Kayla Dutcher

Area

Marketing and Communications

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Taylor University

What would’ve been on my (grade level) report card?

“Participates enthusiastically in class discussion—and equally in side conversations with her peers.”

A verse that encourages me in my role

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Kelly Waltmire

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Ball State University

One thing to know about me

I’m terrified of any creature that does not have eyelids or legs!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Kim Dunkin

Area

High School Admin

Professional Snapshot

Moody Bible Institute (3 yrs.)

What I bring to the staff potluck…

Baked goods…always!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Eph. 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Kim Kuk

Area

Preschool

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Wheaton College

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

Cafeteria mashed potatoes – please bring them back!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Proverbs 3:5-6

Krista Peterson

Area

High School Math

Professional Snapshot

Augustana College M.Ed. – National Louis University

My classroom always includes…

My classroom always includes problems, but that’s okay because we can solve them!

A verse that encourages me in my role

1 Thessalonians 5:24 He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.

Lauren Thurman

Area

2nd Grade

Professional Snapshot

B.A. Trinity International University M.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison

My classroom always includes…

My classroom always includes a team cheer. I love for us to work together and cheer each other on.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. An let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scoring its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Lauryn Miller

Professional Snapshot

I attended Taylor University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal and Relational Communication, along with a minor in Psychology.

What is a food you could eat every day and never get tired of?

I could eat sushi every day and never get tired of it!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Leah Tatina

Area

Lower School Discipleship, Choir Director

Lindsay Goetz

Area

Healthcare Technician

Professional Snapshot

Western Illinois University B.S in Exercise Science and Fitness.

One thing to know about me

I love to travel with my family

A verse that encourages me in my role

Proverbs 3:5-6

Louisa Knight

Area

First Grade

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – Trinity Christian College

My classroom always includes…

My classroom always included laughter and love.

A verse that encourages me in my role:

Colossians 3:12: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

Matthew Schulenburg

Area

Athletics

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Wisconsin Lutheran college with a degree in sports management

If my classroom/office had a theme song, it would be…

Athletics / Chicago White Sox

A verse that encourages me in my role

Matthew 7:7

Nate Johnson

Area

Middle School History

Professional Snapshot

20 year HCA teacher
Degrees in 6-12 Social Studies Education, 6-8 Physical Education, Bible Minor. Illinois State Licensure and ACSI licensure
Cedarville University Graduate

My classroom always includes…

Interactive Lessons

A verse that encourages me in my role:

Micah 6:8, "And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to walk humbly with your God"

Nick Williams

Area

5th-8th Grade

Professional Snapshot

BA- North Park University

What I bring to the staff potluck…

Drinks because what’s a potluck without something to drink!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Philippians 4:13

Nicole Frederickson

Ofelia Dagamac

Area

High School Yearbook; Student Support

Professional Snapshot

B.S. – University of Illinois at Chicago

Favorite spirit day

My favorite teacher spirit day is scrubs. They’re so comfortable.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Ephesians 3:5-6

Pierre Gregory Thorsen

Area

9-12, Social Studies

Professional Snapshot

Bachelors of Arts from NIU Masters in U.S. History from NIU

My classroom always includes…

Posters, models and artifacts of History that makes nerds like me excited to learn more history.

A verse that encourages me in my role

1 John 4:4

Rebekah Meeker

Area

7-12

Professional Snapshot

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, 1996
MBA, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University, 2004
Mechanical Engineer — Motorola Solutions, 1996 – 2011
Teacher — HCA, 2022 – Present

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

If there were no health consequences, nacho-flavored Doritos washed down with a Mountain Dew, then topped off with a Butterfinger.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Colossians 3:17

Rob Stotz

Area

High School Art

Professional Snapshot

Buffalo Grove High School 🙂

What would’ve been on my (grade level) report card?

HS Student test results appears to indicate intelligence, yet when it comes to the homework lacks motivation and discipline

A verse that encourages me in my role

We rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…. Romans 5:3-5

Roger Simmons

Area

Upper School Bible Teacher

Professional Snapshot

BA – Judson University

MA – Wheaton College

My classroom always includes…

Laughter and Engagement.

A verse that encourages me in my role:

Psalms 119::10

Sally Huston

Area

Prekindergarten

Professional Snapshot

B.A. – Moody Bible Institute
22 years teaching

My classroom always includes…

My classroom always includes books, books and more books

A verse that encourages me in my role

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭

Sam Reilly

Area

Pre-K Paraeducator

Sandy Falk

Professional Snapshot

MS in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College

What I bring to the staff potluck…

Chips – I do not subject anyone to my cooking!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Proverbs 3:5-7

Sarah McCormick

Area

Preschool

Professional Snapshot

B.A,- Roosevelt University Elementary Education
M. Ed. U. Wisconsin- Superior Instruction
ESL Endorsement Harper College

A food I could eat every day and never get tired of…

Pizza or coffee (it is a food group to me)

A verse that encourages me in my role

Jer, 29: 11-13

Shelley Wall

Area

Kindergarten

Professional Snapshot

B.A. Cedarville University M.Ed. Judson International University

Favorite spirit day

My favorite spirit day is book character day! Helping students connect to literature is golden!

A verse that encourages me in my role

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”

Steven Kurcz

Area

High School

Professional Snapshot

B.S. in Exercise Science/Physiology Eastern Illinois University
M.Ed. Education University of Phoenix

My classroom always includes…

Music. Music brings energy and a life to a classroom. It enables the students to relax, become part of the fabric of the room and provide a more relaxed atmosphere, especially in the workout facility.

A verse that encourages me in my role

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Susan Kennedy

Area

5th and 6th grades

Professional Snapshot

University of Wisconsin – Stout
M.A.T – National – Louis University

One thing to know about me

I love to laugh with my students.

A verse that encourages me in my role

God is love. 1 John 4:8,16

Tom Moore

Professional Snapshot

I have 30+ years of Law Enforcement experience, including several years as both an investigator and supervisor of juvenile investigations. I have also worked with several school districts and churches with emergency preparedness planning and training. B.S. Indiana State University; Political Science M.J. Loyola University Law School; Children and Family Law

One thing to know about me

Both of my daughters are HCA alums. (classes of 2014 and 2018)

A verse that encourages me in my role

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

Vanessa Mehmel

Area

Early Learning

Professional Snapshot

M.A. – Wheaton College
B.A. – Vanguard University

Favorite spirit day

My favorite spirit day by far is Pajama Day!

A verse that encourages me in my role

Luke 18:16 “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’.”

Veronica Werneske

Area

Librarian/Lower School Technology

Victoria Albert

Area

Kindergarten

Sharon Marinier

Kelly Burke

Clay DeHaan