Joanne Bennett, Art – Joined FHC in 2005
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Ms. Bennett earned her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and Theater at the University of New Mexico and her Master’s degree in Arts Education at Columbia College Chicago. Before joining the School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity in 2005, Ms. Bennett worked in the Arts in various fields; as a designer in the display and giftware industry, a portrait artist, costume, floral and Christmas designer and also in the theater as a set designer. Ms. Bennett works in many mediums, but her passion is realistic portraiture. Ms. Bennett loves to travel and explore some of the diverse cultural experiences in our country. She enjoys the challenge of bringing these experiences into the Art curriculum and inspiring her students to expand their minds with unique opportunities to learn and create. |
Trina Burek, French – Joined FHC in 2015
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Madame Burek has a degree in French from the University of Chicago and has studied extensively in France. She has had the pleasure of sharing her love of French with students at all levels, from Kindergarten through Advanced Placement, for over 25 years. Madame Burek joined the staff of FHC in 2015 and feels fortunate to be part of a Catholic community once again. She is currently serving on the AATF Executive Council and is finishing her MAT at National Louis University. |
Nichole Coutts, School Nurse – Joined FHC in 2018
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A registered nurse for 16 years, Mrs. Coutts worked for many years in obstetrics and women and children units for Illinois and North Carolina hospitals. After coming to FHC in 2018 as a school nurse, she considers this a dream job. She and her husband have two beautiful children. She enjoys being a part of the FHC community and considers it an honor to be entrusted with keeping all the children of the school safe and healthy. |
Shannon Dowdle, Early Childhood – Joined FHC in 2016
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Mrs. Dowdle grew up in Evanston and attended St. Athanasius, Evanston High School, and Illinois State University. She graduated with a B.S. in Special Education (preschool-12th grade), with an emphasis on Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders, and in General Education (K-9th grade). She taught in special education for several years before staying home with her six children. She returned to teach preschool in Glenview for eight years before moving to FHC. She is happy to be back in a Catholic School. |
Kathy Elbert, Early Childhood – Joined FHC in 1987
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Mrs. Kathy Elbert has been part of the Kindergarten team since 1987. She believes in Catholic education and enjoys teaching religion, values, and academics to young children. She is especially proud to see FHC students become successful young adults.
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Daniel Evola, Junior High ELA - Joined FHC in 2023
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Daniel Evola is pleased to join the Faith Hope & Charity faculty as a Middle School English Language Arts and 6th grade homeroom teacher. He has taught middle school English, Social Studies, and Writing on the southwest side of Chicago in CPS schools since 2018 after completing a resident teaching year with the Chicago Teacher Residency Program in the same neighborhood prior to that. He is a proud product of Archdiocese of Chicago elementary schools, suburban high school, and DePaul University, where he earned a B.A . in anthropology before earning his Masters in Teaching at National Louis University in Chicago through an advanced masters program in partnership with the Academy for Urban School Leadership. He is looking forward to taking the skills and strategies honed in large public schools and tailoring them to the supportive and outstanding environment present at Faith Hope. |
Linda Garrett, Administrative Assistant – Joined FHC in 2021
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Ms. Garrett has been with the Archdiocese since 2006. She worked as a teacher's aide and then in the Library Media Center. She then spent 5 years working as an Administrative Assistant. Prior to working in the Arch, Linda worked in IT as a programmer and SR. Systems Analyst. Linda lives in Edison Park in Chicago with her husband, son, two cats and her pet Ball Python. She is happy to join the FHC family. |
Donna Hays, Physical Education -
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Coach Hays graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Physical Education and is a Nationally Certified Athletic Administrator. She taught at the high school level for 3 years before coming to FHC to teach PE and be the AD for 11 years. She stepped away for 2 short years and is thrilled to be back at FHC once again. She is excited to help develop the love of physical activity, good sportsmanship and have fun with all the Bulldogs once again!
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Clare Healy, 4th Grade - Joined FHC in 2022
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Ms. Healy is a FHC graduate and attended Loyola Academy. She recently graduated with honors from the Miami University in Ohio where she completed her student teaching as a 2nd grade teacher. Ms. Healy has been a member of our FHC community for many years and we look forward to having her on our team.
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Kitty Horne, Receptionist – Joined FHC in 2016
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Mrs. Horne worked as a preschool teacher and kindergarten assistant at St. Mary’s School in Evanston for many years. She then acted as assistant director of Central Evanston Child Care for 12 years. After some time off to be a stay at home mom, she worked at Regina Dominican High School as Student Services Coordinator for 13 years. She is happy to be at Faith Hope and Charity. |
Annie Hughes, 5th Grade - Joined FHC in 2018
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Annie Hughes grew up in Winnetka and attended FHC and New Trier Township High School. She went on to attend John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio where she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Masters in Education. She taught fifth grade for nine years in Northbrook District 28 and then taught preschool for seven years in Evanston. This is Annie’s third year teaching at Faith Hope. Annie lives in Evanston with her husband Mike and three children; Danny is a sophomore at Marquette University, Tommy is a junior and Megan is a freshman at Evanston Township High School. Their favorite thing to do as a family is to go to Glen Lake, Michigan. |
Sheila Infante, 2nd Grade – Re-Joined FHC in 2022
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Mrs. Infante graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Elementary Education and has an extensive background in Early Childhood. She was a Kindergarten teacher for many years at St. Margaret Mary School. Her teaching journey led her to Faith, Hope and Charity as a 1st Grade teacher for 3 years and after a short time away, she is thrilled to be rejoining the Faith Hope community as a First Grade teacher once again. She will continue to build and nurture a strong foundation and love of learning for First Grade students.
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Carol Jones, 1st Grade - Joined FHC in 2020
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Ms. Jones grew up in Oak Park and attended St. Giles School and Trinity High School in River Forest. She graduated
from Loyola University with a degree in Elementary Education and taught First Grade at St. Giles for 7 years. After raising her six children, Ms. Jones worked at Hickory Point School in Northbrook as an Instructional Assistant for 5 years. She is so happy to be teaching First Grade again as a new member of the FHC family in 2020-2021. |
Eileen Kelly, Aide, Rejoined FHC in 2021
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We welcome back Mrs. Eileen Kelly who will rejoin Mrs. Dowdle in our 4-year-old program. Mrs. Dowdle and Mrs. Kelly previously teamed together for multiple years. We are very excited to have her back on the Early Childhood Education Team as her familiarity with our program provides wonderful consistency for our young students. |
Katy Kerr, School Counselor - Joined FHC in 2022
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Ms. Kerr earned her Masters of Education in school counseling from Loyola College in Maryland. She holds a certificate from the National Board for Certified Counselors.
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Kate Kinyon, Music - Rejoined FHC in 2021
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Kate Kinyon has been a teaching artist for more than twenty five years. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Ms. Kinyon owned and operated Performing Arts Limited in the Chicago neighborhood of Rogers Park. There she also created customized curriculum for local schools Decatur Classical, Phillip Rogers, and Saint Margaret Mary. Currently Ms. Kinyon serves as the Movement Specialist for KinderCare's Corporate Office. Ms. Kinyon is pleased to return to Faith, Hope, and Charity teaching Music and Theatrical Arts. |
Catherine LaCross, Fifth Grade – Joined FHC in 2017
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Mrs. LaCross grew up in Winnetka and attended FHC and Loyola Academy. She graduated from Iona College in New York in 2012. She worked at St. John Berchmans teaching 4th and 5th grade for five years in the Logan Square area of Chicago. She then decided to come back to her alma mater and accepted the 5th-grade position at FHC in 2017. Mrs. LaCross loves teaching fifth grade and is happy to be back in the Faith Hope community. |
Meg LaLonde, Assistant Principal - Rejoined FHC in 2022
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Meg has been a part of the Faith Hope community for 20 years. She grew up in Evanston, went to St. Joan of Arc, then Regina Dominican, and for college attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She now live in Glenview with her husband and three girls. They spend most weekends in a gym at volleyball tournaments and wouldn't have it any other way. She loves being a part of FHC. |
Laurel Lien, Library - Joined FHC in 2022
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Laurel joined FHC in 2021 as a substitute teacher and this year leads the reopening of the library. Prior to joining FHC, Laurel served as a Preschool Teacher with A Joyful Noise and as Assistant Director of Children Ministries at Kenilworth Union Church. Laurel enjoys helping young people find books and grow their love of reading. Laurel resides in Kenilworth with her husband and three daughters. In her free time she enjoys family time outdoors and working on her podcast. |
Francesca Maddock, Staff Aide – Joined FHC in 2016
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Francesa Maddock graduated from New Trier in 2014 where she developed a love for art while working with a variety of mediums. She has been involved in musical theater for the past 8 years. Francesca began working at the School of Saints Faith, Hope and Charity as an aide in art and music in 2016. She loves working with children and being part of a loving Catholic community. Francesca resides in Wilmette with her family. |
Jennifer McCaleb, 2nd Grade - Rejoined FHC in 2021
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We are delighted to welcome back Mrs. Jennifer McCaleb to the team. Her recent role with Faith Hope was as a technology teacher. Prior to this role as a tech teacher, she has years of experience as a classroom teacher at St. Joseph in Wilmette. |
Dr. Thomas Meagher, Principal – Joined FHC in 2018
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A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with an MA from DePaul and a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University, Dr. Meagher is pleased to be at FHC to lead our faculty and students as principal. As an educator for 22 years, he spent the last twenty years at Lake Forest High School, where he served as a teacher, coach, department chair, and Assistant Principal, Dr. Meagher is committed to an engaging and challenging academic education and Christian value system. |
Christine Murray, Early Childhood - Joined FHC in 2023
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This is Mrs. Murray's first year teaching at FHC, and she is so thankful to be part of the FHC community. Mrs. Murray has BA and M. Ed. degrees from the University of Notre Dame. She lives in Winnetka with her husband, Mac, and her two sons, James and George. James and George are students at FHC! Before having children Mrs. Murray taught Kindergarten in Chicago and 4th grade in Florida. She is happy to be back in the classroom! When she's not teaching she loves spending time with her family, friends, and dog Hugo! |
Marcie Netzky, 4th Grade Teacher
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Ms. Netzky holds and Elementary Education teacher license combined with experience as a classroom teacher and teacher assistant. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and her master's from National-Louis University. |
Marisa Peterson, Aide - Joined FHC in 2022
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Marisa has been a teachers aide (PK) for 9 years. She originally started working at FHC in 2013. Marisa is happy to be back. She is a huge runner, my favorite runs are half marathons. Marisa loves traveling, hiking and going to the beach.
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Emily Prager, Early Childhood - Joined FHC in 2023
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Ms. Prager earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching in middle grades education at National Louis University. She has had experience in teaching at both the middle grades and preschool level. She is excited to have joined the FHC team and is looking forward to having a great first year here! |
Cindy Phelan, Kindergarten - Rejoined FHC in 2021
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This is my tenth year teaching and I have been fortunate enough to have my seventh year in FHC kindergarten. I received my Bachelors in Art History from Augustana College and Masters in Teaching from National Louis University. I live in Wilmette and have three “young adult” children and a lovable wheaten terrier, Seamus. I am a watercolor painter and custom paint homes, pets, and wedding bouquets. In my free time, I love to be outside reading, swimming, gardening, and hiking new areas. |
Linda Ransford, Marketing & Recruiting Manager/Teacher's Aide - Joined FHC in 2022
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Linda joined FHC in 2022, as Recruiting Coordinator; helping introduce the School to prospective students and their families. Additionally, she works as an Aide in Early Childhood. Linda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Loyola University, Chicago. Prior to joining FHC, Linda worked in the financial services industry. She is an FHC parishioner & Religious Ed instructor; and lives with her family in Kenilworth, IL. |
Liz Raudat, 7th Grade - Joined FHC in 2021
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Mrs. Raudat is a FHC graduate and her family has a wonderful history with our community. Mrs. Raudat started her teaching career in New York after completing her Masters in Education at Elmira College. With teaching experience in multiple grades of Catholic Schools, she looks forward to the novel study curriculum with our 6th and 7th grade students. Mrs. Raudat's resume is packed with connections to Catholic Schools as both a teacher and parent volunteer. |
Melanie Roth, 3rd Grade - Joined FHC in 2021
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Ms. Melanie Roth graduated from Drake University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and endorsements in special education and reading. Ms. Roth recently graduated with a masters degree in education with an endorsement in English as a second language from Drake University’s online program. This is Ms. Roth’s sixth year of teaching, previously working as a special education teacher, this is her first year as a classroom teacher. She is thrilled to be a part of the FHC community, as FHC not only provides an excellent education but also celebrates faith. |
Therese Romano, 3rd & 4th Grade Math - Joined FHC in 2020
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Mrs. Romano is a lover and believer in Catholic Education. She is happy to be a member of the FHC professional community. After taking a hiatus to raise her children, Mrs. Romano has been back teaching for 8 years. |
Georgia Salemme, Early Childhood – Joined FHC in 2014
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Mrs. Salemme has been working as a Teacher’s Assistant in the PK3 program since 2014. She is married and has a daughter, a son, and two dogs. Before coming to FHC, she worked in accounting. She really enjoys pets and would love to live on a ranch filled with pets. Mrs. Salemme treasures family moments and the time she spends with them. Working at FHC gives her much happiness. She enjoys the beautiful changes in her students throughout the year as a result of the wonderful PK curriculum. Her classes are full of sweet-hearted children that make her smile, and she is so happy that she gets to see them every day.
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Liz Sexton, Kindergarten – Joined FHC in 2018
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Ms. Sexton received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology from Saint Mary’s College. She earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University and taught at a local preschool for ten years before coming to FHC. Liz grew up in Wilmette and attended Catholic schools throughout her life. She is excited to teach at her alma mater, Faith Hope & Charity, and feels blessed to be a part of such a vibrant, supportive Catholic community. Liz has twins, loves the beach and spends her free time with her family and friends, her two golden retrievers, and her garden. |
Terrence Spurlin, Jr High Social Studies - Joined FHC in 2023
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I am Terrence Spurlin, and I am thrilled to embark on this educational journey with you. This is my first-year teaching. I bring a genuine enthusiasm for fostering knowledge, curiosity, and personal development in my students.
I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kansas State University. I interned through the Rural Education Center (REC) and student taught for a year in Riley, Ks. Beyond academics, I firmly believe in cultivating essential life skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration. My classroom is a safe space for exploration, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, and where every student's voice is valued.
I am genuinely excited to join you on this educational adventure, where we will learn, grow, and inspire each other. Let's embark on a journey of discovery together!
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Dr. Christian Stirling, Music - Joined FHC in 2019
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Dr. Stirling received his BMus from the University of London, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of East Anglia, a Masters in Music Education from NEIU and a Doctorate (DMA) in Choral Conducting and Organ Performance from UIUC. He has been an active teacher, composer, conductor and clinician for over 20 years across all levels of education. For the past 11 years Dr. Stirling has been privileged to be the Director of Music at Ss. Faith Hope and Charity Parish. He is looking forward to sharing his love of music and the arts with the students at FHC.
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Kathy Tambornino – Joined FHC in 2022
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Kathy Tambornino is a veteran special education teacher with over 16 years experience working with students in public and private schools throughout Illinois and Minnesota. She grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and attended University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and Elmhurst University where she graduated with a Special Education degree and is LBS1 certified Pre-K through 9th grade. She is also a certified reading specialist in an Orton-Gillingham program which she will be utilizing.at our school. She specializes in working with students that need extra attention for reading, dyslexia, or dysgraphia using a systematic phonics program. She's happy to be back in the Chicagoland area with her 4 children. |
Chris VanderPal, Early Childhood – Joined FHC in 2013
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Mrs. VanderPal received her Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University and her Master’s Degree from Northeastern Illinois University. She taught at All Things Bright & Beautiful for 12 years, and spent 11 summers as a camp art teacher, and 4 years as a camp director before coming to FHC. In 2018, she co founded Imagine Day Camp. Mrs. VanderPal chose a career in teaching because she wanted to play a role in creating a learning environment that facilitates and nurtures a child’s love of learning.
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Jane Washburne, Technology - Joined FHC in 2020
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Ms. Washburne joined FHC in 2020. Her expertise in technology makes her invaluable in guiding our students through the internet and technology that defines this generation. Her love of books and reading compliments her work in our library.
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Cathy Wheeler, 7th Grade - Joined FHC in 2021
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Mrs. Wheeler is new to FHC for the school year 2021-2022 and is excited to join such a dedicated team of educators. She did her undergraduate work at Indiana University – Bloomington earning a B.S. in Business and a minor in Sociology. She worked for many years in Marketing and Development before starting a second career in teaching. She earned a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati and went on to receive her Gifted Education Specialist endorsement from Xavier University.
Mrs. Wheeler recently relocated to Chicago for her husband’s job. This will be her 7th year teaching middle school math and algebra in Catholic Schools. Mrs. Wheeler feels passionate about math education and strives to have every student achieve maximum growth and potential. In her spare time, Mrs. Wheeler enjoys spending time with her husband Derek and their four kids, traveling, reading and exploring the new sites of Chicago.
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