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. |
Megan Condon, Jr. High Math - Joined FHC in 2024
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Hello, I'm Megan Condon. I was raised in Glenview, Illinois, alongside my four siblings and our parents. My educational journey began at OLPH School, where I developed a deep appreciation for both faith and academics. As I step into my role as the middle school math teacher, I am thrilled to continue my career in a Catholic school setting. This year, I am excited to see my students advance in their mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills. With my passion for math and a solid understanding of the subject, I aim to make a positive impact on my students and support their growth as individuals. Outside of teaching, I love spending time outdoors, enjoying moments with friends and family, and exploring new restaurants.
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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 Fleming, Technology - Joined FHC in 2024
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Daniel Fleming graduated from Ball State University with bachelor's degrees in Television Production and English Studies. Shortly afterward, he completed a teacher program and began teaching eight years ago in Indianapolis, Indiana. His passion for technology and knowledge of programs led him to the computer lab. Now, living in the Chicago suburbs, Daniel comes to FHC ready to share his passion and teach students the multiple ways to use technology efficiently and correctly.
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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 was then an Administrative Assistant at Pope Francis Global Academy. 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 lives 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. |
Kristin Levoy, Lunch Co-Ordinator - Joined FHC in 2024
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Kristin grew up in Wilmette and is a graduate of Sacred Heart School and New Trier High School. She furthered her academic journey at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts. After twelve years of experience in the recruiting and staffing industry, she focused on raising her two sons. Kristin's Catholic education has profoundly influenced her approach to both her professional and personal life. She continues to be an engaged and supportive member of her community, guided by the principals and values instilled in her from an early age. |
Laurel Lien, Library/6th Grade ELA - 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. |
Aimee Meccia, Kindergarten - Rejoined FHC in 2023
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Aimee Meccia studied English and Women’s Studies at Saint Mary’s College and received a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from DePaul University. She’s had the privilege of teaching students from Kindergarten to 3rd grade in independent, public and Catholic schools from New York to Chicago. Aimee is thrilled to be starting her seventh year at Faith Hope & Charity and treasures the faithfulness of the school community. She has spent the last twenty-eight years in Wilmette raising four loveable children and two rambunctious dogs. In her free time, Aimee can be found buzzing around town on her bike, dreaming of travel, walking her dogs, and reading at the beach. |
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. |
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! |
Anna Pressman, Learning Lab - Joined FHC in 2023
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Anna Pressman earned her Master's degree in speech pathology from Northwestern University, with a specialty in early intervention. She previously worked as a speech pathologist for Glencoe and Winnetka Schools (including Faith Hope, Sacred Heart and North Shore Country Day). She also teamed with Dr. O'Koon to perform speech and language evaluations as part of the neuropsychic evaluation process. Most recently she joined Kathy Tambornino full time in the Learning Lab to support students in achieving academic success. She resides with her husband and four children in Kenilworth (two in college, a junior at New Trier and an 8th grader at Joseph Sears School. She is excited to embark upon another successful school year.
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Haley Price, Junior High ELA - Joined FHC in 2024
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Miss Price grew up in Winnetka and attended Crow Island through New Trier High School before Miami University, where she studied Integrated English Language Arts Education. She currently lives in Wilmette with her cat Jojo and enjoys reading and running daily. She is thrilled to be teaching on the North Shore and to give back to the community that guided her.
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Daniel Ramirez, Spanish - Joined FHC in 2024
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Mr. Daniel Ramirez-Florez born in San Juan Nepomuceno, Columbia has begun a new professional stage at FHC. He teaches Spanish from grades 1-7 and religion for 7th & 8th grades. Mr. Ramirez-Florez has more than 20 years of experience in theological and religious education. His last service was as coordinator of the diaconal formation program in Spanish from 2014 to 2024. His academic background, focused on social and religious sciences, was carried out in Colombia and Rome, Italy.
Mr. Ramirez-Florez, who arrived in the US in 2003, faces this new challenge at FHC with great enthusiasm and the desire to continue learning and contributing to the development of new generations of students.
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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. |
Pantea Sadri, French – Joined FHC in 2024
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Madame Sadri is a French native speaker from Paris. She has a French PharmD degree from the University of Paris-XI. She moved to chicago in 2011.
She taught French and science for 3 years at Lake Forest Fusion Academy. She has 2 children and lives in Winnetka. Madame Sadri is glad to join the FHC family.
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Stacy Schicke, 3rd Grade - Joined FHC in 2024
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Mrs. Stacy Schicke holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pittsburg State University and Master of Education degree from the University of St. Thomas. She has completed extensive continuing education through an Orton-Gillingham program and has taught students in grades K-5. She has experience teaching emerging readers, multilingual language learners, and students with a dyslexia diagnosis. She is a proud parent of three children who have been educated in Catholic schools. She is happy to be a part of the wonderful FHC community. |
Meghan Schmidt, Aide - Joined FHC in 2024
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Ms. Schmidt is thrilled to rejoin the FHC faith-based school community! This school year, she is joining the early learners in the PAC. Ms. Schmidt, a University of Illinois grad, is a lifelong educator who loves to learn! Most recently, she worked at the Archdiocese of Chicago in a variety of roles in parishes and schools. Previously, she worked at a large Chicago charter network and taught in FHC's junior high and Chicago Public Schools. Sharing meals with family and friends, movies, hiking, tennis and the beach are favorites. Go Bulldogs!
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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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Kelly Sullivan, Jr. High Religion – Joined FHC in 2024
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Mrs. Kelly Kiefer Sullivan is an FHC graduate and attended New Trier High School and Tasis, England. She attended Southern Methodist University with a B.A. in Advertising and a B.S. in Psychology. She has an M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the Chicago School where she was a Teaching Assistant. Kelly worked as a Teachers Aide at The Montessori School of Lake Forest and taught at the Lake Forest Dance Academy. Kelly was a recruiter for several years with Korn/Ferry and Russell Reynolds and most Recently Randall Partners, LLC. Kelly was a Substitute Teacher at FHC last year and is thrilled to be joining the FHC Community as a Middle School Religion Teacher. She currently resides in Winnetka with her two children who are currently 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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Emily Yager, Jr. High Science - Joined FHC 2023 |
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Miss Yager grew up in Glencoe where she attended Sacred Heart and later Loyola Academy. She pursued her passion for science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Biology. With a deep love for the subject, Miss Yager is thrilled to bring her enthusiasm into the classroom and share it with the students through hands-on, interactive learning and open discussions. |