EARLY CHILDHOOD
PRESCHOOL - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Donna Lyon
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Donna Lyon, and I am a teacher in the Butterfly Room. I previously taught in the Panda Room for four years, and after a five year hiatus, I am excited to be back at OSM. I am originally from Chicago, but have also lived in Minnesota and Colorado. I received my BA in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University- Mankato, with a specialty in Early Childhood Education. In addition to preschool, I have taught both 1st and 3rd grade. I am married, and this fall, my husband and I will celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. I am blessed with two daughters and one granddaughter. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, gardening, and traveling. I am looking forward to a fun year!
PRESCHOOL - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Isabel Tapia
She/Her/Hers
Hi! I am Isabel Tapia, also known as Ms. T to the students. I joined Old St. Mary's in 2022 as an extended day staff for pre-school. I'm from Chicago. I completed my high school education at Our Lady of Tepeyac High School and graduated from Malcolm X College with a degree in child development. This will be my first year as an educator, and I am thrilled to be part of the OSM community, alongside my colleague, Donna Lyon. I am honored to have the chance to positively influence the lives of our students and contribute to their growth and development.
PRESCHOOL - CATERPILLAR ROOM
Alejandra Braverman
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Alejandra Braverman. My pronouns are she/her. I go by Mrs. Braverman. I was born and raised in Bolivia ( South America), after graduating from high school I moved to Tifton- Georgia were l played tennis on a full international scholarship while studying Business administration. This is my first year at OSM as an assistant teacher in the Caterpillar Room.
PRESCHOOL - CATERPILLAR ROOM
Mariann Reilly
She/Her/Hers
Hello, My name is Mrs. Mariann Reilly and this is my eighth year at Old Saint Mary's School and I'm happy to once again teach in the Caterpillar Classroom. Before joining OSM, I was an Early Childhood educator at Saint Joseph School in Homewood until, sadly, it was closed. I was so thrilled to find a new "home" at OSM and have enjoyed teaching with our amazing preschool team. I was born and raised in Homewood and I grew up in the house my grandfather built when the family moved to Homewood in 1920. I am one of eight children and was surrounded by many cousins throughout my childhood. My husband, Bob and I, moved next door to the family house and have raised two wonderful daughters. OSM has been a loving community from the day I joined the faculty. The families are fantastic to work with and watching the children grow each year brings me great joy. Each year I look forward to the beginning of school and welcoming a new group of children into our preschool program.
PRESCHOOL - CHAMELEON ROOM
Therese Provenzano
She/Her/Hers
My name is Therese I go by Mrs. Provenzano to my students. My pronouns are She/Her. I am married and have two daughters who are teachers. I have worked in Early Childhood my whole career. I work in the Chameleon Room with Mrs. Wagner. I worked at my former school for nineteen years, it was closed due to low enrollment. I began working last year at Old St. Mary’s last year the staff was very welcoming and made me feel a part of the staff.
PRESCHOOL - CHAMELEON ROOM
Yvonne Wagner
She/Her/Hers
Hello, I am Yvonne Wagner, also known as Miss Yvonne. Since 2006, I have had the pleasure of teaching preschool at Old St. Mary. I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with your child and family this school year. With a BA in Early Childhood Education and a member of NAEYC, ICTM, and IRC, I am committed to seeing your child blossom socially and become a lifelong learner.
PRESCHOOL - FIREFLY ROOM
MaryCarol Berchman
She/Her/Hers
This is my 10th year at Old St. Mary's school and my 20th year living in the South Loop. After graduating from U of I in Champaign-Urbana, I began my career in the Chicago Public Schools. Through the generous support of the Blue Ribbon fund, I graduated last year from DePaul University with my Masters in Educational Leadership in Administration with a Principal Endorsement. I'm proud to say I can add this degree to my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. When I am not teaching, I dedicate all my time to my four children. I'm their #1 fan and love nothing more than cheering them on in all their sports.
PRESCHOOL - FIREFLY ROOM
Brittany Blamble
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Ms. Brittany Blamble and this is my sixth year at OSM teaching Preschool! I am so excited to return to the Firefly room this year and can't wait to be a part of your student's learning journey! This is my 10th year teaching overall. I have previously taught both Kindergarten as well as PreK. I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education, an LBS 1 endorsement with special education approval for preschool, and a Master's in Teaching Leadership. My favorite aspect of teaching is getting to witness the excitement from my students as they experience and accomplish something new!
KINDERGARTEN - DAISY ROOM
Ana Peredo
She/Her/Hers
Hello, OSM Knights and Families! My name is Ms. Ana Peredo Silva! I'm entering my 8th year as a Kindergarten teacher in the Daisy Room at Old St. Mary’s. I'm originally from Mexico City, born and raised there. I moved to Chicago in 2016 and I became a U.S. citizen in June 2023! My husband’s name is Rodrigo Arana, and we have a bull terrier named Prudence. I found my passion for teaching back at home, where I taught preschool for three years. When I moved to Chicago, I fell in love with this beautiful city and with the warm welcome I received from the whole OSM community! I have been together in the Daisy Room with Mrs. Maureen Prado for seven years, and we are so happy to start another year together. I look forward to meeting or welcoming back all of you. Remember to stop by and say hi in the Daisy Room!
KINDERGARTEN - DAISY ROOM
Maureen Prado
My name is Mrs. Maureen Prado! This is my 11th year here at Osm and my 24th year of teaching. Chicago has always been my home where I have attended Catholic grammar school, high school and University. I have taught First Grade and Kindergarten throughout my teaching career. I am a proud parent of two OSM graduates, Ellie (15) and Wes (14). You can find me reading, writing, drawing, singing, laughing and having lots of fun in The Daisy Room (108.)
KINDERGARTEN - LILY ROOM
Megan Rogers
She/Her/Hers
Hello, My name is Megan Rogers and I am one of the Kindergarten teachers in the Lily Room! This will be my 12th year of teaching and my 8th year at Old St. Mary's. I have been teaching Kindergarten for 7 years. I received my BA in Elementary Education and specialization in Mild Intervention from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. I began my career as a Special Education teacher in the suburbs of Chicago, taught preschool in New York City, and have fallen in love with teaching Kindergarten at OSM. I love watching children grow, explore, laugh and play. I look forward to another great year in the Lily Room!
KINDERGARTEN - LILY ROOM
Megan Witte
She/Her/Hers
Hi! I’m Megan Witte and I’m excited to be teaching Kindergarten in the Lily Room. This is my fourteenth year teaching with thirteen of those years being at Old St. Mary’s. Over my time at OSM, I have gotten engaged and married to my husband, Russ, and we have welcomed our daughter, Emma, a fellow OSM Knight. Time sure flies when you are having fun and doing what you love! I attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for my undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology as well as earning my elementary education certificate and Masters in Education there. Through the support of the OSM Blue Ribbon Fund, I earned my second masters from DePaul University with a focus on Catholic principalship. Woohoo! While Marquette and Milwaukee will always hold a special place in my heart, I was born and raised in Chicago on the Southwest side with my parents and two older brothers. I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, cheering for the White Sox and Marquette's basketball team, and having dance parties with Mr. Witte and Emma. I'm looking forward to a fantastic year at OSM!
KINDERGARTEN - SUNFLOWER ROOM
Isabella Casteneda
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Ms. Isabella Castañeda! This is my first year teaching and I'm excited to be in the Sunflower room! I recently graduated from DePaul University, earning my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language. In my free time I like to crochet, travel, or go on long walks! I'm really excited to kick off this school year and get to know all of you!
KINDERGARTEN - SUNFLOWER ROOM
Marie Carey
She/Her/Hers
Hi, my name is Marie Carey, and I am one of the Kindergarten teachers in the Sunflower room. This is my 11th year as a teacher with one year teaching 4th grade and six years teaching Kindergarten in the Chicago Public Schools. I received a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix and love teaching phonics and reading. I am married to my husband, John, and we have raised four wonderful children. I love reading and traveling with my family. I am looking forward to an exciting year at OSM!