ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1st - MOON ROOM
Meredith Montgomery
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Meredith Montgomery. I go by Ms. Montgomery to the students. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. This is my second year at Old St. Mary’s. Before OSM, I was an assistant teacher in senior kindergarten for two years and 1st grade for two years. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. I recently earned my master’s in early childhood from National Louis University. I look forward to getting to know more and more about the Moons every day! Together we will cultivate a welcoming and supportive community building upon our knowledge and wellbeing! Let’s have a fun and exciting school year!
1st - MOON ROOM
Catie Murphy
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Catie Murphy and this will be my second year at OSM. I graduated from Saint Louis University, where I studied Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Apart from my brief stint in STL, I’ve spent most of my life on the South Side. I’ve also spent a few years working as a paraprofessional, supporting 4-6 year-olds with severe intellectual and physical disabilities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and (as of recently) crocheting! I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was a first grader myself, and hope that I can instill a similar love for learning within my own students. I am looking forward to a great school year!
1st - SUN ROOM
Lauren Dimerc
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Lauren Dimerc, and I teach First Grade in the Sun Room! This will be my fifth year teaching here at OSM. I grew up in Michigan and moved to Chicago in 2021. I graduated from Grand Valley State University, where I double majored in elementary education with a concentration in Language Arts and English.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with my friends, and trying new restaurants around the city. I am excited to meet the new first graders and see familiar faces around the building! Make sure to stop by the Sun Room to say hi!
1st - SUN ROOM
Isabella Castañeda
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Ms. Isabella Castañeda! I'm excited to be in the Sun 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!
1st - STAR ROOM
Becca Borzello
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Becca Borzello, but my students call me Ms. B.! My pronouns are she/her. This will be my fourth year teaching at OSM, time flies! I am so excited to be back teaching in the 1st grade Star Room again! I can't wait to meet my new class of Stars, and I know that we will have another awesome school year filled with learning, growth, fun, laughs, new experiences, and new friends too.
I am originally from Elmhurst, IL, a suburb of Chicago. I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!), and recently received my Master's Degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University in June 2024. In my free time I love to do yoga, bake, travel, and spend time with my family and friends.
1st - STAR ROOM
Ella Graf
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Ella Graf, and I go by Ms. Graf to the students. This will be my first year here at OSM and I could not be more excited to be teaching First Grade in the Star Room! I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin and moved to Chicago this past summer. I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I studied Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, spending time outdoors, and trying out local coffee shops. I've always loved working with young learners, and I'm especially passionate about helping first graders build confidence as readers, writers, and problem solvers. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year filled with growth, joy, and learning together!
2nd - ANGEL ROOM
Will Sherry
He/Him/His
Hello! My name is Will Sherry and I go by Mr. Sherry. You can find me on the 2nd floor! I was born in London, England, but have lived in New Jersey for most of my life. I currently live in Lincoln Park in Chicago. I attended Purdue University and studied Elementary Education. I hope to inspire young minds and encourage students to be brave and confident in the learning environment.
2nd - ANGEL ROOM
Maggie Falshaw
She/Her/Hers
Hi! My name is Maggie Falshaw and I’m the ELA/Social Studies teacher in the Angel Room. I recently earned my master's in Early Childhood Education from DePaul University and am very excited to begin my teaching career at Old St. Mary’s! I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Loyola University New Orleans where I received my BA in Public Relations and Marketing. In my free time I love going on walks along the lake, hanging out with my friends, and thrifting/antiquing. I’m looking forward to a fun year!
2nd - PROPHET ROOM
Kelly Rubel
She/Her/Hers
Hi! My name is Kelly Rubel, and I'll be teaching 2nd grade in the Prophet Room this year. This is my third year teaching at OSM, but I've been part of the OSM community for quite some time. Originally from Texas, I moved to Chicago about 15 years ago and spent 12 years working with Chicago Public Schools on the north-west side. I'm excited for a fantastic school year ahead! Go Knights!
2nd - PROPHET ROOM
Cassandra Pilacoutas
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Cassandra and the students call me Mrs. Pilacoutas. This is my first year teaching at OSM. I am a second grade teacher with a licence to teach elementary education in Illinois. I received my masters in Education from NLU, and went to Western Illinois University for my undergraduate degree in studio art.
I grew up in Libertyville, a northern suburb of Chicago. I have lived in Ukranian Village for the past 13 years. I now live with my husband and cat Nova.
I love being creative in the classroom and in my teaching practice. I will be teaching math, science, and social studies this year. I can't wait to have an amazing year!
2nd - SAINT ROOM
Michelle Gutfrucht
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Michelle Gutfrucht and this is my third year teaching at Old St. Mary's School. I am excited to continue teaching in the 2nd grade Saint room. I received my bachelor’s in English from Valparaiso University, and my master’s in Early Childhood Education from Saint Xavier University. On a personal note, I had a unique upbringing and spent several years living outside of the United States in Mexico, China and Canada. I am now a resident of the South Loop and have been involved in the OSM community over the last few years. I have two kids that attend OSM, Walter and Wren, so I look forward to being a part of this community for many years to come. Stop by the Saint room to say hello!
2nd - SAINT ROOM
Sidney Nurnberger
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Sidney Nurnberger and this is my first year teaching at Old St. Mary's School. I received my bachelor’s in English Literature from Loyola University New Orleans and my master’s in Global Korean Studies at Sogang University. I am from the south side of Chicago. For the past six years, I lived in Seoul, Korea. There I taught kindergarten through 8th grade English as a Second Language. I am excited to be a part of the Old St. Mary’s community this year.
3rd
Lainey Clark
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Lainey Clark, and I go by Ms. Clark to the students. This is my first year teaching at Old Saint Mary’s. I could not be more excited to join such a joyful and welcoming community. I will be teaching 3rd grade ELA, Social Studies, and Religion. I grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois, and recently moved back to Chicago after living in Texas. While in Texas, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood–6th Grade Education and my Master’s in Special Education from Texas Christian University. I am thrilled to bring my passion for education to our classroom and school community. We will aim high and cheer each other on in third grade! Go Knights!
3rd
Gianna Creanza
She/Her/Hers
My name is Gianna Creanza. This is my second year teaching third grade math and science at Old St. Mary’s as well as my first year as an elementary school teacher. I worked for four years as a preschool teacher before getting my master’s degree in Elementary Education from Roosevelt University in 2024. I love to help students find creative ways to express themselves and show off what they learn! I grew up on a sheep farm in Wisconsin but have lived in Chicago for the last seven years. I love spending time with my dog Zeke and reading scary books. I also enjoy watching anime, and often make cosplays of my favorite characters! I am so excited to be joining the Old St. Mary’s community!
4th
Emily Alverson
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Emily. The students call me Ms. Alverson. My pronouns are she/her. 2025-2026 is my first year at Old St. Mary's School. I'm the 4th grade Math, Science, and Religion teacher.
I'm originally from South Carolina, but in June I moved to Chicago from New Orleans where I was living and teaching for many years. I have two beautiful dogs. I enjoy reading, sewing, cooking, and playing board games with my friends. This is my twelfth year teaching, and I can already tell how special it's going to be at OSM. Thanks!
4th
Megan Witte
She/Her/Hers
Hi! I’m Megan Witte and I’m pumped to be back in 4th Grade! This is my fifteenth year teaching with nearly all 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 receiving 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 checking out different playgrounds with Emma and Mr. Witte. I'm looking forward to another fantastic year at OSM!
5th
Michelle Houston
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Michelle Houston, 2nd year 5th grade ELA teacher at Old St. Mary! I graduated from Roosevelt University last year with my BA in Elementary Education with an endorsement in middle school history and am currently enrolled at National Louis University to earn my Master’s in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction. I am so excited to start this new adventure with you all and ready to have a great year! Go Knights!
5th
Claire Mannion
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Claire Mannion, but I go by Ms. Mannion to students. I will be the new 5th grade teacher for Math, Science, and Religion. This is my first year of teaching as I graduated in May from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Elementary Education. I also had a minor in Reading and an English as a Second Language endorsement. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA where I attended St. Ignatius College Prep SF. I am the oldest of four siblings and felt called to be a teacher from a young age. I am very excited to start this next chapter and look forward to working with all my students to grow academically, spiritually, and socially.