ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1st - MOON ROOM
Meredith Montgomery
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Meredith Montgomery and I go by Ms. Montgomery to the students. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. This is my first year at Old St. Mary’s. I was an assistant teacher for the past four years having been 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 meeting the first grade Moons! 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 very first year at OSM. I recently graduated from Saint Louis University, where I studied Early Childhood Eduction 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 the past few summers working as a paraprofessional, supporting 4-6 year-olds with 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 fourth 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
Erin Pullen
She/Her/Hers
I have worked at Old St. Mary's since the Fall of 2015. I was a kindergarten teacher for six years and am now in my fourth year of first grade. I also served as our Science Teacher Leader for six years. Before coming to OSM, I taught preschool in the suburbs of Chicago for two years. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where I majored in Early Childhood Education. I love learning new things, which is why I have a concentration in Psychology, a Special Education endorsement, a certificate to teach English as a Second Language, a master's degree in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies from Loyola, and a second master's degree in Teacher Leadership from DePaul! I like to joke that other people will play golf when they retire, but I'll probably take more classes about everything from calculus to auto shop! When I started at OSM I was even a registered "Wilderness First Responder" but I don't need that certification in the city! If I'm not at OSM, I'm probably teaching my dog a new trick, getting dinner with some of my large, close-knit family, or having a game night with my husband and our friends. I'm also an avid reader--my goal for 2024 is to read more than 30 books!
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 third year teaching at OSM, time flies! I taught 2nd grade in the Saint Room during my first year at OSM. Then, last school year, I taught 1st grade in the Star Room. This year, 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
Kelly Madorsky
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Kelly Madorsky (Ms. Madorsky) and this is my 6th year at OSM! I taught 2nd grade for 4 years in the Saint Room and this will be my 2nd year teaching 1st grade in the Star Room. I grew up in Chicago in the Lincoln Park area, and attended Chicago Public Schools growing up. I attended University of Illinois in Champaign for Undergrad, and received my Bachelor's in Community Health. I attended DePaul University for graduate school, and received my Master's in Early Childhood Education. During my time in graduate school, I was an assistant teacher at various Catholic Schools in Chicago ranging from grades preschool-2nd. For the past 2 years I also helped choreograph for the OSM Spring Musical. During my free time, I enjoy dancing, being active, going to the lakefront, and hanging out with friends. I am looking forward to a fabulous year in The Star Room!
2nd - ANGEL ROOM
Erin Martin
She/Her/Hers
Hello, My name is Erin Martin. This is my 4th year at Old Saint Mary’s. I am excited to continue teaching 2nd Grade in the Angel room. I grew up in Berkeley, Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University and Norwich University. I worked in the entertainment industry for 18 years in Los Angeles and New York. I taught English as a Foreign Language, grades 1-11 in Romankivtsi, Ukraine as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer and 3rd grade for 5 years in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2nd - SAINT ROOM
Michelle Gutfrucht
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Michelle Gutfrucht and this is my second year teaching at Old St. Mary's School. I received my bachelor’s in English from Valparaiso University, and I am currently working on my master’s in early childhood education with 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 (K and 2nd grade), so I look forward to being a part of this community for many years to come!
2nd - SAINT ROOM
Kelly Rubel
She/Her/Hers
Hi! My name is Kelly Rubel, and I'll be teaching 2nd grade in the Saints Room this year. This is my second year teaching at OSM, but I've been part of the OSM community for quite some time. I have a 3rd grader, a preschooler, and a future knight in my family. 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!
3rd
Andrea Duncan
She/Her/Hers
My name is Andrea Duncan. This year is my sixth year teaching 3rd grade since returning to Old St. Mary’s School, and my 22nd year teaching. Old St. Mary’s School is very dear to my heart, and I love being able to share my interests of reading, history and religion with my students. I was Old St. Mary’s original Kindergarten teacher for 4 years, and also taught Social Studies (to 3rd grade), and Art (to all grades) at OSM. I then spent a decade teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten near my home in Oak Park, while my daughters were little. I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and also graduated from DePaul University with an Educational Leadership Principal Endorsement Master’s Degree with a Catholic Leadership Concentration.
3rd
Gail Smith
She/Her/Hers
Have a GREAT DAY --- and goooooo knights! My name is Gail Smith, aka Mrs. Smith. I graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Literature of Religions. Two years later I returned to Northwestern to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in elementary education. My experience has been primarily as a classroom teacher in second, third and fourth grades, but for the last three years I worked as a Resource Teacher in Middle School. I have found each grade level that I have taught to be extraordinarily interesting, exciting, and compelling in all areas: academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. It is so wonderful to witness and participate in the growth and development of children. I am truly grateful to be a part of the OSM community and to return to the classroom as a third grade Math, Science, and Religion teacher.
4th
Will Sherry
He/Him/His
Hello! My name is Will Sherry and I go by Mr. Sherry. This is my second year at Old St Mary’s. I will be the 4th grade math and science teacher this year and 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.
4th
Jackie Zara
She/Her/Hers
Hello, My name is Ms. Zara, and I am the 4th Grade ELA and Religion Teacher. This is my fifth year teaching 4th grade at OSM. I spent 2 years working at an advertising agency in Chicago before I became a teacher. I always dreamed of becoming a teacher, and I am thrilled to be following my passion at OSM. My goal is for students to feel comfortable challenging themselves in my classroom. Taking risks can be scary, but that is what led me to OSM. I hope to meet you all soon!
5th
Michelle Houston
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Michelle Houston, and I am the new 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
Kellie Holder
She/Her/Hers
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