SPECIALS
CREATIVE DANCE
Danny DiFoggio
He/Him/His
Hello !
My name is Danny and I go by Mr. D to the students. I started at OSM in 2022. I am the Creative Dance teacher and I have been teaching dance for over 15 years. I have danced for many companies here in Chicago and before joining the OSM family, I spent 14 years at sea dancing with Royal Caribbean.
SPANISH
Luiza Franco
She/Her/Hers
My students call me Profe Luiza and I teach Spanish from Kindergarten to 8th grade, I am from Bogotá, Colombia. I have been happily living in Chicago for 8 years.
I started teaching spanish in 2022 and this is my first year at OSM and I am really happy and grateful to have the opportunity to teach my language.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Lionell Pate
He/Him/His
Hello, my name is Lionell Pate, a Lifestyle Fitness & Performance Coach and founder of Sophisticated Movement, LLC. I specializes in functional training, injury prevention, youth fitness, and working with diverse populations, including stroke survivors, individuals with diabetes, and pre/postnatal women. With over 10 years of experience, I delivered virtual and in-person training, corporate wellness programs, and workshops for organizations such as the University of Chicago Medicine and Freedman Seating. I am a virtual SilverSneaker Instructor and certified through NASM (CPT, CES), PN, and the American Red Cross (CPR/AED).
Education: B.S. in Business Administration
Certifications: NASM CPT, CES; Precision Nutrition (PN); Red Cross CPR/AED
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mike Kaye
He/Him/His
Hi Families, My name is Michael Kaye, commonly known as Coach Kaye in the OSM community. I am entering my seventh school year as a Physical Education teacher at OSM, since moving to the U.S from Australia in 2017. I have a background in education upon graduating with a Bachelor of Educational Studies, from the University of Canberra, Australia. During my OSM stint I have taught all grade levels and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching our Knights specific skills, games/activities, and how to cooperate in team atmospheres. I have also coached or assisted athletic programs including: basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, soccer, and track & field. This year I will teaching part time at OSM, whilst also pursing coaching freshmen boys basketball at Mount Carmel. Looking forward to a great year!
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Katherine Cervenka
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Katherine Cervenka and I will be teaching Physical Education-PreSchool through 4th Grade. This is my first year at OSM, and I already feel so welcomed by the amazing school and parish community! I earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Health Services from Purdue University, where I also played club soccer. Before joining OSM, I spent eight years working in Catholic schools.
In my free time, I love watching and cheering on our three daughters in their sports, relaxing on the lakefront while reading, visiting my seven siblings, and traveling. I also love staying active through exercise and fitness. I am so excited to meet all of our students and families and to share the joy of movement and learning through PE! Let's Go Knights!!
ART
Cydney Lewis
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Cydney. I am Ms. Cydney to the students. I am excited to continue my journey at Old St Mary's School by sharing my love of Art with your children. When asked," What do you want to be when you grow up?" My response was an Artist. I studied Architecture at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and had a career as a set designer for film. Currently, I am a multimedia artist and a mother of two. I feel art making is healing and I hope to inspire curiosity, imagination, innovation and creativity.
IN-BUILDING SUBSTITUTE
Ora Jacox
She/Her/Hers
I'm Mrs. Jacox, known as Mrs. J. I'm a retired teacher, I taught for 38 years. This will be my fourth year at OSM. My role is a sub/lunch supervisor for grades 4 and 7. I'm also a Kindergarten Extended Day teacher and a teacher in the OSM Summer Camp program. I'm looking forward to a great year at OSM!
IN-BUILDING SUBSTITUTE
Mark Stohlquist
He/Him/His
Teaching at OSM is actually my second career, having spent over 30 years in corporate banking. I will be beginning my sixth year at OSM, once again serving as a full-time substitute teacher for grades PreK through 8th Grade. I have also served as an Academic Supervisor during COVID isolation, a member of the Student Support team, a Pre-K teacher, a BreforeCare teacher, an AfterCare teacher and a teacher in OSM's Summer Camp program most recently teaching Science.