top of page
STAFF

PRESCHOOL -
FIREFLY ROOM

MARYCAROL BERCHMAN

MaryCarol Berchman
MaryCarol Berchman.jpg

she/her/hers

This is my 9th year at Old St. Mary's school. 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 in June 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 and my love of reading!

PRESCHOOL -
FIREFLY ROOM

Brittany Blamble

BRITTANY BLAMBLE

Q1.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Ms. Brittany Blamble and this is my fifth year at OSM teaching Preschool! I am so excited to be a teacher in the Firefly room this year and can't wait to be a part of your student's learning journey! This is my 9th year teaching overall. I taught Kindergarten my first year, and preschool the other seven. I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education, an LBS 1 endorsement with special education approval for preschool, and graduated in June with 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!

PRESCHOOL - BUMBLEBEE ROOM

COLLEEN MAUS

Collen Maus
A1.jpg

she/her/hers

Hi, My name is Colleen Maus and I go by Ms. Maus to our students. I am originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida but have lived in Chicago for the past five years. I graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2017 with a degree in Elementary Education and have taught Preschool at OSM since! I am so excited for another great year with our Knights!

PRESCHOOL-
BUMBLEBEE ROOM

Amanda Beveridge

AMANDA BEVERIDGE

osm-34.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello, My name is Amanda Beveridge and I go by Ms. Beveridge to our students. I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and have been in Chicago for the last eight years. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After I graduated, I moved to South Korea where I taught English for two years. I have been at Old St. Mary's for nine years and have cotaught with Colleen Maus for the past 6 years. Colleen and I also serve as the Preschool Teacher Leaders. I am looking forward to another great year at Old St. Mary's.

PRESCHOOL-
CHAMELEON ROOM

Yvonne Wagner

YVONNE WAGNER

Yvonne Wagner.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello, My name is Yvonne Wagner. I have been with Old Saint Mary since 2006 as a PreK teacher in the Chamelon Room. I hold an Early Childhood Degree from Northeastern Illinois University and have worked exclusively with kindergarten and preschool aged children. I enjoy passing on the Catholic fatih and traditions. I currently have a Level 3 catechist certificate and I work with the SPRED group at my parish. I was born and raised in Chicago and the suburbs. I am married and have four adult children and six grandchildren

PRESCHOOL-
CHAMELEON ROOM

Therese Provenzano

THERESE PROVENZANO

osm-25.jpg

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-
CATERPILLAR ROOM

ALEJANDRA BRAVERMAN

Alejanda Braverma
G2.jpg

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

MARIANN REILLY

D8.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello, My name is Mrs. Mariann Reilly and this is my seventh 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.

KINDERGARTEN -
DAISY ROOM

MAUREEN PRADO

Maureen Prado
Maureen Prado.jpg

My name is Mrs. Maureen Prado! This is my 10th year here at Osm and my 23rd 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 Middle School Knights. Ellie graduated last year and will be a freshman at Marist and Wes is in 8th grade. You can find me reading, writing, drawing, singing, laughing and having lots of fun in The Daisy Room (108.)

KINDERGARTEN -
DAISY ROOM

ANA PEREDO

Ana Peredo
GRAD2023-3.5.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello, OSM Knights and Families! My name is Ms. Ana Peredo Silva! I'm entering my 7th 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 recently 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 six years, and we are so happy to start a new year together. I look forward to meeting and welcoming or welcoming back all of you. Remember to stop by and say hi in the Daisy Room!

KINDERGARTEN -
LILY ROOM

Megan Rogers

MEGAN ROGERS

osm-45.jpg

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 11th year of teaching and my 7th year at Old St. Mary's. I have been teaching Kindergarten for 6 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 Witt

MEGAN WITTE

GRAD2023-2.JPG

she/her/hers

Hi! I’m Megan Witte and I’m excited to be teaching Kindergarten in the Lily Room. This is my thirteenth year teaching with twelve 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, an OSM Knight who is thrilled to be spending her Pre-school days in the Firefly Room. 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, this past year 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

MICHELLE GUTFRUCHT

MichellGutfucht
GRAD2023-17.JPG

she/her/hers

Hello, my name is Michelle Gutfrucht and I’m one of the teachers in the Sunflower Room. This will be my first year teaching at Old St. Mary's School and I am super excited for the opportunity. 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 (Pre-K and 1 st grade), so I look forward to being a part of this community for many years to come!

KINDERGARTEN -
SUNFLOWER ROOM

Kelly Rubel

KELLY RUBEL

GRAD2023-18.JPG

she/her/hers

Hi! My name is Kelly Rubel. I’m teaching kindergarten in the Sunflower Room this year. This is my first year teaching at OSM, but I have been a part of the OSM community for a while. I have a 2nd grader, preschooler, and a future knight. I'm originally from Texas. I moved to Chicago about 15 years ago. I worked for Chicago Public Schools for 12 years on the north-west side. I’m looking forward to a fantastic school year! Go Knights!

FIRST GRADE-
STAR ROOM

BECCA BORZELLO

Becca Borzello
ppp.jpg

she/her/hers

Hi, friends! My name is Becca Borzello (Miss B!), my pronouns are she/her. It is my second year at OSM. Last year, I taught 2nd grade in the Saint Room. This year, I am thrilled to now be teaching in the 1st grade Star Room! I am originally from Elmhurst, IL, a suburb of Chicago. I attended Indiana University, where I actually studied fashion. In 2021, I decided to leave the fashion industry and pursue my passion for teaching instead! I am currently studying to complete my Master's Degree in Elementary Education by 2024. In my free time I love to teach yoga, travel, and spend time with my family and friends. I cannot wait to start this school year and meet you all!

FIRST GRADE-
STAR ROOM

KELLY MADORSKY

Kelly M
Kelly Madorsky.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Kelly Madorsky (Ms. Madorsky) and this is my 5th year at OSM! I taught 2nd grade for the past 4 years in the Saint Room and am so excited to be teaching 1st grade in the Star Room this year. 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 also 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. I also taught ballet and creative movements dance class during extended day at OSM for the past 4 years. 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!

FIRST GRADE-
SUN ROOM

ERIN PULLEN

Erin Engelhard
GRAD2023-22.JPG

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 third year of first grade. I also serve as our Science Teacher Leader. 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 2023 is to read 32 books!

FIRST GRADE-
SUN ROOM

LAUREN DIMERC

Lauren Bimerc
GRAD2023-21.JPG

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Lauren Dimerc and I teach First Grade in the Sun Room. This will be my third year teaching here at OSM. I moved here from Michigan last year and have fallen in love with the beautiful city and the welcoming OSM community. I am excited to meet the new first graders as well as see familiar faces around the building! Don't forget to stop by the Sun Room and say hi!

SECOND GRADE-
ANGEL ROOM

ERIN MARTIN

Erin Martin
osm-36.jpg

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.

SECOND GRADE-
ANGEL ROOM

JULIA DUGAN

Julia Dugan
GRAD2023-20.JPG

she/her/hers

Hi! My name is Julia Dugan and this is my 3rd year teaching at OSM. I am from Memphis, Tennessee, where I attended the University of Memphis and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. While studying education, I worked as a literacy mentor in Memphis schools and was a preschool teaching assistant. I moved to Chicago two years ago and I love to travel, go to museums, and spend time with my friends and family!

SECOND GRADE-
SAINT ROOM

KATHARINE REIDY

Kit Reidy
G1 (1).jpg

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Ms. Katharine Reidy. Last winter, I started working at OSM as a substitute teacher and I am thrilled to be joining the second-grade team this year! I grew up in Tinley Park, IL and attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL. I worked in a daycare center, graduated with a degree in elementary education, and then taught middle school and high school students. After several years as a teacher, I shifted gears to explore a religious calling. I lived in intentional communities, studied liberation theology, was trained in nonviolent direct-action activism, worked in homeless outreach and have been involved in various activism efforts. I am very excited about my next adventure – Teaching 2nd Grade at OSM!

SECOND GRADE-
SAINT ROOM

SAMANTHA SCHROEDER

Samantha S
Samantha Schroeder.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Samantha Schroeder and I am thrilled to be teaching second grade. I joined the OSM family in 2020 and taught 5th and 4th grade before moving to the wonderful world of 2nd grade. Prior to joining OSM, I taught 3rd grade for 7 years. I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and earned my undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. I'm currently attending UIC to pursue my math specialist endorsement. Outside of the classroom, I love yoga, hiking, rock climbing, and eating ice cream. I love the adventure of learning and look forward to being part of your child's educational journey.

THIRD GRADE

ANDREA DUNCAN

Andrea Duncan
GRAD2023-7.JPG

she/her/hers

My name is Andrea Duncan. This year is my fifth year teaching 3rd grade since returning to Old St. Mary’s School, and my 21st 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 the next 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 recently graduated from DePaul University with an Educational Leadership Principal Endorsement Master’s Degree with a Catholic Leadership Concentration.

THIRD GRADE

WILL BRAENDEL

Will B
GRAD2023-6.JPG

he/him/his

Hi all, my name is Mr. Will. I am excited to be joining Old St. Mary's as the third grade's Math, Science, and Religion teacher. I just graduated from the University of Michigan where I majored in elementary education and am now back in Chicago. Some of my interests include hiking, fishing, and watching baseball. I look forward to all the fun we will be having in third grade this year.

FOURTH GRADE

WILL SHERRY

Will S
GRAD2023-4.JPG

he/him/his

Hello! My name is Will Sherry and I go by Mr. Sherry. This is my first 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 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.

FOURTH GRADE

JACQUELINE ZARA

Jacqueline Zara
osm-26.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello, My name is Ms. Zara, and I am the 4th Grade ELA and Religion Teacher. This is my fourth 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!

FIFTH GRADE

RICARDO DELGADO

Ricardo Degado
GRAD2023-9.JPG

he/him/his

Hello OSM students and family. I am Mr. Delgado and glad to be back for my 3rd year at OSM but 12th year working in education. I'm a graduate of North Park University and an avid sports enthusiast (mainly soccer and football). I look forward to getting work with the incoming 5th graders this year for ELA, Social Studies and Religion. Looking forward to this year!

FIFTH GRADE

CAMERON CARPENTER

Cameron Carpenter
GRAD2023-10.JPG

he/him/his

Hello 5th Grade! I am Mr. Carpenter, and this will be my 2nd year at Old Saint Mary’s. I will be teaching Math, Science, Religion and Social Studies to both 5th grade classes this year! I'm originally from South Bend, Indiana and enjoy running, biking, gardening, music, and hanging out with my friends, family, and two cats Milo and Stella! I am currently in my final term of my master’s program at DePaul University, studying Secondary Education. Additionally, I am a Purdue University Alumni. Boiler Up! My classroom is on the second floor in room 202. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with the students!

SIXTH GRADE -
ELA & RELIGION

JILL VANDERHYE

Jill VandrHye
GRAD2023-14.JPG

she/her/hers

Welcome to Vandyland! I am so excited to work with the sixth grade students this year in ELA and Religion. This will be my 14th year teaching and third at OSM. I grew up in Old Irving Park on the Northwest side, attending St. Viator Grade School and Mother Theodore Guerin High School. I graduated from Illinois State University where I earned my teaching degree. I look forward to a ton of fun this year!

SEVENTH GRADE -
ELA & RELIGION

SAMANTHA DOUSE

Sam D
GRAD2023-13.JPG

she/her/hers

Hey peeps!!! I am Samantha Douse, she/her/hers. I am a seventh grade ELA and Religion teacher at Old St Mary's. I attended St. Ignatius College Prep before the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. I have three children who all attend OSM as well as my husband who teaches music here. I love creativity, culture, the outdoors, and building relationships. Let's chat anytime!

MIDDLE SCHOOL -
SOCIAL STUDIES

KATHLEEN MAUS

Kathleen Maus
A2.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Kathleen Maus and I teach social studies to our middle schoolers here at OSM. I hold a BA from Saint Mary's College and a Masters in Education from DePaul University. I have been at OSM since 2020 and look forward to helping our students develop and strengthen their critical thinking skills through historical inquiry. Go Knights!

MIDDLE SCHOOL -
MATH

Ryan W

RYAN WOODLOCK

GRAD2023-8.5.jpg

he/him/his

Hi! My name is Ryan Woodlock and I go by Mr. Woodlock to our students. This will be my first year teaching 6th – 8th grade math at Old St. Mary’s, though many of the students are familiar with me from my position in student support last year. Before that, I taught high school Geometry in CPS. I am looking forward to sharing my passion for math with the students whether it is their favorite subject or their (previous) greatest stressor.

SEVENTH & EIGHTH -
ALGEBRA & GEOMETRY

Georgiane Strelczyk

GEORGIANE STRELCZYK

GEORGIANNE.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello. I am Georgiane Strelczyk and I am teaching math in middle school. I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago. I attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine grammar school, Maria High School, and Saint Xavier University.  I have been teaching for over twenty years.  I will be working with a seventh grade math class and an eighth grade geometry class. I love the logic of math and am excited to work with the students in connecting math to everyday life. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL -
SCIENCE

Marilynn Kennedy

MARILYNN KENNEDY

GRAD2023-15.JPG

she/her/hers

Hello families, I am very much looking forward to this school year and working with you and your student(s)! I grew up in the village of Oak Park. I attended elementary school at St. Catherine of Sienna and continued onto Trinity High School in River Forest. After high school, I earned an associates degree in Radiologic Technology. Later, I returned to college to earn a teaching degree from St. Xavier’s University with endorsements in middle school, biology, and general science. This is my twelfth year teaching at Old St. Mary’s. While at OSM, I have taught religion and science across many grade levels. Now, I am focused on middle school science. Many discoveries were made through trial and error So, I expect students to make mistakes in science. and to learn from those mistakes. Best, Ms. Kennedy

EIGHTH GRADE -
ELA & RELIGION

Erick Pass

ERICK PASSARELLI

GRAD2023-5.JPG

he/him/his

Hi Everyone! My name is Erick Passarelli and I am the 8th grade ELA and Religion teacher and I am excited to be joining the OSM staff this school year! This is my twelfth year in education, all in Catholic schools. I went to Marist High School and then Lewis University, where I received my bachelor's degrees in secondary education and English. I then went back to Lewis for my two master's degrees in curriculum and instruction and education administration. I look forward to a great school year and getting to know this great community! Go Knights!

STUDENT SUPPORT
DIRECTOR

Kelly Engel

KELLY ENGEL

Kelly Engel.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello OSM Families, My name is Kelly Engel (Mrs. Engel) and I am the Director of Student Services. In my role I work with students that have IEPs, 504 plans, and/or private evaluations, in collaboration with classroom teachers and parents, to achieve academic and social/emotional goals. This is my 3rd year at OSM and my 2nd year in this role. My husband and I moved to Chicago from northern Minnesota to be closer to our children. I have 30 years of Catholic School teaching experience and am so thrilled to have found a new home at OSM. "Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding." Robert John Meehan

STUDENT SUPPORT -
PREK - SECOND

Nicole Caldeone

NICOLE CALDERONE

GRAD2023-11.JPG

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Mrs. Nicole Calderone and this is my 4th year at OSM. I am a proud mom of two Knights, Maizy and Lucca. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Education with a Specialization in Special Education. This will be my first year as a Student Support Teacher, providing extra supports for preschool-third grade. Aside from working in the Student Services Department, I will also be teaching Social Emotional Learning to our preschoolers. I am so excited to help our Knights achieve their academic and social/emotional goals. Every child has strengths to build upon, interests to share, and experiences to honor. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help our Knights recognize how unique and amazing they each are! “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things."

STUDENT SUPPORT - THIRD - FIFTH
& ELA INSTRUCTIONAL COACH

Madlene Campbel

MADELEINE CAMPBELL

osm-41.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Madeleine Campbell (Miss Campbell!), my pronouns are she/her. It is my fifth year at OSM! I am excited to take on the role of 3-5 student support. I am originally from Kansas, then I attended Indiana University and now I have lived in Chicago since 2019. I completed my Masters in Education from Depaul. I can't wait for a great school year!

Catherine Hernandez

Catherine Hernandez
catherine.jpg

she/her/hers

...

CHOIR CONDUCTOR

Heather Stewart

HEATHER STEWART

Heather.jpg

she/her/hers

I am a conductor with the Chicago Children’s Choir, a 65+ year-old singing organization dedicated to our mission of "inspiring and changing lives through music." We serve singers in grades 3-12 throughout Chicago in school and after-school programs. We teach music that represents many cultures and genres from all over the world. The Old St. Mary’s Chicago Children’s Choir started in 2020. We met virtually during the pandemic and had a successful year in-person last year. Last year, we performed for our OSM community and in other communities across Chicago. One of our highlights was performing downtown at the Pritzker Pavilion at our end-of-year concert called "Paint the Town Red"! I am excited to continue making music with Old St. Mary’s singers this year! I hold a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters of Music Education from Northwestern University.

SPANISH

Luiza Franco

Luiza Franco

luiuza copy.jpg

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.

ART

Cydney Lewis

CYDNEY LEWIS

grad24.jpg

she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Cydney.  I am Ms. Cydney to the students. I am excited to begin my new 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.

MUSIC

Torance

TORANCE DOUSE

GRAD2023-1.JPG

he/him/his

Blessings! I am Torance Douse and I am excited to be a part of the OSM Family. I am the husband of an OSM teacher - Samantha. And the father of 3 little knights - Sofia, Israel, and TJ. This is my first year teaching music at OSM, but my 8th year teaching overall. I am also a Worship Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and teach private music lessons at the FAME Center. Music has always been my heart, but using music to change lives has been my mission. I'm looking forward to continuing my journey here at Old St. Mary's School.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Mike Kaye

MICHAEL KAYE

Michael Kaye.jpg

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

Danny DiFoggio

Danny DiFoggio

danny.jpg

he/him/his

....

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

Vidal Tapia

VIDAL TAPIA

osm-49.jpg

he/him/his

Hello! My name is Vidal. I go by Mr. Tapia to the students. My pronouns are He/Him. I've been at Old St. Mary's since 2021. I work as the Digital Coordinator, you can find me on the 3rd floor! If you need any guidance or assistance on any technological issue, I am your guy! I've been in Chicago all my life, I attended Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and studied Cinema Arts and Science at Columbia College Chicago.

I love creativity and being involved in the arts. I hope to inspire people in the projects I create, and bring a new interest to the art form of filmmaking and photography to the students. Cheers!

DIGITAL COORDINATOR

Brantley Roden

BRANTLEY RODEN

Brantley Roden.jpg

he/him/his

I have been at OSM as a parent for 11 years and employed here for 6. One of my children is an alumni from the class of 2020 and the other is in 4th Grade. By trade I am a Graphics Designer but working for the students and staff at OSM has been a calling I truly cherish.

IN-BUILDING SUB

MARK STOHLQUIST

Mark S
Mark Stohlquist.jpg

he/him/his

Teaching at OSM is actually my second career, having spent over 30 years in corporate banking. I will be beginning my fourth year at OSM, reprising a previous role as a full-time substitute for grades Pre-K through 8th Grade. I have also been an Academic Supervisor during COVID isolation, a member of the Student Support team, a Pre-K co-teacher, a BeforeCare teacher, an AfterCare teacher, and a teacher in OSM's Summer Camp program, teaching classes in Chicago history. 

I'm looking forward to another good year.

Onwards & upwards.

IN-BUILDING SUB

ORA JACOX

Ora
ORA JACOX
GRAD2023-12.JPG

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 third 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!

bottom of page