STAFF
PRESCHOOL - FIREFLY ROOM
MARYCAROL BERCHMAN
she/her/hers
This is my 7th 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 am earning my second master's degree. This time around my degree is in Principal Leadership and Administration. When I am not teaching, I dedicate all my time to my four children and my love of reading.
PRESCHOOL -
FIREFLY ROOM
BRITTANY BLAMBLE
she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Ms. Brittany Blamble and this is my fourth 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 8th year teaching overall. I taught Kindergarten my first year, and preschool the other seven. I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education, a LBS 1 endorsement with special education approval for preschool, and am currently working towards 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
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! For the past three years, I have served as the Preschool Teacher Leader alongside Amanda Beveridge whom I co-teach with. I am so excited for another great year with our Knights!
PRESCHOOL-
BUMBLEBEE ROOM
AMANDA BEVERIDGE
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 eight years and have cotaught with Colleen Maus for the past 5 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
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
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
MARK STOHLQUIST
he/him/his
Teaching at Old St. Mary's is actually my second career, having spent over 30 years in corporate banking. I will be beginning my third year at OSM. I have been an Academic Supervisor for Middle School Social Studies during COVID isolation, a member of the Student Support team, a full-time substitute for PK - 8th Grade, including the Caterpillar room, an AfterCare teacher, a teacher in OSM's Summer Camp program, and now a co-teacher in the Caterpillar Room. This past summer I co-taught a class on Chicago history, concentrating on the Chicago flag and the importance of this neighborhood re: the historical events represented by the stars on the flag. We also learned about the history of Chicago sports franchises, culminating in a "Wrigley experience" for students. I look forward to meeting and working with our new class of Caterpillars. Onwards & upwards.
PRESCHOOL-
CATERPILLAR ROOM
MARIANN REILLY
she/her/hers
Hello, My name is Mrs. Mariann Reilly and this is my sixth 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
she/her/hers
Hi! My name is Mrs. Maureen Prado! This is my 9th year here at Osm and my 22nd 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 career. I am a proud parent of two Middle School Knights. Ellie is in 8th grade and Wes is in 7th 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
she/her/hers
Hi, OSM Knights and families! My name is Mrs. Ana Peredo! I'm going into my 5th year as a Kindergarten teacher in the Daisy Room here at OSM. I'm originally from Mexico City, born and raised there. I found my passion for teaching back at home where I taught preschool for 3 years. I moved to Chicago in 2016 and fell in love this beautiful city and with the warm welcome I received from the whole OSM community! I look forward to meeting and welcoming all of you! Please, don't forget to stop by and say hi in the Daisy Room!
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 9th year of teaching and my 5th year at Old St. Mary's. I began my career as a Special Education teacher in the suburbs of Chicago, taught preschool in New York City, and have loved teaching Kindergarten at Old St. Mary's since moving back to the city!
KINDERGARTEN -
LILY ROOM
ANNA CAPANNARI
she/her/hers
Hello, I am Anna Capannari and I’m one of the teachers in the Lily Room. This will be my tenth year teaching and my eighth year at Old St. Mary's School. After I graduated from Saint Mary's College, I taught second grade for two years in South Bend, IN at the grade school I attended. I have been so fortunate to have found a second home at Old St. Mary’s. Over the years at OSM, I have taught first and second grade and this is my fourth year teaching kindergarten in the Lily Room!
KINDERGARTEN -
LILY ROOM
PATTY REIDY
she/her/hers
Hi OSM Families! I am Patricia Reidy. I love being a part of the Old St. Mary’s community. Many moons ago, I graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in Reading. After 30+ years of teaching, I “retired” 9 years ago. Over the past 7½ years, I have been subbing here at OSM. I’ve also had fun raising Monarch butterflies with the littles in PreK and K. Of course, I have also been passionate about sharing my love of reading throughout the school! This fall, I am happily working with Ms. Capannari in the Lily Room while Mrs. Rogers is on maternity leave. My husband, Chuck, and I have been married for 41 years and have three grown sons, Sean, Ryan, and Patrick. When the boys were little, I taught overseas in Germany and Turkey while my husband was serving in the Air Force. Besides reading and raising Monarch butterflies, I love baking, puzzling, and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods with my husband. It brings me so much joy to see so many of you around the South Loop when we are out and about!
FIRST GRADE-
STAR ROOM
MEGAN WITTE
she/her/hers
Hi! I’m Megan Witte and I’m teaching 1st Grade in the Star Room again this year, but in a new room (202)! This is my twelfth year teaching with eleven of those years being at Old St. Mary’s. I am thrilled to be entering my ninth year teaching 1st Grade Star Room students. Over my time at OSM, I have gotten engaged and married to my husband, Russ, and we have welcomed our daughter, Emma, who is three years old and starting her first year in Pre-school in the Chameleon Room. Time sure flies! 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. I am also a part of the OSM cohort of teachers attending DePaul University through the generous support of the Blue Ribbon Fund. I will be finishing up my second Masters in Education with a focus on Catholic principalship in December 2022. Woohoo! While 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!
FIRST GRADE-
STAR ROOM
ANA MOURA
she/her/hers
Hi! I'm Ms. Moura and I am thrilled to be back at OSM after staying at home for a year with my first baby boy, Gabriel. I taught 2nd grade for a year and this will be my second year teaching first grade at OSM. I have a Masters in Elementary Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and worked in NYC and Boston before moving to Chicago. I am originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and still visit often. I am really excited for the new school year and can't wait to meet new students and to see many familiar faces.
FIRST GRADE-
STAR ROOM
BRITTANY ADELBERGER
she/her/hers
Hi! My name is Brittany Adelberger (formerly Ms. Weigand) and I teach in the First Grade Star Room. My pronouns are She/Her. I have been at Old St. Mary's School since 2013 and I am looking forward to being back for another school year! I grew up in St. Charles, IL and have worked in education for my entire career. I attended DePaul University and worked at a preschool during this time, both in the front office and in the classroom. I completed my student teaching at OSM in Kindergarten and from there worked in our preschool for 3 years. This will be my seventh year in 1st grade and I am excited for the opportunity to teach our new group of first graders, as well as see some familiar faces around school!
FIRST GRADE-
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 second 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 I'm currently working toward 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 2022 is to read 30 books!
FIRST GRADE-
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 second 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
she/her/hers
Hello, My name is Erin Martin. This is my 3rd 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
she/her/hers
My name is Julia Dugan and this is my first year teaching at OSM! I am originally from Akron, Ohio but have lived in Memphis, Tennessee for the past nine years. I attended the University of Memphis and received my Bachelor's Degree in Education. While studying education, I worked with schools in the Memphis area to mentor students in literacy. I have also worked as a teacher's assistant for the past four years, and found a passion for working with students on their developmental skills. I am new to the Chicago area, and currently reside in Lakeview. I love to travel, go to museums, play board games, and spend time with my friends and family! This is going to be a great year, and I look forward to working with second grade this year!
SECOND GRADE-
SAINT ROOM
BECCA BORZELLO
she/her/hers
Hi, friends! My name is Becca Borzello (Miss B!), my pronouns are she/her. It is my first year at OSM, and I am so excited to be a part of this amazing community and school! I teach math, science and religion in 2nd grade. 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 now live in Chicago, and am studying to complete my masters in Elementary Education by next year. I cannot wait to start this school year and meet you all!
SECOND GRADE-
SAINT ROOM
KELLY MADORSKY
she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Kelly Madorsky (Ms. Madorsky) and this is my 4th year teaching 2nd Grade at OSM! I am so excited to be back in 2nd grade in The Saint 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 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 3 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 Saint Room!
THIRD GRADE
ANDREA DUNCAN
she/her/hers
My name is Andrea Duncan. This year is my fourth year teaching 3rd grade since returning to Old St. Mary’s School, and my 20th 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. Both of my children now attend OSM, and are in 6th and 8th grade this year. In addition to teaching 3rd grade, I am the 2nd/3rd grade Teacher Leader. I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and am in the process of pursuing an Educational Leadership Principal Endorsement Master’s Degree with a Catholic Leadership Concentration through DePaul University.
THIRD GRADE
AMANDA HAMEL
she/her/hers
My name is Amanda Hamel (formerly Amanda Wilson). This is my second year teaching at OSM but my third at OSM as I was the business manager for my first year. I graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) with a degree in Stage Management and received my MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern. I also received my MEd in Elementary Education from DePaul University. I am a passionate believer in the arts and STEAM education, so my goal is to make Math and Science engaging for all types of learners. When I'm not at school I love spending time on the lake, playing with my Golden Retriever puppy named Logan, and crafting.
FOURTH GRADE
SAMANTHA SCHROEDER
she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Samantha Schroeder and I am thrilled to be teaching fourth grade. I joined the OSM family in 2020 as a fifth-grade math and science teacher. In addition to being a fourth grade homeroom teacher, I also teach math, science, and social studies to all fourth graders. Prior to joining OSM, I taught 3rd grade for 7 years in Lisle, IL. I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and earned my undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. 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.
FOURTH GRADE
JACQUELINE ZARA
she/her/hers
Hello, My name is Ms. Zara, and I am the 4th Grade ELA and Religion Teacher. This is my third 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
he/him/his
Hello, I'm Mr. Delgado and I'm the 5th grade ELA, Social Studies and Religion teacher. This will be my 2nd year at OSM but my 10th year working in education overall. I have worked with High School, Middle School and Elementary students in CPS and other schools. I enjoy exercising, sports (both playing and watching). I have lived in Chicago all my life and look forward to another great year in 5th grade.
FIFTH GRADE
CAMERON CARPENTER
he/him/his
Hello, I am Mr. Carpenter! This is my first year teaching, and my first year at Old Saint Mary’s. I will be teaching Math, Science, Religion and Social Studies to both 5th grade classes this year! I am originally from South Bend, Indiana and now have been living in Chicago for over a year. I enjoy running, biking, gardening, and hanging out with his friends, family, and two cats Milo and Stella! I am currently in my second and final year of my master’s program at DePaul University, studying Secondary Education. Additionally, I graduated from Purdue University in the spring of 2021, Boiler Up! I am looking forward to an amazing year with everyone!
SIXTH GRADE -
SOCIAL STUDIES, ELA
JILL VANDERHYE
she/her/hers
Howdy Knights! Oops, I guess I should address you with my classroom's new theme for this year instead! Are you ready? "Knights, Camera, Action!" I am so excited to work with the sixth grade students this year in ELA and Social Studies. This will be my 13th year teaching and second 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 with our "movie stars" this year!
SEVENTH GRADE ELA
KATHRYN AYERS
she/her/hers
Hello Old St. Mary’s! I am Kathryn Ayers. This is my fifth year teaching at Old St. Mary’s. This year, I will be a seventh grade Homeroom teacher, while also teaching seventh grade English/Language Arts and seventh grade Religion. Education has always been an integral part of my life, and I hope to instill a continuous love of learning in the classroom. I also recognize the importance of kindness, hard work, flexibility, and open communication. I’m excited to meet your children, and look forward to an amazing year!
MIDDLE SCHOOL -SOCIAL STUDIES
KATHLEEN MAUS
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
MARK HUGHES
he/him/his
This is my first year at OSM, where I will be teaching math to middle schoolers. It is not my first year of teaching, though! I have been in classrooms for many years and have taught almost all subjects, with students from second grade to ninth grade. Most of my teaching career has been in international schools. I taught in seven different international schools before returning to Chicagoland this summer. Most recently, I was at Tashkent International School for 13 years. I enjoy traveling (I have been on all seven continents) and photography. I like to ride my bike. History and architecture have always interested me. I am looking forward to new adventures here at OSM and in living and working in the USA for the first time in over thirty years.
GEORGIANE STRELCZYK
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 & RELIGION
MARILYNN KENNEDY
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 eleventh 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
REBECCA GROBER
she/her/hers
My name is Rebecca Grober and I am thrilled to be joining Old St. Mary’s faculty as the 8th grade ELA teacher. I am from Youngstown, Ohio where I attended St. Anthony of Padua Elementary School and Ursuline High School. I received a B.S. in Secondary Education from Kent State University. I did my student teaching at The American School of Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain. I am a veteran teacher of ELA and Social Studies in both Middle School and High School. I look forward to meeting all of my new students and their families.
STUDENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
KELLY ENGEL
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
MATH INSTRUCTIONAL COACH
SUE BROWN
she/her/hers
This is my third year working with the math teachers at Old St. Mary's. I'm doing this from a distance since my husband and I moved to Wisconsin after I retired from York High School in Elmhurst, where I taught and was the chair of the Math Department for most of my career. I worked closely with teachers and students across all high school courses, but I've had experience working with elementary and middle school teachers for years in the Elmhurst schools and through work with professional organizations. Plus, I have been a substitute teacher in some elementary and middle school classrooms here in Wisconsin!
STUDENT SUPPORT AND 6TH GRADE RELIGION
KATHLEEN ERICKSEN
she/her/hers
Hello, OSM Families, My name is Kathleen Ericksen and I am an educator who comes with the ability to support and teach students who learn different in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades who have a private evaluation, 504 plan or an IEP. This is my third year at OSM. In addition to the Student Support Teacher, I will teach sixth grade Religion Education. I look forward increasing their faith and teaching them how to have a relationship with the Lord. I graduated from Columbia College of Missouri with a BA in Psychology. In addition, I have a Sign Language Certificate. I taught Deaf Education, Preschool and kindergarten for about six years in a Catholic School. My Catholic Faith is very important so I completed a three-year Catechetical Leadership program at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney
STUDENT SUPPORT
NICOLE CALDERONE
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."
ELA INSTRUCTIONAL COACH
MADELEINE CAMPBELL
she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Madeleine Campbell (Miss Campbell!), my pronouns are she/her. It is my fourth year at OSM! I am excited to take on the role of ELA instructional coach as well as teaching third grade fundations. I am originally from Kansas, then I attended Indiana University and now I have lived in Chicago since 2019. This spring I completed my Masters in Education. I can't wait for a great school year!
CHICAGO CHILDREN'S
CHOIR CONDUCTOR
HEATHER STEWART
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
LETICIA FELIX
she/her/hers
Saludos, I am so excited for another year at OSM! I will be teaching 3rd/4th, 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade Spanish. My career in teaching began many years ago. I taught middle school Spanish for seven years, and fourteen years in high school for Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, MO. As a native Spanish speaker and as an experienced teacher, I will be able to share with students a rich academic and cultural Spanish program. I look forward to a new and exciting year!
ART
ELIN WOJCIECHOWSKI
she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Elin Wojciechowski but students will know me simply as Ms. W. This is my first year at OSM but my third year old overall as an art teacher. You can find me separate from the main school as the art room sits across the lot in the parish. I am incredibly excited to share my lifelong passion for the visual arts and art history that began when I was in my Catholic elementary school out in the Chicago suburbs. Since then, I have considered myself a practicing artist who dabbles in everything from scientific illustration to textiles. I have a BFA in Illustration from Washington University in St. Louis and my MAT in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute located right down Michigan Avenue.
CREATIVE DANCE
DANIEL DI FOGGIO
he/him/his
Hello ! My name is Daniel Di Foggio ( Mr.D ) and this is my first year at OSM.
I am very excited to be a part of such a wonderful community and school.
I am a native of Chicago and I teach Creative Dance. I attend the Chicago Academy for the Arts and have danced in many companies
here in the city. I have spent the last 14 years sailing around the world. Dancing and singing with Royal Caribbean.
I am looking forward to teaching this school year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
MICHAEL KAYE
he/him/his
Hi Families, My name is Michael Kaye, commonly known as Coach Kaye in the OSM community. I am entering my sixth 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
KYLE ESTER
he/him/his
I am excited to continue my teaching career at Old Saint Mary's School and finding new ways to grow in my Catholic faith as part of the OSM family. My wife, Ann Marie, and I moved to Chicago in June with our two dogs, Ruby and Remi. We enjoy exploring Chicagoland, trying new golf courses in the area, and traveling to see family and friends. I also play competitive softball, and we have fun watching and attending sporting events. I graduated from Colorado State University and taught classroom subjects, physical education, and served as athletic director at a parochial school prior to OSM.
DIGITAL COORDINATOR
BRANTLEY RODEN
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.
DIGITAL ASSISTANT
VIDAL TAPIA
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!