Dear St. Benedict Prep Parents and Guardians:

Welcome back to a brand new school year! We are so blessed to be serving the families and children of the St. Benedict Faith Community.

A lot of great things are in the works for the coming year. This is part ONE of two important emails sharing the latest news from the around the block.

Tonight's email features our greatest asset, our faculty and staff. Please read through their biographies and get to know their faces. They've been putting in a lot of time and energy to prepare for the start of the year. We are proud of our newest team members as well as our returning staff.

Tomorrow's email will feature the latest news about curriculum and facilities upgrades, as well as updates on new positions and role changes.

Thank you for choosing St. Benedict Prep for your children.

I look forward to a great year with all of you!
Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School


Preschool
Malgorzata Pikulski is beginning her third year St. Benedict Preparatory School.
She grew up in Poland moved to Chicago shortly after graduating from University of Rzeszow. For the past years Ms. Pikulski has been teaching preschool age children in the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. A graduate of Dominican University, she obtained a master’s degree of Science in Education with the concentration in early childhood. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, bike riding, and reading. Ms. Pikulsi is looking forward to having a great year!

Molly Elliott earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education at DePaul University in 2010. This will be her eighth year teaching preschool at St. Benedict. In addition to teaching preschool, this will be Molly's fourth year co-directing the Elementary After Care program. She is excited to start a new school year that is sure to be filled with learning, faith, and fun!

Kelly Christy was married in April and changed her name from Ms. Davis to Mrs. Christy. This will be her fourth year working at St Benedict Preparatory. She grew up in Farmington Hills, Michigan and attended University of Detroit Mercy for her undergrad in education. She was also a college athlete and played on the Detroit Tennis Team for four years and later, attended Oakland University to complete a Master’s Degree in reading. She loves to color and listen to music. Her favorite color is yellow and snakes scare her. She plays tennis on a weekly basis while also enjoying other forms of exercise and spending time with friends. She drinks coffee on a daily basis and tries to enjoy as much dark chocolate as needed to keep up with her students. She is looking forward to another fun-filled school year with many learning adventures!  

Jessica Granitz is pleased to be joining St. Benedict in preschool. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has taught two years in preschool before coming to St. Ben's.

Ellen Landgren is excited to begin her first year at St. Benedict Preparatory School as the Junior Kindergarten teacher! She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with her Bachelor's Degree in Communication, and shortly thereafter from DePaul University with her Master's Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Landgren enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, exploring Chicago, and relaxing with her two dogs - Chandler and Joey!

Cathy Kattner has always lived here in Chicago. She is married with 2 children, both having attended St Benedict Prep preschool through high school. She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves teaching and is happy to be part of the preschool team.

B etty Blazek completed her BA Degree in Education at Concordia College. Since then she has served as an early childhood teacher. It has been her privilege to serve here at St. Benedict Preparatory School for the past 26 years. She looks forward to another amazing year of growing and sharing both spiritually and academically.

Kristen Hayes  completed her Bachelor of Arts in Education at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has been a preschool assistant and aftercare teacher at St.Ben’s. This will be her third year as lead preschool teacher. She is looking forward to a great year learning and exploring new things with her students.
Kindergarten
Marni O'Daniel graduated from Indiana University in 2016 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. This is Ms. O'Daniel's first year at St. Benedict Preparatory. Last year Ms. O'Daniel was a teacher’s assistant at Alphonsus Academy and Center for the Arts. She is excited to have her first classroom and have an amazing year!

Erin Kelley graduated from John Carroll University in 2011 and completed her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on English as a Second Language in 2013 from Lewis University. This year will be her seventh year working at St. Benedict Prep and is looking forward to meeting all of her new students and showing them how learning can be fun!

Kaylee Tarris completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Eastern Illinois University in 2011. This will be her fourth year at St. Benedict Prep and second year teaching kindergarten. Ms. Tarris looks forward to another great year!
1st Grade
Gina Zadrozny was born and raised in the city of Chicago. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and worked as a social worker for ten years before going back to school for teaching. She earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (Early Childhood) from National Louis University in 2008 and has been teaching within the Archdiocese of Chicago since then. Ms. Zadrozny also completed a post graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction at National Louis in 2012 and is endorsed in teaching English as a second language. She is very excited to be a part of the SBPS family as she attended high school here as a student!

Megan Peters  graduated from Michigan State University in 2013 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education along with an endorsement in Early Childhood and ESL. Ms. Peters started her career in Chicago Public Schools teaching 1st grade for two years and taught at St. Benedict Preparatory School last year. When she isn’t teaching, Ms. Peters is traveling and enjoying Chicago with her friends and family.

Amy Carlino is excited to start her second year at St. Benedict’s. Last year she was the technology instructor. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in elementary education. Prior to coming to St. Benedict, she worked as a learning assistant in first grade and kindergarten at the British School.

Debbie Gepper t joins us in first grade this year with great excitement. She has a teaching degree from North Central College in Naperville and many years teaching experience, her dream job! Debbie loves spending time with family and friends and looks forward to making memories and lifelong friends at St. Benedict!
2nd Grade
Katrina O’Malley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at University of Southern California and her Masters in Arts in Teaching from National Louis University. She has been a primary teacher for 13 years and this will be her second year at St. Benedict. Last year, she taught in first grade and this year she will be part of our second grade team. She is married with two children, a sophomore at St. Patrick High School and a fifth grader at St. Thecla Elementary School. 

Andrea Montgomery is beginning her second year at St. Benedict Prep. She is excited to meet her new 2nd grade students and is looking forward to a fantastic year of learning.

Dawn O'Farrell completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Northeastern Illinois University in 1998. She is married with 4 children, ages 17-12. Dawn has been a St. Benedict parishioner for 16 years and loves being a part of the Benedict Prep community. She is very excited to be teaching second grade again and hopes to be a positive influence to all of her students.

Molly Nelson is excited to begin her seventh year at St. Benedict Preparatory School, her sixth in the second grade. In her first year at St. Benedict Prep, she served as a preschool aide and as director of the preschool aftercare program. Prior to joining the St. Benedict team, Ms. Nelson attended Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame Indiana, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in education and a minor in Early Childhood Development. She is excited to meet her new second grade class and meet more of the St. Benedict Prep students and families.  She also has an exciting fall ahead of her, getting married  October 14th and will soon be Mrs. Giltrow! 
3rd Grade
Emily McGuinn completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education at the University of Dayton in 2011. She has an endorsement in English as a Second Language from the American College of Education. This is Emily's sixth year teaching 3rd grade at St. Benedict Preparatory School. She is looking forward to fun filled year of learning with her new students. 

Roksolana Cirincione graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with an Elementary Education Degree. After several years in the field, she completed her Masters in Reading and Literacy from Benedictine University. Roxy is excited to begin her seventh year at St. Benedict Prep and looks forward to having a productive and successful year with all the new third grade students! 

Rachel Nemes completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Loyola University Chicago in 2011. Since then she has served as a Substitute Teacher, Kindergarten Assistant, and is currently a Third Grade teacher here at St. Benedict Prep. She is excited to learn about her students and help them grow as life-long learners and as respectful members of society.

Lauren Edelen received her Master’s in Education from DePaul University. While she is not new to St. Benedict Prep, having worked at the school in various roles, she is very excited to be a member of the 3rd grade team. Ms. Edelen looks forward to a great year of fostering student growth and new discoveries.
4th Grade
Roger Pinon completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2012. Upon arriving at St Benedict Prep, Roger began teaching Computers K-5 and is currently going into his fifth year teaching fourth grade at St. Benedict Prep. He looks forward to another successful year.

Peter White just completed his Master’s in Education through the Alliance for Catholic Education Program at the University of Notre Dame. Originally from outside Philadelphia, Peter also attended Notre Dame for undergrad, where he received dual degrees in Marketing and FTT. Mr. White spent the past two years teaching 4th and 5th grade at a Catholic school in Dallas, Texas. He is looking forward to a great year as a member of the St Ben's community!

Kelly O'Hara is beginning her tenth year teaching, the fourth at St. Ben's. She graduated from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, and just completed the English as a New Language program through the ACE program at the University of Notre Dame. When Mrs. O'Hara isn't teaching, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Molly Kennedy  completed her Elementary Education degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2004 and a Reading Teacher endorsement from Dominican University in 2006. This is Mrs. Kennedy's twelfth year teaching for the Archdiocese of Chicago and fourth year at St. Benedict Preparatory School. She looks forward to a fun and successful year teaching fourth grade. 
5th Grade
Megan Harris attended St. Catherine Laboure School and Loyola Academy before completing degrees in classics and art history at the University of Notre Dame. Following graduation she worked as the operations manager and educational coordinator for the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition, traveling first to Philadelphia and then to London. She remained in the United Kingdom and completed her teacher training course at St. Mary's University College, Twickenham. Ms. Harris taught in British schools for four years before returning to the United States to begin teaching at St. Benedict Prep. She is looking forward to growing as a member of the St. Benedict Prep community.

Cathryn Jenkins  is enthusiastic about starting her second year at St. Benedict Prep as a 5th grade teacher. She previously taught 3rd grade for two years at a Catholic school in Austin, TX. Ms. Jenkins grew up in Overland Park, KS, attending Catholic elementary and high schools there. She went on to attend the University of Notre Dame, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Education, and most recently, a Masters’ in Education degree from Notre Dame. Ms. Jenkins enjoys running, cooking, and cheering on the Fighting Irish!

Angela Peterson  graduated from Resurrection College Preparatory School in 2009 and Northern Illinois University in 2013 with a degree in Elementary Education. This is her fifth year in the teaching profession and her fourth year teaching 5th grade at St. Benedict Prep. Ms. Peterson hopes to go back to school within the next year to receive her master’s degree in literacy. She looks forward to the upcoming school year and all the successes it will bring, especially coaching Girls on the Run for her fourth year in a row!
Elementary School CHAMPS
Caitlin McDonough is in her fifth year teaching Preschool through 1st grade Spanish at St. Benedict Prep. She received her Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also studied for a year at the University of Barcelona in Spain. She believes that learning languages should be fun!

Jessica Lyons is beginning her second year as the Grades 2-5 Spanish teacher. She is looking forward to meeting her students and having a great school year.

Jenny Hoban graduated from Erikson Institute with a Master's Degree in Child Development and Administration. She is eager to work with the K-5 students at St. Ben's and participating in building the STEM program. Stop by and see her in the Exploratory! She would love to show you the new space. 

Maryanne Johnson has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Wayne State University and basic certification in early childhood from Truman College. She has been a part-time teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music for the past 15 years and is starting her fourth year as the early childhood music teacher at St. Benedict Prep. She looks forward to a great year of making music with all of her students, as well as promoting faith and inclusion.

Jacqualyn Stancin completed her Master's degree in Art Education in 2007 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked over the past eleven years as an art educator within different settings in the city of Chicago. During the last six years Mrs. Stancin has served as the art teacher at St. Benedict Preparatory School, helping to grow the passion and appreciation of art among her elementary students through thematic and hands on learning. She looks forward to working creatively with all of our St. Benedict Prep families this year. 

Lisa Wiederkehr  is starting her second year as the librarian at St. Benedict. Before that, she was a librarian at St. Matthias School and also at Sulzer Regional Library. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from St. Joseph's College and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Dominican University. She loves to spend her free time with her husband, her daughter, who is a junior here at St. Benedict, and her two kitties, Dipper and Mabel. She is a huge fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, enjoys traveling and being outdoors, and of course, loves to read! She is a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, but also loves books by Roald Dahl and Jane Austin!

Jeremy Newman continued his education at North Park University and received a certificate in teaching through a MATC program during the years of 2007-2009. After graduating from NPU, Jeremy has been working in or out of the gymnasium coaching various sports and classes. Since joining the St. Benedict Prep staff he has been the PE teacher for grades 1-5 and has  enjoyed  every minute of it. Coach Newman is looking forward to his fifth year as a Bengal and making a positive impression on our bright future. 

Jenna Stamper earned her Undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor in Music Education and Clarinet Performance. She then went on to earn a Graduate degree in Music Education from DePaul University, focusing her final paper on instrumental music pullout lessons and its relation to academic achievement. Ms. Stamper is going on her seventh year at St Benedict Preparatory School teaching instrumental music grades 1-8. She looks forward to another great year of making music!

Hannah Stapleton feels very blessed to continue her path as a music educator at St. Benedict Preparatory School, and starting her seventh year of teaching. Her degrees include a Bachelor's of Music from Chicago College of Performing Arts, and a Masters in Vocal Performance from North Park University. Along with performing private vocal recitals around Chicago, she also maintains a private voice studio and has also been the choral director at All Saints Orthodox Church in Albany Park for seven years. Hannah actively pursues outside courses at VanderCook college for continued education in elementary music and is currently in the process of becoming certified in the Orff- Schulwerk music method. She hopes to encourage and establish a joyous love for music in the students at St. Benedict Preparatory School.

Jean Hyland graduated from UIC with a degree in Developmental Psychology. She is also a certified Montessori teacher, yoga teacher and ACE group fitness instructor. This will be Ms. Hyland’s 5 th year at St. Ben’s. She is excited to share the joy of play and mindful movement with her students.  

Anna Piotrowski is beginning her 2nd year as the Strings Director at St. Benedict, teaching grades 2-8. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and her Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University. Outside of school hours, she enjoys being a full time member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, freelancing, and teaching private violin lessons.
Secondary School Math, Science, and Theology
Douglass Rosskamm This is Mr. Rosskamm's fourth year teaching at St. Benedict. He teaches all high school math classes and two 7th grade math classes. Doug retired from Abbot Labs as a Finance Director. He has a BS in Accounting from Duke University and an MBA in Finance from Indiana University.

Maggie Deady is going on her fourth year as a teacher at St. Benedict. She attended the University of Dayton and received a bachelors degree in Adolescent to Young Adult Education Integrated Social Studies. This year she will teach 8th grade Social Studies, Women's Studies, Government, and Catholic Social Teachings.

Dan Masterton is the Campus Minister for the secondary school, overseeing retreats, liturgy, and service/justice experiences. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame cum laude with a BA in Honors Theology and from Catholic Theological Union with an MA in Theology - Biblical Ministry. He has worked in high school campus ministry for five years, and this is his third year at St. Ben's. Dan is married to his wife, Katherine, and has one daughter, Lucy.

Science, mathematics, and education have been an integral part of Ms. Heaton-Walsh’s life for as long as she can remember. Her formative years were spent abroad and provided a deep appreciation for cultural differences and family traditions. She attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences. She then attended Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She worked in a small animal practice before moving to Illinois, raising five children (three sons and two daughters) and returning to school to become a middle school mathematics and science teacher. She and her husband, have supported K -8 Catholic school education for their children for a total of 20 consecutive years and are looking forward to launching their youngest at Northwestern University this fall. 

Zora Voynovich  is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves embracing and exploring the city's rich diversity. A graduate of DePaul University, she holds her bachelor's degree in Mathematics and History and her Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning Mathematics. This will be her fourth year teaching middle school mathematics at St. Benedict and her first year as the department chair. She looks forward to an exciting year fostering a love of learning and community with her students.

Dr. Matthew Martino attended the University of Chicago earning undergraduate degrees in mathematics and physics, and went on to earn his doctorate in cosmology at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on modified gravity and large scale structure formation. He started teaching in graduate school, undergraduate laboratories and physics and mathematics recitations and discovered that his passion is teaching. Since earning his doctorate, he has taught undergraduate, high school, and middle school courses in a variety of physical sciences and mathematics, and, with his wife, has continuing research interests in the field of computational archaeology.

Andy Galus is an award-winning teacher with years of teaching experience. He enjoys the challenge of adapting teaching style and strategies to meet the individual needs of his students and goals of the school. Andy has served in schools throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago, but is delighted to come full circle and be a part of the St. Ben's community once again; teaching at the school where he began his career. He and his wife Peggy, a St. Ben's alumnae, were married here and their two children, Anthony and Andrea, attended the school. Andy looks forward to being a part of the innovative team here at St. Benedict Preparatory School.
Secondary School Language Arts, Social Studies, and Foreign Language
Roland Terrence Morgen will be teaching 7 th  Grade Language Arts and Religion. He recently received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Dominican University, the same school from which he received his Bachelor’s Degree in English in 2008. Between undergraduate and graduate studies, he worked around the country in a variety of positions, including a dishwasher to a cook in Seattle and a caregiver for developmentally disabled adults in Montana. He is now eager to begin his career as a teacher at St. Benedict Preparatory School.

Erico Ramirez is a third year Secondary School Spanish teacher and serves at the World Language Department Chair at St. Benedict Preparatory. He is of Mexican descent and is originally from San Antonio, Texas where he studied Spanish and Journalism at the University of the Incarnate Word. He is currently a graduate student of World Language Education at DePaul University. In his free time, he serves the Secondary School community as “DJ Rico."

Maggie Deady is going on her fourth year as a teacher at St. Benedict. She attended the University of Dayton and received a bachelors degree in Adolescent to Young Adult Education Integrated Social Studies. This year she will teach 8th grade Social Studies, Women's Studies, Government, and Catholic Social Teachings.

David McQuade earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. This year will be his eleventh year in education and his sixth with St. Benedict Prep. He looks forward to another successful year working with the talented students and wonderful community at St. Benedict Prep. 

Haley Baker is the new 6th and 8th grade Language Arts Teacher. She received a degree in English Education from Purdue University. As she joins the faculty and staff at St. Ben's, she is overjoyed to be joining the St. Ben's community and looks forward to a wonderful school year!

Carrie Mocarski is the Chair of the English Department and teaches freshman and senior English classes. She has 15 years of experience teaching at the secondary school level, seven of those years at St. Benedict Preparatory School. She earned her BA in English at Elmhurst College and her MA in English at DePaul University.

Adriana Kolev i s from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she taught French for twelve years. She moved to the United States in 2016 and is very pleased to have the opportunity to teach in this country. She studied in France in 2007 at CAVILAM School, in Vichy. She loves languages, literature, music, and dance. 
Secondary School Technology and Fine Arts
Mary Jo Kent earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University in Art Education. She completed classes for the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement from National Louis University in August 2017. Mrs. Kent's art students have received art awards from Gallery 2603, Insider Publications and the Lemont Loves the Arts Show. Mrs. Kent has experience teaching at Maine West High School, St. Thomas of Villanova and Deerfield District 109. Mrs. Kent has displayed her paintings at the American Academy of Art Gallery and the Des Plaines Historical Society, as well as completing commissions for clients, including Alderwoman Maryann Smith. Mrs. Kent is married with two children.

Jean Hybinette holds a B.S.B.E. from DePaul University and has participated in many continuing education programs over the years. As an alumna of St. Benedict Prep, she is especially committed to providing the students with the education and skills they need upon graduation and instilling in them the inspiration to achieve their goals and aspirations. She has received numerous awards for her work, including Teacher of the Year, and is a member of the St. Benedict Hall of Fame. 

Hannah Stapleton feels very blessed to continue her path as a music educator at St. Benedict Preparatory School, and starting her seventh year of teaching. Her degrees include a Bachelor's of Music from Chicago College of Performing Arts, and a Masters in Vocal Performance from North Park University. Along with performing private vocal recitals around Chicago, she also maintains a private voice studio and has also been the choral director at All Saints Orthodox Church in Albany Park for seven years. Hannah actively pursues outside courses at VanderCook college for continued education in elementary music and is currently in the process of becoming certified in the Orff- Schulwerk music method. She hopes to encourage and establish a joyous love for music in the students at St. Benedict Preparatory School.

Jenna Stamper earned her Undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor in Music Education and Clarinet Performance. She then went on to earn a Graduate degree in Music Education from DePaul University, focusing her final paper on instrumental music pullout lessons and its relation to academic achievement. Ms. Stamper is going on her seventh year at St Benedict Preparatory School teaching instrumental music grades 1-8. She looks forward to another great year of making music!

Amanda Genge is beginning her second year teaching secondary school physical educaiton. She is looking forward to another fantastic year of learning.

Anna Piotrowski is beginning her 2nd year as the Strings Director at St. Benedict, teaching grades 2-8. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and her Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University. Outside of school hours, she enjoys being a full time member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, freelancing, and teaching private violin lessons.

Yvonne Grabe-Liddell and Paula Pietras are teaching secondary school dance in the fine arts department. They are looking forward to meeting their new students.
Inclusion Team
Mary Jo Kent earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University in Art Education. She completed classes for the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement from National Louis University in August 2017. Mrs. Kent's art students have received art awards from Gallery 2603, Insider Publications and the Lemont Loves the Arts Show. Mrs. Kent has experience teaching at Maine West High School, St. Thomas of Villanova and Deerfield District 109. Mrs. Kent has displayed her paintings at the American Academy of Art Gallery and the Des Plaines Historical Society, as well as completing commissions for clients, including Alderwoman Maryann Smith. Mrs. Kent is married with two children.

Lauren Lamar is beginning her first year at St. Benedict Prep and 2 nd  year as a teacher. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education. Her previous employment was at a CPS school. She is looking forward to working with the St. Benedict family.

Liz Kraig is the Early Childhood Inclusion Facilitator(Pre-k-2). This is her fifth year of teaching and her fourth year at St. Benedict Preparatory School. She is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention. She enjoys spending time with friends, running, college football, and reading. She is thankful for the opportunity to be teaching in a wonderful learning environment!

Kristi Enriquez graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Elementary Education and completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education at National Louis University. For the last six years, she has worked at St. Benedict Preparatory School. She taught Kindergarten for three years and is now going into her fourth year as the Inclusion Facilitator. This year, she will work with students in grades 3-5 and direct the inclusion team. Ms. Enriquez is excited to show all learners the power of education.
Advancement Team
Benjamin Mazzone received his BBA in Marketing at Loyola University-Chicago and his MBA in Human Resources Management at Keller Graduate School. He has worked in the advertising & marketing industry for twenty-five years and is currently the School Financial Recorder.

Maria Tubay graduated with a BS in Visual Communications from Illinois State University. She began a 22 year career in Sales Promotion as an Art Director and moved up through the ranks to Sr. Creative Director, managing large accounts such as Smuckers, DMI and Coke. After leaving the world of promotion, she settled in with the Archdiocese of Chicago and took the Office Manager position at St. Josaphat Parish in 2009. Maria was thrilled when she got the call in December of 2013 to join St. Ben's and take on the role of Director of Communications.

Janet Gallagher has served the St. Benedict Parish & Preparatory School community as Director of Enrollment & Marketing for six years. Prior to that she taught 4th grade at St. Benedict Prep for ten years. As a long-time parishioner and community member, she excited to be a part of a parish and school community that continues to grow in faith and service.

J oe Accardi , now in his eighth year of service to St. Benedict Prep, has been serving in the Archdiocese of Chicago school system for 27 years. Mr. Accardi is currently serving the parish and school as Director of Alumni and Annual Giving. Prior to arriving at St. Benedict Prep, Mr. Accardi taught high school and middle school for 15 years and was principal of two Catholic elementary schools. He received his bachelor’s degree from Rosary College and his Master’s in Educational Administration from Dominican University. Born and raised in Norridge, Mr. Accardi lives in Chicago with his wife and three children.
Not Pictured
Chris Deakins - Athletic Director
Mary Deletioglu - Head of Middle School
Colleen Fahrenbach - School Counselor
Rachel Gemo - Head of Parish School
Erika Mickelburgh - Head of High School
Heather Perez - School Nurse
Phil Siegel - Innovations Coach
Suzanne Stone - Director of Protege and Gala & Auction Liaison
Rachel Waldron - Head of Early Childhood