Xrisovalantou “Valia” Garbis was named the Jane L. Westerhold Early Learning Center assistant principal at the May 8 Board of Education Meeting.

For the last two years, Garbis has served as a Student Services Coordinator in District 62, where she was responsible for administering and supervising special education programs and services in compliance with state and federal rules and regulations.

“I am honored to continue to be a part of the D62 community as the first assistant principal at the Jane L. Westerhold Early Learning Center,” said Garbis. “This new position will further my efforts to provide a safe, supportive, and productive environment for students, staff and families. It has been a privilege to have worked in this amazing school district for 10 years and I am committed to continue to carry out the mission and vision of District 62.”

Prior to being a Student Services Coordinator, Garbis spent nearly eight years as an Early Childhood teacher and teacher facilitator serving students and families at the Early Learning Center. Before joining District 62, Garbis served for seven years in Chicago Public Schools as a Kindergarten, 1st and 6th grade teacher.  

“The Early Learning Center is excited for Valia Garbis to serve as the first assistant principal at the Early Learning Center,” said Director Margarite Beniaris. “I have had the pleasure of witnessing first-hand Mrs. Garbis’ dedication to District 62. She has an extensive background in early childhood education and will be an asset to the Early Learning staff, students and families.”

Garbis earned her Masters at DePaul University in Elementary Education. She went on to receive her Special Education, English Language Learners (ELL), Early Childhood Endorsements at North Park University. She most recently obtained her Masters in Educational Leadership through the Principal Preparation Program at North Park University.

Garbis and her family have lived in Wilmette for over 20 years. Garbis and her husband, Dan have four children: Anastasios a college junior, Maria a college freshman, Antigoni a high school junior and Elias an eighth grader.

“I look forward to partnering with Early Learning Center families to foster growth and learning for our children,” said Garbis. “I will advocate for our families and provide children in our programs with strategies that build the foundation for life-long learning.”

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