Heather Glowacki
Principal
I am thrilled to start our new school year at Romona. I appreciated the
opportunity to learn about the students, teachers and families of Romona
School during this last year. I am honored to be a part of this community
that values strong academic success, social-emotional well being, and the
diversity that makes each of us so unique. In terms of professional
experiences, this will be my 18th year in District 39 and am hopeful it will
be the best one yet. I have been fortunate enough to work my entire
career in Wilmette. I have taught special education, been a special
education coordinator, and assistant principal in many of our District 39
schools. I feel very fortunate to have had so many wonderful experiences
in District 39.
When I leave Wilmette each day, I go home to my family. Michael, our son,
is seven, and he will be in second grade this fall. Alexandra “Lexis” is
three and very happy being the opinionated, little sister. Michael and Lexis
are truly gifts we cherish. We are fortunate to have family living close by
to help us with the kids. In addition to my family, I continue to make
progress towards completing my doctoral degree in Educational
Administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS
Ellie Brenner
Teacher – Kindergarten
Ms. Brenner has been teaching for thirteen years. This will be Ms.
Brennerʼs tenth year teaching at Romona School. Ms. Brenner attended
Indiana University and received a degree in Elementary Education with a
Reading Education minor.
Her favorite thing to do is be with daughter, Lilly, who is the light of her
life. She is starting kindergarten this year!
She also likes shopping, taking photos, decorating, and making flower
arrangements. In fact, she loves to make Diaper Cakes, which are the
newest rage. Ms. Brenner also enjoys reality TV, eating sushi and going
through the Starbucks drive-thru. Ms. Brennerʼs favorite book is Elmer by
David McKee and her favorite movie is The Notebook.
Fran Engstrom
Teacher – Kindergarten
Mrs. Engstrom has been teaching for fourteen years. This is her eleventh
year at Romona School. She received her B.A. in Early Childhood and
Spanish from Bradley University and has her Masters in Administration
from Concordia University.
Mrs. Engstrom enjoys being a Creative Memories Consultant and teaching
others how to preserve pictures. She also loves to sing and enjoys
karaoke. Mrs. Engstrom’s favorite book is Twilight and Dirty Dancing is
her favorite movie. Mrs. Engstrom also enjoys being a mom to her 2
beautiful daughters, Talia, born in April 2006 and Giana, born in January
2009. She is expecting her third child on 12/12/12! Mrs. Engstrom was
born on the south side of Chicago and loves the Chicago White Sox. She
loves attending games.
Erin Kapes
Teacher-Kindergarten
Mrs. Kapes has taught kindergarten and first grade for 14 years. This is
her third year at Romona School. She attended Mundelein College and
received a B.A. in Speech and Language Disorders with a minor in
Elementary Education. She earned a M.S. in Elementary Education from
Northern Illinois University.
Mrs. Kapes enjoys reading, gardening and exploring the ever-changing
Chicago restaurant scene. Her favorite foods are Indian, Mexican and
Middle Eastern, and of course, deep dish pizza. She spent the summer with
her kids.
Her favorite books are The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
and The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. Her favorite movies are oldies:
Gaslight, All This and Heaven Too and The Maltese Falcon.
FIRST GRADE TEACHERS
Heather Cartwright
Teacher – Grade 1
This is Mrs. Cartwrightʼs fourth year at Romona and her ninth year of
teaching. She received a B.A. in Spanish Literature and Communication
Studies from the University of Kansas. She completed her Master of
Science in Education at Pittsburg State University while participating in the
Kansas City Teaching Fellows program. She has taught first grade for
seven years and was a reading intervention specialist for one year.
Mrs. Cartwright enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, gardening, camping,
and spending time with her friends and family. She has been married for
seven years and has a four-year-old little boy. She grew up in Kansas City,
MO and moved to the Chicago area in 2009.
Sarah Eilering
Teacher –Grade 1
This is Mrs. Sarah Eilering's 7th year in District 39, and her third year at
Romona School. Prior to working in Wilmette, she taught at St. Benedict
School in Chicago. Mrs. Eilering attended the University of Illinois and
also obtained her Reading Masters degree from Concordia University. In
her spare time, Mrs. Eilering likes to read, cook, travel, and watch
sports. She loves working with the students, families, and staff at
Romona!
Susan Imburgia
Teacher – Grade 1
Mrs. Imburgia came to Wilmette in 1990 and to Romona in 2009. She has
taught kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade. Once upon a time she
taught first grade in Arizona and Mokena, Illinois, but that was a LONG time
ago.
Mrs. Imburgia loves to read, walk, and ride her bike. She loves to read
anything by Kevin Henkes, Robert Munsch, and Richard Peck. Lilly's
Purple Plastic Purse might be just about her favorite book. Her own
children are too big to listen to these stories anymore, which is why she
loves to share them with her students, who always love them, too.
Jenny Seed
Teacher–Grade 1
Mrs. Seed has been teaching for thirteen years. This year will be her 8th
year at
Romona School. Mrs. Seed earned her B.S. in Elementary Education at
Illinois State University and her M.Ed. in Language and Literacy at
National-Louis University. She earned her National Board teacher
certification in 2008.
Mrs. Seed has two daughters, Alexis and Madison. In addition to spending
time with her girls, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, softball, volleyball
and going fishing with her husband.
SECOND GRADE TEACHERS
Valerie Johnson
Teacher – Grade 2
This is Mrs. Johnsonʼs tenth year at Romona. She taught in Mundelein for
four years previously. Mrs. Johnson received her undergraduate degree
from Elmhurst College and her graduate degree from National-Louis
University.
Mrs. Johnson enjoys camping with her family and mountain biking. She
has two children, ages 3 and 6. This summer she enjoyed spending time at
the pool and vacationing in Wisconsin with her husband and two children.
Sandra Karwowski
Teacher – Grade 2
This will be Mrs. Karwowski's 14th year of teaching! She has her B.S.
in Elementary Education from Illinois State University, and her Master’s in
Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University here in Chicago. Mrs.
Karwowski used to teach 4th grade for 9 years. This year will be her 6th
year teaching 2nd grade at Romona. She absolutely loves Romona School
and teaching kids! Mrs. Karwowski and her husband, Tad have two
children of their own. Their daughter, Cassidy, is a junior in high school
this year and their son, Cameron, is in seventh grade. They also have 2
pets. They have an adorable, sweet dog-named Max who came from an
animal shelter and they have a turtle named Taco.
Mrs. Karwowski loves to read. It is her favorite way to spend free
time. She is a huge Nora Roberts fan and has read all of her books. Her
favorite children’s book is The Giver by Lois Lowry. Her favorite kind of
day is sitting on her porch swing, with a Starbuck's coffee, and reading a
book with her dog curled up next to her!
She loves to do activities with her kids like going to movies, snow skiing,
going to water parks, and playing games. She loves going out to dinner
with her friends and family. One of her favorite family things to do is to go
on vacations to Mexico, Colorado, and Hawaii!
Mrs. Karwowski says her class is a family. She expects all of the kids in
her class to treat each other with respect, to be helpful towards each other,
and to be kind. Her class motto is “Think before you speak and think
before you Act!” because what you do and say can hurt or help others. She
believes strongly in Romona R.O.C.K.S. and works all year with the kids to
instill respect, originality, courage, kindness and sincerity!
Laura Meyer
Teacher – Grade 2
Ms. Meyer has been teaching for nine years. She is beginning her seventh
school year at Romona. She earned a Masterʼs degree in Learning and
Instruction at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In her free time, Ms.
Meyer enjoys dancing, snowboarding, listening to music and
traveling. She is also learning how to play the piano. Her favorite books
are the Harry Potter series. Her favorite movie is Forrest Gump. Over the
summer, Ms. Meyer spent a lot of time in St. Louis visiting her family. She
has seven nieces and nephews who keep her very busy!
Emily Moore
Teacher – Grade 2
This is Ms. Mooreʼs ninth year teaching at Romona School. She previously
worked as a paraprofessional at Harper School. Ms. Moore received her
B.S. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and her M.A. from DePaul
University. Ms. Moore was born on 7-7-77 and she went to high school
with “Jared” from the Subway commercials.
Ms. Moore enjoys tennis, reading and TIVO-ing her favorite TV shows. Her
favorite children’s books are by Robert Munsch and her favorite movies
are Overboard and The Devil wears Prada.
THIRD GRADE TEACHERS
Debbie Honigberg
Teacher – Grade 3
Mrs. Honigberg has been teaching for twenty-one years. This is her
fourteenth year at Romona as a third grade teacher, although she also
attended Romona as a student. Mrs. Honigberg has an undergraduate
degree in the Philosophy of Interdisciplinary Studies from Miami
University. She received her J.D. from University of Cincinnati College of
Law and her Masters in Teaching from National-Louis University.
Mrs. Honigberg is an avid reader of funny poetry and mystery novels. She
spent her summer tutoring and walking all over Evanston with her dog,
Ziggy. She is very excited to be teaching another wonderful group of third
graders.
Jane Levine
Teacher – Grade 3
Mrs. Levine has been teaching for eighteen years. This is her tenth year at
Romona. She received her B.S. in English from St. Louis University in
Missouri. Her two masters degrees; one in teaching and one in written
communication, are both from National Louis University. She is also a
certified learning behavior specialist. Mrs. Levine enjoys being with family
and friends,
reading, writing, and nature. She and her husband have four grown
children, one grandchild & another one on the way!
Karen Pampush
Teacher Grade 3
Karen Pampush is very excited to begin the new school year and meet her
new third grade students. She has taught in Mentor, Ohio and Chicago
before coming to Wilmette. This is her sixth year teaching at
Romona. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati
in Sociology, a Master’s degree from Cleveland State University in
Education, and is a National Board Certified teacher.
She lives in the city, by the Shedd Aquarium and loves to walk and ride
her bike on Lake Shore Drive's bike path. Ms. Pampush enjoyed her
summer by going on a family vacation to California, relaxing by her pool,
and reading books.
Katherine Porter
Teacher–Grade 3
Ms. Katherine Porter is beginning her first year with Romonaʼs third grade
teaching team. She received her Masterʼs in Education from Northwestern
University and her Bachelorʼs degree from Indiana University. In her free
time she enjoys running, learning to cook, rooting for the
Cubs/Bears/Blackhawks, and spending time with her family.
Evie Tiotis
Teacher – Grade 3
Ms. Tiotis has been teaching for sixteen years. This is her thirteenth year
at Romona School. She received her B.A. in Education with an
endorsement in History from the University of Illinois. Ms. Tiotis received
her MA in Special Education (LD/BD) from Northeastern Illinois University.
Ms. Tiotis’ hobbies are hiking, playing volleyball baking and fishing. Her
favorite book is Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. Ms. Tiotis’ favorite
movies are Cheaper by the Dozen and Million-Dollar Baby.
FOURTH GRADE TEACHERS
Deb Greer
Teacher-Grade 4
This is Mrs. Greer’s 12th year teaching and 12th year in Wilmette. She is
excited to return to 4th grade after 7 years in 2nd grade. Previously she
taught 4th grade at Romona for 3 years and Technology at HMS. Mrs.
Greer has a B.A. from Indiana University in Elementary Education with
endorsements in French and technology. She also completed her Masters
in Language Arts at Northeastern University.
Mrs. Greer loves playing with her daughters Caitlin and Madelyn. She can
often be found outside chasing the girls or taking a quick run on her
own. Traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and
friends are her pastimes.
Kelly Harney
Teacher – Grade 4
Ms. Harney has taught for 7 years. This is her sixth year at Romona. She
earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in
psychology at DePaul University. She completed her student teaching
through the Global Student Teaching Program in Dublin, Ireland. She is
currently in graduate school at Concordia University.
Ms. Harney enjoys kayaking, camping, reading, and painting. Some of her
favorite books are The Alchemist, Ellen Foster, and A Prayer for Owen
Meanie. Some of her favorite movies are The Jerk, Up, Garden State, and
Pieces of April. She feels very blessed to work in a supportive community
with amazing families and colleagues!
Angie Pemble
Teacher Grade – 4
This will be Ms. Pemble's fourteenth year of teaching. This will be her
tenth year teaching at Romona. Ms. Pemble received her undergraduate
degree from Northern Illinois/Arizona State and her degree in Reading and
Literacy from Lewis University.
Ms. Pemble enjoys boating, reading, running and spending time with
family and friends. Her favorite childrenʼs book is The Quiltmaker’s
Gift and her favorite movie is The Notebook.
Carrie Stefaano
Teacher – Grade 4
This is Mrs. Stefano’s ninth year at Romona and her eleventh year
of teaching. She received her B.B.A. in Business Administration at
the University of Michigan, where she also received a Master of
Accounting. Mrs. Stefano completed her Master of Science in Education at
Northwestern University.
Mrs. Stefano previously worked as an accountant and taught financial and
managerial accounting classes at the University of Michigan. She has also
worked with graduate students at Northwestern University as a coach for
their masters' projects. She loves nonfiction books such as Into Thin
Air. Finally, Mrs. Stefano loves teaching and finds it to be her passion in
life.
Jessica Thelander
Teacher – Grade 4
Ms. Thelander has been a teacher for ten years. This is her eighth year at
Romona. Ms. Thelander received her undergraduate degree from the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her graduate degree from
St. Xavier University. She received National Board Teacher Certification in
2009.
Ms. Thelander’s hobbies include reading, dancing, watching movies,
running and planning fun activities for her students. She is completing her
first marathon in October! Her favorite book is A Tree Grows in
Brooklyn and her favorite movie is The Notebook.
SPECIALS
Emily Stevenson
Teacher –Art
This is Mrs. Stevensonʼs second year at Romona and this will be her fifth
year teaching art. While in college, Mrs. Stevenson studied art in New York,
NY and Florence, Italy. She received a B.A. in Studio Art from St. Olaf
College where she also earned her Education credentials.
This summer Mrs. Stevenson enjoyed traveling to San Francisco, and Big
Sur, CA with her husband. In addition to traveling, she loves to paint,
draw, and create in general! Her favorite books include the Mixed up Files
of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler and anything by Kevin Hankes.
Alicia Wiechart
Library Media Specialist
This is Mrs. Wiechertʼs second year at Romona and her sixth year
of teaching. She received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint Louis
University. She completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and
Instruction and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science at
the University of Illinois. Mrs. Wiechert has a reading endorsement and
taught in a first and second grade multiage classroom for one year and
was a middle school reading and language arts teacher for three years.
Mrs. Wiechert enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling,
baking, and decorating cakes. She grew up in Cincinnati and lived in St.
Louis and Champaign before moving to Chicago this last year. She has
been married for eight years and has two daughters, Elly and Caraline.
Tina Honoré
Teacher – Music
Mrs. Honoré has been teaching for 21 years. This is her 17th year at
Romona School. Mrs. Honoré received her B.M.E. from Westminister Choir
College. She has a M.M.E. from Roosevelt University-Chicago College of
Music and has completed Orff levels 1-3 and Kodaly Levels 1-3 from the
University of St. Thomas.
Mrs. Honoré grew up in Alaska. She enjoys gardening and going to the
movies. She also plays in the hand bell choir at her church.
Joe Ryback
Adaptive PE
Mr. Ryback has been teaching for six years. This is his sixth year at
Romona. He has a BS in Education from Northern Illinois University. Mr.
Ryback completed his masters in Adapted Physical Education from
Northern Illinois University this past December. Mr. Ryback enjoys reading
anything history related. His favorite movie is A Clear and Present Danger.
His hobbies are scuba diving and flying!
Bill Schaaf
Teacher – PE
This is Mr. Schaaf’s seventh year teaching Physical Education and sixth
year in District 39. Mr. Schaaf just finished his 1st year at Romona after 3
successful years at McKenzie.
Mr. Schaaf started his college career at Parkland College in Champaign
Illinois. He was a pitcher and third baseman for their baseball team. Mr.
Schaaf finished his college career at Indiana University receiving a B.S. in
Kinesiology with a K- 12 P.E. endorsement and a Health and Safety Minor.
He has a variety of interests in his life. Mr. Schaaf loves spending time
with his wife and their families when he gets a chance to travel back home
to Schererville, Indiana. He loves taking vacations during the summer. Mr.
Schaaf enjoys teaching baseball for the Illinois Baseball Academy during
the summer. The camps are offered to 4-9 year old boys and girls and he
loves watching them learn the game. He likes to stay active by playing on
three different softball teams from the spring to the fall.
Christopher Toy
Teacher -- PE
Mr. Toy steps into his second year of teaching in District 39 as the new
Physical Education teacher Harper and Romona Elementary School. He
earned his B.A. in Health and Physical Education from North Central
College in Naperville Illinois. There he was involved in various on and off
campus activities including the Student Athlete Advisory Committee
(President), varsity baseball pitcher, pep band (trombone), orientation
leader, chess club and many other activities.
Mr. Toy enjoys playing baseball/softball, exercising, ultimate frisbee, pool,
bags, and ping pong. One interesting fact about Mr. Toy is that he traveled
to 8 different countries (4 different continents) in the last 4 years.
Tiffany Bennett
Teacher – Spanish
Ms. Bennett has been teaching for ten years. This is her seventh year at
Romona. She earned an undergraduate degree in Spanish at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s in Education at
DePaul University.
Ms. Bennett enjoys karaoke, running, hiking and dancing. Her favorite
book is How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents and her favorite movie is
Die Hard. She is an experienced traveler, having spent time in 12
countries. Specifically, her travels include Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Spain,
Portugal, France, Greece, England, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and
Tortola, B.V.
Monica Brown
Teacher-Spanish
Mrs. Brown is beginning her twelfth year in education this fall, and her fifth
teaching in Wilmette. Mrs. Brown earned her undergraduate degree from
Loyola University and a Master's in Education from National Louis
University. She spent her first years teaching in Glenview and here in
Wilmette, Mrs. Brown has taught at Highcrest, Harper, and Romona. In her
free time Mrs. Brown enjoys spending time with her husband and three
children riding bikes, playing sports, and board games. She also loves to
travel, read, and do puzzles.
Christina Rosario
Teacher-Technology
Ms. Rosario has been teaching for thirteen years. This is her seventh year
at Romona. She earned a BA in Linguistics and Phonetics and has studied
at the graduate level in education and technology at both the University of
Leeds and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Ms. Rosario enjoys spending time with her family and two children Astrid
and Anthony. Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice and favorite movies
are Love Actually and Bridget Jones’ Diary. Previously, Ms. Rosario was
the Webmaster at the District Office of the City Colleges of Chicago. She
also has participated in The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program.
PARAPROFESSIONALS
Cheri Beederman
Paraprofessional
Mrs. Beederman has taught for nineteen years. This is her seventeenth
year at Romona. She graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with
a B.A. in Elementary Education. She enjoys outlet shopping, reading and
watching television. The Beederman’s have three daughters, two human
and one canine.
Gretchen Boies
Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Boies fifth year at Romona School. She received her
undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College and her Graduate degree from
National Louis University. She loves to paint, play and watch baseball and
take in a good movie. Her favorite book is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
and To Kill a Mockingbird is her favorite movie.
Kate Brower
Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Brower’s Seventh year at Romona. She attended Bowdoin
College, and worked in the insurance industry for many years. She enjoys
sports, reading and spending time with her four children. Her favorite
book is The Secret Life of Bees and her favorite movie is Miracle.
Kerry Cook
Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Cook’s seventh year at Romona. As a child, she attended
Central School, Romona, Wilmette Junior High, Regina and New Trier! Her
hobbies are photography, listening to music, shopping, reading, watching
TV, spending time with friends, watching movies and traveling. Her
favorite books are the James Patterson Series and her favorite movie is Mr.
And Mrs Smith. Ms. Cook has traveled to the Bahamas, and she has a 5
year old niece, and a 3 year old nephew. Kerry was born in Korea.
Nancee Davidson
Paraprofessional
This is Mrs. Davidson’s eleventh year at District 39 and eighth year at
Romona. She attended Iowa State University, where she earned her BS.
Her favorite book is Where Eagles Soar and her favorite movie is Mercury
Rising. Ms. Davidson has a daughter who lives in California with her
Marine husband and 51/2 year old son, Jacob and a three year old son Alex.
Ms. Davidson also has a son living in Connecticut. He designs helicopters.
Margaret Dutkiewicz
Paraprofessional
This is Mrs. Dutkiewicz's fourth year at Romona School. She received her
undergraduate degree in Mass Communications from the University of
Illinois - Chicago and her Masters in Elementary Education from
Northeastern Illinois University. Mrs. Dutkiewicz has been married for
almost 24 years and has two children, Danny is 15 years old and Caroline
is 10 years old. She and her family reside in Wilmette. In her spare time,
Mrs. Dutkiewicz enjoys reading, photography, camping, and anything
related to art (drawing, painting, computer design etc.).
Angela Dzikoski
Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Dzikoski fourth year at Romona and eighth year in the district.
She received her B.A. at Temple University and is currently taking classes
at Oakton College. She enjoys making jewelry, knitting and reading in her
spare time. She goes to the movies almost every weekend. She also
volunteers at the Evanston Animal Shelter. She loves all furry animals but
is partial to her cat Velvet. She has amazed her coworkers with her ability
to socialize feral kittens. Her favorite book is Earth Prayers.
Marsha Eagen
Paraprofessional
This is Mrs. Eagenʼs fifth year as a paraprofessional at Romona School.
She attended college at the University of Wisconsin. She and her husband
have two children. Their daughter is now at the University of Illinois in
Champaign and their son attends New Trier High School. They both play
team sports and she is their biggest fan! She loves to spend her free time
jogging, cooking new things and doing yoga. Her favorite book is To Kill a
Mockingbird and her favorite movie is The Father of the Bride.
Kathy Frett
Paraprofessional
This is Kathy Frett's second year as a parapro. She has been a substitute
teacher for the past five years and before that worked in the Romona office.
She is thrilled to be a full-time part of the Romona family! She received her
BA from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and her MA from the University
of Chicago.
She has four children. The oldest one is 26 and the youngest is 15. In her
free time, she likes to ride her bike and walk her dog, Sophie. Her favorite
book is A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley and the latest fun movie she
has seen is Julie and Julia.
Michelle Hammond
Paraprofessional
This will be the start of Mrs. Hammond's twelfth year at Romona as a
paraprofessional. Before starting in Wilmette she was employed at
Misericordia home in Chicago as recreational instructor, she left
Misericordia after 15 years of service there. Mrs. Hammondʼs and her
husband, David has 3 almost grown boys. Daniel is 21, Kyle is 18 years old,
and Alex is 16. They also have a wonderful dog-named Zeus.
This summer I enjoyed my time off and filled it up with some of my other
interest. Gardening I grew spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini,
carrots and corn, however the corn got a late start so will see if I get some
this year. The cucumbers and zucchini vines have taken over the garden
so I hope there is enough light for the other things I planted to grow, time
will only tell. I enjoyed some books this summer; one of my favorite was
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. As well as listened to several more
books on CD. Enjoyed time with my family movies, went for bike rides, and
went to the Noah's Ark in July, and took Zeus to the dog beach in Chicago.
Marianne Kanaley
Paraprofessional
Mrs. Kanaley is starting her fifth year as a Kindergarten Aide at Romona
School. She graduated from Regina Dominican High School (right next
door) and Loyola University of Chicago. She loves spending her free time
traveling with her husband and four children. They especially love to
spend time in Lake Geneva over the summer, with friends and family. Her
favorite books/movies are the "Harry Potter Series" because they are
something the entire family can enjoy together.
Cindy Palmer
Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Palmer's second year at Romona. She graduated from National
Louis University with a degree in Elementary Education. In her free time
she enjoys reading, running, volleyball, and spending time with her three
children. Her favorite movie is The Princess Bride. She is alum of District
39, and she feels a strong bond to the children and their families. She is
looking forward to another great year at Romona!
Cathy Peach
Paraprofessional
Ms. Peach has been working with special needs students for twenty-seven
years. She has been at Romona for fifteen years. Ms. Peach received her
Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University and has done
graduate work at Northeastern Illinois University.
Ms. Peach enjoys music, sports (Cubs baseball and Blackhawk's Hockey)
and Knitting. On vacation, she enjoys camping in the Upper Pennisula. Her
favorite Book is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and her favorite
movie is Network.
Jill Pinkerton
Paraprofessional
This is Ms. Pinkerton’s sixth year at Romona. She holds a BA degree from
Drake University. Her favorite book is Vengeance By Brian Pinkerton and
favorite movie is Finding Nemo. Ms. Pinkerton enjoys spending time with
her children. She lives in Wilmette with her husband, Brian and two
children, Anne, ten and a half and Joseph, nine.
Emily Voit
Paraprofessional
This will be the sixth year as a paraprofessional at Romona for Mrs. Voit.
She attended Scripps College in Claremont, California. She and her
husband, Rick, have two children ages 20 and 22. She and her husband
both attended New Trier. Her children attended the Wilmette public
schools. One son is at the University of Illinois; one has graduated and will
be in graduate school in the fall of 2012. In her spare time, Mrs. Voit loves
to travel with her family, cook new dishes and work in the garden. Her
favorite children's book was Heidi and Where the Red Fern Grows. Her
favorite movie is To Kill A Mockingbird.
Ellie Weisbard
Building Paraprofessional
Mrs. Weisbard has been subbing and working for District 39 for fifteen
years. She has a BS and an MFA from The University of Wisconsin,
Madison. Mrs. Weisbard enjoys spending time with her husband and two
children, both of whom are away at graduate school. Some of Mrs.
Weisbard’s hobbies are antiquing and crossword puzzles. Her favorite
book is A Prayer for Owen Meany and her favorite movie is Pee-Wee’s Big
Adventure.
Leslie Williams
Paraprofessional
This is Mrs. Williams seventh year at Romona. She received her BA from
Northeastern Illinois University. Leslie enjoys working out, traveling, and
reading. Her favorite book is The Prince of Tides, by Pat Conroy. Her
favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice, the BBC production. Ms. Williams
also has two wonderful children—Tarah is 25, and George is 21.
SUPPORT STAFF
Jane Psotka
Secretary
Mrs. Psotka is starting her fourteenth year at Romona School. She
graduated from Southern Illinois University with a B.A. in Early Childhood
Education. She has three grown children. Mrs. Psotka enjoys walking,
baking, sewing and spending time with her children and her two dogs. Her
favorite movie is White Christmas and any Carey Grant movie.
Ellen Smith
Secretary
Ellen Smith has been working with the public all her life. She has seven
siblings, which prepared her for anything and everything. This is her fifth
year at Romona. Prior to accepting her position, she was a dental
assistant in MN, a retail store manager on State Street in Chicago, and
managed a low Income Tax Preparation site at Truman College.
Ellen enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, and Daughter, Molly.
She also has two stepsons, Bryan and Tim They love to explore the city
and try all sorts of different activities. She is also a huge stamping fan and
uses it as an outlet for her creative side. Her favorite movie is The Lion
King.
Anna Rojas
Head Cook
Ms. Rojas has been our assistant cook for 5 years and was recently
promoted to the head cook position. She went to school in Mexico. She
loves to cook, bake and crochet in her spare time. Her favorite movie is
Titanic. She is married to our custodian and bus driver, Nelio Patino. They
have two children whom they love to spend time with. Ms. Rojas also likes
to travel.
Nelio Patino
Head Custodian
Mr. Patino has worked at Romona for ten years. He attended Evanston
High School. He enjoys playing music in a band. His favorite book is To
Kill a Mockingbird. His wife Ana, is the assistant cook. Mr. Patino and his
wife have 2 children, a girl age 11 and a boy 8 years old.
Rodrigo Gomez
Custodian
This is Mr. Gomezʼ fist year at Romona. He has worked at WJHS for the
last two years. He attended School in Mexico. When he is not working at
Romona he spends his time with his wife Oralia and his two daughters,
Stephanie and Emily.
Jose Marquez
Custodian
Mr. Marquez has worked for Romona for seventeen years. He attended
school in Mexico. He loves to play soccer in his spare time. His favorite
movie is Power
Ranger.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Bev Taylor
Differentiated Instruction Teacher
Mrs. Taylor has been teaching for more than 30 years. She received her
B.S. in Child Development from Brigham Young University, her B.S. in
Education from Weber State University and her Masters in Curriculum from
Northeastern.
Mrs. Taylor enjoys gardening, camping and time with her sons and
grandkids. She is originally from Utah but has lived in Illinois for over
twenty years. Mrs. Taylor completed at Welfare Service Mission on the
Indian Reservations in South Dakota and also spent many summers as a
camp director in the Rocky Mountains. She loves to teach and enjoys
being able to work with many students and teachers at Romona.
Sandy Capsuto
ELL
Ms. Capsuto has been teaching for thirty-three years. This is her tenth
year at Romona School. Ms. Capsuto attended Northern Illinois University
and received a B.S. in Education. She also received a M.Ed. in Education
from National-Louis University.
Ms. Capsuto enjoys traveling, reading, taking walks and gardening. She
has a family of five cats. Her favorite book is The Physician by Noah
Gordan. Her favorite movie is Somewhere in Time.
Megan Decaluwe
Teacher – LBS
This is Ms. DeCaluwe's fourth year of teaching and her first year at
Romona. She previously worked at District 62 in Des Plaines and at a
therapeutic day school in Northfield. She received her Bachelor's Degree
from Illinois State University. In her free time, Ms. DeCaluwe enjoys
listening to live music, being outdoors, supporting the Chicago Bulls and
spending time with her English Bulldog, Sadie.
Sara (Fisher) Frank
Teacher – LBS
This is Mrs. Frank's (formerly Ms. Fisher) tenth year teaching in
Wilmette. She spent her first six years at Highcrest Middle School and is
excited to return to Romona for her fourth year! Mrs. Frank grew up in
Northbrook, graduated from Glenbrook North High School, and then
received her Bachelors degree in special education from the University of
Wisconsin - Madison. She received a Masters degree in gifted education
from Northeastern Illinois University, as well as a second Masters degree
in Reading, also from Northeastern Illinois.
When she is not teaching, Mrs. Frank enjoys working out, playing tennis,
reading, shopping, traveling, and spending time with friends and
family. Her favorite author is Jodi Picoult and she loves all types of
movies.
Robyn Konecnik
Teacher – LBS
This is Mrs. Konecnikʼs (formerly known as Ms. Tedford) eighth year
teaching at Romona. She earned her B.S. in Communication Disorders and
Sciences at Northwestern and her M.Ed. in Special Education at University
of Illinois.
Mrs. Konecnik enjoys playing with her dog. Her favorite books are
Tuesday’s with Morrie and The Giver. Her favorite movies are Despicable
Me and Cinderella.
Kristen Parker
Teacher - LBS, Inclusion Specialist
This is Mrs. Parker's second year teaching at Ramona. Before starting at
Romona last year, she had been teaching Resource Room/Inclusion
Language Arts and Math to 5th and 6th graders at Lakeview Intermediate in
Stow, Ohio for 6 years. Prior to that, she taught 7th and 8th graders at a
middle school and first taught at an integrated special education preschool in the 4-5 year old classroom. Mrs. Parker has an undergraduate
degree in Special Education from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Mrs. Parker has a three year old son and a two year old daughter who keep
her very busy and a husband who is continuing in a master's program in
Art Theory and Practice at Northwestern University this fall. IL. She looks
forward to meeting a new group of students and getting started!
Rae Sunderman
Teacher - LBS
This is Ms. Sunderman's third year teaching in Wilmette. She spent her
first year at McKenzie Elementary School and is excited for her second
year at Romona! Ms. Sunderman grew up in Deerfield and graduated from
the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors Degree in
Special Education. She is currently studying for her Masters Degree in
Early Childhood Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University.
Outside of work and study, Ms. Sunderman enjoys swimming, hiking,
traveling, and being with her family and friends!
Kathy Brandeisky
School Social Worker
This is Mrs. Brandeisky’s fourth year at Romona and thirteenth year in
District 39. She received her B.S.S.W. in Social Work from Ohio State
University and then her Master of Arts degree and School Social Work
Certification from the University of Chicago.
She enjoys reading, gardening, baking, traveling, and supporting her
children in their activities. Mrs. Brandeisky loves inspirational quotes,
music, movies, and books. One of her favorite books is Oh The Places
You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss.
Therese Kinsley
Speech Language Pathologist
Mrs. Kinsley is excited about returning for her third year at Romona
School! She has over twenty years of experience as a Speech and
Language Pathologist. Mrs. Kinsley is originally from Chicago but spent
time living in Boston. She lives in Glenview with her husband, son and
Weimaraner named Spot.
Mrs. Kinsley enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. She
loves to read, dance, swim, go to the movies and watch her son play
sports. Her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, her favorite movie is
The Wizard of Oz and her favorite food is pizza.
She is proud to be part of the Romona School community and is looking
forward to a terrific school year! Please visit her new website through the
Romona School home page!
Julie Pline
Speech Language Pathologist
This is Miss Pline's second year at Romona. She spent her first two years
with the Special Education District of Lake County and is very excited to be
working at both Romona and McKenzie again. Miss Pline received her
undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
and her graduate degree from Eastern Illinois University. Miss Pline enjoys
spending time with friends and family, swimming, volunteering, and going
to concerts.
Kate Hood
Reading Specialist
Mrs. Hood began teaching in 1975. This is Mrs. Hood’s ninth year at
Romona. She received a B.S. and M.S. in Reading at Western Illinois
University and an Educational Administration Certificate from Loyola
University in Chicago.
Mrs. Hood enjoys gardening, skiing and watching the White Sox games
with her sons. She loves to read and her favorite childhood book is A
Wrinkle in Time
Lindsey Barnes
Occupational Therapist
This is Ms. Barnes’ ninth year at Romona. She has been an Occupational
Therapist for twenty-five years. Ms. Barnes received her B.S. in Biology
from the University of Illinois and her Occupational Therapy degree from
the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Ms. Barnes enjoys needlework, travel and reading. Her favorite book is
Wanderlust and her favorite movie is Parent Trap.
Amy Schumacher
Occupational Therapist
This is Mrs. Schumacher's eighth year at Romona. She has been an
occupational therapist for ten years. Mrs. Schumacher earned her B.S. and
M.S. in Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College. Mrs. Schumacher enjoys
photography and yoga.
Kristin Spalo
District Physical Therapist
Mrs. Spalo has worked as a physical therapist for 11 years. This is her
eighth year at Romona School. Mrs. Spalo earned her undergraduate
degree at the University of Illinois –Champaign/Urbana and earned her
Masters in Physical Therapy at Midwestern University. Mrs. Spalo enjoys
spending lots of time with her 2 children.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Julie Pease
Coordinator, Early Childhood Education
This is Mrs. Pease’s twenty-eighth year as a teacher and her eighth year at
Romona School. Mrs. Pease received her B.A. in Special Education from
the University of South Florida, her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special
Education from Arizona State University and a M.Ed. in Administration and
Supervision from National Louis University.
Mrs. Pease enjoys gardening and cooking. Her favorite book is The
Time Travelerʼs Wife and her favorite movies are Mi Familia and High
Fidelity.
Jill Dzirk
Teacher – Early Childhood
I am so excited to be a member of Romona Elementary School! I was born
and raised in a small town in Illinois called Tonica. After receiving my
Bachelorʼs degree at Illinois State University and teaching for a year
outside of Joliet, I grew tired of the cold winters and relocated to Las
Vegas. I started my career in Las Vegas as an Early Childhood Special
Education teacher, and eventually became a behavior specialist. While in
Nevada, I earned my Masterʼs degree in Early Childhood Special Education
at UNLV.
I am thrilled to be back in Illinois and close to my family again. I canʼt wait
to rediscover all of the amazing things the Chicagoland area has to offer. I
look forward to meeting you and working together with you this year. I
know we will have a great year!
Liz Gill
Teacher – Early Childhood
I am honored and excited to be a part of Connecting Kids Preschool and
Romona Elementary. I am originally from Michigan and earned my
undergraduate degree in Special Education from Central Michigan
University. I recently completed my Master's Degree in School Leadership
from Concordia University. I have been teaching early childhood special
education for 11 years. Prior to coming to Wilmette, I taught for five years
in Boston and six years in Chicago Public Schools. Lincoln Park is where I
now call home. I love living in Chicago and enjoy taking in all the perks the
city has to offer. A few of my favorites include paddle boarding on Lake
Michigan, Moose Tracks waffle cones from Margie's, summer concerts and
festivals, and taking my dog Ruby to the forest preserves. I also enjoy
reading, traveling, and practicing yoga.
I have a deeply rooted passion and love for working with young children
and collaborating with families. I am eager to discover with you and your
child the endless possibilities that this new school year holds!
"It is better to know how to learn than to know." -Dr. Seuss
Stephanie Hahn
Teacher – Early Childhood
This is Ms. Hahn’s eighth year teaching and fourth at Romona. She
received her Bachelors degree at Illinois State University and received her
Masters degree from Roosevelt University.
Ms. Hahn enjoys hiking, biking and camping. Her favorite book is A Tree
Grows in Brooklyn and her favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz.
Kristin Johnson
Teacher – Early Childhood
Mrs. Kristin Johnson is beginning her fifth year teaching at Romona in the
Connecting Kids Early Childhood Program and her sixth year teaching in
District 39. She previously taught in the Student Learning Center at Central
Elementary. She received her B.S. in Special Education at the University of
Illinois Urbana- Champaign and is currently pursuing a master's degree in
Early Childhood Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University. In
her free time she enjoys playing with her 2-year-old and 6 month old
daughters, reading, being outdoors, cooking, and playing/watching sports.