Sahs Staff
Sahs staff and e-mail list
Superintendent - Erin Hackett
Educational Background:
BA in Special Education - Illinois State University
Master in Educational Administration and Type 75 Certification - Governors State University
University of St. Francis- Superintendent Endorsement
Professional Organizations:
Illinois Association of School Administrators
Illinois Association of School Business Officials
Illinois Association of School Boards
IAASE - Illinois Alliance of Administration of Special Education
Initial Year at Sahs:
2015
Principal - Jennifer Toschi
Educational Background:
B.A. in Education - Northern Illinois University
Master in Curriculum and Instruction - National Louis University
Master in Educational Leadership and Type 75 Certification - Roosevelt University
Professional Organizations:
Illinois Principal's Association
Initial Year at Sahs:
1994
Office Staff - Carol Smith
Initial Year at Sahs:
1997
Office Staff - Julie Egan
Initial Year at Sahs:
2020
Office Staff - Yesenia Gonzalez
Initial Year at Sahs:
2020
Nurse - Kelly Ambre
Initial Year at Sahs:
2009
Additional Information:
TO VIEW ALL MEDICAL INFORMATION CLICK THE LINK BELOW
IT/Data Support - Giuseppe Tifoideo
Educational Background:
Associates of Applied Science in Network System Administration - DeVry University 2011
Bachelors of Science in Network Communication Management - DeVry University 2013
Initial Year at Sahs:
2014
Additional Information:
I love to spend time with my wife and our 3 kids, Alessandro, Amelia, and Matthias.
Preschool Teacher - Renee Frixen
Educational Background:
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education - Concordia University Chicago
Initial Year at Sahs:
2017
Additional Information:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, Kylie, Ella, Gavin, and Lucas. I also love to bake and craft.
Kindergarten - Kimberly Grachan
Educational Background:
Associate in Arts (Education) - Morton College
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education - Illinois State University
Master's Degree Curriculum and Instruction - Concordia University Chicago
ESL Endorsement - Concordia University Chicago
Initial Year at Sahs:
1993
Kindergarten Bilingual - Astrid Garcia
Educational Background:
Associates in Arts - Harold Washington College
Bachelors Degree in Sociology - UIC
Professional Educator License
Initial Year at Sahs:
2012
Additional Information:
I love spending my free time with my friends and family. I enjoy trying out new foods and new places with my husband and daughter.
First Grade - Amy Hervieux
Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education - Elmhurst College
ESL certification from National Luois University
Initial Year at Sahs:
2001
Additional Information:
3 Children: Christopher, Mallory, and Avery
First Grade Bilingual - Nancy Avila
Educational Background:
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education - University of Illinoisat Chicago
ESL and Bilingual Endorsements
Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction - Concordia University
Initial Year at Sahs:
2015
First Grade - Lisa Zelinski-Olsen
Educational Background:
Associates Degree - Moraine Valley Community College
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education - Governors State University
Masters Degree to be a Reading Specialist - Governors State University
Professional Organizations:
Member of the Alpha Upsilon Alpha Honor society of the International Reading Association
Initial Year at Sahs:
1999
Additional Information:
Began my teaching career as a Kindergarten teacher for the Archdiocese of Chicago for two years prior to working as Sahs. I absolutely love my job as a Kindergarten teacher. I enjoy bringing new ideas, and fun ways of learning into the classroom. I have a musical flair, so I try to extend my love for music to all my students in order to enhance learning. I was once told that I have found my calling, and I truly believe I did!
Second Grade Bilingual - Maricela Maldonado
Educational Background:
Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education - Northeastern IL University
Master's Degree in Bilingual Education - Northeastern IL University
Initial Year at Sahs:
2018
Additional Information:
I enjoy spending time with my family and love to travel
Second Grade - Carrie Duffner
Educational Background:
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education - St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana
Masters Degree in Reading - Chicago State University
Professional Organizations:
AFT - IFT
Initial Year at Sahs:
2001
Additional Information:
I enjoy spending time with my family. I have 2 children, Billy and Ella who continue to teach me each and every day with all of their fun ideas.
Third Grade - Kathryn Mueller
Educational Background:
Associates Degree - Moraine Valley Community College
Bachelors Degree in elementary Education - Aurora University
Masters Degree, Type 75, Educational Leadership - Olivet Nazarene University
Initial Year at Sahs:
2007
Additional Information:
I enjoy spending time with my husband Kyle and 4 children, Hudson, Nora, Clare, and Finn. For fun I like to watch movies, run outside, and go to the park with my kids. I love decorating and shopping too!
Third Grade - Jolie Avant
Educational Background:
Associate in Foreign Language - La Salle University - Bogota, Colombia
Associates in Arts (Education) - Prairie State College - Chicago Heights, IL
Bachelor's Degree Bachelor of Arts - Governors State University
Professional Organizations:
Member of Phi Theta Kappa
Initial Year at Sahs:
2016
Additional Information:
I enjoy teaching and spending time with my husband and my 2 years old Tzeitel. I love travelling abroad and doing outdoor activities
Forth Grade - Jodi Sheehy
Educational Background:
B.A. in Sociology - Northern Illinois University
M.A. in Education - St. Xavier University
ESL Endorsement from National Louis University in 2015
Initial Year at Sahs:
2002
Additional Information:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughters Allison and Samantha as well as watching and participating in sports.
Forth Grade Bilingual - Fabian Rojas
Educational Background:
Professional Organizations:
Initial Year at Sahs:
2019
Additional Information:
Fifth Grade - Mary Johnson
Educational Background:
B.S. in Education - St. Xavier University
M.A. in Curriculum Instruction - Olivet Nazarene University
Currently enrolled through National Program in ESL Endorsement
Initial Year at Sahs:
2002
Additional Information:
Student Council coordinator. Besides teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband Bill and my two daughters Abby and Madeline, watching and attending White Sox games, and playing with my two Golden Retrievers Abe and Tess.
At Sahs, I help coordinate the Walk and Jog Club as well as the Student Council.
Fifth Grade Bilingual / Six Grade L.A. teacher - Ophelia Peroutka
Educational Background:
Undergraduate at U of I Chicago Circle Campus
Masters in Bilingual Education from Chicago State University
Type 75 administration
Professional Organizations:
Bilingual Advisory Committee
Social Committee
Initial Year at Sahs:
2018
Additional Information:
I love to teach and help others. I enjoy keeping active by biking, swimming and mostly golfing
Intermediate Resource - Jamie McClain
Educational Background:
B.S. in Elementary Education - Governors State University
M.A. in Special Education - Chicago State University
M.A. in Reading (Reading Specialist) - Olivet Nazarene University
Initial Year at Sahs:
2007
Additional Information:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, Connor and Audrey. I also love to cook and scrapbook.
Sixth Grade - Jody DePeder
Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education - Northern Illinois University 1998
Masters in Reading - St. Xavier Univarsity 2003
Initial Year at Sahs:
1999
Seventh Grade (Junior High Social Studies) - Mark Danforth
Educational Background:
B.A. Political Science - College of St. Francis
Secondary Educational Certificationand 30 hours Post Graduate Work through DePaul University
Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Type 75 Certification - Northern Illinois University
Initial Year at Sahs:
1991
Additional Information:
Wife Susan is also a teacher in New Lenox, Illinois
Loves Hockey, Guitar, Trivial Information and his dog Wilbur
Seventh Grade Literature and Language Arts/Fourth Grade Math, Science, and Social Studies/K-3 Science Engaged Learning - Karen Delestowicz
Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education - Benedectine University in 1998
M.A. in Teaching and Leadership - St. Xavier University in 2004
ESL Endorsement - National Louis University in 2015
Professional Organizations:
American Federation of Teachers
Illinois Federation of Teachers
Initial Year at Sahs:
2000
Additional Information:
I have 2 children, Bobby and Grace, who teach me new things about life every day. I also just got a Wheaten Terrier puppy named Sydney. She definitely keeps life entertaining!
Eight Grade Language Arts and Literature & Technology co-teacher - Lisa Gibbons
Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education (Language Arts Major/ Science Minor) - University of Michigan 2001
MA Degree in Reading - St. Xavier University 2005
Professional Organizations:
International Reading Association
Initial Year at Sahs:
2002
Eight Grade (Junior High Science) - Jacqueline Sobczak
Educational Background:
B.S. - DePaul University
Masters Degree in Education Administration and Type 75 Certification - St. Xavier University
Initial Year at Sahs:
2005
Additional Information:
I enjoy running marathons and spending time with my family and friends. I am also the cheerleading coach for Junior High
Junior High Math - Pamela Storti
Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education - Illinois Wesleyan University
Endorsement in Mathematics
Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Mathematics
Initial Year at Sahs:
1996
Additional Information:
Eagle Hour Teacher. Besides teaching, I enjoy spending time with my 4 boys. Extra Jobs: Springfield and Washington D.C. Trip Coordinator, Yearbook Coordinator.
Volleyball sponsor to extra jobs.
Eagle Hour
SOS Coordinator
Junior High Resource - Christine Wendt
Educational Background:
BA Education
MA Educational Leadership
Initial Year at Sahs:
2011
4th - 8th Hope, 6th - 8th Humanities, 6th - 8th Facs - Cheryl Valek
Educational Background:
B.S. in Home Economics Education - University of Illinois
M.A. Early Childhood Education - Concordia University
ESL Endorsement from National Louis University
Professional Organizations:
Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Science
American Association of Family and Consumer Science
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Initial Year at Sahs:
1988
Additional Information:
2000 Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year of State of Illinois
Heart of Sahs Award Winner 2004
Reading/Math Interventionist - LeeAnn Mazuroski
Educational Background:
B.A. in elementary Education - Illinois Benedectine College
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction - Concordia University
Endorsement in ESL - English as a Secong Language - Concordia University
Initial Year at Sahs:
1984 - 1990
2002 - Present
Additional Information:
Besides teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my girls named Katelyn and Megan.
Music/Band - Irene Trimberger
Educational Background:
B.M.Ed. - Millikin University
Master in Ed. Admin. - Northern Illinois University
Professional Organizations:
I.M.E.A. - Illinois Music Educators Association
Initial Year at Sahs:
2016
Physical Education - Cynthia Dyrkacz
Educational Background:
B.S. in Education - Illinois State University
M.A. in Teaching and Leadership - St. Xavier University
ESL Endorsement Grades K-12 - National Louis University
Professional Organizations:
IAHPERD (Illinois Association for Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance)
SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators)
Initial Year at Sahs:
1992
Additional Information:
Heart of Sahs Award Recipient, Box Tops for Education Coordinator
Physical Education - Arthur Gamino
Educational Background:
Graduated from Trinity College in 2005
Professional Organizations:
IAHPERD (Illinois Association for Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance)
Initial Year at Sahs:
2006
Additional Information:
Sahs 8th Grade Softball Coach
Library Clerk - Donna Chesser
Initial Year at Sahs:
2000
Interventionist / Library Teacher / Curriculum - Paulina Bednarek
Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education - St. Xavier University
Master of Arts in Educational Administration - Governor's State University
Initial Year at Sahs:
2004
Speech Language Pathologist - Suzanna Ramirez
Educational Background:
Initial Year at Sahs:
2019
Additional Information:
School Social Worker - Sara Mills
Educational Background:
Professional Organizations:
Initial Year at Sahs:
2020
Additional Information:
ELL K-8 Teacher - Lindsey Carrillo
Educational Background:
B.S. in Education - St. Xavier University
ESL Endorsement
Professional Organizations:
SAHS BPAC (Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee)
TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Initial Year at Sahs:
2007
Additional Information:
I enjoy vacations with my husband and three boys. I look forward to movie nights and long walks around Chicago
Paraprofessional - Maria Diaz
Educational Background:
Bachelors Degree in Chemistry - University of San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Initial Year at Sahs:
2003
Additional Information:
After graduation, I was a teacher for high school students in Mexico
Paraprofessional - Jacqueline Morelos
Educational Background:
Professional Organizations:
Initial Year at Sahs:
Additional Inform
Paraprofessional - Diane Ludwikowski
Educational Background:
Attended Charles J. Sahs School grades K-8
Reavis High School grades 9-12
Paraprofessional Exam
Professional Organizations:
Cubscouts - Leader and Master several years
PTA - Executive Board officer 9 years including 3 years as president
Initial Year at Sahs:
2008
Additional Information:
Sahs volunteer 13 years
Sahs alumni K-8
Paraprofessional - Dana Poulsen
Educational Background:
Associate in Applied Science from Morton College
I also went to Sahs and Reavis graduating from both
Professional Organizations:
Serve on the PTA
Others:
Eaglette coach, Cheer leading coach, JV softball coach
Initial Year at Sahs:
2007
Additional Information:
I am on the executive board for the PTA. I have coached basketball and softball in the past. I have also ran multiple after school activities and love working at Sahs. I am a graduate from Sahs and have 3 children now attend Sahs too
Instructional Assistant - Maria Kowalczyk
Educational Background:
Finished schooling in Poland. Took English as a Second language - Loop College
Took Travel and Tourism - Harold Washington College
Initial Year at Sahs:
2002
Additional Information:
3 children: Andrew, Bridget, and Casey. Worked 13 years at Sears Pension Office. Help out my husband at his law office whenever I can. enjoy craft, skiing and spending time with family
Paraprofessional - Araceli Martinez
Educational Background:
Instructional Assistant
Para Professional
Initial Year at Sahs:
2002
Additional Information:
2 children: Cynthia and Fernando. I enjoy spending time with my family and visiting museums
Paraprofessional - Instructional Assistant - Maria Zurek
Educational Background:
Graduated High School - LO Jablonka (Poland)
Early Childhood Education College - Nowy Sacz (Poland)
Paraprofessional Exam
Professional Organization:
PTA - Hospitality
Initial Year at Sahs:
2007
Additional Information:
Mother of 4 boys (Dawid, Tomasz, Lukasz, Michal). Sahs volunteer for 11 years. I like to travel.
Paraprofessional - Carmela Jimenez
Initial Year at Sahs:
2015
AERO STAR Teacher - Gerald Laboy
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts in English with concentration in American Literature - University of Illinois at Chicago, 2011
Professional Organizations:
Council for Exceptional Children
Kappa Delta Pi
Initial Year at Sahs:
2018
Additional Information:
I love to travel with my wife. Our favorite destination is Washington D.C. I am also a diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan.
AERO STAR Instructional Assistant - Leticia Rodriguez
Initial Year at Sahs:
2014
AERO STAR Instructional Assistant - Mirna Martinez
Initial Year at Sahs:
2017
AERO STAR Instructional Assistant - Maribel Pineda
Educational Background:
Graduated Richard Daley
Initial Year at Sahs:
2014
Additional Information:
I am a mother of three kids, two boys and one girl.
Head Of Maintenance - Dawid Zurek
Initial Year at Sahs:
2007
Maintenance Staff - Randy Kruzel
Initial Year at Sahs:
2005
Maintenance Staff - Elsa Montesdeoca
Initial Year at Sahs:
2019
Maintenance Staff - Darius Kaminski
Initial Year at Sahs:
2010
Maintenance Staff - Michal Zurek
Initial Year at Sahs:
2016
Maintenance Staff - Liliana Llamas
Initial Year at Sahs:
2017
Maintenance Staff - Maribel Ruiz
Initial Year at Sahs:
2017