Faculty & Staff Directory

Ms. Brostrom has a passion for developing communities of young writers! She teaches World Literature, Rhetoric & Creative Writing, and Speech at Woodlands, and also moderates the award-winning Woodlands literary club, "Poets & Playwrights." Ms. Brostrom has also worked in the educational publishing world and as a journalist, as well as her former positions as a writing instructor at the University of Baltimore and American University. She is the recipient of many writing awards for her work as a novelist for young readers: her Gilda Joyce mystery series (published under her pen name Jennifer Allison) is available through Penguin Books for Young Readers.

Ms. Brysiewicz became a teacher because she thinks it’s essential for students to learn to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. Also because she loves talking about literature and writing. Her favorite classroom moments include when a student’s eyes get wide because her mind has opened to a new idea. At Woodlands, she loves the warmth and support of the community, the curiosity of the students, and the trust and freedom teachers are given to shape what and how they teach. She has been at Woodlands since 2008.

With nearly twenty years in the classroom, Mr. Nuccio chose a career in education because he enjoys working with young people. Additionally, he loves books and ideas and relishes that his job is “socially constructive.” Each year he delights when a student who is unsure of herself in the beginning begins to grow in self-confidence and takes on a more vocal role in class. At Woodlands, he is most proud to be a part of a school that has created an environment that prioritizes the holistic wellness of its students while still maintaining the highest academic standards. Mr. Nuccio has worked at Woodlands since 2018.

Mr. Borower is a passionate musician and educator. As Music Director, Mr. Borower directs Woodlands' choirs, musical theater productions, and liturgical music, in addition to teaching courses in piano, music theory, and music production.

An active choral conductor, Mr. Borower is currently Director of Music at The Village Church of Northbrook and has held recent conducting fellowships with the Princeton Girlchoir. As an experienced choral singer, Mr. Borower has performed alongside numerous ensembles, including The New York Philharmonic and The Philadelphia Orchestra. He has sung in recordings on the Deutsche Grammaphon, Naxos, and GIA labels with the Grammy-nominated Westminster Williamson Voices and The Same Stream choirs.

Mr. Borower is a published author in choral pedagogy, recently co-authoring The Complete Choral Warm-Up Sequences, synthesizing music psychologist Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory with recent findings in voice science into the choral warm-up.

Mrs. Adamczyk became a teacher because she found an attentive audience for learning about some of her knowledge base: business, classics and government. Her favorite teaching moments are when students ask big questions that humans have been and are still trying answer. Such as, "Where did language come from?" (A student just asked this question recently!) Mrs. Adamczyk most enjoys being part of a faculty that is passionate about their subjects and compassionate towards their students.

Dr. Strobel became a teacher before she knew she wanted to be one. After graduating college and before going on to graduate school, she accepted a one-year substitute teaching position at Jack Benny middle school. She felt so at home in the classroom and grateful for being able to witness her students' growing awareness and curiosity, that she never considered doing anything else. One of her favorite teaching moments was at the end of her first year teaching. She had struggled with a few students all year, with two boys in particular, who had gotten into a fist-fight in her classroom. She remember being filled with adrenaline before security guards came to break it up, take the boys out and leave her to continue class. As she’d grown as a teacher, she learned to not suppress those emotional moments and instead, try to work through them in the classroom, while at the same time do her best to regain control and get back to the lesson. The boys were suspended, and when they returned she was obviously concerned, but they told her they were fine and didn't even remember what they were fighting about. She was able to start over with them and appreciate their sense of humor. One of the boys became involved in her after-school "Latino Culture" club, and although he was not Latino, he learned all of the dances and performed in the school assembly. Her last day there was for their 8th grade graduation, the same boy came to her after getting his diploma with tears in his eyes, gave her a huge hug and said “thank you.” She hadn't realized how much of a success getting through 8th grade was for him and was proud to be present for that moment. Dr. Strobel most enjoys the warm community at Woodlands, from hearing the girls laughing in the halls on the way to class, to seeing faculty and staff sitting and talking together at lunch. Dr. Strobel also celebrates accomplishments of the Mellon Fellowship from University of Pittsburgh, and the U.S. Department of Education Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship. Dr. Strobel has been with Woodlands Academy since 2019.

Mr. Denman became a teacher to make science a fun and enjoyable experience, which he does on a daily basis at Woodlands. His favorite teaching moments include when students find connections between the material in class and everyday phenomena. He finds Woodlands to be an environment that embodies a love of learning. Mr. Denman was the 2017 recipient of the Frances de la Chapelle Excellence in Teaching Award. He has worked at Woodlands since 2014.

Mrs. Dunn became a Science teacher because of the inspiration of her high school science teacher, who made Science so interesting. Her science teacher really understood her as a student and she thought that she could do the same thing for her students. Mrs. Dunn’s favorite teaching moment was when one of her former students went to college to become a high school science teacher. He was inspired by how she taught and how she was able to connect to the students. So far, in Mrs. Dunn’s time here at Woodlands, the thing she most enjoys is the Woodlands community. In her previous teaching role, she received an award for Freshman Teacher of the Year and was awarded Best Dressed Teacher five years in a row! Mrs. Dunn has been with Woodlands Academy since 2019.

Dr. Rickert became a teacher after some prompting from her sons. She remembers a time when her students articulated that they knew the material better after participating in a video math scavenger hunt—that same group then created their own video which placed in the top twenty out of 300 for a video competition. At Woodlands, Dr. Rickert loves the welcoming atmosphere, friendly and motivated students, and small class size. She has served as the Chair of the Application Committee for the Blue Ribbon School, received a Presidential Award Nomination for Science as well as the a Presidential Award Nomination for Math. Dr. Rickert has served on the Archdiocesan math curriculum committee and has worked at Woodlands since 2018.

Ms. Ohlwein finds that teaching allows her to watch students succeed at both simple and complex tasks. She feels that no matter what a student’s passion is, she should be given the opportunity to succeed. Ms. Ohlwein has twice been named the Illinois School League’s Coach of the Year and earned recognition as coach of the year by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Ms. Ohlwein has worked at Woodlands since 2007.

Mr. Coffey pursued a career in teaching because of his high school Algebra teacher, Mrs. Highstone. Up until then, he had not been a successful math student. He cites her positive, no-nonsense attitude and willingness to connect with him individually as what helped him recognize his ability in mathematics. Now as a teacher in his own right, Mr. Coffey particularly enjoys teaching the order of operations, which he approaches as GEMS (Grouping Symbols, Exponents, Multiply and Divide, Subtract and Add). He loves that this method usually provides great insight due to a frequent misunderstanding of the PEMDAS acronym. Mr. Coffey finds it easy to come to work and do his best every day, because students at Woodlands have a contagious vitality and energy. They also strive to always do their best and articulate an appreciation for their teachers. Mr. Coffey has worked at Woodlands since 2013.

Mr. Gargiulo became a teacher to influence adolescents in a positive way. He appreciates the “ah-ha” moments that occur every day with his students. At Woodlands, he most values that students and adults care deeply for one another and push each other to do their best. He has taught at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development and has scored AP exams for the College Board. Mr. Gargiulo was named Master Teacher of the Year from the Mathematics Teachers Association of Chicago and its Vicinity. In 2013, he received the Sr. Frances de la Chapelle Excellence in Teaching Award.

Ms. Pomije always wanted to be a teacher and she loves working with math every day. Her favorite teaching moment includes forming a bond with a student who was doing poorly in her class and he eventually became one of her top performing students. At Woodlands, she values the community—the friendly faculty, staff, parents, and, of course, the students. Ms. Pomije has been at Woodlands since 2018.

Dr. Rickert became a teacher after some prompting from her sons. She remembers a time when her students articulated that they knew the material better after participating in a video math scavenger hunt—that same group then created their own video which placed in the top twenty out of 300 for a video competition. At Woodlands, Dr. Rickert loves the welcoming atmosphere, friendly and motivated students, and small class size. She has served as the Chair of the Application Committee for the Blue Ribbon School, received a Presidential Award Nomination for Science as well as the a Presidential Award Nomination for Math. Dr. Rickert has served on the Archdiocesan math curriculum committee and has worked at Woodlands since 2018.

Ms. Zapf became a theology teacher because she is passionate about sharing the faith and creating opportunities for her students to experience the joy of loving and being loved by God. Her best teaching moments include witnessing when a student’s natural curiosity and passion for learning motivate her to make new connections and discoveries. Ms. Zapf experiences Woodlands to be an amazing, supportive, learning community where each person is respected, cared for, challenged, and appreciated. She was the recipient of the St. Benedict Preparatory School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Zapf has worked at Woodlands since 2017.

Mr. Gargiulo became a teacher to influence adolescents in a positive way. He appreciates the “ah-ha” moments that occur every day with his students. At Woodlands, he most values that students and adults care deeply for one another and push each other to do their best. He has taught at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development and has scored AP exams for the College Board. Mr. Gargiulo was named Master Teacher of the Year from the Mathematics Teachers Association of Chicago and its Vicinity. In 2013, he received the Sr. Frances de la Chapelle Excellence in Teaching Award.

Mr. Bond unintentionally started his career as a college counselor while in college when he began helping family and friends with their college searches. After a short career as a journalist, he turned to the world of college admissions, first at Northwestern University's undergraduate admissions office, and then as a college counselor with the Schuler Scholar Program. Along with the excitement of students receiving college acceptances, he finds the process of helping students discover their academic and extracurricular interests to be the most rewarding parts of the job. Mr. Bond operates with a belief that each student has the ability to succeed after they graduate, and it is his job to help them navigate the journey to get there. He has been with Woodlands since 2022.

Mrs. Drummond worked at Barat College, a Sacred Heart School formerly located across the ravine from Woodlands. After Barat’s closure, she yearned to return to the mission of Sacred Heart and bring her extensive experience of school records management. Mrs. Drummond loves all the Sacred Heart traditions from hearing the school song, to preparing the quarterly Sacred Heart Awards to waving a white handkerchief when students leave on a trip (a tradition dating back to Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat). Her daily interactions with the girls bring her great joy. Mrs. Drummond has been with Woodlands Academy since 2011.

Biography:

Ms. Hujer came from a background in museum education. She has worked with K-12 students in a variety of learning environments . Being raised Catholic and attending St. Mary’s school in Buffalo Grove, she always felt a connection to Catholic schools. Her favorite thing about the school is getting to work with our wonderful girls and their loving families.

Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D. was appointed Head of School at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest and began her tenure on July 1, 2022. Dr. Dempf most recently served as Head of School at Academy of the Sacred Heart in Saint Charles, Missouri. Prior to that, she was the Director of the High School at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, Florida. Dr. Dempf also has experience gained through an earlier role as National Program Director for the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Dr. Dempf brings a passion for instructional excellence and student support evidenced by her early career as a teacher educator where she held the rank of Associate Professor in the School of Education at both Canisius College and the Sage Colleges after beginning her career as an Assistant Professor at Wesley College. Dr. Dempf earned a Ph.D. in Teaching and Curriculum at Syracuse University and holds a Master’s degree from Springfield College. Dr. Dempf’s undergraduate study was completed at Hobart and William Smith Colleges where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. In addition, she is a graduate of The Doane Stuart School on the Kenwood campus, then a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools.

Mr. Gargiulo became a teacher to influence adolescents in a positive way. He appreciates the “ah-ha” moments that occur every day with his students. At Woodlands, he most values that students and adults care deeply for one another and push each other to do their best. He has taught at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development and has scored AP exams for the College Board. Mr. Gargiulo was named Master Teacher of the Year from the Mathematics Teachers Association of Chicago and its Vicinity. In 2013, he received the Sr. Frances de la Chapelle Excellence in Teaching Award.

Mrs. Maegdlin believes in the transformative power of an all-girls education for young women. She has worked in the Communications role for two other independent secondary schools as well as leading the marketing, communications, and public relations efforts for countless clients during her time in an agency. Mrs. Maegdlin most loves that Woodlands helps each girl find and develop her own voice and explore the unique talents she alone has to offer this world. She also feels deeply connected to the mission of Sacred Heart and the atmosphere it creates. Mrs. Maegdlin has been at Woodlands since 2016.

Ms. Schmidt has held several positions throughout her years at Woodlands including social studies teacher, dean of students, director of student services, principal, and currently associate head of school. She works closely with the students as she oversees all aspects of student development outside of the classroom. Ms. Schmidt especially loves working in being an advisor and working alongside the dedicated faculty and staff. Ms. Schmidt strongly believes in single gender education and in the Sacred Heart mission. She has been at Woodlands since 1990.

Julie Castellini (Woodlands Class of 2009) brings her inimitable spirit and pride to Admissions' her alma mater. Julie believes in the transformative power of education and service, and her passion for the Sacred Heart mission and all-girls education is evident in every interaction with prospective students. Educated through college in Catholic schools, Julie received a Masters Degree in Communication from Northwestern University, which, teamed with her energy and creativity, makes her a beacon for programming for and attracting new families. Woodlands prides itself on relationship-building between and among students, faculty, staff, the wider community, and the world. Julie helps girls see themselves as local and global citizens through her warmth and accessibility.

Mrs. Maegdlin believes in the transformative power of an all-girls education for young women. She has worked in the Communications role for two other independent secondary schools as well as leading the marketing, communications, and public relations efforts for countless clients during her time in an agency. Mrs. Maegdlin most loves that Woodlands helps each girl find and develop her own voice and explore the unique talents she alone has to offer this world. She also feels deeply connected to the mission of Sacred Heart and the atmosphere it creates. Mrs. Maegdlin has been at Woodlands since 2016.

Dr. Kincaid pursued a career in education because learning has served as a delightful motivator in her life. In her work, she finds it to be a privilege to witness a student have a compassionate insight about themselves. At Woodlands, Dr. Kincaid most values the prayerful atmosphere, the student-centered approach the school takes in all things, the collaborative engagement amongst faculty members, and the innovative approaches to teaching. She also enjoys the school’s continuity between past and present. Dr. Kincaid has been recognized in the Who’s Who in American Education. She is an active member in numerous professional and academic societies, including Northwestern University’s Insight Program for Mentoring Adults. Additionally, Dr. Kincaid has been published in multiple psychology and peer-reviewed journals. She has worked at Woodlands since 2013.

Mr. Coffey pursued a career in teaching because of his high school Algebra teacher, Mrs. Highstone. Up until then, he had not been a successful math student. He cites her positive, no-nonsense attitude and willingness to connect with him individually as what helped him recognize his ability in mathematics. Now as a teacher in his own right, Mr. Coffey particularly enjoys teaching the order of operations, which he approaches as GEMS (Grouping Symbols, Exponents, Multiply and Divide, Subtract and Add). He loves that this method usually provides great insight due to a frequent misunderstanding of the PEMDAS acronym. Mr. Coffey finds it easy to come to work and do his best every day, because students at Woodlands have a contagious vitality and energy. They also strive to always do their best and articulate an appreciation for their teachers. Mr. Coffey has worked at Woodlands since 2013.