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 proud to join Woodlands Academy and it's unique history as a singing community. Mr. Borower currently serves as choir director at North Shore United Methodist Church, and has most recently held conducting fellowships with the Princeton Girlchoir. A passionate choral singer, Mr. Borower has performed with numerous ensembles including The New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic, and has sung in recordings on the Deutsche Grammaphon, Naxos, and GIA labels with the Grammy-nominated Westminster Williamson Voices and The Same Stream. As an active author in the field, Mr. Borower's interest is in choral pedagogy, most recently co-authoring The Complete Choral Warm-Up Sequences which synthesizes music psychologist Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory with recent findings in voice science into the choral warm-up. Mr. Borower joins us from Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music where he worked as administrator to Choral Organizations and the Institute for New Music.

An accomplished musician herself, Mrs. Moldenhauer loves working with young musicians to impart her knowledge on the next generation of musicians. Her favorite teaching moments include bearing witness to the faces of pure elation on her students’ faces when they receive awards/trophies at the annual national music competition Woodlands’ students take part in. At Woodlands, she finds the way the girls support each other an their enthusiasm to be truly unique. Mrs. Moldenhauer was named to the principal flute position in the Lake County Symphony Orchestra in 2017. Mrs. Moldenhauer has worked at Woodlands since 2013.

Ms. Campbell knew in high school she would pursue a career in education because she likes working with adolescents and wanted a job that would be different every day. She most enjoys the opportunity to explain to her students that they will be the leaders of the future and have the power and responsibility to decide how to make this world a better place. While teaching at our sister school Duchesne Academy in Houston, Ms. Campbell completed a ropes course with a student and found it to be a profound experience—supporting each other in a vulnerable moment 30 feet in the air! The mission of the Sacred Heart speaks to Ms. Campbell’s soul and allows her to be the best teacher she can be. Prior to teaching in the United States, Ms. Campbell spent five years teaching in Singapore. Ms. Campbell has worked at Woodlands since 2017.

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.

Ms. Sands found her love of teaching while working with adult ESL students in Rome where she found great joy in helping them learn to express themselves in a new language. She thinks that the relationship created between teacher and student is incredibly important. Her favorite teaching moments are when a student shares that she understood something in French and it made her feel happy. At Woodlands, she admires the atmosphere of kindness and civility created by the administration. She finds that it sets the tone for the school and makes her work a pleasure. Ms. Sands has worked at Woodlands since 2018.

Ms. Black enjoys working with high school students to pass on her love for chemistry. At Woodlands, she most enjoys the single-sex environment, the small class sizes, and her opportunity to form close bonds with students and their families.

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.

Mr. Cashman has a deep love for history. He also feels a responsibility to help create knowledgeable, kind, and responsible citizens. The teaching moments he most loves include watching his students fully engage in and take ownership of whatever task is at hand independent from his direct involvement. At Woodlands, he loves that the environment fosters the ability to interact with students not as a superior, but as an equal in the process of learning and discovery.

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.

Ms. Briesch pursued a career in education because, as a student, she loved school, her teachers, and her coaches. Ms. Briesch’s favorite teaching and coaching moments include witnessing a student have a “light bulb moment.” At Woodlands, she most appreciates the tight-knit sense of community. Coach Briesch has earned the distinction of Volleyball Coach of the Year five times and Softball Coach of the Year nine times from the Independent School League. The Illinois Coaches Association recently honored Ms. Briesch with a Coach of the Year Award. She is also the recipient of the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) Quarter Century Award, awarded to a member who has dedicated 25 years of more to the profession.

Ms. Briesch has worked at Woodlands since 1973.

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 at 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. Otter greatly values her own education and the teachers she had who she found to be passionate and caring people—she wanted to pass that same zeal onto future generations. Her favorite teaching moments always occur outside the walls of a classroom when learning by experience whether doing service together, going on a field trip, or traveling the globe, those are the moments that stand out most. At Woodlands, Ms. Otter loves the opportunity to really get to know her students and that they can get to know her. She also finds the all-girls atmosphere special. Ms. Otter has been at Woodlands since 2017.

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.

Mrs. Schmidt has held several positions through her years at Woodlands including social studies teacher, dean of students, director of student services, and currently principal. She works closely with the students as she oversees all aspects of student development outside of the classroom. Mrs. Schmidt especially loves co-directing the advisory program. Mrs. Schmidt strongly believes in single gender education and in the Sacred Heart mission. She has been at Woodlands since 1990.

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. 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:

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.

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.

Biography:

Annie Ross was an Ivy League student athlete who was deeply engaged in women’s initiatives on campus. She carried her commitment to education, civic engagement and athletics into her work with schools and nonprofits focused on children and families. Annie has leadership expertise in sales, marketing and operations in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has worked in admissions at The Hotchkiss School and Kent School in Connecticut where she also taught and coached students who went onto become National Merit Scholars and Division I athletes. Annie dedicates herself to encouraging young women not to ever hide their light under a bushel. What brought Annie to Woodlands? Annie’s passion for empowering young women to expand their mindset, embrace empathy, and share God’s love. In order to share God’s love, a young woman must continue to learn what love is. Woodlands is a place where that is happening every day. She joined Woodlands this fall because she felt the call to share the Sacred Heart Mission with more young women in Chicago and around the world.

Mrs. Maher spent many years in the private sector working in accounting for small to medium size businesses. She brings that vast skill set to her work at Woodlands. Mrs. Maher came to Woodlands because she was impressed with the school’s mission and reputation. Her favorite Woodlands tradition is the annual Christmas concert where the members of the choir sing by candlelight. She finds culture of the school to be one of support and warmth. Mrs. Maher has worked at Woodlands since 2017.

Ms. Steele became a teacher to accompany children as they navigate developmental stages and discover who they are as people and learners. She most loves those opportunities to connect individually with students, whether through a moment of laughter or a serious conversation. At Woodlands, she finds great joy in watching girls grow into young women, make decisions, and find their voices. Ms. Steele has been at Woodlands since 2015.

Ms. Ryan is a graduate of Barat College, a Sacred Heart School formerly located across the ravine from Woodlands. She felt a philosophical and spiritual alignment with the school when she came to work more than two decades ago. She has loved when she has had the opportunity to serve as a substitute advisor—enjoying the day-to-day, casual interactions with the girls. In those particular moments, among many others, she sees the advancement of the mission of the Sacred Heart and the encouragement of women’s voices in the public arena. Ms. Ryan has worked at Woodlands since 1996.

Kathleen has been with the Advancement Department of Woodlands Academy since 2015. After several years on the Alumnae Board and careers in marketing and communications with agencies, corporations and schools, Kathleen returned to Woodlands to manage Alumnae Relations. Now as the Director of Development and Alumnae Relations she loves to demonstrate how the philanthropic support of our generous benefactors including current and past parents, alumnae and friends plays a critical role in helping Woodlands thrive well into the 21^st century. Whether through a gift to the annual fund, through a multi-year pledge, or to a capital effort, Kathleen wants each donor to know that Woodlands Academy relies greatly on the generosity of our loyal community.

Mrs. Tami Hoekstra Rocha ’80 has firsthand experience of the transformative power of Woodlands’ Sacred Heart education as an alumna and past parent. She finds her work at Woodlands deeply satisfying because it helps her to promote the school’s mission of educating students to bring positive change in the world. Her favorite moment each year are reunion—welcoming alumnae near and far home to campus—and graduation, launching the newest class onto their next chapter. In addition to her years at Woodlands, Mrs. Rocha also has experience in consumer product businesses. She has been at Woodlands full time since 2009.

Ms. Steele became a teacher to accompany children as they navigate developmental stages and discover who they are as people and learners. She most loves those opportunities to connect individually with students, whether through a moment of laughter or a serious conversation. At Woodlands, she finds great joy in watching girls grow into young women, make decisions, and find their voices. Ms. Steele has been at Woodlands since 2015.

Mrs. Schmidt has held several positions through her years at Woodlands including social studies teacher, dean of students, director of student services, and currently principal. She works closely with the students as she oversees all aspects of student development outside of the classroom. Mrs. Schmidt especially loves co-directing the advisory program. Mrs. Schmidt strongly believes in single gender education and in the Sacred Heart mission. She has been at Woodlands since 1990.

Mrs. Tami Hoekstra Rocha ’80 has firsthand experience of the transformative power of Woodlands’ Sacred Heart education as an alumna and past parent. She finds her work at Woodlands deeply satisfying because it helps her to promote the school’s mission of educating students to bring positive change in the world. Her favorite moment each year are reunion—welcoming alumnae near and far home to campus—and graduation, launching the newest class onto their next chapter. In addition to her years at Woodlands, Mrs. Rocha also has experience in consumer product businesses. She has been at Woodlands full time since 2009.

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.

Mrs. Maher spent many years in the private sector working in accounting for small to medium size businesses. She brings that vast skill set to her work at Woodlands. Mrs. Maher came to Woodlands because she was impressed with the school’s mission and reputation. Her favorite Woodlands tradition is the annual Christmas concert where the members of the choir sing by candlelight. She finds culture of the school to be one of support and warmth. Mrs. Maher has worked at Woodlands since 2017.

Annie Ross was an Ivy League student athlete who was deeply engaged in women’s initiatives on campus. She carried her commitment to education, civic engagement and athletics into her work with schools and nonprofits focused on children and families. Annie has leadership expertise in sales, marketing and operations in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has worked in admissions at The Hotchkiss School and Kent School in Connecticut where she also taught and coached students who went onto become National Merit Scholars and Division I athletes. Annie dedicates herself to encouraging young women not to ever hide their light under a bushel. What brought Annie to Woodlands? Annie’s passion for empowering young women to expand their mindset, embrace empathy, and share God’s love. In order to share God’s love, a young woman must continue to learn what love is. Woodlands is a place where that is happening every day. She joined Woodlands this fall because she felt the call to share the Sacred Heart Mission with more young women in Chicago and around the world.

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.

Miss Sherony previously worked as a full time volunteer through the Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corp as a Student Support Assistant at Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School outside of DC. She chose to work at Woodlands Academy because she was drawn to the unique experience of working with both domestic and international high school students outside of the classroom setting. Her favorite memory so far has been move in week, which she thought was a lot of fun! She loved the organized chaos of moving students in, meeting their families, and starting the process of getting to know them. Miss Sherony enjoys how diverse both the students and faculty are here at Woodlands. She also likes how the students have no problem standing up for themselves and voicing their concerns which is an important trait for young females to be able to do. Miss Sherony has been with Woodlands Academy since 2019.

Throughout her time at the University of Dayton Ms. Smith learned the importance of living in community, supporting each individual and how their decisions impact others. After graduation she worked at a YMCA of Metro Chicago camp teaching middle school children team building and the joy of spending time in nature. Before joining the Woodlands Family, she worked as a Residence Life Coordinator at an Arts boarding school. During her time there she focused on good communication between students and staff, a wide range of life skills and a strong support for students everyday which she hopes to continue in the Woodlands Boarding Program. Ms. Smith has been with Woodlands Academy since 2019.

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 at 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. Ford began his career as an admission counselor for his alma mater. He soon discovered that his favorite part of his work was helping students find the right college fit. He most enjoys getting to know his students and hopes he can be a positive presence for them as they narrow down their college options. In 2014, Mr. Ford was awarded the James A. Alexander Newcomer Award from Illinois Association of College Admission Counselors. Mr. Ford has been at Woodlands Academy since 2016.