Faculty & Staff Directory
Faculty
- English
- Fine Arts
- Global Education
- International Languages
- Science
- Social Studies
- Physical Wellness
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Theology
English
Jennifer Brostrom
Master of Fine Arts, American University M.F.A.
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.
Erin Brysiewicz
Master of Science in Eduation, Northwestern University
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.
Matthew Nuccio
Master of Arts, University of Chicago
Fine Arts
Mr. Jose Avalos
Cert. of Secondary Ed. Art Ed. - California State University
MA - New Mexico State Univerity
MFA - Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Mr. Jesse Borower
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.
Justin Goh
Global Education
Jessica Campbell
Bachelor of Education, University of Western Ontario
Master of Education, University of Texas R.G.V.
International Languages
Beverly Adamczyk
Master of Arts, Classical Studies, Loyola University Chicago
Master of Arts, Theatre, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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.
Evelyn Dorman
Master of Science, Journalism, Northwestern University
Master of Professional French Studies, French Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Leah Strobel
Master of Arts, Foreign Language & Literature, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Doctor of Philosophy, Hispanic Languages and Literature, University of Pittsburgh
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.
Science
John Denman
Master of Science, DePaul University
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.
Julia Dunn
Master of Education, DePaul University
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. Valerie Rickert
Doctorate of Philosophy, Loyola University of Chicago
Master of Arts in Teaching, Dominican University
Social Studies
Peter Cashman
Master of Arts, George Mason University
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.
Ms. Moira Kelley
Mr. Jeremy Sands
Master of Arts, Loyola University Maryland
Physical Wellness
Rosemary Briesch
Master of Science, George Williams College
Ms. Briesch has worked at Woodlands since 1973.
Christine Ohlwein
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.
Mathematics & Computer Science
Elliot Coffey
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.
Rocco Gargiulo
Master of Arts in Teaching, Grand Canyon University
MAT, Grand Canyon University
Shao-Yun Guo
Bachelor of Arts, University of California-Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts, University of California, Berkeley
Master of Science in Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
Juris Doctor, University of California - Hastings College of the Law
Courtney Pomije
Dr. Valerie Rickert
Doctorate of Philosophy, Loyola University of Chicago
Master of Arts in Teaching, Dominican University
Theology
Melissa Judah
Master of Education, Creighton University
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.
Christine Zapf
MBA Washington University
MAPS Loyola University
Bachelor of Arts, University of Notre Dame
Master of Business Administration, Washington University
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.
Administration & Staff
- Academic Office
- Admission
- Business Office
- Dean's Office
- Head of School
- Institutional Advancement
- Leadership Team
- Marketing & Communications
- Residence Life
- Student Services
Academic Office
Christine Schmidt
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.
Rocco Gargiulo
Master of Arts in Teaching, Grand Canyon University
MAT, Grand Canyon University
Patty Drummond
M.Ed, University of Illinois - Urbana
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.
Christine Grasenick
Mrs. Grasenick is the first face our students see when they walk in the door every morning. She loves that her role allows her to greet the students on a daily basis and check in with them. Her favorite Woodlands memory is when the students selected her to be the recipient of the adult Sacred Heart award in recognition of her warmth and caring. Mrs. Grasenick has been at Woodlands since 2015.
Jessica Rosenberg
Master of Science in Education, City University of New York, Hunter College
Admission
Alexandra Maegdlin
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.
Julie Castellini
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.
Michelle Hujer
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.
Shalonda Jones
Angela Robinson
Business Office
Christine Grasenick
Mrs. Grasenick is the first face our students see when they walk in the door every morning. She loves that her role allows her to greet the students on a daily basis and check in with them. Her favorite Woodlands memory is when the students selected her to be the recipient of the adult Sacred Heart award in recognition of her warmth and caring. Mrs. Grasenick has been at Woodlands since 2015.
Josephine Blake
Master of Business Administration, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Jennifer Clinton
Ms. Clinton comes to Woodlands Acadedmy with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and was previously a manager at a small orthopedic surgeon's office. She was inspired to come to Woodlands to get the chance to work with young women, helping them build confidence, independence, self-awareness, and to develop leadership skills. Her favorite WA moment is graduation, when she gets to see all of the girls who have worked so hard to get where they are, knowing that they are on their way to bigger and brighter futures. She believes it is what we all work toward, to help them grow and prepare them for their next adventure. Ms. Clinton most enjoys the relationships that she has built with her co-workers and with the students while being at Woodlands. Ms. Clinton has been at Woodlands Academy since 2017.
Geraldine White
Bachelor of Arts, Knox College
Dean's Office
Dr. Brigitte Kusevskis
Master of Arts, Dominican University
Doctor of Philosophy, Cardinal Stritch University
Head of School
Dawn Nichols
Master of Arts, Western Illinois University
Doctor of Education, Nova Southeastern University
Institutional Advancement
Ms. Sarah Hindman
Ms. Hindman is a Class of 2014 graduate of Woodlands Academy – participated in Kaleidoscope, basketball, and Service Club during her time at Woodlands. She began her career at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago in their Mission Advancement department and decided to come back and use the skills she learned to benefit her alma mater.
Leadership Team
Rocco Gargiulo
Master of Arts in Teaching, Grand Canyon University
MAT, Grand Canyon University
Mary Kelly
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Marquette University
Alexandra Maegdlin
MS, Northwestern University
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.
Dawn Nichols
Master of Arts, Western Illinois University
Doctor of Education, Nova Southeastern University
Christine Schmidt
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.
Geraldine White
Bachelor of Arts, Knox College
Marketing & Communications
Shalonda Jones
Alexandra Maegdlin
MS, Northwestern University
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.
Residence Life
Jessica Curbis
Bachelors of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Saint Joseph's College
Master of Divinity, Catholic Theological Union
Amy Graham
Bachelor of Arts, University of Pennsylvania
Ms. Moira Kelley
Alexandra Santos
Student Services
Meg Kincaid
Master of Arts, University of South Florida
Master of Arts, Hofstra University
Doctor of Philosophy, Hofstra University
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.
Elliot Coffey
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.
Jessica Rosenberg
Master of Science in Education, City University of New York, Hunter College