Faculty & Staff Directory
Faculty
- English
- Fine Arts
- Global Education
- International Languages
- Science
- Social Studies
- Physical Wellness
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Theology
English
Ms. Jennifer Brostrom
MFA, American University, Washington, D.C.
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.
Mrs. Erin Brysiewicz
MSEd, 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.
Mr. Matthew Nuccio
MA, University of Chicago
Fine Arts
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.
Mrs. Lauren Moldenhauer
MM, Catholic University of America
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.
Global Education
Ms. Jessica Campbell
MEd, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
International Languages
Mrs. Beverly Adamczyk
MA, Ancient Greek, Loyola University Chicago
MA, Theater History, University of Illinois
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. Julia Sands
MA, The American University of Paris
MEd, Loyola University of Chicago
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.
Dr. Leah Strobel
MA, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
PhD, 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
Mrs. Kristen Black
MAT, National Louis University
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. John Denman
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. Julia Dunn
Med, 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.
Social Studies
Mr. Peter Cashman
MA, 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.
Mr. Matthew Nuccio
MA, University of Chicago
Physical Wellness
Ms. Rosemary Briesch
MS, George Williams College
Ms. Briesch has worked at Woodlands since 1973.
Mrs. 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
Mr. 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 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. Rocco Gargiulo
BBA, Grand Canyon University
MAT, Grand Canyon University
Ms. Courtney Pomije
Dr. Valerie Rickert
MA, Dominican University, River Forest, Il
PhD, Loyola University of Chicago
Theology
Ms. Melissa Otter
MEd, 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.
Mrs. Christine Zapf
MAPS, Loyola 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
Mrs. Christine Schmidt
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. Rocco Gargiulo
BBA, Grand Canyon University
MAT, Grand Canyon University
Mrs. Patricia Drummond
MEd, University of Illinois
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.
Ms. 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.
Admission
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.
Annie Ross
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.
Business Office
Ms. 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.
Ms. 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.
Mr. Brian Gosell
CPA
Mr. Gosell brings more than 30 years of business management experience to his role at Woodlands. His entrepreneurial background boasts a diverse skillset in accounting & financial management, human resources, general business operations, and a passion for efficiency and team building.
Dean's Office
Ms. Emma Hindman
MEd, Loyola University
Ms. Hindman previously served as a Hall Director in Residence Life at Xavier University and as Assistant Director of Student Life at Dominican University. She is a proud alumna of the Woodlands class of 2010. Her Woodlands experience has served as a foundation of who she has grown into, both personally and professionally. Ms. Hindman felt that choosing to come back to Woodlands was like coming home! For her, the best part of being here, is the unique experience of being a part of a small and relationship-focused community, where each individual is celebrated. Ms. Hindman has been at Woodlands Academy since 2019.
Head of School
Ms. Margaret Steele
MEd, Lesley University
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. Mary Ryan
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.
Institutional Advancement
Mrs. Kathryn Fivelson
Mrs. Fivelson started her career with the Sacred Heart Network at Sacred Heart Schools on Sheridan Road, where she worked for 13 years in many roles. Coming to Woodlands Academy has felt like home for her, just as it did at Sheridan Road. She believes that the community of people make all the difference here at Woodlands. Mrs. Fivelson’s favorite time of year at Woodlands is the first day of school because it is really an experiance! She enjoys workng here because she thinks the people are the best! Mrs. Fivelson has been at Woodlands Academy since 2015.
Ms. Kathleen Reidy
MBA, University of Notre Dame
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
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 21st 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 Rocha
Barat College
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.
Mrs. Colleen Treutler
Mrs. Treutler is a strong believer is single-sex education. She has held many roles in secondary education, including database management, development, and registrar. She also spent many years as a travel consultant. Mrs. Treutler knew Woodlands was a special place when she first walked through the door, a sentiment that was reinforced by her friends who graduated from the school. One of her favorite Woodlands memories was traveling to France to visit the home of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Mrs. Treutler enjoys watching the growth of each Woodlands student as she works hard and develops during her time here—much like watching a plant grow from seed into a beautiful flower. Mrs. Treutler has been at Woodlands since 2011.
Leadership Team
Ms. Margaret Steele
MEd, Lesley University
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. Christine Schmidt
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 Rocha
Barat College
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. Rocco Gargiulo
BBA, Grand Canyon University
MAT, Grand Canyon University
Mr. Brian Gosell
CPA
Mr. Gosell brings more than 30 years of business management experience to his role at Woodlands. His entrepreneurial background boasts a diverse skillset in accounting & financial management, human resources, general business operations, and a passion for efficiency and team building.
Mrs. 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.
Mrs. Annie Ross
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.
Marketing & Communications
Mrs. 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.
Mr. John Rodas
While Mr. Rodas confessed that he didn't know a lot about Woodlands Academy prior to coming here, he admits that he chose to stay because of the incredible sense of community that we all share here. He feels that the people genuinely care for and support one another, and it's unlike any work environment he’s ever experienced. He loves the first day of school each year. The way that the seniors always have something clever up their sleeve in terms of thematic decor and pranks. He also loves seeing how they translate a stayed tradition into something new each year. There's a nod to what's been done before but each new crop of seniors put their individual stamp on things--it's a collective expression of their class personality. Mr. Rodas really enjoys the varied nature of his day to day responsibilities--photography, video, design, social media, visiting classrooms, collaboration between faculty and staff, interaction with students and parents –because each day brings a new challenge or experience. Mr. Rodas has been with Woodlands Academy since 2010.
Residence Life
Ms. Myrtle Castro
MA, Eastern Illinois University
Ms. Castro has experience in working with students of various backgrounds at both secondary and higher education levels. She is passionate about helping students understand that "progression overrides perfection," and in promoting and educating on topics of diversity and equity. She chose to come to Woodlands because the mission and goals align very closely with her own personal beliefs. Her experience has been fun from the start, even during the interview! As a residence life coordinator, Ms. Castro enjoys being in an education role that is outside the classroom and hopes to instill in students that education and learning is a never-ending cycle. She likes working at Woodlands because the community is so kind and welcoming, and she felt like she was at home as soon as she moved in. Ms. Castro has been with Woodlands Academy since 2019.
Ms. Brynna Sherony
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.
Ms. Nicole Smith
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.
Student Services
Dr. Meg Kincaid
MA, University of Southern Florida
MA, Hofstra University
PhD, 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.
Mr. 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 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. Michael Ford
MA, Wayne State University
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.