Meet Student and Support Services
Counseling Department
Bridget Buckley
Director of Counseling
Junior and Senior Guidance Counselor (A-J)
(See Principal’s Council
Years at St. Francis: 7
Years in Education: 14
Degree(s) Earned:
2011, Master of Arts in School Counseling, Lewis University
2008, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Illinois Wesleyan University
Samantha DePorter Freshman and Sophomore Counselor (F-R)
Years at St. Francis: 2
Years in Education: 7
Degree(s) Earned:
2018, Master of Arts in School Counseling, Roosevelt University
2014, Bachelor of Science in Family & Child Studies, Northern Illinois University
Michele Le Beau Guidance and Pastoral Ministry
Administrative Assistant
Years at St. Francis: 12
Years in Education: 13
Degree(s) Earned:
2006, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, The Illinois Institute of Art
Adam Lindley
Junior and Senior Counselor (K-Z)
Years at St. Francis: 12
Years in Education: 17
Degree(s) Earned: 2013, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, North Central College
2008, Master of Arts in School Guidance and Counseling, Lewis University
2006, Bachelor of Science in History and Social Science
Education, Eureka College
Jillian O’Connor
Freshman and Sophomore Counselor (S-Z)
Extras: Sophomore Class Co-Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 10
Years in Education: 17
Degree(s) Earned:
2014, Master of Arts in School Counseling, Concordia University
2008, Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, Loyola University, Chicago
Angelika Rupp
Freshman and Sophomore Counselor (A-E)
Extras: Arts & Crafts Moderator, SADD Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 23
Years in Education: 26
Degree(s) Earned:
2000, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Loyola University, Chicago
1997, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, DePaul University
IT Department
Jeff Gerdeman ’87
Director of Technology
Extras: Coaching - Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball
Years at St. Francis: 28
Years in Education: 28
Degree(s) Earned:
2011, Master of Business Administration, Northern Illinois University
1992, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, DePaul University
Tim Martens
Assistant Director of Technology
Years at St. Francis: 5
Years in Education: 7
Degree(s) Earned:
2011, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Illinois, Champaign
James Quinn
Information Manager
Extras: Assistant National Honor Society Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 15
Years in Education: 15
Degree(s) Earned:
2002, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland
Learning Resource Center
Amy Stumpf
Library Media Specialist (See Social Studies Department)
Years at St. Francis: 6 Years in Education: 13
Degree(s) Earned: 2012, Master of Science in Education - Instructional Technology, Northern Illinois University
1995, Bachelor of Arts in History, Coe College
Pastoral Ministry Department Department Chair: Michael Page
Christine Paolella ’08 Dougherty
(See Religion Department)
Extras: Senior Class Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 11 Years in Education: 11
Degree(s) Earned: 2012, Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, University of Dayton
Michael Page
(See Religion Department)
Extras: Coaching - Head JV Boys’ Soccer Years at St. Francis: 20 Years in Education: 27
Degree(s) Earned: 2000, Master of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago
1994, Bachelor of Arts in Art History, University of Illinois, Champaign
Kristen Ras
(See Religion Department) Years at St. Francis: 19 Years in Education: 22
Degree(s) Earned: 2017, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling, Concordia University
2012, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Catholic Theological Union
2003, Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, Bradley University
Lyn Schmidt
School Nurse
Wellness Office
Years at St. Francis: 6
Years in Education: 19
Degree(s) Earned:
1989, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Northern Illinois University
Sarah Anderson
Head Athletic Trainer, Athletic Department
Associate
(See Athletic Office)
Meet the Faculty
Business Department Department Chair: Mike Lynch ‘77
Mike Lynch ’77
Teaches: Consumer Education, Business Communications, Entrepreneurship
(See Social Studies Department)
Extras: Head Intramural Moderator, Coaching - Head Varsity Boys’ Volleyball
Years at St. Francis: 27
Years in Education: 27
Degree(s) Earned:
2009, Master of Education in Leadership and Administration, Benedictine University
1981, Bachelor of Science in Business/Finance, University of Illinois, Champaign
Brendan Tagler
Teaches: Accounting I, Business Law, (See Social Studies Department)
Extras: Coaching - Head Frosh/Soph Boys’ Golf
Years at St. Francis: 6
Years in Education: 8
Degree(s) Earned:
1996, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Roosevelt University
English Department Department Chair: Mary Pratscher ‘93
Jason Acardi ‘96
(See Performing & Visual Arts Department) Teaches: English II
(Jason Accardi Continued)
Extras: Coaching - Head Boys & Girls Cross Country Years at St. Francis: 2 Years in Education: 24
Degree(s) Earned: 2016, Master of Teacher Leadership, Concordia University Chicago 2001, Master of Science of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University 2000, Bachlor of Arts in English, Lewis University
Kate Kolasinski ’95 Doane
(See Performing & Visual Arts Department) Teaches: Yearbook
Extras: SFHS Graphic Designer Years at St. Francis: 21 Years in Education: 21
Degree(s) Earned: 1999, Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Eastern Illinois University
Susan Fairhead
Teaches: Honors English I, English I, English IV
Extras: Freshman Class Moderator Years at St. Francis: 19 Years in Education: 24
Degree(s) Earned:
2003, Master of Science in Education/AYA Language Arts, University of Dayton 2001, Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Dayton
Maribeth Giovenco
Teaches: English II, Honors English II, English III
Extras: Junior Class Co-Moderator Years at St. Francis: 3 Years in Education: 20
Degree(s) Earned: 2001, Bachelor of Arts in English, Keene State College
Kate Michel ’92 Kowalski Director of Activities (Social Studies Department)
Extras: Coaching - Assistant Flag Football
Teaches: English III, Speech, Creative Writing Years at St. Francis: 25 Years in Education: 27
Degree(s) Earned:
2009, Master of Education in Leadership and Administration, Benedictine University 2001, Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, National Louis University 1996, Bachelor of Science in English, Indiana University
Mary Pratscher ‘93
Teaches: AP® Honors English IV, English IV
Extras: Senior Class Events Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 26
Years in Education: 26
Degree(s) Earned:
2015, Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership, Concordia University
2005, Master of Arts in English, DePaul University
1997, Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, North Central College
Robin Schroeder
Teaches: English III
(See Social Studies Department)
Extras: Junior Class Co-Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 8
Years in Education: 9
Degree(s) Earned:
2014, Bachelor of Arts in English, Hope College
Dustin Uher
Teaches: English I, Honors AP® English III
Extras: Theater Assistant
Years at St. Francis: 1
Years in Education: 4
Degree(s) Earned:
2024, Master of Arts in English, Eastern Illinois University
2019, Bachelor of Arts in English & Secondary Education, Boston College
Mathematics Department Department Chair: Mary McCarthy
Kristina Abbott
Teaches: Honors Precalculus, Advanced Algebra,
Extras: Math Team
Years at St. Francis: 18
Years in Education: 19
Degree(s) Earned:
2006, Master of Education in Mathematics, The Ohio State University
2005, Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration, The Ohio State University
Delaina Blake
Teaches: Advanced Algebra, Algebra I
Extras: Math Team
Years at St. Francis: 12
Years in Education: 13
Degree(s) Earned:
2015, Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University
2012, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, Illinois State University
Bob Bonvallet
Teaches: Honors AP® Statistics, Honors Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry
Extras: Math Team
Years at St. Francis: 23
Years in Education: 30
Degree(s) Earned: 1979, Doctor of Mathematics, University of Illinois, Champaign
1979, Master of Science in Statistics, University of Illinois, Champaign
1972, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, University of Chicago
Katie Lembas
Teaches: Honors Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry, Geometry, Introduction to Statistics, Finite Math
Extras: Math Team
Years at St. Francis: 14
Years in Education: 16
Degree(s) Earned: 1997, Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, DePaul University
1992, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, University of Notre Dame
Mary McCarthy
Teaches: Honors Geometry, Precalculus I, Trigonometry
Years at St. Francis: 10 Years in Education: 14
Degree(s) Earned: 1992, Teaching Certification, Concordia University
1991, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, University of Notre Dame
Bill Morgan
Teaches: Geometry, Geometry Concepts
Extras: Math Team
Years at St. Francis: 1 Years in Education: 1
Degree(s) Earned: 2024, Master of Arts in Teaching,
(Bill Morgan Continued)
Eastern Illinois University.
2000, Master of Business Administration, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University
1998, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Loras College
1994, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Kate Schulte
Teaches: Precalculus
(See Principal’s Council)
Lisa Ston
Teaches: Honors AP® Calculus AB & BC, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry
Extras: Coaching - Head Varsity Girls’ Volleyball, Math Team
Years at St. Francis: 15
Years in Education: 17
Degree(s) Earned:
1998, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Dominican University
Maddie Wall
Teaches: Calculus, Algebra Concepts
(See Technology Department)
Extras: Math Team, MIEE Leadership Team
Years at St. Francis: 7
Years in Education: 7
Degree(s) Earned:
2018, Master in Secondary Education in Mathematics, Loyola University, Chicago
2016, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science, Loyola University, Chicago
Performing & Visual Arts Department
Department Chair: Bob Mamminga
Jason Acardi ‘96
Teaches: Guitar I, Guitar II
(See English Department)
Madelyn Alvarado
Teaches: Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Mixed Choir, Spartan Singers, Honors AP® Music Theory
Extras: Asst. Vocal Director Spring Musical, Liturgical Music, Vocal Jazz
Years at St. Francis: 2
Years in Education: 3
Degree(s) Earned:
2022, Bachelor of Art in Music Education, Milikin University
Kate Kolasinski ’95 Doane
Teaches: Digital Art, Communication Design
(See English Department)
Brandon Lewis
Teaches: Theatre Workshop I, Production Technology, Theatre Workshop II
Extras: Theatre Productions’ Director, Kuhn CAC & Audio Manager, Marching Band Assistant Years at St. Francis: 8
Years in Education: 19
2004, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, Columbia College
Bob Mamminga
(See Advancement Department)
Teaches: Music Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar I
Extras: Liturgical Music, Pep Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Drumline, Orchestra Director Spring Musical
Ann Pasteur
Teaches: AP® Art, Art IV, Art III, Art II, 3D Studio Art, Intro to Art
Years at St. Francis: 2
Years in Education: 25 Degree(s) Earned: 2008, Master of Science in Art Education, Northern Illinois University
1999, Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Northern Illinois University
Physical Education & Health Department
Department Chair: Kevin Kloss
Shane Frisbie
Teaches: Health, PE II
Extras: Coaching - Head Boy’s Golf
Years at St. Francis: 3
Years in Education: 5
Degree(s) Earned: 2024, Master of Science, Educational Health, University of St. Francis
2018, Bachelor of Science in Education Illinois State University
Kevin Kloss
Teaches: PE I, PE III, Lifetime Fitness
Extras: Coaching - Head Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse
Years at St. Francis: 6
Years in Education: 9
Degree(s) Earned:
2015, Master of Science in Education, University of Phoenix
2013, Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science, North Central College
Erin Kopec ‘00 Tuttle
Teaches: PE I, Spartan Study
Extras: Coaching - Assistant Varsity Girls’ Volleyball
Years at St. Francis: 1
Years in Education: 14
2011 Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, Aurora University
2004 Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with Corporate Fitness and Women’s Studies, University of South Carolina- Upstate
Scott Nelson
Teaches: PE II, PE IV
Years at St. Francis: 37
Years in Education: 41
Degree(s) Earned:
2001, Master of Sports Science-Exercise Physiology, U.S. Sports Academy
1984, Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, North Central College
Religion Department Department Chair:
Kristen Ras
Christine Paolella ’08 Dougherty
(See Pastoral Ministry Department)
Teaches: Religion III, Peace and Justice
Extras: Assistant National Honor Society Moderator, Senior Class Moderator
Beth Murphy
Teaches: Religion I, Religion III
Years at St. Francis: 1
Years in Education: 38
Degree(s) Earned:
1987, Master of Music, Northwestern University
1984, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Dominican University
Michael Page
(See Pastoral Ministry Department)
Teaches: Religion I, Christian History and Heritage
Extras: Coaching - Head JV Boys Soccer, Scenic Painting Fall Play and Spring Musical
Kristen Ras
(See Pastoral Ministry Department)
Teaches: Honors World Religion, Religion II, Religion I
John Schuller
Teaches: Religion II
Extras: Pop Culture Club Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 26 Years in Education: 38
Degree(s) Earned:
1977, Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, Loyola University, Chicago
Jenny Stiefel
Teaches: Franciscan Spirituality, Religion I
Years at St. Francis: 11
Years in Education: 19
Degree(s) Earned: 2012, Master of Arts in Theology, Loras College
2006, Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education, Clarke University, Iowa
Science Department Department Chair:
Patty Dahle
Vicki Beelow
Teaches: Biology, Chemistry Extras: HOSA
Years at St. Francis: 7
Years in Education: 8
Degree(s) Earned: 2023, Masters of Science, Illinois State University
2016, Bachelor of Science in Biological Science Education, Illinois State University
Patty Dahle
Teaches: Honors AP® Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Forensic Science, Environmental Science
Extras: Coaching - Scholastic Bowl, Intramural Assistant Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 17
Years in Education: 30
Degree(s) Earned:
1995, Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior, Benedictine University
1994, Master of Public Health, Benedictine University
1992, Bachelor of Science in Health Science/Biology, Benedictine University
Kim Fermoyle
Teaches: Honors AP® Physics C, Physics
Extras: Co-Engineering Club Moderator, MIEE
Leadership Team
Years at St. Francis: 8
Years in Education: 18
2003, Master of Environmental Civil Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology
1992, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, Champaign
Tom Juliano
Teaches: Introduction to Engineering, Honors Physics, Physics
Extras: Co-Engineering Club Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 9
Years in Education: 16
Degree(s) Earned:
2004, Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science, Drexel University
2001, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois, Chicago
Marcia Kadow
Teaches: Honors Biology, Biology, Environmental Science
Years at St. Francis: 19
Years in Education: 28
Degree(s) Earned:
2001, Master of Arts in Teaching, Miami University, Ohio
1994, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Biology, St. Mary’s University, Minnesota
Jay Olaszek ’91
Teaches: Honors AP® Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry
Years at St. Francis: 24
Years in Education: 27
Degree(s) Earned:
1999, Master of Science in Genetics, Northern Illinois University
1995, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Northern Illinois University
Social Studies Department Department
Chair: Robin Schroeder
Kate Michel’92 Kowalski
Teaches: Sociology, Criminology
(See English Department)
Mike Lynch ’77
Teaches: Honors Economics
(See Business Department)
Maddie Johnson
Teaches: World History, US II, US I, Psychology
Extras: Coaching - Asst. Freshman Girls’ Volleyball, Head Freshman Boys’ Volleyball
Years at St. Francis: 1
Years in Education: 5
Degree(s) Earned:
2020, Bachelor of Arts in History/Social Science and Secondary Education, Wheaton College
Bill Nunez
Teaches: World History, Geography, US II, US I
Years at St. Francis: 1
Years in Education: 13
Degree(s) Earned: 1994, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Sciences, Illinois State University
Robin Schroeder
Teaches: Honors AP® Psychology (See English Department)
Amy Stumpf
Teaches: Honors World History (See Learning Resource Center)
Brendan Tagler
Teaches: Honors AP® Government, Economics (See Business Department)
Anne Vogel ’16
Teaches: Honors AP® U.S. History, U.S. III, U.S. I Years at St. Francis: 4
Years in Education: 4
Degree(s) Earned:
2020, Bachelor of Arts in History/Social Science Education Illinois State University
Technology Department Department Chair: Maddie Wall
Dan Holleman
Teaches: Digital Literacy (See Principal’s Council)
Raeann Huhn
Teaches: Microsoft Office (See President’s Council, Principal’s Council)
Jessica Nicolella
Teaches: Digital Literacy
(See World Language Department)
Extras: Theatre Producer, MIEE Leadership Team
Years at St. Francis: 8
Years in Education: 8
Degree(s) Earned:
2017, Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature, Northern Illinois University
Maddie Wall
Teaches: Digital Literacy
(See Math Department)
Shuilan Wen
Teaches: Introduction to Programming
(See World Languages Department)
Years at St. Francis: 13
Years in Education: 15
Degree(s) Earned:
1996, Master of Science in Computer Science, Northern Illinois University
1987, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Chung-Yuan University, Taiwan
World Languages Department Department Chair: Elizabeth Brand
Anne Barclay
Teaches: Spanish I, Spanish IV
Years at St. Francis: 1
Years in Education: 19
Degree(s) Earned:
2000, Masters of Arts in Latin American Studies, Vanderbilt University
1995, Bachlor of Arts in History and Spanish, Wheaton College
Sada Boden
Teaches: Honors Spanish III, Spanish I
Years at St. Francis: 13
Years in Education: 22
Degree(s) Earned:
2002, Master of Arts in Instruction, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2001, Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Spanish, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Elizabeth Brand
Teaches: Honors AP® Spanish, Honors Spanish IV, Honors Spanish III
Extras: National Honor Society Advisor, Cognia Accreditation Coordinator
Years at St. Francis: 19
Years in Education: 19
Degree(s) Earned:
2011, Master of Science in Education-Educational Technology, Concordia University
2005, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education, St. Norbert College
Maria Kazlauskas
Teaches: Honors Spanish II, Spanish III
Extras: Student Government Co-Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 6
Years in Education: 20
Degree(s) Earned:
2002, Master of Arts in Social Work, Aurora University
1993, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Psychology, College of Holy Cross, Massachusetts
Laura Pizzo
Teaches: Spanish II, Honors Spanish II
Extras: Student Government Co-Moderator
Years at St. Francis: 3
Years in Education: 8
Degree(s) Earned:
1990, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Administration
Jessica Nicolella
Teaches: French I, French II, Honors French II, Honors French III, Honors French IV (See Technology Department)
Shuilan Wen
Teaches: Chinese I, Honors Chinese II, Honors Chinese III, Honors AP® Chinese (See Technology Department)
St. Francis High School is a Catholic, college preparatory learning community that promotes spiritual, academic, physical, and social development in the daily presence of Jesus Christ.
Kristina Abbott 1199
Jason Accardi ‘96 1219
Madelyn Alvarado 1208
Sarah Anderson 1211
Anne Barclay 1191
Vicki Beelow 1167
Delaina Blake 1168
Sada Boden 1197
Robert Bonvallet 1169
Elizabeth Brand 1165
Bridget Buckley 1105
Danielle Costello 1150
Patty Dahle 1158
Karla Dannheim 1100
Ron Darin 1138
Samantha DePorter 1110
Kate Kolasinski ’95 Doane 1156
Christine Paolella ’08 Dougherty 1164
Susan Fairhead 1198
Kim Fermoyle 1188
Becky Feltes ’97 Fischesser 1202
Shane Frisbie 1170
Jeff Gerdeman ’87 1119
Maribeth Giovenco 1186
Deanna Grivetti 1135
Dan Hardwick 1112
Dan Holleman 1157
Katie Holleman 1145
Anthony Holter 1220
Raeann Huhn 1100
Maureen Isphording 1120
