The staff at St. Mary School is dedicated to serving the needs of the students and their families and would be happy to assist you in any way we can! You may contact staff members directly by email or by contacting the school office at 708-442-5747.
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Administration & Office Staff
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Mrs. Lisa Garza
Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Instruction Email: [email protected] Phone: 708-442-5747 |
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Mrs. Jennifer Thomsen
Office Secretary |
Early Learners Faculty
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Mrs. Alexandra Timmins
Pre-K 3 Email: [email protected] My name is Alexandra Timmins. I am delighted to be starting my second year at St. Mary’s as the full-time PreK 3 teacher and part time Reading Resource teacher. The 2022-2023 school year marks my 13th year in the Archdiocese of Chicago. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. After starting my career in early childhood, I decided to go back to school and pursue my Masters Degree. I wanted to expand my knowledge and continue to grow as an educator in the early childhood field. I received my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University. Outside of the classroom, I like to spend time with my husband, our dog Clarke, family, and friends. Preschool is a delightful time for your little one and I am excited to be part of your child’s education. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. |
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Mrs. Bridget Cantafio
Pre-K4 Email: [email protected] I am delighted to teach preschool here at St. Mary. I have over twenty years experience teaching preschool in the Catholic school. The preschool program at St. Mary focuses on promoting the social, emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual growth and development of each child. The preschool program offers daily opportunities for each child to use their imagination and become engaged with hands on experiences. Academically and spiritually each child will begin to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. The daily lessons gently guide each child to appreciate the abundant love of God enhancing respect, kindness and love for themselves an others. As their journey begins in preschool at St. Mary, the children will develop the sense that learning is fun and the friendships they develop will be life-long friendships. |
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Mrs. Erin Austin
Pre-K4 Email: [email protected] Welcome to Pre-K4! My name is Erin Austin. I am excited to teach your little ones here at my Alma Mater! I attended St. Mary School from Pre-K3 all the way through 8th grade. I am overjoyed to be back in the place that I called home for so many years of my life. I look forward to watching the spiritual, cognitive, social, academic, and emotional growth of your child. As an alumna of St. Mary School, I can gladly say that your child is in good hands! I have developed life-long friendships here, and I am positive your child will too! Please feel free to contact me at any time! |
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Mrs. Ellen Keenan
Kindergarten Email: [email protected] Welcome to Kindergarten at St. Mary School! My name is Mrs. Ellen Keenan and I am excited to begin my second year in Kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year. I am new to St. Mary, but not to teaching. I have taught in the primary grades for approximately 16 years in Illinois and Wisconsin. I am looking forward to the new school year and so happy to be a part of the St. Mary School team! Please feel free to contact me at any time at [email protected]. |
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Mrs. Joan Richards
Kindergarten Email: [email protected] I am blessed to be in my third year at St. Mary School as a Kindergarten teacher. My teaching career began in Uvalde, Texas as a first grade teacher. I learned I enjoyed working with younger children and continued my teaching career in Chicago. In addition to teaching first grade in the Chicago Archdiocese, I've also been a Montessori teacher, preschool teacher and a reading and math interventionist. As I approach 20 years as an educator, I am still immensely thankful for the joys teaching brings to my life and I make it my goal to foster fun and special memories in my students' Kindergarten year. |
Primary Faculty
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Mrs. Michele Pietruszynski
1st Grade Email: [email protected] Welcome to First Grade! My name is Michele Pietruszynski and I am thrilled to be a part of the Saint Mary community and teaching First Grade! I graduated from Saint Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Language Arts and Mathematics. Throughout my educational career, I taught First Grade, Pre-K four-year olds, and Kindergarten. I feel very blessed to be a part of a wonderful faith-based learning community here at Saint Mary School. First grade is an exciting time as your child embarks on a new adventure in the world of learning. I would like to share some of my philosophies of teaching with you. As a First grade teacher, my philosophy is first and foremost to respect and appreciate each child's unique learning style and personality. I will create a positive and nurturing environment that promotes the growth of the whole child intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Also, I believe every child should be actively involved in their learning and be given opportunities to make choices, share, express ideas, and discover. In order to do this, I will provide fun and interesting hands-on activities that will challenge each child and help them become lifelong learners. Next, I think it is important to integrate the teachings of our Catholic faith into all the happenings of our First Grade day. This allows my students to learn about and explore our faith together in so many ways. Lastly, I believe that parents are the primary educators of their child and I look forward to a partnership with you. Thank you for entrusting your child with me. I am so excited to continue my journey at St. Mary School and be a part of your child's life and educational experience. First Grade is such a magical time and I cannot wait to create wonderful and fond memories for your child! If you have any questions please contact me. |
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Mrs. Amy Janney
1st Grade Email: [email protected] I am Amy Janney, and am honored to begin my first year teaching first grade at St. Mary School. With 32 years of experience teaching in Catholic schools and certifications in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the state of Illinois, I bring a wealth of knowledge to this role. I am working on my Special Education Endorsement and have specialized training in the "Orton-Gillingham Method," a structured literacy approach for children with dyslexia or reading difficulties. I am excited to join the St. Mary community. |
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Mrs. Julie Buscemi
2nd Grade Email: [email protected] My name is Julie Buscemi and I am excited about starting my 21st year as a second grade teacher at St. Mary School! I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Elmhurst College and a Masters in Education from St. Xavier University. I love being part of St. Mary and look forward to an exciting year with First Reconciliation and First Communion! |
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Mrs. Elizabeth Turek
2nd Grade Email: [email protected] My name is Elizabeth Turek and I am thrilled to be starting my eleventh year teaching second grade at St. Mary School. In a Catholic school setting, second grade is a special place to be! The children take their preparation for First Reconciliation and for First Holy Eucharist very seriously. This is the time when the children begin to have a better understanding why we, as Catholics, do what we do. Second grade is full of exciting activities and lessons! |
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Mrs. Milka Kutlesa
3rd Grade Email: [email protected] Welcome to Third Grade! This is my fifth year teaching at St. Mary School. I am very excited to be your child’s learning and spiritual companion this year. I will help your child to grow academically, spiritually and socially. Thank you for letting me be a part of your child’s life this year. If you ever need to talk to me regarding your child, please email or call the school office at 708-442-5747 to leave a message. I am here for your child and you. Let’s work together for a memorable school year filled with faith and learning! |
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Mrs. Kristy Rhatigan
3rd Grade Email: krhatigan@stmaryriverside.org My name is Kristy Rhatigan and I am very excited to start my first year as a 3rd Grade teacher at St. Mary School. I received my degree from Butler University and am currently working towards my Masters in Education at Saint Xavier University. I am honored to be a part of the St. Mary's community and I look forward to a wonderful year. |
Middle School Faculty
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Mrs. Colleen Selimos
4th and 5th Grade Social Studies Email: [email protected] Hello! My name is Mrs. Selimos and I am a 4th grade homeroom teacher and teach Social Studies and Grammar to all 4th and 5th graders. This is my 9th year teaching at St. Mary and 15th year of teaching. I graduated from Marquette University with majors in both Elementary Education and Psychology. I have a 6 year old daughter, Sadie, and 3 year old son, Sean, who also attend school here at St. Mary. Teaching is my passion and I am very fortunate to be a part of such a caring and supportive community here at St. Mary. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. |
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Jr. High Faculty
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Ms. Olivia Bober
Jr. High Social Studies Email: [email protected] My name is Ms. Bober, and I teach junior high Social Studies. I am looking forward to helping students explore history through projects, small group work, and research activities. We will be analyzing primary and secondary sources, studying images, and working on literacy skills. I hope to make history meaningful to students, instill a passion for learning, and increase critical thinking skills. This will be my eighth year teaching Social Studies at St. Mary and my tenth year in education. I graduated from DePaul University with my degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Sciences and my teaching license with my middle school endorsement in social studies and high school social sciences and history. I am working on obtaining my LBS1 endorsement. |
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Mr. Glenn Crosswhite
Jr. High Science Email: [email protected] My name is Glenn Crosswhite, and I am the Junior High science teacher here at St. Mary School. This will be my eleventh year teaching science for the Archdiocese of Chicago. I studied at National-Louis University, where I obtained my master’s degree in education. I am endorsed in both middle school science and middle school mathematics. My approach to teaching science is very much inquiry-based. We will learn science by doing science. I incorporate a great deal of hands-on experimentation at all grade levels, and there is a strong focus on data analysis. Naturally, mathematics will be an integral part of our study of science. I consider it one of my primary responsibilities to ensure that the students I teach are fully prepared to succeed in honors and advanced placement science classes at any of the area’s top high schools. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of so many wonderful students. |
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Ms. Colleen Manika
Jr. High Math Email: [email protected] My name is Colleen Manika, and I am excited to be the new Junior High Math Teacher at St. Mary. Though this is my first full-time position here, I am well-acquainted with the community, having been a substitute teacher from 2010-2012 and a long-time member of St. Paul VI Parish. I have extensive teaching experience, including 12 years in Indian Springs School District 109 and over 10 years at St. Leonard School in Berwyn, and I am eager to share my passion for math with your child this year. |
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Ms. Susan Whisson
Jr. High Reading Email: [email protected] This is my third year teaching at St. Mary School. I have plenty of teaching experience in all grades 2-8. This is my 15th year working in the Archdiocese of Chicago. This year I am teaching Junior High Reading. I look forward to watching your children expand their knowledge in Reading and their faith in Jesus. When I am not working I love spending time with my 3 dogs Elwood (10), Duke (5 or 6) and Sassie Cassie (9 months). I also love watching the CUBS, BEARS and BLACKHAWKS! If you ever need to talk to me regarding your child, please send a note, email me or call the school office to leave a message. I am here for your child and you. Let’s work together for a memorable year filled with faith and learning! |
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Mrs. Joan Butvilas
Jr. High Language Arts Email: [email protected] My name is Joan Butvilas, and I am thrilled to join St. Mary as the new junior high ELA teacher. With over 30 years of experience in special education, including a long tenure at Proviso West High School District 209, I am excited to return to a Catholic school where I first began my career. I'm excited to bring my background in teaching ELA and my passion for supporting students to St. Mary School. |
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Specials Faculty
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Mrs. Donna Day
Music Email: [email protected] My name is Donna Day, and this is my 4th year teaching music at St. Mary. I received my BA from Dominican University (which I still call Rosary College) and my MA from National Louis University. Much of my musical training was from Vandercook College and real life experiences. I have been in the church choir, Morton College and Concordia University choirs for several years. My family and I are part of the St. Mary Parish, and we love St. Mary! |
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Mrs. Carolyn Johnson Art Email: [email protected] Hi, my name is Mrs. Carolyn Johnson. This is my 19th year at St. Mary School as the Art Teacher. I have a BA in art from Rosary College (AKA, Dominican University) and some Graduate credits from Aurora University in conjunction with the Art Institute of Chicago. I have a lovely family with two married sons and 3 wonderful grandchildren! My husband Dan is retired, but is working at home with a company called Legal Shield. I love teaching Art to the students at St. Mary and together we discover many wonderful things about art and how it relates to the world around us. We try to explore as many media and elements of art as we can throughout the year. I am continually amazed at the beautiful art I see every year! It has been my great privilege to participate in this part of your children’s lives. Please visit the St. Mary Artsonia page to view your child’s work. On this website, you may also purchase products with your child’s work displayed on it and a portion of the proceeds goes to St. Mary to purchase the many art supplies we use every year!
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Miss Ashley Grengs
Reading Resource Email: [email protected] My name is Miss Grengs and I am so excited to be back for my seventh year at St. Mary School. My favorite part of teaching first grade is seeing students' excitement about learning and growth throughout the year. My goal is to make school fun for all my students! I was born and raised in Westchester, IL and was blessed to attend Catholic schools from Pre-School though 12th grade. I graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 2016. I have volunteered as a Religious Education catechist and I have coached 6th and 7th grade and U11 club girls' volleyball. I have a passion for traveling. I also love shopping, spending time with family and friends, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Blackhawks. I love being a part of the St. Mary family and I look forward to what this year will bring! |
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Mrs. Jan Walsen
Math Resource Instructor, Math Support Email: [email protected] My name is Mrs. Walsen, and I serve as the Math Resource teacher at St. Mary School. This role allows me to support student growth in grade level standards by pushing into math classrooms to provide any needed assistance. I also work with small groups of students through a pull-out program. Our small group meetings are designed to address specific foundational skills, provide additional instructional opportunities, and reinforce concepts. The goal of these interventions is to benefit the students in their mathematical learning and growth while engaging them across the math domains. Remember: Math is everywhere! |
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Mrs. Jeanine Watylyk
Liturgical Music Email: jwatylyk@stmaryriverside.org This is my second year at St. Mary School and my 5thyear teaching within the Archdiocese of Chicago. As the former Music Director of Mater Christi Parish for the last eight years, I am delighted to now be collaborating with students at our weekday, all-school and sacramental liturgies, with a variety of musical styles and upbeat tempos. |
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Ms. Susan Whisson
Athletic Director Email: [email protected] This is my third year teaching at St. Mary School. I have plenty of teaching experience in all grades 2-8. This is my 15th year working in the Archdiocese of Chicago. This year I am teaching Junior High Reading. I look forward to watching your children expand their knowledge in Reading and their faith in Jesus. When I am not working I love spending time with my 3 dogs Elwood (10), Duke (5 or 6) and Sassie Cassie (9 months). I also love watching the CUBS, BEARS and BLACKHAWKS! If you ever need to talk to me regarding your child, please send a note, email me or call the school office to leave a message. I am here for your child and you. Let’s work together for a memorable year filled with faith and learning! |
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