St. Francis de Sales School Current Faculty and Staff Baumann, Cyndi
This is Cyndi Bauman’s first year at St. Francis de Sales. Cyndi has been a substitute teacher for fourth and fifth grade students. One of her favorite things about St. Francis de Sales is the family atmosphere. When Cyndi grew up, she actually wanted to be a civil engineer.
Cyndi grew up in Buffalo Grove, where she attended St. Mary’s Catholic School. Her favorite teacher was Miss Ellis, who taught first first grade, and was young and cool, was a hippy and did different things for the school like starting school plays.
Cyndi has four children. Her hobbies include reading, walking, and playing with her dogs. Cyndi likes to catch up on sleep during her days off, and would like to travel and see more of the United States.
Bodo, Michelle
Mrs. Bodo has been teaching at St. Francis de Sales for 14 years. She first knew she wanted to be a teacher when she played “school” as a kid. Mrs. Bodo grew up Mundelein, IL, and attended Santa Maria grade school and Carmel Catholic High School. Her favorite teachers were Mrs. Demeco, who was peppy and positive, and Miss Belinski, her English teacher at Carmel. Mrs. Bodo is married and has two daughters. Mrs. Bodo’s hobbies include biking, gardening and flower arranging. On her days off, she enjoys spending time with her kids and organizing her home.
The following historical moment, book and poem, and people, have made an impact on Mrs. Bodo: 9/11 and the importance of family; The Notebook and how losing a family member to dementia or death makes you cherish every minute with your family, and the poem Be Strong; her parents, grade school principal, and the importance of being a good friend.
Mrs. Bodo’s future goals include wanting to make sure students treat each other properly, and instill in students and parents that it is okay to make mistakes, and that mistakes can be used in a positive way. Mrs. Bodo would also like to someday create a blog on effective parenting.
Bosch, John
Mr. John Bosch grew up and studied in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago. Mr. Bosch received his Bachelors in Elementary Education from St. Xavier University with endorsements in Mathematics, Social Science and Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1). Mr. Bosch began his mathematical teaching career at St. Bruno and St. Mary of the Angels in Chicago. Subsequently, Mr. Bosch pursued an opportunity to gain experience to utilize his LBS1 endorsement for several years at Metro Prep in Arlington Heights and The Cove School in Northbrook. While Mr. Bosch thoroughly enjoyed his experiences at the alternative schools, his desire was to go back and teach Mathematics, ultimately joining St. Francis de Sales in 2017. Together with his wife, Martha, Mr. Bosch welcomed his first daughter, Evelyn, this past November. While Mr. Bosch is not teaching, he is either coaching or officiating soccer or more importantly cheering on his favorite team FC Barcelona. During the remainder of his time, Mr. Bosch enjoys walking and playing with his dog, Marley. Bryant, Diane
Mrs. Diane Bryant has been at St. Francis for 17 years and her family has been a member of the Parish for 36 years. She started by volunteering with music and helping the music teacher and later developed the Cantor program here. She has two sons, both of whom attended St. Francis, and she recently welcomed her first grandchild! What Mrs. Bryant likes most about St. Francis de Sales is the community feeling, the closeness of the families, and that it generally feels like a home away from home. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, going for walks and enjoying nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Buss, Lisa
Mrs. Lisa Buss grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. She knew she wanted to be a teacher since the third grade. Mrs. Buss graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and spent her first 7 years teaching fourth grade in the Chicago Public Schools. After taking time off to be at home with her three sons, she kept busy subbing where she fell in love working with our youngest learners. After spending the last five years teaching children 3-5 years old in Barrington part-time, she couldn’t be happier to join the St. Francis de Sales community. She finds the people the best part about our school! Mrs. Buss enjoys baking and spending time with her family.
Butler, Kathy
Mrs. Kathleen Butler grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago--and yes, she’s a Cubs fan! Ask any of Mrs. Butler’s siblings or childhood friends, and they’ll tell the same story of growing up with Mrs. Butler: Her favorite activity was playing “school.” Of course, she was always the teacher and gave everyone assignments and even homework! She never had to wonder what she wanted to be when she grew up. The only question is whether she would be a nun or a lay teacher!
Mrs. Butler’s educational experiences centered mostly around Catholic settings. She attended St. Edwards in Chicago and later St. Joseph the Worker in Wheeling. Carmel High School for Girls--back in the day, the girls were on one side and the boys on the other--is where she met her future husband, John. After achieving a Bachelor’s of Arts in English and a Secondary Education certification from Northeastern Illinois University, Mrs. Butler became a high school English teacher at Loyola Academy. In addition to teaching English, Mrs. Butler helped out with the Loyola Academy theater program and also earned a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lewis University.
After six years at Loyola, Mrs. Butler turned her attention to her two young sons at home, Brendan and Jack, giving the stay-at-home-mom job a try. Not able to stay away from teaching for long, however, she ran creative workshops and theater workshops out of her home during this time, joined an improvisational theater company, and founded a community theater. Later, she moved to Hawthorn Woods and was hired by The College of Lake County Business and Industries Division to facilitate corporate workshops on business writing, presentation skills, editing and communications. She worked there for ten years.
As her newest child, Grace, approached school age, Mrs. Butler knew that she had to find a job closer to home. That’s when she decided to become an English teacher and theater director at St. Francis de Sales! She loves the kids, the faculty, the staff and the parents, who have brought her many smiles over the years. This is her eleventh year teaching and directing at St. Francis. The most satisfying part of her job is hearing from her old students who come back to tell her about their successes in high school and college. Quite a number of her students have become writers, actors, and teachers--how thrilling!
Mrs. Butler’s favorite things to do are spending time with her family, especially singing around the piano, being active outdoors (running, biking, and hiking) and, of course, reading!
Chappell, Nancy
Mrs. Nancy Chappell realized she wanted to change careers and become a teacher when she noticed her kids learned differently. She had to teach them how to read and became fascinated. She went back to school to acquire a Masters Degree in Education and has been a teacher at St. Francis since 2008.
Mrs. Chappell’s (who is a first generation American) family consists of her husband, two daughters, and their leopard Gecko Comet. When not spending time with family or outdoors, you can find her cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks or traveling. She would love to go back to Italy and visit Greece in the future. Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Jane Addams are some public figures she admires.
Patricia Cole
Mrs. Patricia Cole grew up in Mequon, WI and attended Catholic school. She recalls her Catholic school days as very small, with only one classroom per grade and the nuns lived in a convent across the parking lot.
Mrs. Cole decided she wanted to be a teacher in fourth grade when all the Catholic schools of Milwaukee did a music program called I Wonder as I Wander and decided to fulfill her passion after her own children started school. Her credentials include vocal performance and method of teaching music DePaul Orff-Schulverk certification. Her favorite thing about teaching at St. Francis is the vibrancy of the students, the enthusiasm, the parent involvement and she feels very spoiled by the parents. She has been teaching for 18 years, three of which are at St. Francis.
Colletti, Linda
DeRuntz, Phillip
This is Phillip DeRuntz’s second year teaching at St. Francis. He previously taught 5th grade in Buffalo Grove. Mr. DeRuntz spent 4 years in the U.S. Army, and then attended University of Illinois where he graduated Summa cum Laude with a B.S. in Finance. He was a Management Consultant with Arthur Andersen where he assisted Fortune 100 clients on improving their strategic business operations. When he returned to the University of Illinois to earn his Master’s Degree the University’s staff led him to the elementary school sector where he experienced how he could positively change children’s lives.
Mr. DeRuntz went on to become a school psychologist and earn his Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification from Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health System. He is currently the Executive Director of Student Advocacy Specialists, LLC. This past summer, Mr. DeRuntz was chosen by the Archdiocese of Chicago to attend the Early Childhood Leadership Academy. This was an intensive, week-long program at the Cardinal Meyer Center, designed to enhance the capacity to influence early childhood policy leading to positive outcomes for young children and their families.
In addition to teaching children, he enjoys teaching graduate students as an adjunct professor with the University of Wisconsin and volunteering as a Disaster Mental Health Specialists with the American Red Cross.. Mr. DeRuntz currently serves as an elected Trustee on the Lake County Regional Office of Education Board and as a Fire Commissioner on the Warren-Waukegan FPD.
Mr. DeRuntz grew up in Granite City, IL, which is located near St. Louis. He attended catholic school, similar to St. Francis, except nuns taught him. Mr. DeRuntz also completed one year of seminary. His favorite teacher from his days in school was his 2nd grade teacher, Sister Theresa, who he remembers as being very young and compassionate. From this experience, he leads every interaction with children with the quote by Henry James, “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”,
Mr. DeRuntz has been happily married for more than 25 years, his wife from Malaysia, and he has four brothers. Growing up, Mr. DeRuntz always knew that education was important. Mr. DeRuntz is an amateur horologist, and he collects watches and repairs antique clocks. He loves to travel internationally, as well as to Hawaii with his wife.
Dunne, Kim
Mrs. Kim Dunne was raised and lives in Palatine, IL. She is married with 2 children, a daughter and a son. Her hobbies are reading and spending time with her family. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education and Concordia University with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Dunne taught preschool for 3 years and Kindergarten for 8 years in District 62, Des Plaines, IL. She took a leave of absence from teaching to stay at home with her children, where they became her students, because you can take the teacher out of the school, but you can’t take the school out of the teacher. Mrs. Dunne returned to the classroom as a long-term substitute teacher and teacher assistant. She is so excited to be back in the classroom at St. Francis de Sales, where she gets to do what she loves, making learning fun for the little ones.
Geusz, Jeanne
Mrs. Jeanne Geusz was born in Washington DC and has lived in Maryland and New Jersey. She moved to Illinois 25 years ago. She is married with a daughter and son. Her hobbies are cooking, exercise, Yoga and walking. Mrs. Geusz attended all girls Catholic school from grade one all the way through high school. Like others, Mrs. Geusz is at St. Francis because she was a St. Francis Mom first, with a degree in biochemistry. She was offered an opportunity to join st nd the staff as a teacher’s aide for 1 and 2 grades. Mrs. Geusz has been at St. Francis for 15 years. What she enjoys most about St. Francis is to watch the students in grades 5 through 8 - to see the light of these students as they progress academically and emotionally.
Gillis, Lauren
Mrs. Lauren Gillis was born in Kildeer, Illinois. She is a graduate of St. Francis de Sales Parish School. She is married with three daughters who all attend St. Francis. Mrs. Gillis’ family has deep roots within the Parish School – her father attended the first class that opened at St. Francis! By the time she was in kindergarten, Mrs. Gillis knew she wanted to become a teacher. Her favorite teacher was Mrs. Egizio in the fourth grade, who was compassionate, patient, and understanding.
Mrs. Gillis has a Psychology Degree from the University of Dayton and a Masters in Elementary Education from National Louis University. She has taught preschool through second grade and loved something different about each grade. Mrs. Gillis’ favorite thing about teaching is watching her students teach other students what they have learned. What Mrs. Gillis enjoys most about St. Francis de Sales is the sense of family within the community and the commitment that parents have towards the school.
Grom, Theresa
Mrs. Theresa Grom grew up in Libertyville and has lived her whole life in Lake County, Illinois. Her family consists of her husband, four sons , and a daughter. She also has one grandchild. Mrs. Grom attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through college and received her degree in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Her entire teaching experience has been in the Archdiocese of Chicago. She is also a certified catechist. Mrs. Grom comes from a family of teachers and knew she wanted to be a teacher in third grade. She has experience teaching every grade Kindergarten through 8th grade. She enjoys working with her colleagues and the families at St. Francis de Sales. Her free time is spent reading, traveling (especially following her daughter’s marathon races), and spending time with family. She also works at Six Flags Great America and plans to retire in Arizona.
Hadaway, Michelle
Helgeson, Lynne
Mrs. Lynn Helgeson grew up in Rolling Meadows. She is married with two sons. Her hobbies are watching all sports, outdoor activities, reading, scrap booking and shopping. The person in history she most admires is Mother Theresa, whose life and work showed her that anyone can make an impact in the world in any way. Mrs. Helgeson attended St. Theresa Catholic School, which had many nuns. Like others, Mrs. Helgeson is at St. Francis because she was a St. Francis Mom first, looking for work when her children were in school full time. She was offered an opportunity to join the staff as a kindergarten aide. Mrs. Helgeson has been at St. Francis for 15 years. What she enjoys most about St. Francis is the students and wonderful families.
Hensley, Jennifer
Mrs. Jennifer Hensley grew up in the Highland Park/Lincolnshire area. She is married with two sons and a daughter. Her hobbies are spending time with her youngest son and reading. At a very young age, Mrs. Hensley knew she wanted to be a teacher – both her parents were teachers (and later a sibling). Her favorite teacher was her high school English teacher, who made learning fun. Mrs. Hensley graduated from Northeastern University. She taught 15 years at Emanuel Lutheran/Christ Lutheran in Vernon Hills. She has been at St. Francis for 3 years. What Mrs. Hensley enjoys most about St. Francis is the staff.
Jeske, Sarah
Mrs. Sarah Jeske was raised in Lake Zurich. She is married with a young son. Her hobbies are reading, crafting, sewing and volleyball. While playing with her cousins at a very young age, Mrs. Jeske always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She is a graduate of St. Francis de Sales Parish School. Her favorite teacher was Mrs. Cyz in the first and second grades, who made learning fun. (She still keeps in contact with her!) Mrs. Jeske graduated from Carthage College. She has been a teacher for 6 years, 3 of them at St. Francis. Her favorite thing to do on her days off is spend time with family.
Johnson, Susan
Kovas, Caren
Kvist, Gena
Mrs. Gena Kvist grew up in Long Island, New York and lived most of her adult life in Connecticut. She is married with a daughter and son. Her hobbies are yoga and a book club that she started. While working in the corporate world, one of her opportunities was to teach technology to staff. It was at that time Mrs. Kvist realized she wanted to be a teacher. Mrs. Kvist obtained her Master’s Degree from North Park University. She has been at St. Francis for 8 years. What Mrs. Kvist enjoys most about St. Francis is the community closeness.
Mack, Tim
Meyer, Marion
Marion has lived in the Lake Zurich area with her husband and two children, (not really children, ages 32 and 30!) for thirty-four years. This past year, she was blessed with a grandson! Her daughter and son graduated from St. Francis and Carmel Catholic High School. Mrs. Meyer has worked in the school office for the last nineteen years. All starting with volunteering in the office one day a week! Her first three years in the school secretary position were the years of construction and the first year (2003-2004) in the updated school and addition. She loves how many wonderful families she’s met and continues to meet every year. She especially enjoys visiting our preschoolers and when the graduates come back to visit the school. Every day is special and different!
Muir, Karen
Mrs. Karen Muir was born and raised in Niles, Illinois, and has lived in Lake Zurich for about three years. She attended K-8 at Our Lady of Ransom in Niles. Mrs. Muir earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an ELL endorsement from National-Louis University. She is currently taking classes toward a learning behavior specialist endorsement. Mrs. Muir has taught for 14 years, and this is her 2nd year at St. Francis de Sales. Prior to teaching at St. Francis, Mrs. Muir taught middle school English Language Arts for 11 years.
Outside of school, Mrs. Muir enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children, both of whom attend St. Francis, and her lovable white Labradoodle. During the summer, you can find Mrs. Muir and her family boating on the Chain o’ Lakes or playing golf. Mrs. Muir and her family like attending, and even volunteering, at different community events in Lake Zurich, such as Alpine Fest and Rock the Block. Mrs. Muir enjoys teaching at St. Francis and is drawn to the strong sense of community that exists within the school and parish. There are many opportunities, such as weekly masses and Spirit Day, for students, parents, teachers, and staff to come together as one. Mrs. Muir is proud to be both a teacher and parent at St. Francis. Go Eagles!
Nigro, Rita
Mrs. Rita Nigro grew up in the Northwest side of Chicago. Her family consists of her husband, daughter, and son. Mrs. Nigro attended Catholic school for 16 years. Her favorite teacher was her honors sophomore English teacher – Mrs. Frasier. Her memory of her was like being a mom and teacher. She attended Loyola University. Mrs. Nigro had hoped to be a writer, but while studying English in college and earning her certification in education, she realized what an important job teaching was while student teaching. Teaching was extremely rewarding to her. After college, she was a teacher for 15 years, and followed then to corporate America for 10 years. Luckily, Mrs. Nigro returned to teaching at St. Francis in 2007. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Mrs. Nigro’s hobbies include: scrapbooking, gardening, puzzles, writing fiction, and loves to read. Her future goal is to survive two children attending college! Mrs. Nigro has many nice things to say about St. Francis de Sales School. She loves: the coherent team, loves her colleagues because they work great together, has a great support system, and loves working with the kids.
Parkinson, Liz
Mrs. Liz Parkinson grew up in Niles. Her family consists of her husband, two sons, two daughters in law, and two grandkids. She attended Catholic school at St. John Brebeuf in Niles. Her memories of St. John’s were of big classes (50 students in a class), very strict and structured, many nuns, and an 8th grade class that had 200 students. Mrs. Parkinson attended Northeastern University for an Education Masters in Teaching and Language Arts. At a young age, Mrs. Parkinson played school. She came from a family of teachers. Her mother taught 3rd grade and her aunt was a nun and taught at Holy Family Academy. Mrs. Parkinson’s hobby is to read. Her favorite things to do on her days off are stay home, relax, and sleep. Mrs. Parkinson’s favorite part of St. Francis de Sales School are the kids! Rita Salit
Mrs. Rita Salit grew up in Galesburg, IL into a family of 7 children. She attended Catholic elementary/middle school through 9th grade. She has a Master’s in Chemistry from IIT and worked in the pharmaceutical industry almost 20 years, starting as an analytical chemist and finally as a regulatory affairs professional advising teams on global regulations for developing new therapeutics. She is currently enrolled in National Louis University pursuing a Masters in middle school science (5-8th gr). She realized she wanted to be a teacher after she started volunteering at school, began subbing and discovered her passion for teaching science. She is in her second year teaching middle school science at St. Francis de Sales. Nothing is more rewarding to her than watching her middle school students question and look for answers to all things science related.
Mrs. Salit is married with 2 teenage children. While her children were attending St. Francis de Sales, she served in many roles including: girl scout leader, girls volleyball coach, several PTO board positions, as well as substitute teacher. She and her husband enjoy attending their children’s sporting events, outdoor exercise, and golfing.
Miss Schaal
Miss Schaal grew up in Lake Zurich, Illinois. She is a member of St. Francis de Sales and received both her first communion and confirmation at the parish. Her family consists of her mother, father, sister – who teaches English in South Korea and her two cats. Miss Schaal received her Elementary Education degree from Illinois State University. On the weekends, Miss Schaal likes to spend her time playing tennis. She knew that she wanted to become a teacher after having an amazing second grade teacher. Miss Schaal’s favorite part about St. Francis School is the welcoming community and the dedication both parents and teachers have towards the students.
Joan Schmitt Mrs. Joan Schmitt grew up in Elmhurst, IL and attended Catholic schools for sixteen years. Most of her teachers were nuns and priests. Her favorite teacher, Sister Kathryn Ann from high school, was sweet and gentle, inspiring, and recognized each person’s individual talent.
Mrs. Schmitt graduated from Loyola University with a B.S. in Psychology. She worked as a consultant and she and her husband were foster parents for several years before their own children were born.
When her children began school, Mrs. Schmitt volunteered at their school and then became a substitute teacher. She realized that teaching was her true vocation and enrolled in Roosevelt University where she earned a Master’s in The Art of Teaching. Mrs. Schmitt has always loved the elegance of math, and it is still her favorite subject. She loves “seeing the light bulb go on” when a student has an epiphany. Her favorite thing about teaching at St. Francis is the collegiality amongst her peers.
Mrs. Schmitt is married and has three children and five grandkids. When she has time off, the Schmitts visit family in Seattle and Denver. Mrs. Schmitt enjoys reading mysteries,, but her hobbies also include hiking, playing the piano, gardening, playing Scrabble and doing needlework. When looking to the future she notes she would like to take classes just because she likes to learn, explore different cultures, and perhaps volunteer as a docent.
Schmitt, Kyle
Slater, Rob
Mr. Rob Slater is the Band Director at St. Francis and has been here since 2006. His high school band director Marty Magnini opened his life up to the world of music like he had never seen. Although he was considering becoming a teacher, this experience showed him how he can make music both serious and fun at the same time. He enjoys performing a lot on his instrument (trumpet) and has also sang in choir beginning in 4th grade all the way through high school. Mr. Slater loves that everyone within the community is very welcoming, accommodating, and supportive of the arts. He’s especially appreciative of Fr. Ryan who allows the kids to use the church for band concerts.
On days off Mr. Slater likes to spend time with his wife Allison, who is a French teacher, watching the Cubs, and going to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Southerton, Tina
Mrs. Tina Southerton grew up in Norridge, Illinois. Her family consists of her husband, son, daughter, 3 cats, and a dog. Mrs. Southerton received her degree from Northeastern University. Following college, Mrs. Southerton worked for the Chicago Public Schools for 15 years and has been with St. Francis for 2 years. On her days off, Mrs. Southerton loves to hang out with her family. Her future goals include growing professionally and taking care of her family. One of the biggest impacts on Mrs. Southerton’s life has been the success of her parents. Mrs. Southerton’s favorite parts of St. Francis de Sales School are the children and the community!
Van Wetering, Tina
Miss Tina Van Wetering grew up in Palatine, IL. and attended Catholic pre-school. Her favorite teacher was her 4th grade teacher because she approached her teaching with a lot of projects and activities and a different kind of learning.
Miss Van Wetering decided she wanted to be a teacher when she was very young as she likes children and has a lot of teachers in her own family. Miss Van Wetering went to Spain in high school for a month and she attended Illinois State University and Majored in Spanish, TESOL (similar to ESL for second language). Her favorite thing about teaching at St. Francis is her co-workers, as they were very helpful as she completed her first year of teaching at St. Francis.
Miss Van Wetering is the youngest of 4 children. Her sister and brother are teachers and another brother who is an artist. When she has a day off she enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew. Her hobbies include a softball summer league and coloring. When looking to the future she notes she would like to teach English abroad. The person who has inspired her most is her mom who came from Cuba when she was 8 and didn’t speak English. She went back to school after having kids to be a teacher.
Wiseman, Lise
Mrs. Lise Wiseman grew up in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where she attended a Catholic grade school and a Catholic high school. Her favorite teacher was Mrs. Noe because she made her freshman Humanities class interesting, fun and challenging. When she was little, Mrs. Wiseman alternated between dreams of being a teacher or an astronaut. Then, she took classes in computer programming in middle school and high school and discovered an interest in technology. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Computer Engineering. She was an IT Consultant with Accenture for 11 years.
Mrs. Wiseman is married and has two daughters at St. Francis. While taking time off to be with her daughters, she became an active volunteer at the school and in Lake Zurich Girl Scouts. She enjoys working with kids and has been a Girl Scout leader for 5 years and a GS Day Camp Director for the past 4 summers. She is grateful for the opportunity to bring computer science to the students at St. Francis! When not at school, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.