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Art/PE
B.A. Dominican University, Fashion and Design
Email: allegretti@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Allegretti is a 2019 alumna who wanted to come back to the place that gave her so much. Mrs. Morris was her art teacher and inspired her to be the artist and teacher she is today. Her degree in Fashion Design helps bring a new perspective on the creative field to her students. She loves athletics and has been coaching the high school volleyball team for the past 3 years.
Outside of Willows she is often thrifting, painting, or finding anything new to keep her busy.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Art 7, Art 8, PE 6, PE8, Science & Art 6
Science
B.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Psychology & English Literature
M.S.W. Washington University St. Louis, Clinical Social Work
Ph.D., Loyola University, Cultural and Educational Policy Studies
Email: anastasi@willowsacademy.org
Dr. Anastasi currently works part time as a private practice psychotherapist. Prior to this, she spent many years working as a school social worker at an elementary school. She completed her dissertation on the impact of ideological bias on international early childhood education policy. She is eager to introduce students to the vast field of Psychology including research, theory, and practical skills.
Dr. Anastasi loves traveling, reading, hiking and spending time with her family.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: AP Psychology
Chapel Coordinator, Theology
B.A. De La Salle University, East Asian Studies
M.A. University of the Philippines, Teaching Reading
M.Ed DePaul University, Curriculum and Instruction
Email: ang@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Ang enjoys studying events, political and philosophical thoughts, relating them to history and current times. She likes the Socratic method of teaching and learning.
Ms. Ang considers herself a keen observer of people and culture and loves adventures!
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Theology 6, Literature 7, Senior Capstone, Reading Enrichment
Chaplain
L.L.B. (Bachelor of Laws), Universidad Católica de Chile
S.T.B. (Bachelor of Sacred Theology), Pontificia Università della Santa Croce
J.D., Pontificia Università della Santa Croce
Email: arriagada@willowsacademy.org
Fr. Pete has been chaplain to several schools around the world. He is originally from Santiago, Chile, but has lived in several countries around the world (El Salvador, Italy, Spain, France and Texas, U.S.A.).
He has been a priest for over ten years and dedicated his second Ironman race to Willows Academy!
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Theology 12 and chapel period
Math Department Head
B.S. Marquette University, Math and Computer Science with a minor in Statistics
M.S. Johns Hopkins University, Biostatistics
Ph.D. Harvard University, Biostatistics
Email: birmingham@willowsacademy.org
Dr. Birmingham’s great interest in medical research has led her to participate in several publications in medical and statistical journals. She enjoys communicating her passion for research to the students, especially in the AP Statistics course.
She has eight children (six sons and two daughters), a fabulous husband, and a Goldendoodle. She is a huge hockey fan. Go Bruins!
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: AP Computer Science, AP Statistics, Pre-Calculus
Spanish
B.A. University of Illinois at Chicago, Liberal Arts & Sciences with a major in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing ect.
Email: borquez@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Borquez has a professional background in communications, public relations, social media, and marketing. She has worked in professional settings using both English and Spanish. Through her experience, she firmly believes the importance of not just learning a language but learning about the culture surrounding that language.
Ms. Borquez is a Willows alumna and is excited to return to join Willows’ mission to educate the whole person. She has volunteered for many years at Metro Achievement Center, and is passionate about mentoring and teaching girls about becoming the best versions of themselves.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Spanish II-IV/AP
Director of College Counseling
B.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Education with a Concentration in Special Education
M.S. National Louis University, Special Education Learning Disabilities & Emotional Disorders
M.S.Ed. Northern Illinois University, Educational Leadership and Administration
Email: brinckerhoff@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Brinckerhoff believes in the importance of understanding the social and emotional development of teenagers and young adults. Her extensive study of emotional development and the teenage brain enables her to guide our girls not only through the college admissions process but also through the expectations about what happens after the Willows.
As a former Willows parent, she understands the road parents are currently traveling on and feels her personal experiences can help families gain some perspective. She hopes to assure parents that while it can be a little scary raising teenagers, the future is bright!
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: College counseling
Math
B.S. Cornell University, Engineering
M.Ed Rutgers University, Math Education
Email: budde@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Budde worked in banking after college for 5 years before becoming a teacher. In her teaching career, she has taught in both private and public schools in five different states (NY, NJ, OH, VA and IL!). Her teaching experience has ranged from 7th grade math through AP Calculus.
Mrs. Budde has served on the school board in her town and is also trained to teach yoga. She loves restoring houses and learning languages!
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Algebra II
English
B.A. St. Mary’s College Kansas, Liberal Arts
B.A. University of Illinois at Chicago, History
M.A. University of Illinois at Chicago, Educational Leadership
Certification in Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
Email: cataniag@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Cataniag has taught in Catholic schools in the United States and Canada, primarily middle school grade levels in a variety of content areas. She joined the Willows team in 2023, wanting to send her daughter to, as well as teach in, an all-girls environment that gives freedom for the development of the whole person. She also has a son who attends Northridge.
In her free tine, Mrs. Cataniag likes to travel and mountain bike with her husband and children.
2023-24 Teaching Assignment: English 10, Language Arts 7, Intro Latin, Reading Enrichment
Bus Driver
Email: cedeno@willowsacademy.org
Before joining the Willows community, Mr. Cedeno used to be a security guard for 5 years, a fort lift driver over 20 years, and an Uber driver for 10 years. He is now our school bus driver.
Mr. Cedeno is married with five children — two girls and three boys — with a grandson in college and a granddaughter in middle school. He loves road trips as well as spending time with family and friends!
Front Office Manager
B.A. Loyola University Chicago, Theology
B.S. Loyola University Chicago, Psychology
Email: cculjak@willowsacademy.org
After graduating college, Mrs. Culjak spent a year of service living and serving at a home for pregnant women who were experiencing homelessness. She also served as a young adult/youth minister at a parish before joining the Willows family.
A few of Mrs. Culjak’s favorite things are coffee, dark chocolate, using watercolors, chasing sunsets, and hanging out with Jesus in Adoration. She and her husband, Tony, got married in 2024!
Math/Theology
B.A. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Middle Grades Education with a Concentration in Mathematics
Email: culjak@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Culjak is an alumna of the Willows Class of 2016. Willows was where she discovered her passion for math and helping others understand it. After attending the University of Illinois to follow that dream, she wanted to come right back to where it all started.
She is proud to be 100% Croatian and even has a dual citizenship!
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 6th Math Foundations, Algebra Foundations 6, Theology 8, W period
Director of MS Student Life, Theology/History
B.A. The University of Dallas, English
M.A. The Catholic University of America, English
Email: cusack@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Cusack has taught a variety of middle school classes at Willows and at our sister school Montrose in Boston. She is a Montrose alum (’99)! Over the years, she has furthered her education in her subject areas through classes, travel, presentations, and reading.
Ms. Cusack loves reading, singing, and traveling. A few highlights of her travel have been seeing and receiving the blessings of Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict, and Pope St. John Paul II; getting to visit the Holy Land; singing medieval and Renaissance polyphonic music in the great European cathedrals with her college choir; visiting the spot where the Nile emerges from Lake Victoria; and enjoying the beauty and history of many European countries.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 6th Geography, 7th Theology, W-Period Lead
History
B.A Marquette University, Secondary Education and History
M.Ed. National Louis University, Curriculum and Instruction
Type 75 Certification and Education Leadership Endorsement, North Park University
Email: czarnik@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Czarnik has a passion for learning and a love for History! Her love for history began at Willows in Mrs. Melody’s European History classroom. She is honored to now be teaching the course that was her favorite while attending Willows back in the day. As a history teacher, Mrs. Czarnik wants her students to find their voice to form and argue a well supported opinion. She is grateful that her own Willows experience prepared her to do just that and she is inspired every day that she can do the same for her own students.
Mrs. Czarnik is the youngest of five children, all of whom attended Willows and Northridge. Her mom (Barb Sunko) served as a past head of school and her dad not not only led the Fathers Club and annual Family Picnic but also served on the board for many years. She married her Northridge high school sweetheart, Josh Czarnik.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 12th History and AP History, European History 10, AP European History 10
English
B.A. Trinity College (CT), English and Educational Studies
M.A.T. Concordia University Chicago, Secondary Education with a Concentration in English
Email: daley@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Daley began her teaching career at the Willows Academy in 2021. She enjoys mentoring young women and sharing her passion for literature and composition with her students! She also coaches track and cross country at Willows.
Ms. Daley is an avid runner and an aspiring pickleball enthusiast. She loves spending time with her six younger siblings.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 8th and 11th English & Accelerated English
Admissions Director
B.A. University of Arizona, Political Science
Email: danielewicz@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Danielewicz’s background is in sports marketing. She first came to Willows as a Cross Country coach and fell in love the families, students and faculty. She enjoys the sense of community that is committed to helping young women be their best.
Her and her husband Michael have three fabulous children, Lucas, Allie and Tatum. They are a very active family and enjoy traveling and spending time together outdoors!
Executive Director
B.B.A. Loyola University, Finance
M.Ed. Erikson Institute, Child Development
M.Ed. Loyola University, Special Education
Certification in School Administration (anticipated)
Ph.D. Catholic Global Leadership (anticipated)
Email: dolack@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Dolack’s first job out of college was as an accountant for Tribune Broadcasting. She felt a desire to serve children and pursued graduate degrees in Education, taught at several Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and served on several Boards of Directors. She was asked by Monsignor Boland to join Catholic Charities to manage the Child Development programs and grew locations from 12 to 20.
She became the principal of St. Mary of the Angels School in 2009, when the school was earmarked to close. Under her tenure, the school has grown over 200% and has received awards in Character Development, Catholic Identity and is currently rated one of the best private schools in Chicago.
Ms. Dolack is a third generation Chicagoan who grew up in the northern suburbs. She has a profound love and zeal for Catholic education! As a graduate of all Catholic schools and universities, Ms. Dolack understands firsthand the importance of authentic Catholic education. She believes she has been called to serve by fusing together her degrees, strong work ethic, and love of the Catholic Church and her teachings.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Skills 9
Bus Driver
Email: douglas@willowsacademy.org
Mr. Douglas is our school bus driver! He is always willing to help out anybody at anytime. The Willows community is incredibly grateful for him and he appreciates the kindness everyone shows him in return.
Dean of Student Life, Science
B.A. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Biological Sciences
M.A.T. Cardinal Stritch University, Secondary Education
Email: fernandez@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Fernandez has a Masters of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Biology from Cardinal Stritch University. She loves nature and learning more about it each day together with her students.
She began at Willows as student teacher in the Fall of 2012 and has not left Willows since then! She loves the close-knit, family-like community. Ms. Fernandez enjoys working in an all-girls environment. It feels like home for her especially as the oldest of 8 girls in her own family.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 9th Biology, 12th Anatomy & Physiology, Reading Enrichment
English/History
B.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Home Economics Education
M.A.T. Northeastern Illinois University, Teaching of Language Arts
Email: filley@willowsacademy.org
Along with her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Mrs. Filley has teaching license endorsements for Social Science 5-8 and General Science 6-12.
Mrs. Filley is married and has three daughters. Her favorite travel spots are historical sites and sunny beaches. In her free time, she loves to swim laps and solve crossword puzzles.
2024-26 Teaching Assignment: History 7, History 8, Language Arts 8, Reading Enrichment
Assistant Head of School, Science Dept Head
B.A. Northeastern University, Biology with Minor in the History and Philosophy of Science
M.A. University of Pittsburgh, Bioethics
M.P.H. University of Pittsburgh, Public Health with a certification in Aging
Professional Year Certification in Science Education, University of Pittsburgh
Email: fortunato@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Fortunato is excited to pursue a second profession in education administration and science education after having worked in geriatric health care research. Her professional background has focused on the pedagogy of: STEM, bioethics, human life issues, and on living well through chronic and terminal illness.
Ms. Fortunato moved to Willows in 2021 after a 12-year stint at its sister school in the DC area, called Oakcrest School. There, she taught science during a key time of transition to a new campus and of mission-guided growth.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Science 7
Business & Development Coordinator
Email: garcia@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Garcia has over 15 years experience as an administrative professional with a strong knowledge of the inner workings of Willows Academy. She loves being able to support and assist her colleagues and the Willows Community.
Ms. Garcia loves spending time with her family, especially with her nieces & nephews.
Math
B.S. Bradley University, Civil Engineering
M.A.T. North Park University
Email: hortness@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Hortness as a degree in Civil Engineering and worked for over 20 years as a project manager for municipal projects in Boise, Idaho, DuPage County, Illinois, and the City of Chicago. She went back to school for her Masters in Teaching and now use her engineering experience to help students at the Willows relate math and science to real world situations. She taught algebra for many years in both Catholic and public schools.
Mrs. Hortness attended Willows Academy and graduated in the class of 1990. She has coached volleyball for most of the past 15 years and currently coach the Middle School team at the Willows.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Algebra 1 7/8, Algebra I 9, Geometry 9
Theology Dept Head, Theology/Philosophy
B.A. Albion College, Economics and Music
M.A. Northwestern University, Economics
Email: james@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. James taught economics and mathematics while a graduate student, became an actuary after graduate school, and later found her true calling in philosophy and theology.
She and her husband have six children, including two Willows graduates. Mrs. James enjoys cooking, Cross-Fit, and all things Shakespeare.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 10th Theology, HS Philosophy
English Dept Head, English/Theology
B.A. Boston College (junior year at Manchester College, Oxford), Secondary Education and English
M.A. University of Helsinki, English Philology and Literature
M.A. University of Dallas, English
Ph.D. University of Dallas, Literature (IPS: Institute of Philosophical Studies, UD)
Email: klein@willowsacademy.org
Dr. Klein has published articles on literature (including St. Thomas More’s Utopia, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poetry, and George Eliot’s Romola) and is currently working on a book on Hopkins. She helped to found a bilingual high school in Finland that prepared and continues to prepare graduates to study at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as at other universities in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the US. Before coming to Willows, she was a visiting professor for four years at the University of St. Thomas, MN.
Dr. Klein did Irish dancing during elementary school, a joy which she has passed on in our Enrichment classes! She has also been spreading her passion for Shakespeare through monologue competitions. Dr. Klein also speaks Spanish and Finnish.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 9th Theology, 12th English and AP English
Director of Operations & Events
A.AS Lexington College, Hospitality Management
B.S. Roosevelt University, Hospitality Management, Special Events
M.S. Boston College, Leadership & Administration, with a specialty in Executive Leadership
Email: leszczynski@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Leszczynski has worked in the hospitality industry for over a fifteen years, taking the time to understand the art and need for service in all aspects of one’s life – both professionally and personally. She has a passion for serving others and lives by the motto that a job completed is expected, but a job well done is done through the generosity of all those involved. She is grateful to be involved in the community that is Willows Academy.
Mrs. Leszczynski grew up in Trinidad & Tobago. As the second of seven children, she learned to serve at a young age and could not ask for a more fulfilling career than that of a hospitality professional.
French
B.A. University of Illinois at Chicago, Teaching of French
Email: lopez@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Lopez was previously an assistant teacher at the French School of the Northshore and a French tutor at UIC. She also had the opportunity to live in the South of France to teach English in 2022-23.
Although Ms. Lopez teaches French, her first language is actually Spanish. Her goal is to learn a fourth language – maybe Italian! She loves traveling, particularly to Mexico to visit her family.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: French I-AP
Physical Education
B.A. Knox College, Elementary Education
M.S. West Virginia University, Physical Education Teacher Education
American College of Education, Endorsement in English as a Second Language
Email: jdmarver@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Marver is the Physical Education teacher as well as the Head Varsity Girls Basketball coach. Before Willows, she spent her first 4 years of teaching working with elementary age students. Outside of the classroom, her passion is coaching basketball as well as teaching girls how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and grow into the best versions of themselves.
She grew up in Northbrook where her parents still live. Her brother lives right outside of St. Louis. Ms. Marver’s family are the biggest Willows basketball fans and never miss a game!
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 6th/7th/8th grade PE, Sport Fit Elective
Chief Financial Officer
B.B.A. University of Notre Dame, Accounting
J.D. The John Marshall Law School
L.L.M. The John Marshall Law School, Tax
Email: jmcnally@willowsacademy.org
Mr. McNally has worked in both industry and in public accounting during his career. His career has spanned 37 years. Mr. McNally has been involved with Willows since his first daughter began attending in 2003. He is a big Chicago/Notre Dame sports fan.
Mr. McNally has been married for 34 years. He and his wife have five children (3 girls, 2 boys). All three of his daughters are graduates of Willows Academy. He also acted as Treasurer of Willows Academy for 12 years.
General Manager
B.S. Marquette University, Business Administration Major – Economics & Finance
Master of Management Finance & International Business, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University
Email: mcnally@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. McNally’s business education and background in banking and IT provided the knowledge to manage the business needs of Willows.
She and her sisters thrived in an all-girls high school environment. Mrs. McNally and her husband were happy to find Willows for their three daughters to also thrive. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Athletic Director
B.S. North Park University, Mathematics
M.S. Ohio University, Athletic Administration
Email: meiner@willowsacademy.org
Before coming to Willows Academy, Mrs. Meiner worked as an Athletic Director at both Resurrection High School (5 years) and Trinity High School (10 years). She believes her vocation is to empower young women through sports. She will encourage all students to try new sports and to cheer for their fellow Eagles!
Mrs. Meiner and husband Jason have 2 kids – Chelsea and Derek. They live in Park Ridge. She continues to play soccer, enjoys running, and is a three time Chicago Marathon finisher!
Fine Arts/PE Dept Head, Art
B.F.A. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago-Museum Campus, Computer Animation and Architecture
M.Ed, Columbia College
Email: morris@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Morris has a well rounded professional visual art background teaching students in grades six through twelve. She instructs Montessori workshops through the American Montessori Society-AMS in art making/creation. Mrs. Morris is also part of a private school art teacher group that shares lessons and any ideas associated with an art classroom.
Mrs. Morris’ personal art background spans the fine arts of drawing/painting and sculpture to printmaking and digital film/photography. She believes that art asks students and herself to consider who they are and who they might be. In the classroom, she encourages students to experiment, to take chances, to gain confidence with a variety of artistic approaches, and learn to take artistic risks.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: All HS Art and electives
Athletic Trainer, Operations Coordinator
B.S. Loras College, Athletic Training
Email: meyer@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Meyer is a Licensed and Certified Athletic Trainer. She has a passion for health and wellness and helping athletes succeed on and off the court. Her favorite part of the job is seeing her injured athletes succeed on the court post rehab.
Ms. Meyer grew up in Dyersville, Iowa and has 1 younger brother. She has a passion for dance and loves being the Varsity Dance Coach at Willows. Her favorite things to do are read, spend time with family and friends and anything that involves the outdoors!
Assistant Facilities Manager
Email: montero@willowsacademy.org
Mr. Montero has over 15 years of experience as an electrician and handy man. He loves being challenged in his work and likes to make sure things are finished precisely.
Mr. Montero and his wife Lenette have been married for 19 years. They have two beautiful daughters. When he is not working, he loves spending time with his family at the park.
International Program Coordinator
B.A. University of Dallas, Elementary Education
M.A. Roosevelt University, Elem Ed
Email: pardilla@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Pardilla taught for the Chicago Public Schools. She has developed and implemented educational programs for UD, the Metro Achievement Center and various Catholic Parishes. Most recently, she developed and thoroughly enjoyed directing Camp Soar.
Mrs. Pardilla is the mother of nine children. She enjoys reading old classics and watching period movies. She also enjoys cooking with her children. Her favorite art period is French Impressionism, favorite foods are Thai food & french fries (although not together). Her favorite book is Jane Eyre and her favorite musicians are Dolly Parton, Dave Matthews, and Lauren Hill.
Theology & Parent Formation
B.S. Biola University, Nursing
Email: potter@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Potter worked in both pediatric and geriatric nursing before she became a mom. More recently, she completed a two year course of study in philosophy and theology offered through Opus Dei. Sharing what she learned in those classes with young moms in a variety of situations has been a big part of her life for the past several years. Now, she is also sharing that with the girls at Willows.
Mrs. Potter is an adult convert to Catholicism, coming into the Catholic Church in 2001 along with her husband and the three children they had at that time. They now have nine kids, and all but the youngest (who is still too young) have either graduated from or are currently students at Northridge Preparatory School or Willows Academy.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Theology 11
Marketing
B.A. University of Chicago, Political Science
M.A. University of Chicago, Teaching
Email: rhee@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Rhee taught middle school English in Chicago Public Schools for several years. When she decided to leave teaching to care for her growing family, Mrs. Rhee took on a few freelance writing projects before committing to a part time role at Willows. Currently, she manages Willows’ social media, writes content for the website, and is a part of other marketing projects as needed.
Mrs. Rhee is grateful for the wonderful community of families that center around Willows and Northridge. Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband and three young children!
Interim Director of Advancement
B.A. Loyola University Chicago, Philosophy
J.D. Ave Maria School of Law
Email: rodriguez@willowsacademy.org
After earning her undergraduate degree from Loyola, Mrs. Rodriguez worked in the advancement office for Alliance for Character in Education (ACE). She left to earn her J.D. at Ave Maria School of Law. Following law school, she worked in General Counsel’s office for the U.S. General Services Administration.
She is a Willows alum (class of ’95), parent of a graduate from the class of ’22, and have 5 more daughters on their way to being Willows alumnae.
Science/Math
B.S. Purdue University, Chemistry ACS approved
Email: rogg@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Rogg has a wide range of teaching experience, including: Graduate Teaching Assistant in Chemistry; High School Chemistry, Physics and Math teacher; Homeschool High School teacher for all subjects; and an elementary and middle school level teacher. She has also worked with a Catholic youth and family organization at the local, national and international levels. Currently, she has been named a University of Illinois Physics Fellow as part of the Illinois Physics and Secondary Science School NSF Partnership.
Mrs. Rogg enjoys walks in nature as well as crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She loves spending time with her husband and five beautiful children, as well as her wonderful son-in-law and four lively grandchildren.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Physics, Chemistry 10, AP Chemistry
Interim Head of School
B.A. Loyola University Chicago, Organizational Communications
B.A. Loyola University Chicago, Political Science
Email: stangel@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Stangel began her professional career as a speech writer for the Consul General of Japan and head of the political section of the Japanese Consulate in Chicago. After her children were in school full time she switched gears and began teaching P.E. and was Assistant Athletic Director at Willows Academy. She spent the last 5 years as the Dean of Students before stepping into the role of interim head of school.
She is an alum of Willows (class of ’87) and attended school in the very first Willows Academy up in Glencoe, IL. She and her husband Mike have been married for 32 years and have six children and two grandchildren. All four of their daughters graduated from Willows Academy.
English
B.A. Illinois State University, Secondary Education with concentration in English
Email: kestangel@willowsacademy.org
Ms. Stangel is a proud Willows alum who attended the school from 6th grade until graduation! During her time as a student here, she participated in various clubs, student council, sports, and theater.
At ISU, she published in the English Literary publication, worked as a volunteer note taker and tutor for various English courses, and developed & presented student-centered lesson plans to present to a committee of students and professional educators.
She feels blessed to have this opportunity to work at the place to which she attributes her fondest memories and greatest personal development!
2023-24 Teaching Assignment: 6th, 7th, 9th English
Science/Math
B.A. University of Chicago, Environmental Studies
Teaching Certificate, Trinity Christian College, Elementary Education & Middle School Science
Certification in Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
Email: toler@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Toler’s degree in Environmental Studies ties together her interest in biology, chemistry, math, and economics and how it all comes together in our environment and affects us as individuals and as a society.
Mrs. Toler and her husband, Chad have been married 27 years. They have adopted six children.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Language Arts 6th, 7th/8th Math, Science & Art 6th
Music
Performance Degree in Voice/Music with teaching certificate, Hochschule für Musik und Theater Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdi in Leipzig, Germany
Master in Voice Performance, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart
Email: vining@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Vining would like to share her love of music with the Willows community. It is through her intensive musical background, especially in vocal performance and leading choirs, that she feels confident to bring beauty and creativity into the girls’ daily schedule.
Mrs. Vining grew up and studied in Germany. She is a third generation Music Teacher in her family. She and her husband have four children: two in college and two currently at Willows and Northridge.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: All choirs & instrumentals
History Dept Head
B.S. De Paul University, Education with a concentration in History
M.Ed. Concordia University, Curriculum and Instruction with a Social Studies Concentration
Email: walsh@willowsacademy.org
Mrs. Walsh is an alum, and has taught history for every grade at Willows! She has a daughter at Willows as well. Through the course of her teaching career, this is her third time teaching at Willows. In between, she owned a Quilt Pattern Design company and taught quilting and color to adults. She also taught art at Embers Academy.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: 9th History, 11th History with AP
Math/Science
B.A. Illinois State University, Community Health Education
B.A. Western Governors University, Educational Studies with a Concentration in Secondary Biological Sciences
M.A. Western Governors University, Secondary Mathematics
Email: welnack@willowsacademy.org
With degrees in both math and science, Mrs. Welnack is dedicated to inspiring and supporting young women as they explore and advance in STEM fields. She loves teaching students about women who have shaped the field in math and science, such as Marie Curie and Beatrix Potter.
As a wife and mother of three teenagers, Mrs. Welnack brings a relatable and nurturing perspective to her teaching and relationship-building with students. She enjoys hiking in the woods with her family and being in the garden.
2024-25 Teaching Assignment: Geometry 8, Geometry 10, Pre-Calculus 12, Science 8
Director of Family Formation
B.A. Lake Forest College, Elementary Education and History
M.Ed. University of Illinois at Chicago, Curriculum & Instruction
Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago, Curriculum & Instruction
Email: vasquez@willowsacademy.org
Dr. Vasquez has more than 20 years experience in education as a school leader, teacher, instructional coach, evaluator, and researcher, with a focus on professional development of teachers and parent partnership. She has had many roles at Willows as student and administrator.
Dr. Vasquez (’97) and her husband, Raul, have three children including a daughter at Willows.
Marketing Mastermind
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