Name: Larry A. White

Years of Teaching: 30 years (4^th year as Principal of St. Leonard School)

Educational Background: BA at Benedictine University 

and a Master’s Degree in school administration at 

Aurora University.

Philosophy of Teaching: Do not let what you cannot 

do interfere with what you can do.

Family Information: Wife, Kim who is head of the 

fine arts department at Nazareth Academy. Son, 

Zachery, age 26 who will be getting married next summer and daughter, Courtney, age 20 who will be getting married on New Year's Eve.                                         Art Miro Photography

Hobby/Interest: Assistant varsity football coach at Nazareth Academy.

Name: Lauren DeLonjay

Years at St. Leonard: 22^nd year at St. Leonard School - just promoted from Administrative Assistant to Chief Financial Officer.

Educational Background: Graduated from Steinmetz High School in Chicago many years ago!!

Philosophy: Education is a gift that is often taken for granted. Children are like sponges so willing to soak up any knowledge we can teach them. Both of my children graduated from St. Leonard School. It has been my second home ever since due to the wonderful faculty, the family atmosphere here, as well as the gift of being surrounded by children of all ages. Children are truly a gift from God and I am very thankful that I have been given the opportunity to work in a school surrounded by these gifts from God.

Family Information:  I have been blessed with 2 married children whom I adore, Heather and Brian (both graduated from St. Leonard's and then Nazareth Academy). My children have also blessed me with 4 adorable grandchildren (Justin – 11, Lily – 2, Taylor – 1, and Quinn – 5 months all of whom I absolutely adore!!

Hobbies:  Babysitting my grandchildren, spending time with my family, my job, gardening, music and reading.

Name: Maureen Martin

Years working in a School:  4 years as an aide at St. Bernardine's, 3 years at St. Leonard as an aide, and now the Receptionist for St. Leonard School.

Educational Background:  Loyola University

Philosophy:  To help every child attain their full potential

Family Information: I have a husband named George and 2 children, Annie & Georgie who are both now in college.

Hobby/Interest:  Shopping!!

Name: Amy Kukuc

Years of Teaching: 7 years

Educational Background: Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Triton College, 1999; Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Valparaiso University -2001; Master’s Degree in Reading & Literacy from Lewis Univ., August 2006.

Philosophy of Teaching: I want every child in my classroom to be a life long learner. Learning should be fun, challenging and non-threatening.

Family Information: I am recently married to my wonderful husband and we just bought a house in Plainfield.

Hobby/Interest:  I enjoy home improvements, knitting, fishing, and reading.

Kindergarten

Name: Ruthann Brady

Years of Teaching: 7 years

Educational Background: Sociology major with specialization in Early Childhood Education from Dominican Univ.

Philosophy of Teaching: Challenge children to be their best selves!

Family Information: Married 28 years, daughter Caitlin – graduate of St. Leonard, Trinity High School – and currently attending college

Hobby/Interest:  Reading and being with children

Name: Noreen Mickelsen

Years of Teaching: 26^th year at St. Leonard.

Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree from National Louis University and a Masters Degree from Dominican University in 2000.

Philosophy of Teaching: To guide children to grow in God’s love and be life-long learners.

Family Information: Married to Ron Mickelsen; 2 sons and 5 grandchildren

Hobbies:  Shopping and spending time with my grandchildren.

Name: Heather Nieting

Years of Teaching:  1^st year of teaching

Philosophy of Teaching:  Inspire children to want to learn.  Children are curious by nature and they learn best when they are genuinely interested in the subject matter.  This will also encourage lifelong learning, as curiosity doesn’t go away with age!

Family:  Married my high school sweetheart Justin in July.  Also have 2 sisters and a wonderful mom and dad.

Hobbies:  Running, dancing, traveling, baking, and cheering for my favorite teams, the Chicago Bears, the Fighting

Illini, and the Chicago Cubs.

Grade 2

Name:  Kathryn Coyle

Years of Teaching:  3^rd year in 2^nd grade

Educational Background:  Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana.  I am currently working towards a Masters degree in education with a focus in reading at St. Xavier University.

Philosophy of Teaching:  As the teacher I am here to guide the students each day as they make their own discoveries and become life long learners.  I feel it is important to present learning experiences that not only challenge the students, but relate to their interests.

Family Information:  Mother – Mariann, Father – Kevin, and Brother Tom

Hobby/Interest:  Reading, traveling, coaching cheerleading, and the White Sox. I also love 2^nd Grade!!

Name: Sara Covington

Years of :  This is my 8^th year of teaching at St. Leonard School

Educational Background: Lyons Township High School, 1998; Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Loras College, 2002; Master of Arts in Education, Reading Specialist Certification, Dominican University, 2008

Philosophy of Teaching:  The family and home life is a child’s primary source of learning, and I work hard to bring the values and morals instilled in the home to our classroom environment.  I feel it is a child’s job to be a responsible and engaged student and it is my job to inspire these students to do their best.  I recognize each learner has specific strengths and needs, and I will provide the materials necessary to push each individual toward excellence.

“The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts, but of values.”-Dean William R. Inge

Family Information: Daughter of John and Laura Covington and sister of Lisa Covington.

Hobby/Interest: Reading, biking, traveling, cheering for the White Sox, swimming, drawing, painting and scrap booking.

Name: Allyson Kane

Years of Teaching:

Educational Background:

Philosophy of Teaching:

Family Information: 

Hobby/Interest:

Grade 5

Name: Mary Frances Porod

Years of Teaching: 18 years (not counting 11 years of subbing while my kids were small)

Educational Background: Bachelor of Music – DePaul University and Masters of Education – Aurora University

Philosophy of Teaching: Each child is a unique gift from God.  Every child has his or her own gifts, and it is the job of the teacher to recognize and honor these gifts, and to lead each child to the highest level of success possible.

Family Information: Married for 25 years to Greg Porod.  Four daughters, Rose – 24, Celia and Sarah, twins – 21, and Therese – 16.  One dog, Benjamin Cubby, and one cat,  Allie May, both 3 years old in human years.

Hobby/Interest:  Reading, gardening, cooking, music, going to daughters’ games.

Name: Pam Ledvort

Years of Teaching: 18 years (15 years at St. Leonard's)

Educational Background: BA in Biology from Dominican University – Teacher’s certificate – grades 6-12.

Philosophy of Teaching: I believe the students of today are the scientists and leaders of tomorrow! I hope to teach my students to live by example, with respect, enthusiasm, and dedication. Through encouragement, cooperation, and hard work, I hope my students will grow in faith and knowledge, with a life long desire to learn.

Family Information: :  Husband Bill and 2 children, Elissa, a freshman in college, and William, in 3^rd  grade.

Hobby/Interest: Gardening and spending time with my family.

Name: Rita Thoner

Years of Teaching: 14^th year teaching.

Educational Background: BA from Concordia University in River Forest in Elem. Ed.  17 hours of graduate credit in various Math and Science classes

Philosophy of Teaching:  I believe that teaching is one of the most important jobs.  Teachers should always try to bring out the best in their students.  I believe everyone has potential and it is my job to help each child recognize, develop, and live up to his or her potential.  As a Catholic school teacher, I am also committed to developing each child’s understanding of our faith and, most importantly, helping them live and practice what Jesus taught.  I believe the all of the above is accomplished by creating a positive, safe, and engaging environment where by all students are given a chance to be successful.

Family Information: I have been happily married to Steve Thoner for almost 29 years.

Hobby/Interest:  I enjoy traveling with my husband, gardening, cooking, reading, and visiting with family and friends.

Name: Martha Lambke

Years of Teaching:  2^nd year at St. Leonards and 5^th year teaching total.

Educational Background:  St. Isaac Jogues Grade School; Nazareth Academy High School; DePaul University (Bachelor’s of Communication);  National Louis University (Master’s of Arts in teaching)

Family Information:  Husband – Jerry, and dog - Lilly

Hobbies:  Roller blading, tennis, cooking, and music

Fine Arts

Name: Meaghan Evans

Years of Teaching: 6 years

Educational Background: BA Elementary Education with a minor in Art from Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL.

Educational Philosophy: I believe that education’s aim should encourage life long learning. We also need to strive for a harmonious development of character. A good academic education is very important, but in order to educate the whole child, the qualities of responsibility, resourcefulness, and social concern are equally important.

Family Information: My husband Ryan, daughter Nora (3 months old), and dog Riley.

Hobbies: I love sports. I coach both the boys and girls Shot Put and Discus throwers at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park.

Name: Hannah Ficner

Years of Teaching: I have been the Art teacher for grades Kdg. to 8^th for the 7^th year. Prior to this I worked as a teacher’s aide for a couple of years. I have been a member of the St. Leonard community since 1991.

Educational Background: Master’s Degree in Nursing and worked in the field for 15 years.

Philosophy of Teaching: I have always had an interest in art and enjoy working with the students of St. Leonard. I strive to make classes interesting while conveying art techniques and history.

Family Information: I have a husband named Joe and two children: Johanna at Trinity High School and Joey at Fenwick High School.

Hobby/Interest: I enjoy being involved in my children’s activities. I have been a co-leader with our Girl Scouts for 12 years.

Name: Bonnie Tipton Long

Years of Teaching: 23 years.  I have directed North Lakeside Cultural Center for 7 years.  I have also enjoyed many years as a music teacher, children’s choral conductor, and director of musical programs.  After spending a number of years as a lead artist for Gallery 37’s Connections program (leading the Recorder Orchestra), as well as serving as opera coach for their summer Downtown program, I have turned my focus to history and music based programs geared toward inner-city teens. 

Educational Background: Bachelor of Music degree in voice and piano from North Park Univ. Graduate work at Northwestern University.

Philosophy of Teaching: Every child should learn to read notes and play an instrument. Not because it makes them smarter in other subjects (although it does) but for the sake of the art itself!

Family Information: 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

Hobby/Interest: Ancient coins and history

Name: Analynda Lara

Years of Teaching:  1^st year teaching Spanish at St. Leonard School and 5 years of teaching English courses to elementary and high school students.  Fluent in Spanish and English.

Educational Background:  Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Universidad de Xalapa in Veracruz, Mexico.

Name: Julie Richardson

Years Working in a School: 14 years

Educational Background: BA from Loyola University.

Family Information: I have a husband Fred and four children:  Jessica is in medical school, Fred and Ben are in college,  and Angelica is a senior in high school.

Philosophy: To assist all children in increasing their knowledge of God and the world.

Hobby/Interest: Reading, playing Scrabble with my family and sewing.

Name: Geri Umlauf

Years of Teaching: 27 years – 5 years in Chicago public schools and 20 years at St. Leonard School.

Educational Background: BA from Northeastern University.

Philosophy of Teaching: I believe every child can learn, each child learns in a different way. It is my job to find the way that each child learns.

Family Information:  I am married to Marty, and have 2 daughters, Shannon and Lesley.  I have been blessed with 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Abby, Stephen and Brynn.

Hobby/Interest:  I enjoy reading, gardening and playing with those 5 cute grandchildren!

Name: Julie Senese

Years at St. Leonard: 7 ½ years

Educational Background: BA in Education and currently attending classes

Philosophy of Teaching: To support the children as they learn to think, be self-reliant, and accept responsibility for their learning.

Hobby/Interest: Orcas, tropical fish, moustache parakeet, sewing, cooking, crafts, and children.

Lunch/Extended

Name: Tobey Vistine

Years working in a School:  2^nd  year at St. Leonard

Family Information: 1 Son, Anthony who is in third grade with Ms. Covington.

Hobby/Interest:  Reading and spending time with Anthony