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Faculty & Staff |
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Mr. Tom Kalal, Principal, Athletic Director tkalal@sjleagles.com I attended Concordia College in River Forest (now Concordia University, Chicago) and received my Bachelor’s degree. This is my 36th year in the teaching ministry. I have been at St. John’s in Lombard for 20 years. I am married to my wife, Ruth, who teaches at St. Peter’s in Schaumburg. My son, Ben, teaches at Hinsdale Central and my daughter-in-law Collette, works at Loyola Hospital in Maywood. They have a daughter, Grace, who is my first grandchild. My daughter, Elizabeth, teaches third grade at St. John’s. I enjoy bowling in the winter. In the summer I like to play golf and fish. Teaching at St. John’s is fun. I get to see many of the students each day. I see many of the adults at church or at athletic events during the week. We are all one big family that takes care of each other and wants what is best for St. John’s. My favorite bible verse is my confirmation verse: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 |
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Mrs. Tricia Walton, Asst. Principal, 8th Grade twalton@sjleagles.com Education: I attended Valparaiso University for my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I then went to Concordia University for a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Supervision and certification in Administration. Finally, I went to Northern IL University to work toward a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I am All But Dissertation for that doctorate. Teaching Experience: My first teaching position was 3rd grade at St. John’s in LaGrange, IL. After 3 years there, I came “home” to teach here at St. John’s in Lombard for 5 years. I then worked part-time from home for the Northern IL District of the LCMS writing and coordinating curriculum for the Lutheran schools of northern IL for 14 years while staying at home with my own children. Teaching Experience at St. John’s: Here at St. John’s I taught at the 5-6th grade level (Language Arts and Social Studies) for 3 years and then 2 years of part-time Kindergarten before staying at home. I returned to teaching here in 2017 and currently teach 8th grade homeroom, 6-8th grade history, 8th grade pre-algebra, and technology for grades K-8. Favorite Bible Verse: My favorite Bible verse is my confirmation verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 I have been a member of St. John’s my whole life. I am very blessed to have been a student here and now to get to teach and have my own children attend school and church here, as well. I have 6 siblings (most of whom still attend St. John’s, as well) and 6 amazing children! My God, my family, and my ministry are the whole of my life and I am so thrilled that they are all so intertwined. In my “free time,” I love to be with my family, read (especially historical fiction), play volleyball, and go to or learn about new places! |
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Mrs. KrisAnn Milas, Director of Admissions
kmilas@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Julie Phelan, Financial Admin. Assistant
jphelan@sjleagles.com |
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Rev. Dan Wegrzyn, Senior Pastor revdan13@stjohnslombard.org Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education CUC; Master’s of Divinity, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; Doctor of Ministry, Northern Seminary, Lisle, IL. Years of service: Pastor in Parma, Ohio, 1989-2003. Pastor here at St. John’s, 2003-present. My Family: I am married to Kim Wegrzyn, LEAP teacher. We have 3 Sons at home, Luke (age 25), Jack (age 23,) Daniel (age 12, 7th grader at SJS) Activities and Hobbies: I enjoy working out, fishing, reading, watching movies, drinking dark roast coffee. Favorite bible verse: I have many verses I love, but my favorite at this time is Nahum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Rev. Dan Wegrzyn, Senior Pastor
revdan13@stjohnslombard.org |
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Rev. Peter Imlah, Pastor pete.imlah@stjohnslombard.org Education: Concordia College River Forest IL - Bachelors of Art Lutheran Education Concordia Seminary St. Louis MO – Specific Ministry Pastor Years of service: New Orleans Lutheran High School – Metairie, LA Rockford Lutheran High School – Rockford, IL Immanuel Lutheran Church and School – Palatine, IL Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Sun Prairie, WI First Lutheran Church – Charlotte, MI Lutheran Church Charities – Addison, IL St. John’s Lutheran Church and School – Lombard, IL (9 years) My family: My wife Nicole have been married for 25 years. We have been blessed with 3 kids; Abigail (23) teaches 5 grade at St. John Lutheran Church and School in New Orleans, Bethany (21) works at a physical therapy clinic in New Orleans, and Joshua (17) is a Senior at Glenbard East with hopes to attend Concordia University Wisconsin. Activities and Hobbies: I love the outdoors biking, hiking or just sitting next to a tree. I also like riding my motorcycle out in the country. Favorite bible verse: Exodus 14:13 "What you love about St. John's" I love that I get to walk alongside other as we journey together on our faith journeys. To see members, support the church and each other with their time, treasures and talents is a true joy. I also enjoy seeing God work in mighty ways in, around and through the members of St. John’s as they grow deeper in their relationship with their Lord and Savior and with each other. Rev. Peter Imlah, Pastor
pete.imlah@stjohnslombard.org |
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Mrs. Barbara Esterly, Church Admin. Assistant Barbara.esterly@stjohnslombard.org |
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Mrs. Meg Salzman, School Admin. Assistant msalzman@sjleagles.com Mrs. Meg Salzman, School Admin. Assistant
msalzman@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Laura Weston, Preschool Mixed Age Teacher lweston@sjleagles.com Education: Elmhurst College: BA in Elementary Education with Minors in History and Theology National Louis University: Masters in Education with specializations in Curriculum and Instruction and Early Childhood Education Teaching License: State of Illinois, Birth through Ninth Grade with specialized endorsements in Middle School, Science and Social Studies Concordia University Chicago: Graduate of the Colloquy Program 2015 Experience: 12 years teaching, all at St. John’s but in different grades/positions around the building Personal Story: My husband, Nick, and I were married at St. John’s before I ever imagined that I would teach here. We have had the pleasure of having our two children, Andy and Rachel, grow up within the Church and School community of St. John’s. We have witnessed the fantastic foundation in faith and education given to students here! When I am not working on school or church related things, you could find me spending time with my family, quilting, baking, working on cross-stitch, or reading. I feel so blessed to be teaching within our Christ-Centered community! I love to partner with parents as their children learn to attend school for the first several years. It is so much fun to spend my days helping students to learn about our Heavenly Father and the wonderful world that He created for us! Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” |
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Mrs. Amy Hufford, Preschool 3 Teacher ahufford@sjleagles.com Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concordia University Chicago with an endorsement in Reading, Special Education and Music. Post-undergraduate certification from Missouri State University in Early Childhood and Special Education. Experience: The Lord blessed me over the years with wonderful teaching ministries in Missouri and Illinois, where I have taught PS 3’s, PS 4’s, and Pre-K 5’s, Special Education K-8, Early Childhood Music classes and private music lessons. I am blessed to have taught at St. John’s School for the past two years. Personal Story: I grew up in a family of teachers, and both of my parents taught in Lutheran schools. My two sisters are teachers as well, and my brother is married to one, so as you can see, it must be in our genes! The Lord blessed my husband Marty and me with four children - three sons and a daughter, and they are the joys of my life, honestly. Besides being a teacher, wife and mom, I love being part of the music ministry at church, teaching Middle School Sunday School, teaching piano lessons, and enjoying laughter and fun with my family and friends. I am so thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to teach at St. John’s School because sharing Christ with children, parents, and fellow co-workers is the most incredible blessing a person can ask for! At St. John’s I get to do it every single day. Mrs. Amy Hufford, Preschool 3 Teacher
ahufford@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Rachel Foltyniewicz, Preschool 4 Teacher Education: I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Elmhurst College. I have endorsements in Social Studies, Language Arts, and Middle School. Experience: I have been in the education field for ten years. I started at St. John in February of 2020 Personal Story and Hobbies: When I’m not teaching you will find me with my family. I've been married to my wonderful husband, Reid since 2007. We have two boys, Reid Finley who is nine, and Ryder who is seven. I’m their biggest cheerleader as you will find me rooting for them on the sidelines of every game. I enjoy going to community events with the family. My favorite foods are tacos and ice cream. I love traveling, especially to new places. What I love about teaching at St. John’s has been wonderful due to all the great families, students, and staff. The students come to school ready to learn and my co-workers are always willing to lend a helping hand. My Favorite Bible Quote: “Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 Mrs. Rachel Foltyniewicz, Preschool 4 Teacher
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Mrs. Alicia Potvin, Kindergarten Teacher apotvin@sjleagles.com Early Childhood Education, Concordia Chicago Orton Gillingham National Dyslexia Certification 15 years of teaching experience 15 years teaching at St. Johns Lutheran School Lombard God has called me to serve the littlest of His children. It’s a blessing to work with children each day to discover the gifts God has given them. I live in Lombard with my husband, two children and yorkie puppy. In my free time I love to read, exercise, and be outdoors with my family. We enjoy biking and hiking, along with swimming. I also love to travel to Wisconsin where we have a cabin on Castle Rock Lake. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13 Mrs. Alicia Potvin, Kindergarten Teacher
apotvin@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Toni Wolthusen, 1st Grade Teacher twolthusen@sjleagles.com Education: Bachelors Degree with an Early Childhood Education Teaching Certificate Experience: I am in my 12th year teaching, 3rd at St Johns. Personal Story: The Wolthusens love to be outside and go on adventures. One of their favorite things to do as a family is to visit different zoos. Each summer they plan a trip to a different city and visit the zoo. Mrs Wolthusen is very creative and crafty, when she isn’t teaching - you can find her in her craft room. Mrs Wolthusen is a graduate of St Johns and she LOVES being “home”. She gets to connect with former classmates and alumni and share the love of Jesus with their children. Favorite Bible Verse: Micah 6:8 Mrs. Toni Wolthusen, 1st Grade Teacher
twolthusen@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Kelly Leazott, 2nd Grade Teacher kleazott@sjleagles.com Education: Concordia University: BA in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Language Arts and Social Studies Arts and Social Studies. Teaching Experience: 15 years Years at St. John’s: 8 years Favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 24:15 As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. When I graduated from college, God was calling me to teach in the public school system. After we had our first child, I was able to stay at home and raise our three children. After our youngest entered 1st grade I went back to teaching full time. This time God was calling me to teach at the Lutheran School my children were attending. My passion has always been to help educate children and to share my love of learning with them. I love encouraging my students each and every day to grow in their faith, love, and knowledge of our Lord and Savior and the world He has created for them. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful husband, Jay, and three terrific children; Jenna, Jacob, and Joshua. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy organizing, traveling, scrapbooking, cleaning, and spending time floating in our backyard pool. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with the opportunity to be part of the St. John’s family. What an honor it is to teach His little ones here at this amazing school One fun fact: I have 3 children and they were born three years and a day apart. Their birthdays are May 19th, May 20th, and May 21st. Mrs. Kelly Leazott, 2nd Grade Teacher
kleazott@sjleagles.com |
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Ms. Lizzy Kalal, Kindergarten Teacher lkalal@sjleagles.com Education: I graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to U of I, I attended Willowbrook High School. I am also a proud alumni of St. John’s! Experience in Teaching: Total, I have four years of teaching experience. My first year out of college I was a 1-on-1 aide for a 1st grade student at Lowell Elementary School in Wheaton, Illinois. After that, I joined the team here at St. John's! Years at St. John's: This is my fourth year teaching at St. John's. My first year I taught Preschool 4. When St. John's was blessed with enough students to fill two Kindergarten classrooms, I jumped on the Kindergarten bandwagon. Now I’m in Third grade this year! In addition to teaching at St. John's, I attended 1st-8th grades here! Favorite Bible Verse: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 Personal Message: Family is one of the most important things in my life. My parents are both teachers and have been a big inspiration to my teaching career. My mom teaches preschool at St. Peter Lutheran in Schaumburg, and my dad teaches P.E. here at St. John's. I also have an older brother who teaches at Hinsdale Central High School, and my sister-in-law is a doctor at Loyola Hospital. One year ago, they brought my niece, Grace, into the world, and I LOVE spending time with her and making her laugh. In my free time I enjoy playing sports, and, for that reason, I spend a lot of my free time coaching. Coaching enables me to combine my love of playing sports with my passion of teaching! I coach the 7th and 8th grade girls volleyball team here as well as the 5th and 6th grade girls basketball team. I also coach softball at York High School. Besides coaching, I enjoy crafting as well as hiking and running with my Golden Retriever, Chief! This past fall, I ran the Chicago Marathon! I am unbelievably blessed to be a part of the family here at St. John's. The camaraderie among families is truly one of a kind, and the relationships that I have made with students and parents alike are ones unlike any other. What an honor it is to call St. John's "home!" Ms. Lizzy Kalal, 3rd Grade Teacher
lkalal@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Kim Hicks, 4th Grade Teacher khicks@sjleagles.com Education: National Louis University:Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education (K-9) Middle School Math Endorsement Illinois State University: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Illinois State University: Bachelor of Science in Psychology Minor in Spanish I have three years of teaching experience at St. John’s, and six years of working at St. John’s as an aide and substitute teacher. Prior to teaching, I also worked as a mental health counselor for a county mental health center and local hospital. Family: I am blessed to have a wonderful husband of thirty-one years, Lonnie, and three precious adult children, L.T., Amanda, and Trevor. I also have a sweet dog, named Callie. Hobbies: I most enjoy spending time with my family and friends, dining out, vacationing, attending sporting events, or just relaxing. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and playing games. What I like about SJ: I was blessed to be a child who attended a Lutheran grade school when I was younger. That experience was life-changing for me. It fostered my relationship with the Lord, afforded me a quality education, and developed my sense of confidence and self-esteem. All under the umbrella of God’s love, grace, and compassion. I wanted the same for my children, who all attended a Lutheran preschool and grade school as well. I am grateful for the circumstances that brought my family and me to St. John’s. At St. John’s we have found a loving church home and Christ centered community of wonderful friends. It was after coming here that I felt called to return to school in order to serve the Lord as a teacher at St. John’s. I went back to graduate school, got my teaching degree, and was blessed to be offered the fourth grade teaching position here. I consider it a blessing everyday to be able to educate my students about all of the wonders of our world, while watching them grow in wisdom and confidence. It is a blessing everyday to be a part of this ministry. Favorite Bible Verse: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7) Mrs. Kim Hicks, 4th Grade Teacher
khicks@sjleagles.com |
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Ms. Jenna Lane, 5th Grade Teacher Jlane@sjleagles.com Education and Degrees: Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Social Science, and Middle Grades Literacy from Concordia University Chicago; Lutheran Teacher Education program at Concordia University Chicago Years of Service: 3 (2 at Trinity Lutheran in Wausau, WI, and 1 at St. John's Lombard) Family: I currently live with my parents in Batavia, IL. I have one older brother. We grew up in the Batavia area and attended Immanuel Lutheran Batavia from preschool through eighth grade. Activities and Hobbies: I love to read! My favorite genres are historical fiction and fantasy. I also enjoy writing and would like to write a novel someday. I love to watch movies and play games with my family, craft, paint my nails, and browse Pinterest! I've recently gotten back into Bible Journaling and am excited to grow deeper in God's Word through this outlet! Favorite Bible Verse: Too many to list, but top favorites are Psalm 23, Hebrews 6:19, Psalm 46:1, and Psalm 139:14 What I Love About St. John's: I love how warm and welcoming everyone is! There is a true, Christian community here, and you can feel that as soon as you walk in the door! Ms. Jenna Lane, 5th Grade Teacher
Jlane@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Rachel Dietrich, 6th Grade Teacher rdietrich@sjleagles.com Education: Elmhurst College, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Minor in Reading, Endorsements in Language Arts, Social Sciences, and Middle School Years of Experience: 9 years Family: Dave, Colin, Daisy, and Baby #2 Hobbies: I enjoy cooking and baking, reading, and spending time (especially outdoors) with my family What I like about SJ: I love the students at St. John’s and the community that the school and church together provide. Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 5:3- 5 “... but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Mrs. Rachel Dietrich, 6th Grade Teacher
rdietrich@sjleagles.com |
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Miss Deb Koehler, 7th Grade Teacher dkoehler@sjleagles.com Education: Bachelors in Elementary Education, Emphasis in Math and Science, Masters in Math Education Teaching Experience: 38 years Years at St. John’s: 22 years Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” What I love about St. John’s: To spread God’s Word and to encourage future mission minded adults. Whether it be through music, athletics, or mission projects. Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy crafting, sewing, reading, sports, and listening to music. One fun fact: I am still a Bears fan! Miss Deb Koehler, 7th Grade Teacher
dkoehler@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Kim Wegrzyn, Special Resource Teacher kwegrzyn@sjleagles.com Education: BS from Elmhurst College, Early Childhood Education with Special Education Endorsement. Year of Experience: 15 years in many different positions 10 years in positions at St. John’s Family: I am married to Rev. Dr. Dan Wegrzyn and we have 3 boys. Luke (24), Jack (22) who both graduated from St. John’s and Daniel (12) who attends St. John’s currently. We currently live in Lombard with all 3 boys at home. Dan and I both grew up in Lombard and both of our families are still in this area. My parents also attend St. John’s and have since Daniel’s birth in 2008. I come from a family of 5 with 2 younger sisters, we are very close. Much of my extended family is still in the Chicagoland area so I am close with many cousins as well. Hobbies: I don’t really have a hobby, but there are many things I enjoy doing. I like cooking, and being a mom. I enjoy workouts like bike riding and recently have taken up running again. I love to read historical fiction on school breaks. I have a hard time putting down a good book! I love puzzles and game nights with my family. What I like about SJ: My favorite thing about St. John’s is the community we are to each other, and how as a church and school we become extended family to each other. Favorite Bible Verse: Dan had this engraved in my wedding band: Ruth 1:16 “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” Mrs. Kim Wegrzyn, Special Resource Teacher
kwegrzyn@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Martha Moeller, Music and Band Teacher mmoeller@sjleagles.com Education: Bachelor of Music from The University of Iowa & Ministers of Religion Commissioned Years of Experience: Teaching since 1999 Family: Have been married to my husband John since 1988, we have two children Erin who lives in Minnesota and Jordan who lives in Colorado Hobbies: Traveling, being outside What I like about SJ: I like the friendliness of the people of St. John’s. It has the feel of family. Mrs. Martha Moeller, Music and Band Teacher
mmoeller@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Leigh Becker, Piano Teacher and Accompanist lbecker@sjleagles.com Education: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY: BA Music Education, MA Music Education Teaching Experience: 11 years teaching a variety of grade levels K-6 general music (public school), 13 years piano teaching 6 year olds to adults Years at St. John’s: 2018-present Family: Husband Scott, married since 2008; children: Devin age 8, Paige age 5 Hobbies: I love reading for fun and for learning. I also enjoy cross stitching and crocheting. While not educationally trained in teaching at Lutheran schools, I have been a Lutheran all my life. I attended Immanuel Lutheran Elmhurst as a student, and have always attended Lutheran churches, contributing musically how I can. Church is a very important part of my life, and that of my family. Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse speaks to me, as I am a planner. I know that I need to let go and trust that God has a plan for my life, and am continually reminding myself of that. Mrs. Leigh Becker, Piano Teacher and Accompanist
lbecker@sjleagles.com |
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Ms. Nancy May-Czajka, Violin Teacher and Teachers Aide nczajka@sjleagles.com Education: Bachelor of Arts with concentration in music, art history and technical writing along with Suzuki Violin Method Certifications. Years of Experience: I have over forty years of violin playing and twenty years of teaching experience. I attended the Interlochen Center for The Arts and have traveled with a symphony internationally. Family: I am raising two beautiful children. Hobbies: I love to garden, camp and travel. What I like about St. John’s: I love teaching violin at St. John’s because of the opportunities to share God through music. Nancy teaches violin at St. John’s for grades K-8 along with all age groups in her private studio. She also loves to see the joy of children growing and learning. Favorite bible verse: Psalm 43: 1-3 Ms. Nancy May-Czajka, Violin Teacher and Teachers Aide
nczajka@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Bev Nix, Before School Care and Teachers Aide bnix@sjleagles.com Mrs. Bev Nix, Before School Care and Teachers Aide
bnix@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Cindy Ibeling, After School Care cibeling@sjleagles.com Mrs. Cindy Ibeling, After School Care
cibeling@sjleagles.com |
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Mrs. Stephanie Romano, Teachers Aide Mrs. Stephanie Romano, Teachers Aide
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Mr. Oscar Gonzalez, Custodian Mr. Oscar Gonzalez, Custodian
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Eve, Comfort Dog Eve, Comfort Dog
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