About Us

Faculty & Staff

LFCDS is all about our students. We keep learning and growing so that we can nurture and inspire our students to be their best selves.
Excellent education begins with motivated, caring professionals who display a lifelong love of learning and who embrace community life. By combining experienced, caring teachers with small class sizes, we ensure that each student benefits from personal attention and steady guidance. Students view their teachers as strong role models who set high standards for personal accountability, active involvement, and respect for others.

  • We Encourage...

    our faculty to focus on their favorite disciplines, give them the freedom to develop new programs, support their adoption of best practices, and provide the resources necessary to enhance their craft.

  • Stability & Continuity...

    amongst faculty and staff means sustainability and familiarity for our School and our students. Each year, LFCDS is fortunate to recognize employees celebrating service milestones. 

  • Our Talented Professionals...

    possess a nuanced understanding of how children learn, and work collaboratively to provide a program that develops students of strong character with a passion for learning.

List of 83 items.

  • Lauren Artarian

    Marketing & Communications Manager
    LFCDS 2024

    Northeastern Illinois University BFA

    lauren.artarian@lfcds.org

  • Mark Arthur

    Chair of Science Department
    Upper School Science Teacher (Grade 7)
    LFCDS 1991
     
    Western Illinois University BS
    Carthage College MEd
     
    mark.arthur@lfcds.org

  • Jen Baer

    Assistant to the Head of Lower School
    LFCDS 2014
     
    Bradley University BA
     
    jen.baer@lfcds.org

  • Annie Baird

    Grade 1 Teacher (1AB)
    LFCDS 2021
     
    Denison University BA
    National Louis University MAT
     
    annie.baird@lfcds.org

  • Jennifer Bolek

    Upper School English Teacher (Grade 6)
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Lake Forest College BA
    Lake Forest College MA
     
    jennifer.bolek@lfcds.org

  • Jennifer Braatz

    Upper School Social Studies Teacher (Grade 7)
    LFCDS 2021
     
    Kenyon College BA
    Harvard Graduate School of 
    Education MEd
     
    jennifer.braatz@lfcds.org

  • Dave Buhrmester

    Director of Facilities
    LFCDS 2018
     
    dave.buhrmester@lfcds.org

  • Kelly Burke

    Grade 1 Teacher
    LFCDS 2024

    Loyola University Chicago BS 

    kelly.burke@lfcds.org

  • Coni Carfagno

    Development Associate
    LFCDS 2009, 2018
     
    Barat College BA
     
    coni.carfagno@lfcds.org

  • Nan Caldwell

    Chair of World Language
    Spanish Teacher (Grades 4, 5-8)
    US Coordinator of Community Service
    LFCDS 1980
     
    University of Colorado BA
    California State University at Sacramento MA

    nan.caldwell@lfcds.org

  • Pat Christensen

    Lower School Assistant 
    LFCDS 2021
     
    pat.christensen@lfcds.org

  • Luke Christianson

    Upper School Social Studies Teacher (Grade 5)
    Grade 5 Team Co-Leader
    LFCDS 2020
     
    University of Wisconsin Milwaukee BA
    Cardinal Stritch University Teacher Licensure Program
     
    lukas.christianson@lfcds.org

  • Emily Church

    Speech-Language Pathologist
    LFCDS 2020
     
    University of Illinois BS
    Northwestern University MS
     
    emily.montgomery@lfcds.org

  • Katie Cohen

    Preschool Teacher Assistant (PSWC)
    LFCDS 2023
     
    katie.cohen@lfcds.org

  • Jeff Cook

    PE Teacher & Coach
    LFCDS 2024

    jeff.cook@lfcds.org

  • Donna Culhane

    School Librarian
    LFCDS 2019
     
    Butler University BA
    University of Illinois MLIS
     
    donna.culhane@lfcds.org

  • Mark DeBernardi

    Visual Art Teacher
    LFCDS 2015
     
    Ohio University BFA
    Northeastern Illinois University MA
     
    mark.debernardi@lfcds.org

  • Roberto De Rose

    Controller
    LFCDS 2018
     
    Illinois State University BS
     
    roberto.derose@lfcds.org

  • Marie Dohnke

    Grades 3 and 4 Support and Enrichment Teacher
    LFCDS 2016
     
    Northern Illinois University BA
     
    marie.dohnke@LFCDS.org

  • Megan Dziekan

    Grades 1 and 2 Support & Enrichment Teacher
    LFCDS 2001
     
    Northern Illinois University BS
     
    megan.dziekan@lfcds.org

  • Cindy Edwards

    Grade 3 Teacher (3CE)
    LFCDS 1984
     
    Bowling Green State University BS
     
    cindy.edwards@lfcds.org

  • Andy Estrella

    Facilities Maintenance Staff
    LFCDS 2023
     
    andy.estrella@lfcds.org

  • Carmen Estrella

    Facilities Day Porter
    LFCDS 2020

  • Jennifer Farrell

    Junior Kindergarten Teacher (JKFL)
    LFCDS 1999
     
    University of Illinois BS
    Erikson Institute MS
     
    jennifer.farrell@lfcds.org

  • Samantha Fernandez

    Receptionist
    LFCDS 2021
     
    Manchester University BS
     
    samantha.truax@lfcds.org 

  • Molly Finch

    1st STEP Lead Teacher and Director of Alcott
    Team Leader 1st STEP and Preschool
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Rhodes College BA
    Concordia University MA
     
    molly.finch@lfcds.org

  • Kate Fishbein

    Learning Behavior Specialist 
    LFCDS 2024

    Boston University BS
    Boston University MSW 

    kate.fishbein@lfcds.org

  • Becky Friedlander

    Coordinator of Learning Development
    Learning Specialist
    LFCDS 1984
     
    Bradley University BS
    Northwestern University MA
    Institute for Psychoanalysis TEP Certificate
     
    becky.friedlander@lfcds.org

  • Laura Gabriel

    French Teacher (Grades 2,4, 5-8)
    LFCDS 2016
     
    Indiana University BA
    University of Northern Iowa MA
     
    laura.gabriel@lfcds.org

  • Cynthia Garcia

    1st STEP Teacher (1st STEP 2-Day and 3-Day)
    Senior Kindergarten Physical Education Teacher
    LFCDS 2018
     
    College of Lake County AA
     
    cynthia.garcia@lfcds.org

  • Jessica Garrabrant

    Grade 2 Teacher (2JG)
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Montclaire State University BA
    Caldwell University-Elementary Education Teaching Certificate
     
    jessica.garrabrant@lfcds.org

  • Karen Glassberg

    ESP Teacher
    LFCDS 2023
     
    State University of New York at Potsdam BA
     
    karen.glassberg@lfcds.org

  • Jason Gronkiewicz-Doran

    Upper School Social Studies Teacher (Grade 6)
    LFCDS 2015, 2021
     
    North Central College BA
    DePaul University MAEd
     
    jason.gronkiewiczdoran@lfcds.org

  • Ben Haight '88

    Chair of the Social Studies Department
    Social Studies Teacher (Grade 8)
    Grade 8 Team Leader
    LFCDS 2014
     
    Barat College BA
     
    ben.haight@lfcds.org 

  • Kendall Haight

    Senior Kindergarten Teacher (SKKH)
    LFCDS 2019
     
    Bucknell University BA
    DePaul University MA
     
    kendall.haight@lfcds.org

  • Paul Hedlund

    Grade 4 Teacher (4PH)
    Team Leader Grades 3 and 4
    LFCDS 2011
     
    Western Michigan University BA
    National Louis University MAT
     
    paul.hedlund@lfcds.org

  • Maria Hempen

    Early Childhood and Lower School Music Teacher
    Early Childhood Spanish Teacher
    LFCDS 2000, 2010
     
    DePaul University BM
     
    maria.hempen@lfcds.org

  • Cailey Haim

    Grade 4 Teacher
    LFCDS 2024
     
    University of Iowa BA

    cailey.haim@lfcds.org

  • Amy Hintzman

    Upper School Science Teacher (Grade 8)
    LFCDS 2016
     
    St. Olaf College BA
    University of Wisconsin–River Falls MA
     
    amy.hintzman@lfcds.org
     

  • Lisa Horstmann

    Director of Financial Aid and Associate Director of Enrollment 
    LFCDS 2010
     
    Northeastern Illinois University BS
    Northwestern University MS
     
    lisa.horstmann@lfcds.org

  • Stacy Janda

    Senior Kindergarten Teacher (SKJP)
    LFCDS 2014
     
    Northern Illinois University BS
    National Louis University MA
     
    stacy.janda@lfcds.org

  • Abbie Kelly '88

    Human Resources, Benefits and Accounting Coordinator
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Ohio University BS
     
    abbie.kelly@lfcds.org

  • Egan Kim

    Upper School Mathematics Teacher
    LFCDS 2014
     
    University of Illinois BA
    Northwestern University MS
     
    egan.kim@lfcds.org

  • Kimberly Kohl

    Senior Kindergarten Teacher (SKKH)
    Team Leader Junior and Senior Kindergarten
    LFCDS 2004
     
    University of Illinois BS
    Erikson Institute MS
     
    kimberly.kohl@lfcds.org

  • Panagiotis Koutsouris

    Early Childhood and Lower School Science Teacher
    LFCDS 2022
     
    University of Ioannina (Greece) BA
    University of Chicago MA
     
    panagiotis.koutsouris@lfcds.org

  • Marlo LaCorte

    Junior Kindergarten Teacher (JKFL)
    LFCDS 2011
     
    Colgate University BA
     
    marlo.lacorte@lfcds.org

  • Zhaoyi Liu

    Mandarin Chinese Teacher (Grades 1, 4, 5-8)
    LFCDS 2020 
     
    Nanjing University BA
     
    zhaoyi.liu@lfcds.org

  • Jasmine Madrid

    Preschool Teacher
    LFCDS 2024

    National Louis University MS 

    jasmine.madrid@lfcds.org 

  • Caroline Masterson

    Upper School Mathematics Teacher
    LFCDS 2020
     
    Kenyon College BA
    Columbia University Teachers College MA
     
    caroline.masterson@lfcds.org

  • Jessi Mather

    Nurse
    LFCDS 2024

    Illinois State BS
    Loyola University BSN

    jessi.mather@lfcds.org

  • Sarah McCauley

    Upper School Mathematics Teacher
    Grade 7 Team Leader
    LFCDS 1994
     
    Westminster College, Oxford BA
    Ball State University MA
     
    sarah.mccauley@lfcds.org 

  • Greg McDonough

    Innovation Space Director 
    Grade 7 and 8 Design and Innovation Teacher
    LFCDS 2017
     
    Northeastern Illinois University BA
    National Louis University MA
     
    greg.mcdonough@lfcds.org

  • Amanda Miller

    Learning Specialist 
    LFCDS 2024

    amanda.miller@lfcds.org

  • Jasmine Moreno

    ESP Teacher

    jasmine.moreno@lfcds.org

  • Jessica Murphy

    Preschool Teacher (PSWC)
    Alctott Teacher
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Tulane University BA
    National Louis University MA
     
    jessica.weed@lfcds.org

  • Susan Murphy

    Assistant to the Head of Upper School
    LFCDS 2000
     
    susan.murphy@lfcds.org

  • Kevin Nicholson

    Upper School Science Teacher (Grade 5)
    LFCDS 2014
     
    Harper College AAS
    Northeastern University BA
    Northern Illinois University MS Ed
    National-Louis University MAT
    Type 75 Administration Certificate
     
    kevin.nicholson@lfcds.org

  • Justin Nixon

    General Music Teacher
    Upper School Choral Director
    LFCDS 2023
     
    Olivet Nazarene University BA
    Notre Dame de Namur University MM
     
    justin.nixon@lfcds.org

  • Ginny Noble

    Lower School Assistant
    LFCDS 2022
     
    St. Lawrence University BA
    National Louis University MAT
     
    ginny.noble@lfcds.org

  • Mari O'Connell

    Upper School English Teacher (Grade 8)
    LFCDS 2017
     
    Davidson College BA
    Middlebury College MA
     
    mari.oconnell@lfcds.org

  • Rachel O'Shaughnessy

    Grade 1 Assistant Teacher
    LFCDS 2024

    Northwestern University BA

    rachel.oshaughnessy@lfcds.org

  • Mike Panagos

    IT Systems Manager
    LFCDS 2007
     
    Nicolet College CIS
     
    mike.panagos@lfcds.org

  • Kristina Parker

    Learning Specialist
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Miami University BA
    DePaul University MA
     
    kristina.parker@lfcds.org

  • Mark Patton

    Upper School English Teacher (Grade 7)
    LFCDS 2023
     
    Lakehead University BA
     
    mark.patton@lfcds.org

  • Marcia Peterson

    Senior Kindergarten Teacher (SKJP)
    LFCDS 2015
     
    Purdue University BA
     
    marcia.peterson@lfcds.org

  • Ami Polonsky

    Chair of the English Department
    Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee
    LFCDS 2015
     
    University of Michigan BA
    Brandeis University MA
    Northwestern University MS
     
    ami.polonsky@lfcds.org

  • Ann Rabjohns

    Grade 3 Teacher (3AR)
    LFCDS 2021
     
    Yale University BA
    University of Phoenix MAEd
     
    ann.rabjohns@lfcds.org

  • Elsbeth Redfield '90

    Auction and Alumni Relations Associate
    LFCDS 2018
     
    University of Pennsylvania BA
    Notre Dame de Namur University MA
     
    elsbeth.redfield@lfcds.org

  • Dana Robbins

    Spanish Teacher (Grades SK, 3, 7 and 8)
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Northern Illinois University BA
    American College of Education MA
     
    dana.robbins@lfcds.org

  • Bill Scroggins

    Physical Education/Athletics Teacher
    LFCDS 1992
     
    bill.scroggins@lfcds.org

  • Bobbie Serafini

    Junior Kindergarten Teacher (JKSS)
    LFCDS 2013
     
    Northern Illinois University BFA
    National Louis University MAT
     
    bobbie.serafini@lfcds.org 

  • Danette Soukup

    Director of ESP
    Preschool Teacher (PSR-JS)
    LFCDS 2016
     
    National Louis University BA 
     
    danette.soukup@lfcds.org

  • Suzanne Stanczak

    Physical Education/Athletics Teacher
    LFCDS 2012
     
    Carthage College BA
    DePaul University MA
     
    suzanne.stanczak@lfcds.org

  • Kelly Stell

    Junior Kindergarten Teacher (JKSS)
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Denison University BA
    National Louis University MAT
     
    kelly.stell@lfcds.org

  • Ty Stuckslager

    Upper School Mathematics Teacher
    Chair of the Math Department
    LFCDS 1995
     
    Western Michigan University BS
    National-Louis University MEd
     
    ty.stuckslager@lfcds.org

  • Tracie Tatz

    Music Teacher
    Band Director
    Grade 6 Team Leader
    LFCDS 2019
     
    University of Illinois BS
    Vandercook School of Music MA
     
    tracie.tatz@lfcds.org

  • Chelsea Taylor

    Drama Teacher
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Northwestern University BA
    New York University MA
     
    chelsea.taylor@lfcds.org

  • Devin Truax

    Technical Support Specialist
    LFCDS 2018
     
    Lake Forest College BA
     
    devin.truax@lfcds.org

  • Rhonda Venard-Darin

    Visual Art Teacher
    Chair of the Fine Arts Department
    LFCDS 2001, 2012
     
    University of Illinois BFA
    University of Illinois at Chicago MA
     
    rhonda.venarddarin@lfcds.org

  • Ann Vivirito

    Grade 2 Teacher (2AV)
    LFCDS 2021
     
    Lake Forest College BA
    Lake Forest College MA
     
    annamarie.vivirito@lfcds.org

  • Lindsay Williams

    School Counselor
    LFCDS 2021
     
    University of Kansas BA
    Northwestern University MA
    Licensed Professional Counselor
     
    lindsay.williams@lfcds.org

  • Kate Zubrod

    Upper School Science Teacher (Grade 6)
    LFCDS 2022
     
    Loyola University Chicago B.Ed
     
    kate.zubrod@lfcds.org

  • Jessica Zaleski

    Upper School English Teacher (Grade 5)
    Grade 5 Team Co-Leader
    LFCDS 2008
     
    Cornell University BA
    Johns Hopkins University MAT
     
    jessica.zaleski@lfcds.org
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.

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Lake Forest Country Day School

145 South Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045

P: 847-234-2350
F: 847-234-2352