Darcy’s love of education began in the mountains of Idaho, as a curious student at Community School in Sun Valley. With an emphasis on outdoor learning and leadership, her schooling inspired a genuine interest in the field of education. It was this interest that propelled her to Tulane University in New Orleans where she earned her BA of Psychology and Philosophy before attending Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, and earning a master’s in education. Darcy has been fortunate to work alongside gifted colleagues at some of the finest progressive schools in the country. Having spent time at Brookline Elementary in Massachusetts and Crow Island Elementary in Winnetka, Illinois, she has enjoyed the emphasis on innovative teaching ideas, experiential learning, and witnessing profound growth and excitement among her young learners. Her desire to expand her role in education, led her to obtain a master’s of science in educational leadership, and take her 16 years of teaching experience into an administrative role.

Darcy has been with Roycemore since 2017, where she taught third grade, before moving into her current administrative role as Roycemore’s Early Childhood and Lower School Division Head in 2020. About her appointment in 2020, Darcy says, “I am honored to embrace this new role at Roycemore as the Early Childhood and Lower School Head. Roycemore exudes family, friendship, growth, achievement, leadership, and possibility. It is a community formed through partnerships striving to develop critical thinkers and young leaders. I am excited to continue to work with staff, students, and families to extend the ideals of our core mission and values while respecting Roycmore’s storied history and tradition as a leader in progressive education.”

Darcy’s passions are working alongside a team of strong and devoted educators to uphold the Portrait of a Graduate which seeks to develop students in all areas to embrace and take command as 21st century learners. Her desire to synthesize mindfulness into daily routines led her to become a Mindful Coach (Mindful Education Training with Daniel Rechtschaffen) in 2018. More recently she has been trained as a trauma informed Social Emotional Learning Coach, and became a certified RYT 200 yoga instructor through Breathe for Change. Her hope is to share her learning with all stakeholders in the school community.

Education

MS.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Western Governer's University
M.Ed. in Elementary Education, Lesley College
B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy, Tulane University

Favorite Quote

“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.” - Meister Eckhart

Why do you teach? What is the impact you hope to make on students?

I teach because I am allowed the opportunity to make an impact on those that will lead us in the future. I hope that the students in my care leave with a growth mindset and an “I can do anything” attitude; that they recognize some things will be challenging, but it is okay and necessary to struggle and make mistakes. I hope students will leave knowing we all have our unique strengths and weaknesses, but together we fit together like a puzzle and can help each other grow. I know that there is not a day of interaction with students where I don’t grow or learn something new from the curious minds around me.

Why Roycemore?

I applied to Roycemore because I was intrigued by the school’s progressive philosophy, and their desire to uphold pragmatic values within a progressive model, which is something I value as an educator. The more I learned about Roycemore during my first year, I realized I was walking back into a school very similar to my own experience in Idaho. I joined a school that values hands-on experiences and encourages students to have ownership of their learning; one where any idea is valid and any way to get to a solution is acceptable. I realized I joined a school where learning can look different depending on the student, where teachers communicate and work together, where seniors may be teaching third graders, or first graders teaching sophomores. I value the relationships formed by interacting with parents daily as they drop children off, or pick them up. Roycemore is a family atmosphere where everyone is working together; it is a place I proudly call home.

Janna Arbuzova has been a member of the Evanston community for over 20 years. She graduated from Northwestern University (NU) with a degree in Psychology and completed a Professional Development Certificate Program in Art Therapy. Before deciding to follow her passion and focus on education, Janna worked in an academic environment for more than a decade.

Prior to joining Roycemore School, Janna enjoyed making a difference in the lives of young students and their families while serving in the field of Early Childhood and Elementary Education in a variety of settings, including community preschools and public schools. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves traveling, playing board games, gardening, and making DIY projects around the house.

Education

B.S. in Psychology, Northwestern University

Professional Certificate in Art Therapy, Northwestern University

Favorite Quote

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Milton Berle

"The greatest mistake a man can ever make is to be afraid of making one." Elbert Hubbard

Why Roycemore?

I am excited to join the Roycemore team. I admire its positive spirit and the sense of support to students and each other.

Staci is a fifth-generation Chicagoan who really enjoys teaching at Roycemore. On the days she is not at Roycemore, Staci provides special education services at Rogers Park Montessori School through CPS, and has many years of teaching experience. Besides teaching, Staci loves spending time with her family and her rescue dog, Perry. Her favorite things to do are travel and go to the theater.

Education

M.A. in Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities, Northwestern University
B.A. in Elementary Education, Stern College

Favorite Quote

“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan and not quite enough time.” – Leonard Bernstein

Why do you teach? What is the impact you hope to make on students?

Because I am always rooting for the underdog.

Why Roycemore?

Because nothing is better than working in an atmosphere of happiness and joy.

Justin helps teach the Pre-Kindergarten class at Roycemore, and considers himself a Jack of All Trades at Roycemore, as he started out working as a camp counselor (which he still does during the summer) before transitioning into a teacher’s assistant. He runs the EDP program and, once upon a time, he was the school bus driver (more like van driver). He originally started in the Junior Kindergarten class but now is with the youngest of the school bunch, which has been such a pleasure working with the little ones who are as crazy as they can get, as it keeps him on his toes.

He was originally born in Evanston, IL, but he loves to see new places. He lived in Evanston, went to school in Carbondale, and then moved to Orlando, FL. After living in Florida, he came back for a while and then moved to San Diego, CA where things couldn’t be more beautiful. But after a while of traveling back and forth between Evanston and California, he was offered a position during the school year. And it’s been safe to say that it’s never been the same since.

Why do you teach? What is the impact you hope to make on students?

One of my favorite things to think about is the idea that we are all teachers and students because we are always interchangeably teaching people as well as learning about life. I think it’s also rewarding being able to provide a diverse outlook from what the kids are used to.

Why Roycemore?

I am so happy I decided to stay and be a Griffin to be able to see so many kids grow and meet so many wonderful teachers and kind human beings. I have never been to a place where everyone genuinely cares about everyone. From the first day I started, everyone has been so sweet and kind to me. I never want to leave.

Courtney Barlow is Roycemore’s Physical Education Teacher. Courtney is originally from California, where she received her B.S. in Kinesiology and Teaching Certification in Physical Education from San Diego Christian College. Courtney was a dual-sport athlete in high school and college playing both volleyball and basketball. After college, she taught middle school and high school P.E. in San Diego as well as coached high school volleyball and basketball.

She studied Spanish at Centro Linguistico Maya in Antigua Guatemala and lived in the Dominican Republic for three years while she designed and taught the Adaptive Physical Education curriculum at Genesis Special Education School. She also served as the Assistant Head of Schools and developed the Work Ability program, where students were able to gain new skills and obtain jobs in the community while earning their high school diplomas. Additionally, Courtney coached high school girls soccer and created an aquatics program for Doulos Discovery School, an English immersion and college preparatory school in the Dominican Republic.

Courtney moved to Chicago in 2019 and served as the high school girls volleyball and basketball coach at Francis W. Parker for two years. Recently, Courtney worked as a Therapy Aide at Misericordia assisting adults with developmental disabilities.

In addition to coaching and teaching, Courtney enjoys cooking, gardening, camping, and spending time at the lake with her wife, Meredith, and Dominican rescue dog, Cake.

Courtney is looking forward to being a part of the Athletic Department at Roycemore and contributing to the development of holistic student-athletes. She is excited for the opportunity to teach Spanish and coach athletics. Go Griffins!

Education

NFHS National Coaching Certification (in the process of completing)
Physical Education Teaching Credential, San Diego Christian College
Level 1 Spanish Certification, Centro Linguistico Maya
B.S. in Kinesiology, San Diego Christian College

Favorite Quote

“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” - Maya Angelou

Why Roycemore?

I was drawn to the idea that Roycemore is not just a school, but a family. I knew that I wanted to be a part of a community that affirmed who I am, as well as the unique individuality of others. I see Roycemore as a way to be a part of and contribute to an exciting, forward-thinking, and diverse community, by teaching lifelong health-related fitness, collaborative team thinking, and individual success through Physical Education and sports. I’m also very excited about teaching Spanish and sharing my experiences from the Dominican Republic.

Faith started teaching in 2014. She taught 5th and 6th grade for Chicago Public Schools and achieved accomplishments that include being a teacher leader for CPS Network 2 language arts teachers, speaking at the 42nd Annual Statewide Conference for Teachers Serving Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Students in 2018, attending a teaching institute program to combine language arts and visual arts at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. while presenting original lesson plan ideas, and attaining National Board Teacher Certification in early adolescence English language arts in 2019. Faith spent her summers as an English as a second language instructor at Lake Forest Academy from 2014-2019. She has also taught 6th through 8th grade English language arts and social studies for the Archdiocese of Chicago from 2020-2024.

Education

M.S. in Teaching and Learning, University of St. Francis
B.A. in Elementary Education with minors in Psychology and Teaching English as a Second Language, Northeastern Illinois University

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore has the reputation of having a learning community that provides its students with quality education while making sure to meet students' needs as individuals.

Favorite Quote

"Mistakes are the proof that you are trying." - Louis Sachar

Annette's favorite things start with the letter C: crafts, communication, color-coding, cats, and chocolate chip cookies. Her friendly, can-do attitude is paired with an insatiable desire to learn from the brilliant students around her. Annette started her career at Roycemore in the Innovation and Maker space as a long-term sub. She quickly fell in love with the students, facility, and community that make up this special place. Together with the Middle Schoolers, Annette (or Ms. B) created the Lucy Goosey Design Club - a place for students to express their inner fashionistas and craft outfits for Lucy Goosey, Chicago's #1 Decorative Porch Goose. She and Lucy are thrilled to continue their Roycemore adventure in the Lower School as a Teaching Assistant and Extended Day Program Facilitator.

Annette has over fifteen years of experience in advertising and non-profit management, including overseeing the marketing for an animal sanctuary with a global audience of 1.2 million. Under her leadership, the sanctuary filmed a reality television program for Animal Planet and raised 250K in 6 months for a state-of-the-art, solar-powered pig barn.

She started her career in radio, working for four different stations at once (94.7 WLS-FM, 890 WLS-AM, WLUW Chicago 88.7 FM, and Radio Disney AM 1300). She is a Chicago native and can be found bird-watching at the Montrose Bird Sanctuary in Uptown.

Education

B.A. in Communications, minor in Gender Studies, Loyola University

Favorite Quote

"A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore allows for individual expression, fosters unique creativity, and promotes community.

Jay came to Roycemore from La Lumiere School where he most recently served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Jay has previously worked in the Admissions department at Bethel University in various roles with a focus on retention data.

Jay has a strong passion and desire to help cultivate intentional conversation and interactions with prospective families. Being just a small part of a family's academic exploration process is truly life-changing!

Education

B.A. in Sociology, Bethel University

Favorite Quote

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore's intentional and positive community resonates directly with my personal desires and beliefs. Being in such a diverse and academically rigorous place that focuses on cultivating young minds is extremely encouraging!

Rebecca Bostrom is an educator, avid reader, and musician who was born and raised in Kakegawa, Japan. She moved to the USA for university and completed her Bachelor's of Science in History with a Minor in International Studies from Liberty University in Virginia. She then completed her Master's in Social Science Education and Curriculum at Auburn University in Alabama. 

During her time there her extensive Practicum research in Culturally Responsive Teaching included investigation and implementation of said research in public school classrooms throughout the Auburn area during the Covid years of 2020-2021. She completed her edTPA and holds teacher licensure in Alabama and Illinois. Her classroom experience began at St. Viator's in Chicago as the head of the Middle School Social Studies program and taught grades 6-8. After that she moved to high school and taught Sophomore US History and an SEL class through the Embarc program at Chicago Tech Academy. Two of her areas of focus in the classroom include UDL and PBL practices. 

In her spare time she enjoys coffee, music, reading, kdrama, anime, time with her cats and partner, and exploring the history museums and cultural cuisines of the Chicago Land area. She is overjoyed to be investigating history here at Roycemore with such brilliant students this year. Go Griffins!

Education

M.Ed. in Social Science and Curriculum, Auburn University, 2021
B.S. in History with Minor in International Studies, Liberty University, 2017

Favorite Quote

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Why Roycemore?

I chose Roycemore because of the universal learning culture that is being cultivated here, the small class sizes, and the welcoming atmosphere.

Growing up in a family of educators and school professionals, Morgan learned the value of education from a young age. As she pursued her own education and discovered her love for communication, a career in school communications became a dream that combined both her passion and skills.

Through her experience serving on senior administration for both public and independent PK-12 schools, Morgan deeply understands the journey families take to find the right school for their students. Her core belief is that every student deserves a high-quality education. Morgan creatively and strategically shares the stories of schools through an advancement lens, in order to reach right-fit families, increase enrollment for the school, and nurture those relationships to ensure engaged families and active alumni.

It is Morgan’s goal to share the unique and high-quality opportunities that Roycemore has to offer, in order to make a lasting impact on the students we serve.

In her free time, Morgan enjoys staying active on the Lakeshore Trail, exploring local restaurants and events, and spending time with friends and family.

Education

B.A. in Public Relations with minors in Youth Studies and Spanish, Drake University 
Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Kellogg School of Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University

Marie Cinquemani Thomas has taught music in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years at both the Middle School and Upper School levels. Her teaching is focused on exposing students to a wide variety of music genres and experiences. She will be working with grades 7-12 both in the classroom and on stage.

Education

B.M. in Jazz Studies, De Paul University

Favorite Quote

“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” – Leonard Bernstein

Why Roycemore?

I am excited to join a community that is focused on helping students to grow. This growth mindset is important to me as a teacher and a lifelong learner.