Karen began her work at Roycemore in 1993 as a sub for Upper School Learning Specialist. The following year she took on the position full-time and currently teaches both Modern European History and AP Euro, in addition to serving as the Upper School Learning Specialist. Over the years, Karen has served the school in the classroom by teaching Service Learning, Topics in African-American History, Foundations of English, and served as a faculty advisor to many Independent studies over the years. In addition to her current role as the faculty advisor of the National Honor Society, she has organized Community Service opportunities for the school, sponsored Yearbook, and currently helps coordinate and support Upper School Student Activities.

Karen has always been drawn to teaching. She supported ELL during her high school years before earning an undergraduate degree in History and Secondary Education. In addition, Karen has earned a Master's in Education in Special Education and has pursued additional graduate work in Educational Therapy and Neurodiverse students with ADHD and ASD. Karen has continued her lifelong learning with professional development in Executive Functioning, ADHD, Mental Health and Education, and most recently teaching and assessing Online Learning. These educational opportunities have been in response to students that Karen has worked with and she continues to search out professional development to meet the ever-changing needs of her students. Karen feels very strongly about helping each student reach their potential as a student and person.

In her free time, Karen has always enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and in Europe, volunteering, and crafting. Over the years, Karen has taken her personal passions of service and traveling and has provided students with opportunities to do both. Karen has been married for 10 years, and she and her husband live with their three Schnauzers, Max, Grace, and Bella in Gurnee. When she is not unwinding, she is busy connecting with her former students and colleagues.

Education

M.Ed., National Louis University & Educational Therapy Institute
B.A., Cornell College

Fun Fact

I am a two-Time All-American Shotputter for Division III Athletics.

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

I teach because I love learning and feel that I can share this with students, as well as help them gain knowledge, learn about themselves, and become great human beings.

Why Roycemore?

I chose Roycemore because I feel it is important to get to know students in order to customize my teaching style to maximize their learning and Roycemore with its small classroom and community gives me this opportunity. Students, teachers, and families work closely in partnership to make this happen.

Amanda is the 3rd grade teacher at Roycemore School. She grew up in Highland Park, graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and now lives in Chicago. In 2017, she obtained her ESL endorsement from National Louis University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education. With experience teaching multiple grades of elementary school, Amanda understands how to create a curriculum that is both engaging and developmental. She helps ensure her students are inspired and challenged in a supportive classroom environment through individualized guidance. As the daughter of a teacher, Amanda always knew she wanted to take her creativity to elementary education. One of Amanda's passions is art. She uses art to enrich the minds of her students and enable each and every one of them to express themselves in a creative and innovative way. In her free time, Amanda enjoys exercising, exploring the city with her friends and family, and baking.

Education

M.Ed. in ESL and Curriculum & Instruction, National Louis University (In Progress)
B.S. in Elementary Education, Indiana University Bloomington
ESL Endorsement, National Louis University

Favorite Quote

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein

"A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers." - Helen Keller

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore's vision aligns with my teaching philosophy, as I resonate with John Dewey's progressive teaching philosophy. Each student is at the center of their learning and cared for by their teachers. Roycemore is a warm, supportive, and diverse community, that I am excited to be a part of.

For over a decade, Eliese has worked in outdoor, STEM, and environmental education, specializing in training fellow educators and curriculum development. She worked throughout the Southeast US (and one summer in Alaska), leading diverse teams, creating engaging educational activities, and developing training materials. Holding degrees in Wildlife Biology and Ecology, if you have questions about wildlife, conservation, or how to pepper-spray an aggressive moose, she’s got answers.

Eliese writes, crochets, and plans elaborate multi-course meals she and her husband make and enjoy together in her spare time. She also loves exploring diverse cultures and the many museums of the Chicago area.

Education

B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, North Carolina State University
M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arkansas

Favorite Quote

"Imagine that every man's mind is an island, surrounded by ocean. Each seems isolated, yet in reality, all are linked by the bedrock from which they spring." - Arthur C. Clarke

Why Roycemore?

I love Roycemore's focus on the holistic growth of students, not only as scholars but as thoughtful members of our community.

Hannah was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area (but grew up a Chicago sports fan — her dad is a South Sider!). After spending four years on the east coast studying English, marketing, and journalism at Boston College, she moved back home to Northern California and worked on the Development teams at the Seven Hills School in Walnut Creek, CA, and the College Preparatory School in Oakland, CA. In these roles, she gained valuable experience spanning communications, marketing, development, and admissions, and fell in love with the world of independent schools. She is thrilled to move to Chicago and join Roycemore’s amazing community, and can’t wait to showcase the wonderful work of its students and educators through the school’s communications initiatives.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, running, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and spending time with her dog, Izzy.

Education

B.A. in English with minors in Marketing and Journalism, Boston College

Why Roycemore?

I was especially drawn to Roycemore’s small, tight-knit, inclusive community and its mission to guide students to find their passions and establish their own unique identities in the world. I can’t wait to watch the students grow as they journey from Early Childhood all the way through Upper School.

Jorge Sánchez has been teaching English, humanities, and public speaking for over two decades at a variety of schools. Most recently, he taught at Elgin Academy in Elgin, IL. In addition to teaching, he is passionate about academic competitions and hopes to bring the fun and challenge of quizbowl and similar activities to Roycemore. When not teaching, he can be found writing poetry, watching movies, learning Talmud, kayaking, or long-distance backpacking.

Education

M.A. in Divinity, University of Chicago
M.F.A. in English and Creative Writing, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
B.A. Honors in English and Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago

Why Roycemore?

I have taught at several institutions of varying sizes and missions during my teaching career, but the institutions that serve students and families best are those that are student-centered and allow for community members to really get to know each other. Roycemore is a perfect example of that kind of school.

Favorite Quote

This is a hard one. Perhaps a paraphrase of Camus: "The struggle to the heights is enough to fill one's heart."

Jamie is starting her 17th year of teaching middle school! Her career began in Crystal Lake teaching 8th grade science. Jamie has spent the past 11 years at the Frances Xavier Warde School teaching math, science, and small group support. Jamie loves teaching middle school and has such wonderful memories from her middle school years.

Education

M.Ed. in Leadership and Administration, St. Xavier University
B.S. in Elementary Education, Bradley University

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore feels like a family! I love the model of small class sizes where true learning and mentoring can occur.

Favorite Book

My favorite book that I read this summer was Lessons in Chemistry.

Originally from New England, where most of her extended family still lives, Ashley’s family moved to Florida when she was a young teen. She is the second oldest out of five kids and they grew up in a household where academics and athletics were very important. She received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where she earned a degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, she worked for CBS Radio and Clear Channel Communications as a Sales Executive. She quickly learned that selling airtime to local businesses was not something she was passionate about.

She went back to school and received her Early Childhood Teaching License from Kendall College. While in school, she started working at Roycemore as the Pre-K Teaching Assistant. This is where she began to fall in love with teaching and working with little kids. After she received her license, she became the Pre-K teacher at Roycemore. She taught Pre-K for three years and is now the Kindergarten teacher.

She currently lives in Skokie with her husband, daughter, and two four-legged friends – Madison and Mr. Boots. She and her husband Jeff have been married for six years. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on long bike rides, cooking and trying new recipes, online shopping, and binge-watching her favorite TV shows.

Education

B.A. in Sociology, University of Wisconsin

Professional Educator Licensure in Early Childhood Education, Kendall College

Favorite Quote

“Be the reason someone smiles today.”

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

Teaching is a personally rewarding profession. It is a great pleasure and privilege to watch my students' personalities grow day by day and see how they develop in their learning. I get to experience things with them for the first time and see the excitement in their eyes. There is never a dull moment and no day is ever the same. It also doesn’t hurt to have summers off!

Why Roycemore?

When I began my teaching career, it began at Roycemore. I knew from day one that something special was happening here. Almost six years later, it still feels that way!

Daniel (Danny) has coached lacrosse for many years and considers himself very lucky to be part of the Roycemore community.

Education

B.S., American University

Why Roycemore?

I have never been more inspired working with both staff and students. Roycemore is a truly welcoming community that helps everyone find their passion.

Favorite Book

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

Matt began teaching in 2019, and 2022 was his first year at Roycemore. Previously, he taught 6th grade science at Drauden Point Middle School in Plainfield, IL. At Drauden, he taught chemistry and physics and was an assistant coach for Cross Country and Track and Field.

Education

B.A. in Middle Level Education, Illinois State University

Favorite Quote

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore's values and philosophies align with mine and are something that I am very passionate about. I aim to teach through inquiry and engagement where students can show their creativity and learn in many ways. Roycemore's partnership with Northwestern is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the world to bring relevant topics into the classroom.

James came to Roycemore from Beacon Academy where he served as the Director of Athletics for five years. James is also the President of the Lake Shore Athletic League, an 11-member IHSA athletic conference serving the greater Chicagoland area. Before coming to Illinois, James served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

James' professional background began in the collegiate ranks as a Wrestling Coach and Administrator. He had stops at Menlo College, Montclair State University, and George Mason University. He also served as a Senior Level Coach of the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club out of Stanford University.

James has a teaching background in yoga and meditation. He started the Yoga Program at the Baylor School within the curriculum of the physical education department. This program led to before and after-school opportunities for faculty and staff. He is a regular practitioner and enjoys sharing my practices with others.

I also have an affinity for non-profit work serving on several state-level boards for USA Wresting, and now Beat the Streets-Chicago. Wrestling shaped my life in so many ways outside of the traditional athletic mold.

My passion is to help others find their "personal journey" while reaching their potential. I believe in a simple formula of Embracing, Educating, and Empowering the student so they have the ability to become the teacher.

Education

B.A. in Social Behavioral Sciences, Indiana University
M.A. in Kinesiology-Sport Management, Saint Mary's College of CA

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore offers a ton of potential in the Chicago market. I wanted an opportunity to be a part of a strong leadership team while expanding my own footprint in cultivating the ultimate learning experience for our growing community.

Favorite Quote

"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. Be water my friend." - Bruce Lee