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

Marge has had a career as a business professional in the experimental aircraft field with years of customer service, management, and marketing experience. She has also taught ESL to children and adults while living in Mexico.

Born and raised in Evanston, IL, Shauna attended and graduated from Evanston Township High school and Jackson State University. While there, she met her husband of 24 years and moved to North Carolina with her four girls. She continued working in the medical field, managing a doctor’s office in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She has over 15 years of working in the medical billing field starting at Evanston NorthShore.

Education

B.S., Jackson State University

Favorite Quote

"Smile because you never know how it might make someone’s day" – Wilma Terry

Why Roycemore?

The atmosphere and people make you feel at home, the smiles on the faces of these kids every day make everything worthwhile.

Jennifer Zielinski has a passion for all things community. As a mission-driven, equity-centered, growth-oriented leader with more than a decade of experience, Jennifer strives to create impactful experiences and build enduring relationships by bringing people together in service of something larger than themselves.

Curiosity is the driving force behind her varied initiatives, ranging from DEIJB awareness training to building a food truck business, becoming a Charter School Developer and an Assistant Head of School. She is a lifelong learner guided by and grounded in curiosity, empathy, and humility, striving to bring out the best in others and herself.

Jennifer and her husband, Paul, live in Rogers Park where they have raised three (successfully adulting) sons. Not only does Jenn enjoy reading, traveling, and hanging out with her three dogs, she also enjoys talking about reading, traveling, and her three dogs. Currently, she is most passionate about oysters and oat milk cortados.

Education

B.A.S., University of Illinois - Chicago. M.B.A Candidate, University of Illinois - Springfield

Favorite Quote

"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Why Roycemore?

It is so apparent that there is love for the children at Roycemore.