Middle School Faculty & Staff

Middle School Team

Mr. Andrew Galus is an award-winning teacher with many years of experience in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He has served in various teaching and administrative positions in various schools of the Archdiocese. Galus earned both his B.A. and Master's Degree from Loyola University in Chicago. He is starting his 23rd year at St. Benedict. He spent the first 14 years of his career at St. Benedict Prep and “came home" to St Ben’s nine years ago. Galus firmly believes in working with the entire school community to ensure the students' best possible and formational experience. Mr. Galus and his wife Peggy, a St. Benedict Alumnae, enjoy spending time with their children Anthony and Andrea, both of whom attended St. Benedict School. His hobbies include collecting sports teams pocket schedules, reading books about baseball and listening to baseball games on the radio.   agalus@stbenedict.com

Ms. Maisy Richards is so excited to begin her third year at St. Benedict Prep as a Middle School ELA and homeroom teacher! She attended Catholic schools from K-12th grade in her hometown of Bloomfield Hills Michigan and graduated from Fordham University in New York City with degrees in History and English. Ms. Richards then earned a Masters of Science in Teaching degree from Fordham and moved to Chicago to start her career. She is looking forward to discussing riveting novels and watching her students develop into passionate and engaged readers.  When she’s not teaching, Ms. Richards loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, practicing yoga, and a hot cup of tea while reading a great book. She is honored and blessed to be part of the St. Benedict community!  mrichards@stbenedict.com

Mr. Mike Thallemer has been an Adjunct faculty member in the Cinema Arts & Science department of Columbia College Chicago for over 15 years. During that time, he taught primarily production, screenwriting & creative writing classes. He has written and directed various short films that have screened in the U. S. & Internationally. He has a Master of Fine Arts in film and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Mr. Thallemer is extremely honored and excited to be returning to the St. Benedict community for his fifth-year teaching Language Arts and Creative Writing.   mthallemer@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Anne Kach holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics from Marquette University and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She began her teaching career at St. Benedict Prep in 2010, where she spent four formative years, and returned in 2024 to teach 6th and 7th grade mathematics.  Over the course of her career, Mrs. Kach has spent nine years working with students who are deaf and hard of hearing, cultivating a deep appreciation for American Sign Language and a strong commitment to inclusive education. Her experience spans the full spectrum of mathematics instruction—from 5th grade through Calculus—as well as courses designed for prospective elementary educators, but her greatest passion lies in teaching middle school mathematics.  Mrs. Kach hopes to foster a love of mathematics and inspire her students to embrace problem-solving with curiosity and confidence.. akach@stbenedict.com

Ms. Zora Voynovich is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves embracing and exploring the city's rich diversity. A graduate of DePaul University, she holds her bachelor's degree in Mathematics and History and her Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning Mathematics. This is her twelfth year at St. Benedict Prep and she is excited to foster community, love of learning, critical thinking, and fun in her Introduction to Math Concepts, Algebra, and Communications classes. Additionally, Ms. Voynovich is eager to share in the 8th graders' last year at SBPS as one of their homeroom teachers. zvoynovich@stbenedict.com

Ms. Susan Balmes is thrilled to begin her sixth year at St. Benedict Prep as a Middle School science and homeroom teacher.  She attended Catholic schools, grades K-12, and received her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University.  After managing a regional educational agency, she attended DePaul University Master’s in Education program. She feels so blessed to be part of the St. Benedict Preparatory team.  After teaching in private schools for 25+ years, her favorite part is working with middle school students because they are beginning to develop scientific claims when solving problems and engaging in project-based learning. When not teaching, Ms. Balmes enjoys cooking with friends, playing strategy games, and spending quality lake time in northern Wisconsin. sbalmes@stbenedict.com

Ms. Olivia Beals is the new Middle School Science teacher at St. Benedict’s. With a BS in Developmental Psychology and MA in Anthropology she is excited to bring her research experience to help students sharpen their inquiry skills. Olivia is passionate about the relationship between science and art, mental health literacy for all, and being involved in her communities. When not working, Olivia enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, being at the lake, and spending time with her family. obeals@stbenedict.com

Ms. Ashley Koerner graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a  bachelor’s degree in middle school education and a minor in history. This is her seventh-year teaching. She served as a student teacher in the middle school social studies program at St. Ben’s while attending Loyola. She also taught English in Italy and learned so much about students all over the world.  Ms. Koerner chose a career in teaching to make a positive impact on the world. Sometimes she was the student in the classroom who learned 'a little differently' than most, so she wants to be an  advocate for all types of learners in an inclusive classroom. While Ms. Koerner is not teaching, she enjoys coaching ice hockey, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Oh- and playing par golf (almost every time!)  Ms. Koerner is very appreciative to be a part of this wonderful and supportive community. Go BENGALS!  akoerner@stbenedict.com

Mr. Stephen Stare graduated from St. Patrick High School in Chicago and then Illinois State University. He spent four years working at Union Ridge School in Harwood Heights and prior to that, he was employed at Brookfield Zoo as a Zookeeper. His previous experience as an educator prepared him to encourage students to think critically and challenge their way of thinking relating to social studies and civics. He is excited to educate the next generation of responsible, informed citizens. Mr. Stare developed his love of history and teaching from a teacher he was lucky enough to have in high school. Mr. Stare enjoys reading, travelling, golfing, the Cubs, and spending time with his dog, Finley.  sstare@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Cynthia Hernandezis excited to begin her fourth year at SBPS and first year as the Middle Inclusion Facilitator! She was born and raised in Chicago, IL and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University down in Bloomington-Normal. Mrs. Hernandez is passionate about supporting the needs of all students—not only as they grow in their mastery of the content, but also as they develop confidence, independence, and a love for lifelong learning. On her down time, Mrs. Hernandez enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is honored to be planted at SBPS and is excited to see what the Lord has in store for SBPS students! chernandez@stbenedict.com

Ms. Karen Leiva is a Helpdesk Specialist. She graduated from North Central College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and then went abroad to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for her Master’s in Graphic. She is very excited to start her second year at St. Ben’s.  kleiva@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Kimberly Carmona is excited for her 2nd year as the Upper School Spanish teacher, Creative Writing, and International Studies teacher.  She grew up in the Chicagoland suburbs and currently lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters.  Ms. Carmona received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Iowa.  She has spent the last few years gaining valuable experience as a substitute teacher at St. Benedict.  She decided to pursue a career in teaching after discovering a love for working with kids. In her free time, Ms. Carmona enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, working out, and spending time with her family.   kcarmona@stbenedict.com

Mr. Brian Oyler is the new French teacher with grades 6,7,8 at St. Benedict.  He graduated from Marion High School in Marion, Indiana.  He received his Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language Education and his Master of Arts in Spanish Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.  Mr. Oyler has taught English,  French, German, Italian, Latin and Spanish throughout his lengthy career from Kindergarten to University levels.  He lived in Australia, France and Germany at different intervals. Mr. Oyler enjoys traveling, playing piano, theatre, calisthenics, workouts and swimming.   boyler@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Agata Ballenger is looking forward to her seventh year teaching band and strings at St. Benedict Prep. This year she is excited to be continuing principled leadership and starting Bengal Skills as well! After living in Abuja, Nigeria for 18 years, she came to Chicago to pursue a music education degree at VanderCook College of Music. After graduating, she started working at St. Benedict Prep and has enjoyed it ever since. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, Eli! aballenger@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Jackie Stancin is looking forward to beginning her 15th year teaching art at St. Benedict Prep. Mrs. Stancin is an alum who graduated from St. Benedict High School and is also a parent to her son who will be starting 6th grade this year at SBPS. Mrs. Stancin holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education as well as a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before joining St. Benedict Prep’s staff, she taught in various public and private school settings including Randolph Elementary in the Englewood community of Chicago as well as in Chicago Lab School’s afterschool art program. Mrs. Stancin specializes in 3D design and hopes to share her love of ceramics with her students. During her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, cooking, weightlifting, and being creative. She is looking forward to seeing her student artists back in the art studio to continue to develop creative thinking and experiencing hands on projects.  jstancin@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Hannah Thompson feels very blessed to continue her path as a music educator and theater instructor at St. Benedict.  Now in her fifteenth year of teaching and tenth year at St. Ben’s. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Music degree from Chicago College of Performing Arts, and a master's degree in Vocal Performance from North Park University. Along with performing private vocal recitals and maintaining a private vocal studio, Mrs. Thompson is also a certified Orff-Schulwerk music teacher. This unique method exposes her students in grades 2-5 to a highly creative and student-centered form of music education with extensive instrumental and movement work. Her passion is encouraging a love for music and theater in her students at St. Benedict Prep.   hthompson@stbenedict.com

Dr. Zhang is excited to be a string teacher at St. Benedict. She recently earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, where she also pursued a minor in Music History. During her doctoral studies, she enjoyed performing as a chamber musician and participating in professional symphony orchestra performances. Her research interests include string instrument intonation and the exploration of extended violin techniques integrated with traditional Chinese aesthetics.

In addition to performing, she enjoys teaching. Her students have successfully auditioned for youth symphony orchestras, All State orchestra, and music festivals. She looks forward to sharing her passion for music with her students at St. Benedict. fzhang@stbenedict.com

Ms. Carolina Blazkow is going onto her 7th year here at St. Benedict Prep as our School Counselor for elementary and middle-school. She completed her undergrad degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University and earned her Master's Degree in counseling from DePaul University. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Ms. Blazkow connects with students and families regarding academic, social-emotional, and high school planning. She hopes to create wholesome relationships while being an essential resource for the St. Benedict Prep community. As a mental health advocate, Ms. Blazkow also hopes to continue to promote balance and a positive well-being for students and faculty.  cblazkow@stbenedict.com

Ms. Amanda Genge is an alumnus of St. Benedict, having attended St. Ben’s from preschool through high school. She graduated from Carthage College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Sports Science and Education, complemented by a Minor in Health. During her time at Carthage, Ms. Genge was an active participant in Division III basketball for all four years. Kicking off her 10th year at SBPS, she currently teaches Physical Education to students in grades 6 through 8. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Genge serves as a coach for several of our sports teams, including basketball and volleyball. Ms. Genge is the coordinator of the House Program for our middle school students.  agenge@stbenedict.com

Mr. Chris Deakins is starting his 17th year as Athletic Director at St. Benedict.  Mr. Deakins graduated with a BS in secondary social science education from Illinois State University.  Over the years, Mr. Deakins has taught Middle School and Elementary School PE but will continue to focus on the athletic program at SBPS.  In his free time, Mr. Deakins loves all things outdoors...sports, hiking, fishing, hunting and enjoys cooking and reading.  Mr. Deakins is also the father of two Bengal Alumni(Aaron - class of 2025 and Alex – Class of 2022).  He is excited to see the Bengals on the court, course and field again this year. Go Bengals! cdeakins@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Lisa Wiederkehr  is very excited to be starting her 10th year as the librarian at St. Benedict School, having previously served as a librarian at St. Matthias School and Sulzer Regional Library. She is also looking forward to again teaching middle school Bengal Skills and Prep, along with her Popular Literature elective. She has her undergraduate degree in Political Science from St. Joseph's College and her Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Dominican University, is a trained social-emotional learning facilitator and a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She loves to read, travel,  attend concerts and spend time with her husband, daughter, and her two kitties, Dipper and Mabel. lwiederkehr@stbenedict.com

RN Ms. Heather Perez is going into her 11th year as St. Benedict’s school Nurse and has been working for St. Benedict since 2003 with all sporting events. Has been a paramedic since 2003 and got her Nursing degree in 20013, she is an American Redcross Instructor and trains all staff and even Middle school. I love hanging out with Faith the  (cutest little dog in the world) and seeing the excitement and joy in all the students faces watching them grow into amazing young individual's.    hperez@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Kathy Moore
Upper School Reception
Grades 4-8
kmoore@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Carol Dodovich
Lower School Reception Grades 4&5
cdodovich@stbenedict.com