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 22nd year at St. Benedict. He spent the first 14 years of his career at St. Benedict Prep and “came home" to St Ben’s eight 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 Richardsis so excited to begin her second 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 fourth-year teaching Language Arts and Creative Writing.  mthallemer@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Anne Kach taught at St. Benedict’s from 2010-2014 and is excited to return this year to teach 6th and 7th grade math.  In her hiatus from St. Ben’s, she taught students who are deaf and hard of hearing for nine years and developed a passion for American Sign Language and for meeting the needs of a diverse group of learners.  Mrs. Kach has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Marquette University and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She has taught the complete sequence of math courses from 5th grade through Calculus, but her favorite level to teach is middle school math.  She hopes to impart a love of mathematics and a passion for problem solving in her students. 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 eleventh year at St. Benedict Prep and she is excited to be teaching Introduction to Math Concepts, Algebra, and Communications while also serving as the Math Curriculum Chair. Additionally, Ms. Voynovich is eager to share in the 8th graders' year as one of their homeroom teachers. She enjoys fostering a love of learning and community with her students. 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. Cassidy Luciano is from Pennsylvania and attended American University in Washington D.C. This December, she will have her Masters of Science in Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She previously taught two years of 4th grade reading and science for CPS before coming to St. Benedict Prep. This is her sixth year as a Middle School science teacher and Bede House Leader.  She is excited to continue being part of the amazing Quiz Bowl team and the St. Ben’s Volleyball program. When not going to the park with her dog Tiger, she loves to garden, bake for her friends, read, and watch movies. ctorres@stbenedict.com

Ms. Ashley Koerner graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in middle school education and a minor in social studies. This is her sixth-year teaching!  She served as a student teacher in the middle school social studies program while attending Loyola. She is looking forward to seeing returning students and meeting the new ones. 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 the 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. 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, the Cubs, and spending time with his dog, Finley.  sstare@stbenedict.com

Inclusion

Mrs. Kaitlin Krasney is excited to be back for her second year at St. Benedict Preparatory School as the Middle School Inclusion Facilitator. A DePaul University graduate, she spent 8 years teaching elementary school in both Chicago and Denver.  Mrs. Krasney holds a Master’s Degree in Education. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, going to Cubs games, and spending time with her family.  Mrs. Krasney is looking forward to a great year at St. Benedict! 

Mrs. Cynthia Hernandez is thrilled to begin her third year at SBPS. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, she graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington-Normal. With two years of experience teaching 6th grade, 7th grade, and Geometry at SBPS, Mrs. Hernandez is dedicated to fostering the academic and personal growth of all students she encounters in her new role as a flex teacher and inclusion aide. She is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family. She is also eagerly anticipating the birth of her twins in October 2024. Mrs. Hernandez feels honored to be a part of SBPS and looks forward to contributing to the students’ success. chernandez@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Jean Hybinette holds a B.S.B.E. from DePaul University and has participated in many continuing education programs over the years. As an alumna of St. Benedict Prep, she is especially committed to providing the students with the education and skills they need upon graduation and instilling in them the inspiration to achieve their goals and aspirations. She has received numerous awards for her work, including Teacher of the Year, and is a member of the St. Benedict Hall of Fame.  jhybinette@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 thrilled to join St. Benedict as the new 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.  Ms. Carmona looks forward to a wonderful year at St. Benedict! kcarmona@stbenedict.com

Ms. Caitlin McDonough is in her 12th year teaching Spanish in the Lower School at St. Benedict Preparatory. She grew up attending Catholic school in Chicago, and received her Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also studied for one year at the University of Barcelona in Spain. Ms. McDonough loves traveling, playing with her dog Topo, and reading, both in Spanish and English! cmcdonough@stbenedict.com

Ms.  Cynthia Okoye is looking forward to starting her first year at St. Benedict Preparatory School as a French teacher. Originally from Nigeria where she taught for eight years, she recently earned her Master's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she served as a French graduate teaching assistant for two years. Having lived in several francophone countries, Ms. Okoye is excited to share her passion, love and experience of the French language. cokoye@stbenedict.com

Ms. Emily Heier, originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin, grew up training in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary at a competition studio. Throughout high school and college, Emily has taught at Miss Becky’s Dance Studio coaching their competition team and at local recreational dance departments.  She attended Loyola University Chicago, graduating Summa Cum Laude with her BA in Dance and soon to graduate with her BBA in Entrepreneurship. She is so excited for her first season as studio manager of YDA and can't wait to be a part of the SBPS community! eheier@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Anna Gabriel is looking forward to starting her 10th year as a Strings Teacher at St. Benedict! She began playing the violin at the age of 5 and earned her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance with a minor in Performing Arts Management from the University of Michigan, and her Master of Music in Violin Performance from DePaul University. Mrs. Gabriel was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago from 2017-2021, which is a training program through the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She is also a substitute violinist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and an active freelancer in the Chicagoland area performing at weddings and private events! Mrs. Gabriel is passionate about sharing the joy of music and aims to give all students the tools they need to express themselves and create meaningful musical experiences! agabriel@stbenedict.com

Mrs. Jackie Stancin is looking forward to beginning her 14th 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 5th 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, 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 fourteenth year of teaching, 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. Her passion is encouraging a love for music and theater in her students at St. Benedict Prep.   hthompson@stbenedict.com

Ms. Carolina Blazkow is going onto her sixth 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 a St. Benedict alumnus, having attended from preschool all the way through high school. Ms. Genge graduated from Carthage College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Sports Science and Education with a Minor in Health. She also played Division 3 basketball all 4 years. She joined our faculty in 2015 and is currently teaching grades 6 through 8 Physical Education. Ms. Genge also coaches many of our sports teams, including basketball and volleyball. agenge@stbenedict.com

Mr. Dave Regnier grew up an hour south of Chicago in Kankakee. After a successful high school career, he continued playing golf at the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in Accounting.  After moving to Chicago, he started his basketball coaching career at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on Belmont while doing financial analysis. His love of coaching was too strong to stay away from the court, so he started a youth basketball training company called One on One Basketball in 1999. After expanding to multiple sports, this led to the formation of 3Point Athletics. After 22 years of youth sports instruction, Dave is excited to be a part of the St. Ben’s teaching community. In his free time, Dave coaches volleyball & basketball at St. Ben’s, while also coaching his daughters Emma (St. Ben’s 2022 graduate & current junior at DePaul Prep) & Maddie (6th grade at St. Ben’s) in softball, volleyball and basketball. He is looking forward to spending more time in the gym at St. Ben’s with the 3rd & 4th Grade PE classes! dregnier@stbenedict.com

Mr. Chris Deakin s is starting his 16th 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 a current SBPS student (Aaron in 8th Grade) and one SBPS graduate (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 9th year as the librarian at St. Benedict School, having previously served as a librarian at St. Matthias School and Sulzer Regional Library. 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. This summer she completed her training as a social-emotional learning facilitator and as a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She loves to spend her free time with her husband, daughter, and her two kitties, Dipper and Mabel. She is a huge fan of Disney, Harry Potter and the Chicago Blackhawks, enjoys traveling, concerts, and being outdoors, and of course, loves to read. 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