Staff Spotlight

Mrs. Enright is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Lincoln School and she has worked in District 15 for 17 years. She says, “I love that I get to help students from many different backgrounds with many different speech and language needs. I love that I get to work with students on their speech sounds and their listening comprehension skills. I love using iPads with some of my students to help them communicate with others.”

Mrs. Hidrogo is a Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher at Kimball Hill and she has worked in District 15 for 2 years. She says, “I have loved all the wonderful students I have met and the relationships I have been able to create with the families as I have had many siblings this year. I also love that I am able to create a space for multilingual students to feel empowered about their voice. Growing up I had teachers with "No Spanish" speaking signs. I love that I am able to make a difference for others in a way I wish teachers had for me.”

Dr. Schlup is a Reading Specialist at Hunting Ridge and she has worked in District 15 for 13 years. She says, “Teaching children to read is extremely rewarding! As a Reading Specialist, I have the opportunity to share my passion for literacy with both my students and the teachers. Each day is an adventure that I am privileged to be a part of.”

Mrs. Vance is a SPED Resource teacher at Kimball Hill and she has worked in District 15 for 3 years. She says, “I love the creativity it takes whether it is adapting lessons, finding new ways to connect, making learning accessible and meaningful. I love advocating, not just teaching, but really making sure my students are seen, heard, and valued for who they are. I get to build trust, often slowly and patiently, and that trust becomes the foundation for real, powerful learning.”

Mrs. Luby is a 5th grade teacher at Pleasant Hill and she has worked in District 15 for 27 years. She says the best thing about being a teacher in D15 is, “Meeting wonderful kids, parents, and colleagues.”

Mrs. Busse is the Intermediate ABLE Teacher at John G. Conyers Academy and she has worked in District 15 for 15 years. She says, “I love working with my team to learn new ways to best serve our students. I really enjoy seeing our kids go from struggling to thriving.”

Mrs. Mollenhauer is a Library Teacher at Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School, and she has worked in District 15 for 19 years. She says, “Working in the library allows me to teach every student in the school! I love that I can build relationships with students and families that last years beyond when students leave our school. My favorite thing is when I run into former students in Palatine and they come up and say hello!”

Mrs. Driver is an Academic Interventionist at Frank C. Whiteley and she has worked in District 15 for 12 years. She says, “What I love about teaching is the opportunity to connect with students and help them discover their potential, both academically and personally. Seeing a student grasp a difficult concept and gain confidence in their abilities is a truly rewarding experience. Building lasting relationships with my colleagues is another amazing aspect of teaching in D15. My colleagues have become like a second family, who inspire me to be the best educator I can be!”

Mrs. Whitman is a School Psychologist at Hunting Ridge and she has worked in District 15 for 30 years. She says, “I am a D15 alum and a D15 staff member. I went to Pleasant Hill and Plum Grove in the 1970's/1980's. I feel honored to give back to the community that educated me and made me who I am today.”

Mrs. Cloud is an Instructional Coach at Lake Louise and she has worked in District 15 for 19 years. She says, “I have loved getting to know and collaborate with so many amazing educators. I’ve learned so much throughout the years from incredible professionals!

Ms. Harder is an ESL Teacher at Central Road and she has worked in District 15 for 3 years as a teacher, and was a student teacher here prior to that! She says, “I love being an ESL teacher because I am able to teach students from all over the world while growing their English. While at a D15 professional development session, Dr. Kinsella stated that 'Academic English is no one's first language.' I use this quote to remind my students they are wickedly smart and are educating themselves in English just as their monolingual peers are!

Mrs. Lo Cascio is a math and scholars teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and she has worked in District 15 for 19 years. She says, “Every day I have the opportunity to make a difference in my students’ lives while working with a dedicated, fun staff. Plus, there is never a dull moment!”

Ms. Recinas is a social worker at Lincoln Elementary School and she has worked in District 15 for 27 years. She says, “I have worked in several schools in District 15 and have been at Lincoln School for the past 19 years. I love getting to know our students and families and helping in any way possible. My favorite thing about District 15 and Lincoln School is working as a team with my amazing coworkers that show up everyday to give their best to our students!”

Menka is a Nurse at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and she has worked in District 15 for 3 years. She says, “I love how the whole school collaborates and works so well together to ensure that our students have the best education that we can give them, while also keeping them safe and healthy. We are all here because we care about our students. I am very proud to be a part of the D15 family!!”

Carly Funk is a 4th Grade (with ESL) classroom teacher at Frank C. Whiteley and she has worked in District 15 for 9 years. She says, “I love being able to go to work while also helping each and every one of my students learn and grow in new ways! It is a privilege to work at a school with such caring and collaborative teachers and staff.”

Selene is a bus assistant and she has worked in District 15 for 7 years. She says her favorite thing about working here is, “seeing students grow over the years. I’ve known some students since they were in Pre-K and now are 5th graders.”

Jennifer is an SIP Program Assistant at Marion Jordan Elementary School and she has worked in District 15 for 4 years. She says, “This position is truly helping me with my Masters in Teaching program. I have also decided to switch from Gen Ed to SPED teaching.”

Ms. Cotten is a third grade teacher at Frank C. Whiteley and she has worked in District 15 for 2 years. She says, “My favorite thing about working in District 15 is seeing the love and support given by staff! I love the welcoming environment our district gives and it's truly wonderful to see how well we all come together to support one another. District 15 easily becomes a home! :)”

Mrs. Jessup is a Bus Driver Training Coordinator at District 15 and she has worked in District 15 for 6 years. She says, “My favorite thing about working in District 15 is the kids! I love their stories. We transport the worlds most precious cargo and there is never a dull moment in transportation.”

Mrs. Denz is a 5th grade teacher at Frank C. Whiteley and she has worked in District 15 for 5 years. She says, “Seeing the growth of my students throughout the year, building lasting relationships with students, and when students come back to visit!”

Mrs. Franke is a Library Innovation Teacher at Kimball Hill and she has worked in District 15 for 29 years. She says, “In my 29 years in D15 I have worked in various positions at several buildings, teaching numerous students and serving hundreds of staff members. No two days are ever the same, and the connections I've made with students and staff will me last a lifetime.”

Mr. Sobel is a Physical Education Teacher at Hunting Ridge and he has worked in District 15 for 23 years. He says, "One of the most exciting and rewarding things about working in physical education is that I can introduce new skills and fitness concepts to elementary students. It is exciting to see student's confidence and self esteem improve as they develop their skills. I also enjoy making connections with the students and the community I teach in!"

Ms. Karsbaek is an Art Teacher at Lincoln School and she has worked in District 15 for 17 years. She says, "I love getting to teach my students year after year. I get to see them grow and mature from new artists into more experienced creators."