Faculty

“As a school leader, my goal is to deliver a transformational educational experience that provides students with the opportunity to grow as critical thinkers and life-long learners who are ready to make a difference in the world. I strive to accomplish this by providing strategic leadership and by building strong relationships with and among the entire school community. Most importantly, I lead by example. I am always open to growth and committed to and inspired by the people I work with and serve.

I am excited to be part of The Academy because it is an amazing opportunity to work with a group of people who are deeply committed to creating an exceptional school with the best possible learning experience for each and every child that is rooted in faith and focused on student-driven outcomes. As an independent Catholic school, we get to do things differently while building upon the rich traditions of St. Joan of Arc. While many things will demand my attention this year, two of my priorities are: building a Christ-centered culture of joy where everyone feels valued and welcomed and ensuring rigorous academics where each child feels successful, challenged and engaged every day.”

“My classroom is a place where everyone is respected and included and where kindness for others is practiced every day. I love that I can see my students grow into young learners and that I get to prepare them for a successful future.”

“Keeley Barr is an outstanding preschool teacher primarily because of her love and patience with young children. The kids all adore her, and my son looked forward to going to school every single day. Keeley is a very talented teacher and we felt very lucky to have her for preschool!"   Parent of three ASJA students

“One thing I want my students to know about me is that I enjoy going to work. I want all of our students to feel the same excitement I do when they come to school! I’m excited to be part of The Academy because we will offer a dynamic, progressive and nurturing learning environment. I’ll be focusing on creating an interactive and enthusiastic learning experience encouraging academic, emotional and spiritual growth.”

“Mrs. Caplice has a gentle, loving nature with the children. No matter the situation she gets down on their level, looks them in the eyes and counsels them through it in the most calm, kind way. Her peaceful, loving nature ensures that the children always feel secure and nurtured, enabling them to reach their fullest learning potential.” Parent of three ASJA students

“One thing I want my students to know about me is that I have three children: a daughter heading to college, a son who is a junior in HS, and a son who is an eighth grader at The Academy. I’m excited to be part of the Academy because it’s great to be a part of something brand new. New ideas, new philosophies, new leaders! I’ll be focusing on making every child feel special and comfortable each day when they enter our classroom. That daily ‘warm welcome’ makes them excited to play and interact with their teachers and classmates.”

“Mrs. Wagener has an amazing gift for engaging, inspiring and activating the minds of young children. She’s hands on in wide-ranging activities and carefully models respect and kindness, artfully teaching them how to treat one another. Additionally, her extraordinary warmth put both of my kids at ease as they transitioned to school for the first time.”

I am enjoying being back in the classroom and love watching the early stages of learning that comes with this age.

I love the challenge of identifying how each student learns and I think it is important to create an environment and a curriculum that supports each child’s learning needs and their emerging confidence. I want to make our preschool classroom and place where students feel happy, safe and part of the family we so proudly call the Academy at St. Joan of Arc. 

Over the last 10 years of teaching, my philosophy is to be fully present with the students and lead by example.  Take one day at a time, every day is a new day to start over.  

I am excited to be part of the Academy's mission to encourage kindness, compassion, inclusion & gratitude.

“I like being a teacher because it allows me the opportunity to help a child grow socially, emotionally and academically. I can help children develop a love for learning at a young age and be influential in helping them build self-esteem and grow in their confidence.”

“Kendra is a thoughtful and attentive teacher. She ensures that each child meets and exceeds his or her learning goals. Kendra teaches her preschool class to be kind and respectful while having fun. She is key to laying the educational foundation the kids need moving forward.”  Parent of two ASJA students

“I define excellence in teaching as having the power to inspire, motivate, and excite students. It is the ability to spark a passion for learning. It is teaching children to believe and have faith in themselves. The parents of my students entrust me with their most prized possession. I accept that responsibility with pride and commitment.”

“My son loved that Mrs. Hendricks empowered him to be a leader. He took great pride in taking on responsibilities. And, he very much enjoyed all the classroom rituals that Mrs. Hendricks established such as dance parties and king/queen crowning ceremonies. Mrs. Hendricks gets students ready to learn and thrive with a firm and direct but super kind style. She makes learning fun while at the same time demanding a lot from her students, all in a supportive and encouraging environment.” Parent of Two ASJA Students

Over the last two decades, Ms. Hepner has taught K to 3rd grades in various North Shore schools.

“I’ve always felt that in order to be an effective teacher my focus should be on the individual child, not just the things they are studying. I think a teacher must integrate academic and social-emotional skills equally in order to create an environment where students are successfully engaged in the classroom learning and where they are able to make connections to their lives outside the classroom.”

“My child really loved Miss Peters because she treated her students like they were her own and fondly called them her love bugs. In that type of environment, it was easy to learn and grow.”  Parent of two ASJA Students

“Excellence in teaching is recognizing that teaching is who you are as well as what you do. As a teacher, you are called to demonstrate compassion, care, encouragement, and to challenge behaviors all the time, not just when teaching. That’s why integrating your life experiences and passions are key to inspiring students.”

“Mr. Ruske is the type of teacher you hope your kid gets. He was really great at being supportive of my son and addressing his academic needs. He also worked to help shape the kids into responsible people. Mr. Ruske made a wonderful and lifelong impact on my son.”  Parent of a 4th grade ASJA student

“I love working with children. I want to be a strong role model that has an influence on children’s current lives and futures. I believe that I am a motivator that brings hard work, dedication, creativity and fun to the classroom. I understand the importance of adaptability, positive rapport, and recognition of each child’s current state of development.”

“I am very excited and eager to pursue my career in teaching.  I have experience student   teaching on the first-and third-grade levels as well as teaching experiences at the preschool and second grade levels.   I value the importance of a high-quality Catholic education and the   special learning experiences that Catholic schools provide. It is my goal to combine my various experiences with my ability to be a compassionate, enthusiastic, hard-working teacher who will be a positive addition to your school and the community it serves.”

“I am blessed with being able to do something that I love, which is teaching social studies. I come from three generations of family who felt the same way. My goal is to do everything I can to give my students a love and appreciation of history that they can take to high school and beyond.”

“One key to a successful school is a faculty that supports its students’ growth by embracing the unique developmental needs of each individual learner. Embracing the individual needs of students is not only an educational best practice, it is reflective of our faith as Catholics. God created us as individuals. He hears our prayers, knows our struggles, and is willing to provide His help. The teacher-student relationship at a Catholic school must reflect the unique relationship God has with the human race.

I am excited to be part of The Academy because I believe in the power of independent Catholic education to create leaders who will change our world.  The focus of my classroom instruction has always been differentiated instruction.  As a language arts teacher, I want my students to experience the pleasure of reading and the power of their written words.”

“Teaching is an inspiring profession. I like being a teacher because I have the opportunity to help form tomorrow’s leaders. I like the challenge that teaching presents.  I want to work hard to create engaging learning experiences that will help my students grow academically and socially. It is rewarding to see the successes and excitement of the students.”

“My child really enjoyed how Mrs. Buis had them do weather reports for different countries around the world while they were learning about weather. The most important new skill my children learned in Mrs. Buis’ class was to take notes. She took the time to teach them the process and most of all was sure they understood the material to mastery. She took extra time to teach different ways if needed."  Parent of Two ASJA Parents

“Throughout my career, I have had a passion to reach all students where they are, which included discovering the manner at which students process information. I believe in a growth mindset and helping students understand unacceptable responses to problems are information for the next attempt. I assist families in supporting their children by discovering their individual needs and looking for every opportunity to make mathematics meaningful.”

“Being part of The Academy is going to be a wonderful experience. I see it as a positive opportunity to connect with a strong community in order to foster independent growth and lifelong learning in our youth. Being a part of The Academy means that I will be given a chance to do what I love and to share my knowledge with my students and help them find their strengths.”

“I am excited to be part of the Academy because I want to help build a great school for the community. I’m looking forward to engaging with the new students and continuing to grow as an educator. Being at a smaller school will allow me to connect with the students on an individual level.”

“I feel particularly excited to join The Academy because of the personalized learning that can take place in a smaller school. I believe the most effective learning takes place when teachers have the time and resources to invest in their students to best discover their individual strengths and weaknesses. A personal relationship between students and teachers means a better understanding of where and how to help a student develop to reach their full potential in the particular subject matter as well as in the school as a whole.”

“One thing I want my students to know about me is that I love learning! I’m excited to be part of The Academy because as a founding member, I will have the opportunity to impact the student body as we grow as an innovative leader in independent Catholic education. Something I’ll be focusing on this year in our classroom is providing a nurturing, warm and engaging environment where a love of learning begins.”

“Ms. Kim gives so much love to her class. She lights up the room with her smile and the children feel her joy and enthusiasm. She is a true blessing to our community. We love Ms. Kim!!” Parent of three ASJA students

Prior to joining The Academy, Ms. Piper worked with the students and families of Skokie D68 and Wheeling D21. At The Academy, she will be providing one-on-one support for students with identified needs to help them build the necessary skills to foster learning and empower grade-level success.

“Team sports play a significant role in fulfilling the physical, mental and social development that every child needs. I plan to make the athletic program at The Academy strong.  I am thrilled that The Academy will provide an outstanding faith-based academic, social and athletic environment, which are all crucial to creating a strong foundation for well-rounded, confident and successful children.”

"I’m excited to be part of The Academy because I love that we’re carrying on many of the SJA traditions while creating an even better school that is a new model for Catholic education. To help launch our groundbreaking independent school, my focus this year will be putting the critical elements in place to ensure The Academy runs smoothly for students, parents, teachers, staff, and the board. I will help establish the technology infrastructure, financial management and the operating and HR policies & procedures needed to help make The Academy a leader in education.”

"I am excited to be part of The Academy because we have an opportunity as a team to re-imagine Catholic education. I’ll be focusing on spreading the word about the robust community thriving at The Academy.”

Mr. Kuchuris is a team player with a passion for basketball!  He has demonstrated
experience in managing client relationships, office processes, and historical records.  Mr. Kuchuris supports Mrs. Reyes and the administration team. He is the point of contact for 
parents and students for daily needs.