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.”

Let's get to know Mrs. Haughey:

What is your teaching philosophy?
I enjoy being back in the classroom and love watching the early learning stages of this age.

I love the challenge of identifying how each student learns. Creating an environment and a curriculum that supports each child’s learning needs and emerging confidence is essential. 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. 

 

Let's get to know Mrs. Buis: 

What is your teaching philosophy?
“Education is the foundation for a child’s future.  As a teacher at the Academy, I have the unique opportunity to be in an environment that fosters all students' academic and social-emotional growth.  I value being a lifelong learner and strive to inspire my students to have a curiosity and desire that will push them to continue to learn and grow.”

Let's get to know Mr. Payne: 
 

“I feel particularly excited to be part of The Academy faculty 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 discover their individual strengths and weaknesses best. 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 and the school as a whole.”

Let's get to know Mrs. Heaton:

What's your teaching philosophy or approach to education?

A liberal education and an appreciation for the arts greatly influenced my philosophy of education. I use a cross-curricular and collaborative approach to lessons to deepen and enrich students' understanding of the content at hand and how it fits into their studies and the world. My classroom is student-centered, and I encourage students to think independently and critically, as well as to digest superior and diverse literature. 

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I followed my maternal family tradition to teach. I started my career at Saint Francis Xavier School in Wilmette, as did my mom and grandma (Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Dunn, respectively, for anyone who attended!). I wanted to feel the joy and fulfillment they radiated when talking to me about their students.

RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher), YogaFit Teacher Training

“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.”

 Let's get to know Mr. Manicalco:

What is your teaching philosophy?
“I am excited to be part of building a great school. Being at The Academy allows me to connect with the students on an individual level. I always look forward to engaging with the students and continuing to grow as an educator.”

If I could have one superpower, what would it be?
It would be to fly!

Cubs, Sox, or other?  I am a Laker fan.
 

 Let's get to know Ms. Ryan

What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is truly rooted in relationships. My ultimate goal is for each of my students to know that I love them, I love their creativity, and I believe in them. Through openness, laughter, support and conversation, I promote a climate where my students are free to express themselves through their work. The three keys to the rapport I share with my students: Love | Care | Respect

What have you learned from the past 18 months?
Life brings with it a whole lotta unnecessary background noise. The silver lining from the pandemic for me is the ability to turn off that background noise, become much more present and practice gratitude EACH and EVERY DAY.

What brings you joy?
Children's enthusiasm for creating and their love for all things silly gives me so much joy. My beautiful niece and four awesome nephews also bring immeasurable joy!

What would you want your Superpower to be?
To have superhuman endurance, strength, and resilience. This would allow me to take on all challenges in spite of ANY adverse circumstance. It would also allow me to survive/thrive on very little sleep!

Cubs, Sox, or Other? Cubs (duh!)

Let's get to know Mrs. Hendricks:
 

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.

As the Director of Operations, my position has allowed me to develop and foster interpersonal relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the greater ASJA community. My day-to-day role includes supporting families with tuition assistance, partnering with Board members on enforcing The Academy’s mission and vision, creating budget plans and proposals to support the building and the foundation of ASJA, and acting as a member of The Academy’s strategic growth initiative.

With more than 20 years of experience working within education, I have found myself well-immersed in a variety of positions. My experience includes supporting educators and administrators in both the private and public sectors, educating within the classroom, and managing the day-to-day operations within the school office. With a community-centered focus, my goal is to act as a catalyst of growth within all facets that make up The Academy.

While born and raised on the North Shore, I reside in Lake County, where I raised my family. The true joy in my life comes from being a mother to three adult children and one adorable cavapoo pup! Aside from my family and friends, I am passionate about philanthropy, and fundraising for hospitals supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.

My office is housed within the school office. Stop in and say hello; I'm always eager to lend a helping hand.

"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.”

Let's get to know Mrs. Pickering:

What do you love about being part of ASJA?
The people! I have never been part of a more inclusive, generous, selfless, and positive group of people. The “Find a Way” mantra permeates the entire community -  from the students to the teachers, to our alumni and donors and volunteers - and never fails to inspire me.

 Do you have any favorite books or authors you'd recommend?
I love reading, so I love this question! My two favorite books of the last few years were Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne.

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote that you would like to share with us?
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

Or, to quote my mom, “I’m just happy to be here.”