Faculty & Staff

Kristina Heidkamp-Reyes has served as Head of School at The Academy at St. Joan of Arc since its founding in 2019. With more than two decades of experience in Catholic and public education, she is committed to fostering a Christ-centered learning community where every child is known, loved, and challenged to reach their fullest potential.

Before establishing The Academy, Mrs. Heidkamp-Reyes spent 18 years teaching in Chicago, where she built a reputation for academic excellence and strong relationships with students and families. As principal, she has led The Academy through significant growth in both enrollment and academic achievement, while also cultivating a joyful and welcoming school culture rooted in the school’s core beliefs: Every Minute Matters, We are Created in the Image and Likeness of God, All Children are Capable of Learning, Relationships are the Foundation of The Academy, and Excellence is Intention.

She is a proud fellow of the Center for Transformational Leadership at the University of Notre Dame (2017–2019), where she conducted in-depth research on highly effective schools nationwide and helped bring best practices back to The Academy through faculty professional development. She currently is part of Boston College’s Executive Leadership Academy and a member of cohort 3 of ILEE (Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Education). Under her leadership, The Academy has been recognized for exceptional academic growth, consistently strong results on the 5Essentials Survey, and an A+ rating on Niche.

Mrs. Heidkamp-Reyes is passionate about developing teachers, partnering with families, and inspiring students to grow as learners, leaders, and people of faith. She believes deeply in the power of Catholic education to prepare graduates who are curious, resilient, compassionate, and ready to serve the world.
 

Catherine Kane is an alum of the school and has found her way back as the Preschool teacher at ASJA. Catherine has been a teacher for 4 years, and has spent 2 of them at ASJA. She strives to create a welcoming and caring environment for her students to help them foster their learning experience. Her preschool classroom is a play-based setting, which she believes encourages her students to build relationships and learn different developmental skills. She has always remembered her preschool teachers and how kind and caring they were, and hopes she can emulate them in some way. Outside the classroom, Catherine loves to go to concerts, read books, and travel to visit her friends.
 

Megan spent 18 years as a behavior therapist and case manager for children with autism spectrum disorder, providing both 1:1 support in the classroom and teacher training. 
She has been in the classroom at The Academy at St. Joan of Arc as an aide for 3 years and is now beginning her 4th year as head teacher.
She loves the challenge of identifying how each student learns and creating a curriculum that supports each child’s learning needs and their emerging confidence. The Pre-Kindergarten classroom is a place where students feel happy, safe, excited about learning and part of the family we so proudly call the Academy at St. Joan of Arc.
 It is her hope that each family she has had the privilege of working with experiences the support and warmth this community and school has to offer.

She is in her 16th and final year as a parent at St. Joan of Arc and now The Academy at St. Joan of Arc.

 

Mr. K. is a great asset for the Academy. He is not only the instructional aide in Kindergarten but also serves as the primary contact and Coordinator for Extended Care.  The 25/26 school year is his 4th year with The Academy.  

Outside of school, Chris enjoys coaching, including sports like football, lacrosse, and volleyball, and volunteering at local service mission trips.
 

Kayla Sachs is a 1st-grade teacher at The Academy of St. Joan of Arc in Evanston. This is her third year of teaching, having previously taught fourth grade for two years. 
Kayla focuses on creating relationships with her students by connecting classroom learning to the world around them. She encourages collaboration through small-group work, helping students learn from one another. Her greatest aspiration is to create a welcoming, inclusive classroom where all students feel a sense of belonging. She strives to support her students in setting achievable goals and challenging themselves both in and out of the classroom.

At The Academy, she deeply values the supportive, collaborative environment among faculty and staff, all working together to ensure every student thrives.

Outside of school, Kayla likes to go for walks by Lake Michigan and spend time with her friends and family. 
 

Now in her eighth year of teaching, she is dedicated to creating a classroom where students are at the center of their learning. She believes education extends beyond academics, encouraging students to think critically, solve problems, and grow as individuals. She incorporates project-based learning that connects across subject areas, helping students see meaningful links between what they learn and how it applies to the world around them. In addition to her work with students, she serves as a mentor teacher, supporting and guiding new teachers as they begin their careers at The Academy. She also leads several extracurricular opportunities, including Battle of the Books, International Club, and Maker’s Club, giving students additional ways to explore their interests and talents. Her goal is to support and challenge students so they can build both confidence in their learning and in themselves.  
Beyond the classroom, Amanda enjoys long walks with her dog Wren, yoga, reading, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
 

Jimmy Dietmeyer is a 3rd grade teacher at ASJA and is in his 4th year teaching.  He just recently completed his master's degree from LSU.

In his classroom, Jimmy fosters a collaborative environment that focuses on teamwork and maximum effort. He also leads after-school enrichment for elementary students through the Trivia Club and Creative Writing Club, where students practice problem-solving, strengthen communication skills, and discover new ways to express themselves.

Originally from Libertyville, Jimmy is a big runner and sports fan. He also enjoys reading, being outside, trivia, and spending time with family friends. He is committed to the growth of himself, his students, and ASJA.
 

Estefany Fitz brings both passion and dedication to her role as a 4th grade teacher. With a strong belief that every child learns in their own unique way, Estefany creates a learning environment that celebrates individuality and supports diverse learning styles.
Her classroom philosophy centers on the idea that students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and included. By incorporating team-building activities throughout the school year and starting each day with a greeting, Estefany fosters a positive and welcoming classroom community where every student feels valued.
In her free time, Estefany enjoys going on walks with her three beloved dogs: Cookie, Kiki, and Gigi. She also loves spending time with family, reading, and has recently picked up embroidery as a creative new hobby.  
 

Maggie O’Keefe is a 5th Grade  teacher at The Academy at St. Joan of Arc, this is her 2nd year at ASJA.  She strives to be someone that students can count on for support and structure at the same time. Her goal is to meet students where they are in order to help them grow by allowing them to productively struggle. She believes it is important for students to understand they can’t learn from mistakes if they aren’t making any. 
At first, she didn’t expect to teach in a private school, instead envisioning herself teaching in a public school, having grown up going to public school. After taking a leap of faith, she has enjoyed her time teaching here at The Academy and getting to know members of the community. 

Outside of school, she enjoys reading, hanging out with family, and traveling. Loving the outdoors, she also enjoys spending time at the beach or forest preserves.
 

Carolyn Schufreider graduated from Miami of Ohio with a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. This is Carolyn’s 7th year of teaching and 7th year at The Academy. She has been serving as our Athletic Director since 2021.

Carolyn’s approach to teaching is creating a classroom community grounded in respect, responsibility, and joy, where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. When students know they are safe and supported, they’re more willing to take academic risks, collaborate meaningfully, and grow both personally and academically. This positive environment directly supports stronger student outcomes by nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Carolyn’s family has been a part of the St Joan of Arc parish since the early 1960s. Her grandparents were deeply involved in the Church Ministry–including singing with the choir every Sunday. Her father and her six uncles all graduated from SJA. When the opportunity arose in 2019 to work at her father’s alma mater, she jumped at the chance to become a part of a community that is so special.

Mrs. Buis is the Director of Academics and middle school science teacher.  In addition, she is coach of the Science Olympiad program. Stepping into her science lab, you will be immersed into the world of science through hands-on explorations that bring the content in the book to real-world experiences. You would not just learn about science; you would do science. She hopes when students leave class, they understand the why behind the concepts and have a better understanding of how the world works. 
Mrs. Buis first came to St. Joan of Arc in 2005 and has always made the choice to teach in Catholic Schools because she feels it was her calling. 

Outside of school, she likes to spend time with her family and their dog. She also enjoys playing the piano, off-roading and traveling.
“The Academy at St. Joan of Arc is a community that you will not find anywhere else, and I am proud to be a part of it.” 
 

With over 17 years of experience teaching English and Creative Writing at the college level, Dr. Cook brings both depth and perspective to his middle school classroom. Parents and students alike value the way he combines his rich academic background with a warm, approachable style that makes literature come alive.

He believes every student’s voice is essential to the classroom experience, and he works to create an environment rooted in respect, curiosity, and thoughtful exploration. Teaching also encourages him to remain a lifelong learner himself—an outlook that inspires his students to see learning as a journey, not just a destination. By maintaining clear expectations while encouraging creativity, Dr. Cook helps students discover both confidence and joy in their learning.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and son.

A liberal education and an appreciation for the arts have greatly influenced Mrs. Heaton’s philosophy of education. She uses a cross-curricular and collaborative approach to deepen and enrich students' understanding of the content as well as its importance in the world. Her classroom is student-centered, and she encourages students to think independently and critically, as well as to digest superior and diverse literature. 

Mrs. Heaton’s three children attend The Academy, and these very personal stakes encourage her to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of her methods.
 

Ann knew from a young age she desired to be a teacher. She firmly believes in the education of a child as an entire person, one of an academic, social, and emotional nature – assisting them to become not just good students, but good people. The opportunity to work once again with Kristina Reyes brought her to ASJA, and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. She truly loves coming to work every day. 

Ann has three children and a granddaughter. 
 

“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.”

Anthony Maniscalco is a Physical Education teacher at the Academy of St. Joan of Arc beginning in 2019.  With over 10 years of teaching experience, he also has more than 20 years as a basketball skills development trainer.

Anthony is passionate about making physical education both fun and meaningful. His classes emphasize not only fitness and skill-building, but also the joy of movement, friendly competition, and teamwork. He encourages students to challenge themselves, discover new strengths, and gain confidence through individual and team sports. By blending structure with creativity, Anthony helps his students understand the value of staying active while developing important life skills such as discipline, cooperation, and perseverance. 

Anthony is grateful to be part of such a strong and well-established school community, where the dedication to academic and personal growth allows him to help students thrive both inside and outside the gym.
 

Kim Ryan is excited to be part of The Academy at St. Joan of Arc community as the Art Teacher for students in preschool through eighth grade. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University and holds certifications from Responsive Classroom. Kim brings eight years of teaching experience and is also a proud alum of St. Joan of Arc.

Believing that every child has the ability to learn and grow, Ms. Ryan’s ultimate goal is for each of her students to know that she loves them, values their creativity, and believes in their potential. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a welcoming, engaging classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Outside the classroom, Kim enjoys reading and going to the movies. She especially loves spending time with family, volunteering in the community, and exploring new places. Kim looks forward to helping students succeed both artistically and personally throughout their years at The Academy.
 

“Being part of The Academy is 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 am being given a chance to do what I love and to share my knowledge with my students and help them find their strengths.”

Anita Gabor is the lower grade music teacher at The Academy at St. Joan of Arc. She brings 24 years of teaching experience, and holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Conducting, and a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy. She has received her National Board Certification. 

In her classroom, Anita focuses on building strong foundations through singing, movement, and exploration. She is passionate about keeping a variety of opportunities for students within her curriculum, from recorders and ukulele to folk dances from around the world.  
Anita values the performance experience within the scope of Arts Education. She is passionate about creating experiences and opportunities for children to be bold, creative, and collaborative. She brings her love for Musical Theater, and her experience directing over 30 youth productions, to the after school opportunities at the Academy. 
Outside of school, Anita remains active with the local theater community, and enjoys playing ukulele and singing for nursing home residents.
She is committed to helping students grow academically, socially, and spiritually, so they leave The Academy ready to lead lives of purpose.
 

Benjamin Gamze teaches music to grades 5 through 8 at The Academy at St. Joan of Arc. He holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Indiana University Bloomington and has over five years of teaching experience.
Mr. Gamze engages students with music theory, piano, and instrumental skills through immersive activities like singing and rhythm exercises. He fosters creativity and tailors classes to meet all his students' needs, helping them develop musicianship and confidence within and outside the classroom.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Gamze enjoys practicing new songs. He is committed to fostering students’ musical skills, teamwork, and appreciation for the artistry and power of music as they move on to high school.
 

Katie McCarthy is the School Counselor at The Academy at St. Joan of Arc. Katie received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a child and adolescent focus. Katie has been practicing counseling for six years, and is joining our community for her third year at The Academy. Katie has continued her education through extensive training in comprehensive school-counseling programming such as Responsive Classroom, Conscious Discipline, Zones of Regulation, Superflex and Resilience Builders. She utilizes a solution-focused lens to provide support to all students. Additionally, Katie holds specialized certifications in supporting students presenting with anxiety, emotion regulation and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as it relates to their time at school.

Outside of school, Katie loves to read a rom-com or thriller, spend time outside with her family, and snuggle with her dog, Turtle. 

 

Sally Pinckney is an accomplished educator and literacy leader with over two decades of experience spanning classroom teaching, curriculum development, and instructional coaching.
As the Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach at ASJA she provides targeted reading intervention and coaches teachers in effective instructional practices. 
Previously, Sally worked with the Children’s Literacy Initiative, where she coached educators, modeled evidence-based literacy practices, and designed professional development to strengthen instruction and classroom culture. Over the course of her career, she has also designed curriculum for National Heritage Academies, taught in both Virginia and
Delaware public schools, and earned recognition as Teacher of the Year. 
Sally is passionate about empowering educators and supporting all learners in developing the skills and confidence they need to thrive. 

Outside of her professional work, she is a proud mother of three daughters and a son and loves spending every minute she can get with them.
 

Mrs. Smirl is a Learning Support teacher at The Academy. She previously taught 1st - 3rd grades in both California and Wisconsin. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of MN.and is also ERI certified (Early Reading Intervention).

She supports the classroom teachers and students in grades one through four by providing an "extra layer of learning." Students come to her table to be both supported and challenged in a small group setting. The differentiated instruction is based on the students' current needs and provides a safe and fun space where mistakes are welcomed and extra reinforcement of concepts is emphasized. Each student's individual learning styles and curiosity is welcomed and encouraged.

Outside of school, she stays busy with  two crazy dogs, traveling with her husband and three kids, running during the early mornings, reading non-fiction books and absolutely obsessing over interior design. More importantly, she actively volunteers at Hillside Food Pantry and Family Promise Chicago Northshore, both located in Evanston and both serving our neighbors in need.

Mrs. Piper's role is to support our diverse learners at The Academy. Her primary focus is supporting middle school students. However, any child entering the Academy with an IEP, 504 plan, or private evaluation will receive a service plan to ensure the right support is in place.

The support she provides middle school is foundational. It's a challenging time in many ways as they transition from kids to teenagers, but it's also exciting and fun. She is dedicated to making sure they don't lose their love of learning, sharing our goal to create life-long learners.

Mrs. Piper is passionate that every child can learn because she has seen it happen.
"All children are remarkable in their ability to learn and grow, including children with significant learning challenges when we provide the right level of support."

She came to The Academy in 2020 and was drawn to our motto (Find a Way), and being Catholic, she felt drawn towards working in a faith-based school environment.

Outside the classroom, her three children keep very busy. She loves reading, cooking, exercising, and being with friends and loved ones whenever possible. “I think it's so important to slow down once in a while and soak things in.”
 

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.”

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

"From the very beginning, I’ve been inspired by the opportunity to help shape a school that celebrates diversity while redefining what a Catholic, rigorous, and values-driven education can look like — and continues to evolve for the needs of today’s families."

Caroline Kennedy has served as The Academy’s Director of Marketing and Communications since its founding in 2019. With a notable career in marketing and communications and a lifelong connection to Catholic education, Caroline brings both expertise and passion to her role. She works closely with faculty, staff, and families to share the story of The Academy as the amazing school and community that it is.

Raised on the North Shore, Caroline and her husband have also raised their own family here, with both of their children educated in Catholic schools. “I am proud to be a champion for this school and its incredible faculty,” Caroline shares. “Together, we are reimagining what an independent Catholic education can be.”

Holly came to The Academy as the Director of Advancement and Community Engagement after 20+ years working in the public and nonprofit arenas as a Community Builder and Advancement Consultant, primarily focused on the affordable housing sector. Holly and her family were part of the group that founded The Academy, which she cites as one of the most challenging and rewarding endeavors of her lifetime.
Holly is not only an Academy team member but also the mom of two Academy graduates and a current middle school student. 
“What makes The Academy special is the way that everyone here is truly seen, valued and loved. I am grateful for the chance to work in the building and pass along all the blessings that my own children received. I feel very honored to be a small part of bringing the community together to support the school.”
When not organizing an event or driving her children, Holly is an avid reader and lover of her dog, both of which she loves to discuss, please ask her. 
 

As Director of Operations, Lisa has built and nurtured strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the wider ASJA community. In her day-to-day role, she supports families with tuition assistance, collaborates with Board members to uphold The Academy’s mission and vision, develops budget plans and proposals to strengthen both the building and the foundation of ASJA, and contributes as an active member of The Academy’s strategic growth initiative.

With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, she has developed comprehensive expertise across a broad range of roles. Her professional background encompasses supporting educators and administrators in both the private and public sectors, teaching in the classroom, and overseeing the daily operations of a school office. Driven by a community-centered focus, her objective is to serve as a catalyst for growth in all areas of The Academy.

Born and raised on the North Shore, Lisa attended Regina Dominican and Loyola University. She now lives in Lake County, where she raised her family. Her greatest joy comes from being the mother of three adult children and a new grandparent to twins—along with doting on her adorable Cavapoo pup. Her office is located within the school office, so feel free to st