Ms. Beagles

Kindergarten

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Hello! My name is Dawn Beagles and I am the kindergarten teacher, Dean for grades PK-3, and moderator for our After School program. I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois. I have many years of experience and have been a teacher at Saint Gilbert since 2000. Every year, I attend continuing education classes to stay current with the newest educational trends. I feel blessed to be able to teach and share my faith at SGS. I am proud to be a part of the Saint Gilbert community of families. It feels like home when I come to work every day. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my 3 amazing daughters, family, and friends. I also enjoy walking, reading, and being outdoors.

Mrs. Suzanne Soudan

Kindergarten

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​Hello! My name is Suzanne Soudan, and I am thrilled to be the KB classroom kindergarten teacher at St. Gilbert School. I hold a bachelor’s degree from National Louis University in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement, bringing over ten years of experience to my classroom. My journey at SGS began in 2024 co-teaching in PKA, and I am excited to transition into this new role for my third year with our school family. Because early childhood research evolves rapidly, I am dedicated to staying at the forefront of Catholic education. I continuously enhance my teaching practice through coursework at NLU as I work towards my masters degree, Archdiocese ISBE approved training, and active memberships in national organizations like NAEYC, NCTM, and NSTA. My goal is to nurture both the minds and hearts of my students every single day.

Personally, I am a proud Catholic school mom of three K-12 graduates, with one currently attending Loyola University. Outside the classroom, I enjoy family time, traveling, reading, and serving as a parish bereavement minister. I have such deep respect for the St. Gilbert community and feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this wonderful family.

Mrs. Spradlin

1st Grade

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I have had the pleasure of teaching at St. Gilbert for 22 years. I began teaching first grade when my three children were all students at SGS. I am proud to say that my daughter is also a teacher at St. Gilbert and her 4 children now attend. It has been my privilege to teach young minds to read, write, and explore math. It is truly a blessing to teach at a school that has such a strong sense of community with a shared belief in Jesus. I strive to find new strategies and tools to support my students’ growing minds each day. Teaching is my gift, passion, and calling.

Mrs. Patula

1st Grade

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My name is Christa Patula and after 20 years of teaching in a nearby public school, I am thrilled to be joining  St.Gilbert’s as a first grade teacher.  I earned my BS in Elementary Education from Illinois State University and my MA in Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University. In addition,  I hold middle school endorsements in Language Arts and Social Science.  My husband and I reside in Grayslake with our three children, who attend SGS.  If we’re not at St. Gilbert’s, you can find us running to and from the hockey rink and gymnastic practices. 

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As a parent, it has been a blessing to know my children are in an environment where they feel safe and cared for; and where they have grown academically and in their relationship with God.   As a teacher, I am looking forward to sharing that same love for faith, learning and discovery that  the dedicated staff have instilled in my own children, with my students as well. 

Ms. Schapals

2nd Grade

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I have been a second grade teacher at St. Gilbert since 2001. I earned my bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and my teaching certification from Trinity International University. I have found immense joy in being a part of this wonderful community. Witnessing the growth of students, both academically and spiritually, has been an absolute pleasure. I believe in making learning more engaging, and it truly warms my heart when a struggling student finally grasps a concept. I feel honored to work with these amazing children and their families.

Mrs. Jacobson

2nd Grade

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I am very excited to be teaching second grade this year at St. Gilbert School! I taught fourth grade for several years in the Archdiocese of Chicago before my children were born. Since then, I have taught elementary, middle, and high school courses virtually for an online Catholic school and most recently served as an aide in Kindergarten at SGS. I received a BS in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Dominican University. I am also endorsed in ESL, Language Arts, and Social Studies. 

 

My three children currently attend SGS, and it has become our second home. Being at school with my children, sharing in Mass every Wednesday, and experiencing the growth and learning within the SGS community is a truly a blessing. This is a special place, and I look forward to a wonderful school year ahead!

Ms. Draper

3rd Grade

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I am honored to be a teacher at Saint Gilbert Catholic School for the past 19 years. It is my passion to make learning challenging and fun for students. Sharing my Catholic faith with the children has been a blessing as I watch them grow in their faith and love. Prior to working at Saint Gilbert, I worked as a substitute teacher in elementary schools while earning my Elementary Education degree at Trinity International University. I previously graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. As a previous second grade and current third grade teacher, I have the privilege to educate the children about the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and growing in their religious faith. It has been such a unique experience for me to watch these students expand their learning from last year within our Saint Gilbert community.

Mrs. Jacobson

3rd Grade

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Hello! My name is Lisa Jacobson, and I am thrilled to be teaching 3rd grade this year. This is my 4th year at St. Gilbert, having previously taught preschool. I am excited for this new experience, and truly believe it is an absolute gift to educate your children and watch them grow throughout the school year. I received my Masters of Education from DePaul University, and I am also a licensed school counselor. I am currently working on my second masters degree in elementary education at Western Governors University.

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Not only do I work at St. Gilbert's, but my children have been part of the SGS family since preschool. I truly feel our school is THE BEST and am thankful for our community every day. SGS has provided a second family for my children, and I feel extremely privileged to be part of this community, not only as a teacher, but also as a parent.

Ms. Bishop

4th Grade

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I’ve been working at St. Gilbert since 2001. I have had the opportunity to teach third, fourth and fifth (science & math) grades. One of the best parts of teaching is seeing students when they finally understand that challenging concept. I have my bachelor’s from Purdue and my Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement from the University of Phoenix. I love watching students grow in their learning every day. In addition, I have been working at the after school program since it started.

Mrs. Jachym

4th Grade 

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My name is Aimee Jachym, pronounced “Ya-hymn.” This is my third year at Saint Gilbert School and my second year as the 4th grade (4B) teacher. Before SGS, I homeschooled my three children here in Grayslake.

I graduated from Northern Illinois University and led/participated in community service projects. I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching at National-Louis University. I taught at Saint Luke Academy, Chicago, for 3 years, and then at Park School, Evanston, working with special needs students. I am happy, along with my family, to be a part of the Saint Gilbert community.

I love spending time with my husband, Patrick, and our kids, proudly watching them play ice hockey and dance on stage, exploring, kayaking, riding bikes, and walking our dog.

Ms. Fout

5th Grade

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I am proud to be in my twenty-fourth year at St. Gilbert School. Along with teaching my homeroom class, I also teach Social Studies and Science to our Fifth Grade students. I love teaching the students about our country’s early history. I received my Bachelor of Education from National-Louis University and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. I have certifications in Middle School, Social Studies, Language Arts, and General Science. Outside of school, I enjoy camping, gardening, learning about history, traveling, and doing genealogy research.

Mrs. Cecala

5th Grade

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I am proud to not only be a teacher at St. Gilbert, but also an alum – Class of 2003. I received my undergraduate degree at the College of Lake County and my Bachelor of Education from Northern Illinois University. Before being hired as a fifth grade teacher, I worked in the preschool room in the Afterschool Care Program for several years. I am currently in my seventh year of teaching at St. Gilbert School. Along with teaching my homeroom class, I also teach Math and Reading to the fifth grade students. When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Sal, and two children, April (4) and Luca (2). I also enjoy reading, playing board and card games, traveling, and walking outside in nature. One fun fact about me is that I have visited all 50 states, with my favorites being Colorado, Maine, and South Dakota.

Mrs. Conboy

6th Grade

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Hello! My name is Stephanie Conboy, and I am proud to serve as the 6th Grade teacher at Saint Gilbert Catholic School. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from Arizona State University and bring a background in government communications and community engagement. Supporting people and building strong relationships have always been central to my work, and those values guide me in the classroom each day.

 

I’m grateful to be part of the Saint Gilbert community and truly enjoy the connections formed with students and families. Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband and our two daughters, getting outdoors, reading, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with growth and meaningful moments.

Mrs. Miller

6th Grade

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My name is Amy Miller and I’m a proud St. Gilbert alumna. I’m very excited to start my teaching career at such a wonderful school. I fell in love with teaching while being a substitute teacher after working in healthcare the past 7 years. My goal is to help students prepare for high school and whatever they choose to do in life. I want our students to excel in the classroom, as well as the outside world. I’m overjoyed with the privilege to be a part of the St. Gilbert community in this role.

 

Outside of school I love reading, spending time with my family, and my pets. I’m an avid sports fan and love attending Chicago sports games. My husband, Gregory, currently serves in the U.S. Navy, so when he is in port I love to spend as much time with him as possible.

Mrs. Dantzer

7th Grade

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I began teaching Spanish in 2012 and joined St. Gilbert School in 2017. My degree is in Elementary Education and Spanish with an ESL Endorsement. As a language teacher, I am grateful that my work not only introduces students to a new language but also allows them to connect and build relationships with others. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Ms. Iryna Melenchuk

7th Grade

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Mrs. Greffly

8th Grade

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My qualifications to teach are a bachelor degree in Biology with an endorsement in Education from Southern Illinois University. My experience in teaching includes several years in San Diego at a junior high school where I taught Science. My family eventually moved to the Chicago area and bought a house in Grayslake. My two sons attended Saint Gilbert School, and when a position was available, I jumped at the opportunity! I have taught 5th and 6th grade ELA and Science, and now teach 7th grade ELA and 8th grade Religion. Saint Gilbert School is a very special place for its students and families. My sons still maintain friendships with other “Gilbies.” Through sports, band, and many other activities, all students have opportunities to create friendships that may continue for many years. I consider Saint Gilbert School one big family where all children feel safe, supported, and loved.

Mrs. Ziegler

8th Grade

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I have been teaching Jr High since 2008 and have always taught within the Chicago Archdiocese. I came to SGS in 2019 and have loved every part of this school. I love working with the Jr High, teaching Science and ELA/Lit. One of my goals is to teach a solid foundation to prepare students for high school and beyond. I want them to know not only the content but also how to take notes, ask for help, and be self advocates. Another goal is to lend an ear, facilitate students working through normal school issues, and teach them calming skills through art, breathing, and movement.  

Mrs. Farrell

Art PK, K, & 1

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​Hello my name is Mary Farrell and I am excited to start my third year at St. Gilbert
teaching Art to Preschool, Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second
Grade students. I hold a BSHE in Fashion Design and feel I bring a diverse background in creative education, designing and artistry to my classroom. I continue to share my love of art through Young Rembrandts in after school programs in Grayslake. My teaching experience also includes Montessori Schools, VBS and 6 years with the Girl Scouts. In addition to my work in the arts, I spent 3 years as a Gardener, nurturing my passion for creativity indoors and outdoors. I have always tried to instill the importance of art and being creative with my two daughters throughout their lives. Coming from a family rich in artistic talent including a professional seamstress, floral designer and furniture maker, I have spent my life crafting and designing. After retiring from a career in sales and management, I am grateful to spend my time doing what I truly enjoy, teaching art. I would like to introduce your children to art in history, world cultures and in the Catholic religion, and help them see art as a joyful and meaningful part of life. I think the happiest people I know are those who create. Art brings me joy and I hope I can inspire that joy in every child I teach.

Mrs. Baynes

Art Grades 2-8

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I have been teaching Art at Saint Gilbert since 2021, and I am a parent of an SGS graduate (Emma-2018).  I have to say that Saint Gilbert does a fabulous job, not only preparing students for success but also building character and inspiring leadership. The sense of community is what first sold us on investing in an SGS education, and it’s also what drew me to teach Art here. I got my BS from Purdue University and have been working in marketing in the business world. Because I’ve experienced it firsthand, I try to teach the students that art plays a role in many careers and is not just to be shown in museums. I also believe that any time I can inspire creativity in a student, I’m doing my job, and loving every minute of it! 

Mrs. Nuzzo

Music 

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​I'm thrilled to be joining SGS this year as the preschool–8th grade music teacher. I have a degree in music therapy from Illinois State University and my K–12 music education certification from Northeastern Illinois University. My main instruments are piano and voice, but I also play flute and guitar, and I recently started learning the ukulele. I've taught in various schools in Chicago and the northern suburbs before taking a pause to raise my family. I'm grateful to be back in the classroom to sing, dance, and play music with your children!