Faculty and Staff

Pastor

Fr. Mark Walter – Rectory | mwalter@stlinusschool.org

Principal

I am upbeat and experienced educator who began as an elementary school teacher with Chicago Public Schools, and 14 years as an administrator at Queen of Peace High School and Maria High School before becoming the principal of St. Cletus Catholic School in La Grange, IL. I’m a St. Linus Alum, from the class of 1976. It’s great to be home, and a GREAT day to be a Hawk!

Ms. Margaret Hayes – Main Office | mhayes@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Ms. Hayes’ Happenings

Assistant Principal/ Learning Resource

My name is Maureen Byrnes and I am continuing my “Hawk Flight” as the Assistant Principal and Learning Support Specialist. I received my M.A. Degree in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University and my B.A. and M.A. Degrees in Education from St. Xavier University with an LBS1 Endorsement. I truly enjoy working with the St. Linus students and families! Our “Hawks” bring a sense of creativity, joy and excitement in with them each and every day!

“Oh the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Mrs. Byrnes  | mbyrnes@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Mrs. Byrnes – Learning Resource Connection

Secretary

My name is Linda Delisi and I am the School Secretary at St. Linus since January of 2006. I am also a St. Linus parishioner and also a proud parent of three Linus alums. I love what I do here at St. Linus, and each year is exciting with the new faces of the students.

I like to refer to them as the old soap opera “All My Children.” When I am away from my “2nd home at Linus” I enjoy spending time with my family.

Mrs. Delisi – Main Office | ldelisi@stlinusschool.org

Fax  | 708-499-4492

Extended Day Care  – AM & PM

I am an aide during the day in school and I also do the before and after school Extended Day Program. I am a long time parishioner of St. Linus. My three children graduated  from St.Linus. Currently I am lucky to have tree of my nine grandchildren enrolled. (How fortunate am I!) Thirty-one  years ago I started the Extended Day Program here at Linus.  IT IS STILL THE BEST PART OF MY DAY.

Mrs. Gute – Room 17 | mgute@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: The Extended Day Connection

3 Year Old Preschool

Hi My Name is Mrs. Kokaska. I am a 3 year old preschool teacher here at St. Linus. I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education from Saint Xavier University. I started out as an aide in 3 year old preschool and have since become the head teacher in 2019.I currently live in St. Linus Parish with my husband and 5 children. I enjoy spending time with my family/friends and traveling to new places. I look forward to starting a new year filled with new experiences and fun!

Mrs. Kokaska – Room 10  | jkokaska@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Pre-School Connection

4 Year Old Preschool

In 2008 I started my journey here at St. Linus and have been loving every minute of it.  I have spent my time teaching early childhood, specifically preschool the last few years.  My love of reading is what led me to get my Master’s Degree in Reading and Reading Specialist certificate.
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and baking.

Mrs. Dougherty – Room 11 | cdougherty@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Pre-School Connection

Pre-K

Hello! My name is Anne Spiguzza and I am the preschool teacher at St. Linus. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from DePaul University in 2010. I have worked in the Archdiocese of Chicago for over 10 years-previously working in kindergarten. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, and spending time with my family. I am excited to learn and grow with your child this year!

Mrs. Anne- Room 9 | aspiguzza@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Pre-School Connection

Kindergarten

My name is Maureen Revis and I have been teaching Kindergarten at St. Linus since 2000. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. Taking long walks, reading, and dining out are a few of my favorite things to do. Being a Kindergarten teacher has been a very rewarding experience, and one I have certainly enjoyed at St. Linus school.

Mrs. Revis – Room 13 | mrevis@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Mrs. Revis – Room 13 Connection

Kindergarten

My name is Maryann Blackburn and I’m so excited to be teaching Kindergarten this year at St. Linus. After attending high school at Mother Mcauley, I received my bachelors degree at the University of Dayton in Ohio.  Two of my three beautiful daughters still attend St. Linus and my other daughter is a sophomore at Marist. I can’t wait to see what each year brings at this wonderful school! Go Hawks!

Mrs. Blackburn – Room 15 | mblackburn@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Mrs Blackburn Connection Coming Soon!

First Grade

My name is Arianne Kelly and I am thrilled to be continuing my teaching career at St. Linus! I have 13 years of primary teaching experience in public school, and am looking forward to teaching in my own parish, as I am a life long parishioner of St. Linus. I have a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University. I enjoy traveling with my husband and two sons, shopping and visiting museums, as well as seeing musicals both on Broadway and here in Chicago. I am proud to be teaching First Grade at St. Linus School.”

Mrs. Kelly – Room 14 | akelly@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Mrs. Kelly – Room 14 Connection

First Grade

Hello! My name is Emily Yerkes, I am the new first grade teacher! This is my first year teaching and I am so happy to experience it at Saint Linus. I graduated from Saint Xavier University recently with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have endorsements in Special Education and ESL. I was able to complete my student teaching at Saint Linus with one of the first grade classrooms. I also subbed at Saint Linus at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. I am so excited for the new year and getting to know all of my students. When I’m not teaching, I love to hang out with my friends and family, walk my dog, read, and watch movies!

Emily Yerkes – Room 16 | eyerkes@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Ms. Yerkes- Room 16 Connection Coming Soon!

Second Grade

I have a B.S. degree in Special Education; returned to school to be certified in Elementary Education; and went back again for classes in Early Childhood.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, baking, decorating, gardening, reading and being active. During your child’s 2nd grade year, I hope they grow in faith, kindness and respect for others.  For from acceptance and tolerance grows peace.

Ms. Anderson – Room 6 | randerson@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Ms. Anderson – Room 6 Connection

Second Grade

Ms. Bischoff is thrilled to be joining the St. Linus School community! Now in her seventh year of teaching and her first year at St. Linus, she brings a deep passion for education and a strong commitment to student growth and development.

Prior to joining St. Linus, Ms. Bischoff taught preschool and was the Director of Student Support Services at Everest Academy in Lemont. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Special Education, Musical Theatre Dance, and Applied Behavioral Analysis from Ball State University.

In the classroom, Ms. Bischoff is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning. She strives to create a nurturing environment where each child is encouraged to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually—becoming the best version of themselves, both for their own growth and in service to Jesus.

Third Grade

My name is Maureen Schifferdecker and I have worked at St. Linus for over 20 years. I feel very blessed to be a part of S. Linus. I have attended Catholic Schools all of my life: St. Agnes for Grade School, Marian Catholic High School, and Marquette University. I want the students to learn from me, as well as me learning from them, and giving them the skills to be successful in their lives. My favorite saying is, “Always do your best.”

Mrs. Schifferdecker – Room 7 | mschifferdecker@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Mrs. Schifferdecker – Room 20 Connection

Third Grade

My name is Angelica Sals and I teach 3rd grade! I attended Illinois State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in ESL. I attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through grade 12. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in education. I currently reside in Evergreen Park with my husband. In my spare time I enjoy yoga, cooking, and playing with my dog, Bear. I can’t wait for a wonderful year full of learning and fun!

Mrs. Sals- Room 8 asals@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Mrs. Sals Connection

Fourth Grade

My name is Christina Bourjas, and I am thrilled to be teaching fourth grade this year at St. Linus. I have a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Saint Xavier University. I have three amazing children, and a wonderful husband. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with family, baking, and gardening. I am eager to start the school year and look forward to getting to know my students.

Christina Bourjas – Room 18 | cbourjas@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Coming Soon!

Fourth Grade

I am so excited to be teaching at St. Linus for my first year of teaching ever! I’m excited to learn new things and grow as a better teacher! I believe that student and parent involvement in the classroom is important to me as well as a great work environment. I can’t wait to do fun things throughout the year and get to learn and grow with my students this school year!

Ms. Lynn – Room 22  mlynn@stlinusschool.org

Fifth Grade

Hi my name is Mrs. Joyce Mendez. This is my first year teaching at St. Linus, but I have been teaching in the Archdioceses of Chicago for many years. I have taught every grade from kindergarten through 5th grade. This year I will be teaching 4th and 5th grade Math and Religion at St. Linus. When I’m not teaching I really enjoy spending time with my husband and two adult children as well as with my brothers, sisters, mother, nieces, nephews, and friends. I really enjoy the outdoors, especially gardening, walking, and traveling. I also like dining out and shopping.

Mrs. Mendez – Room 20 | jmendez@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Coming Soon

Fifth Grade

My name is Bridget Troutman, and I am thrilled to be teaching fifth grade at St. Linus this year! After graduating from Lincoln-Way East High School, I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Roosevelt University.  All three of my children attend St.Linus. My oldest will be in second grade, and my twins will be starting kindergarten. I was a substitute teacher at St.Linus last year, so I am looking forward to seeing so many familiar faces! I love being part of the St. Linus family, and I am excited to get to know my students!

Mrs. Troutman – Room 23  btroutman@stlinusschool.org

Junior High Spanish/Religion

My name is Sandy Romo and I am the junior high Religion and Spanish teacher. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Elmhurst University in 1996 and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University in 2001. I taught at Chicago Public Schools for eight years and have been teaching at St. Linus in various capacities since 2019. I feel Blessed to be teaching in the middle school, sharing my love for our Catholic Faith and helping our students grow in their spiritual journey.

Mrs. Romo- Room 29 | sromo@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Junior High

Junior High Social Studies

I’m Matt Nowakowski, and I am the new middle school Social Studies teacher.  Catholic education has been a part of my life from the time I entered kindergarten through the present.  This includes attending Brother Rice High School where coincidentally, I was taught by Father Mark for one year.  I then earned my BA and MA at nearby St. Xavier University. My student teaching experience took place at Maria High School under the supervision and guidance of both Ms. Hayes and Mrs. Middleton. I have been teaching since 2010 with a majority of that time being at St. Cletus School in LaGrange along with a brief experience in public education.  My wife is also an educator, and we have one daughter, one son, and a dog.  I am grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with past mentors and to get to know new people as well!

Mr. Nowakowski – Room 27  mnowakowski@stlinusschool.org

Junior High Math

Hello! My name is Alisa Trovato and I am the  junior high math teacher. I have been extremely involved in St. Linus for the past 5 years as I have 3 children who attend school here also in 5th grade, 3rd grade and 1st grade. My husband and I have been parishioners of St. Linus for over 15 years and my mom and aunts even went to school here. Professionally, I have taught at Andrew High School and Stagg High School for a combined 10 years prior to stopping when my youngest daughter was born. I am very excited to begin teaching again at St. Linus and am looking forward to a great year!

Mrs. Trovato – Room 25 | atrovato@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Middle School Math Connection

Junior High Literature

I have been teaching since 2000 and part of the faculty at St. Linus since 2017. Previously, I taught at Maria High School and Queen of Peace High School.  I earned my Master’s in Literacy in 2006 from Dominican University.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my husband and our two children, and walking.

Mrs. Middleton- Room 30 |emiddleton@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Middle School Literature Connection

Junior High ELA

My name is Lynn Connor, and I am so excited to be the new Junior High English teacher at St. Linus! I have been teaching since 1992, with all but two of those years in upper elementary. I am an alumni of St. Bede, Mother McAuley, and Lewis University. I have my degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Upper Elementary Language Arts and Social Sciences. When I am away from the classroom, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. You may also catch me in a production at the Erica Heilmann Theatre, where I love to perform. I am looking forward to continuing my teaching career with the St. Linus community.

Mrs. Connor- Room 30 |lconnor@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Middle School Literature Connection

Junior High Science

Hello!  My name is Kristin McGrane.  I teach Science to all of our middle school.  Having grown up in Indiana, I received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University – Bloomington.  I also have an MBA from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University – Chicago.  I have five children that keep me on my toes no matter their age!  After having four of my children attend St. Linus, I am very blessed to have been accepted into the St. Linus family and look forward to a great school year!

Mrs. McGrane- Room 24 |kmcgrane@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Middle School Science Connection

Counselor

Art

Library

Hi my name is Patti Goldsmith and I’m excited to be the library aide for 2021-22 school year. I worked for the Chicago police department for 33 Years where I worked at the training academy. I also taught religion at St. Germaine for their religious education program for 17 years. I enjoy reading and hope to share my love of reading to the students. In my spare time I volunteer at the Ronald Mcdonald house and enjoy spending time with my family . “It’s a great year to be a Hawk!”

Ms. Goldsmith – Library |pgoldsmith@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Library Connection

Music

Hello, I’m Jackie Gorski, your child’s new music teacher at St. Linus. I have a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, with an emphasis in the Kodály approach to music education. With over 15 years of experience in music education, I’ve taught at elementary and high school levels in Los Angeles, California, and in elementary schools on the north side. I’m excited to be part of St. Linus and look forward to a wonderful school year full of music and meaningful learning experiences for your child.

Mrs. Gorski- Room 5 | jgorski@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Music Connection

Physical Education

Hello! My name is Terry Dillon and the 2023/24 school year will be my sixth year at St. Linus. Prior to teaching Physical Education, I taught middle school science for 10 years in both Catholic and public schools. In addition to my MA in Elementary Education from Roosevelt University, I also earned my MS from the ICP program at Valparaiso University and my BA in Psychology from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Along with my endorsements to teach middle school, physical education, science, and social studies, I’m also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Youth Exercise Specialist.

Mr. Dillon – Gymnasium | tdillon@stlinusschool.org

Google Site: Mr. Dillon – P.E. Connection

Speech

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Webmaster

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