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 Erin Tierney (aka. Mrs. Erin), and I’m entering my second year as a PreK teacher at St. Linus. I earned my Bachelor’s in Media Arts from Northern Illinois University in 2014 and my Master’s in Early Childhood Education from North Park University in 2022. There is no greater joy than guiding our littlest students to see their potential and grow into lifelong learners. Outside the classroom, I enjoy gaming on my Switch, baking, and crafting with my Cricut.
Mrs. Erin- Room 9 | etierney@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Pre-School Connection
Kindergarten
I have been a Kindergarten teacher for 22 years, and have been at St. Linus since 2000. Teaching Kindergarten has been very rewarding. When I am not in the classroom, I like to spend time with my husband and 2 daughters. I also love to read and go to the movies. St. Linus has been a great place to teach.
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
My early career was in the advertising industry producing television and radio commercials, but as I raised my three children I made a life-changing decision to return to school and earn my Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I completed my student teaching assignment at St. Linus and began teaching 1st grade here full-time in 2007. Since then I have taught both 1st and 3rd grades. Teaching 2nd grade will be a new experience for me, and I look forward to working with our 2nd graders. When I’m not at school, I love traveling with my family and friends to new places, working in my garden, and discovering good books to read. I believe that the best gift we can offer our children is a steady stream of new challenges in a comfortable and accepting environment to help them grow in independence and self-confidence.
Mrs. O’Connell – Room 4 | loconnell@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Mrs. O’Connell – Room 4 Connection
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 Benigno and I’m the new 3rd grade teacher at St. Linus school! I went to Illinois State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, and I currently reside in Evergreen Park. I attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through grade 12. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in education. In my spare time I enjoys yoga, cooking, and spending time with my dog, Bear. I can’t wait for a wonderful year full of learning and fun!
Ms. Benigno- Room 8 abenigno@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Ms. Benigno Connection
Fourth Grade
Hi! My name is Hailey Pizur, and I am so excited to begin my teaching career at St. Linus! I am so blessed to be a part of the St. Linus community. I recently graduated from Saint Xavier University where I was also a cheerleader. In addition to my degree, I have a Reading Teacher endorsement. Reading teaches us so many valuable lessons, and I can’t wait to share my love for reading with my 4th and 5th graders this year. While I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, listen to music, and exercise!
Hailey Pizur – Room 18 | hpizur@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Coming Soon!
Fourth Grade
Hi! My name is Allison Riordan and I am so excited to be teaching fourth grade at St. Linus this year! I recently graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a B.A. in Theatre: Acting and Directing and have been a performing arts educator for many years. I recently worked in collaboration with Barefeet Theatre in Lusaka, Zambia to bring performances and theatre education to elementary level children in the community. When I’m not teaching, I love to cook, travel, read, and sing. I can’t wait for an exciting year of learning!
Ms. Riordan – Room 22 | ariordan@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Ms. Riordan’s Connection Coming Soon!
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
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: Coming Soon!
Junior High Social Studies
Hello! My name is Mr. Holewa. This will be my first year teaching at St. Linus which I am very excited about! I am looking forward to teaching in a catholic school setting as that is what I have grown up in. I attended St. Damian grammar school where I am still a parishioner. I received both my history and teaching degree from Lewis University. After graduation I began to work in High School District 228, where I still coach both Volleyball and Swimming. I am looking forward to a great year and cannot wait to get started.
Mr. Holewa – Room 27 | aholewa@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Coming Soon!
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 ELA
I have been teaching since 2000, but this is my first experience in middle school. 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
Counselor
My name is Jeannette Swanson and I am a licensed school counselor in the State of Illinois. I hold a master’s degree in psychology and I am currently also working to become a licensed professional counselor. I have worked directly with children and adolescents, grades PK-8, in the Catholic school system in suburban Chicago for the past two years. In my spare time, I enjoy films and literature, traveling, antiquing, home improvement, cooking and baking, cycling, yoga, and trail-walking. My husband James and I maintain homes locally in both Naperville and Chicago.
Mrs. Swanson- Room TBD | jswanson@stlinusschool.org
Google site: TBD
Art
This year will be my 32nd year in education and my 15th year at St. Linus School. I taught various classroom grades at St. Linus including second, third, fifth, and middle school language arts plus designing and teaching the first art program to seventh and eight grades in 1996. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Education with a second major in Art Education and my Masters of Science in Teaching and Leadership specializing in Differentiation from St. Xavier University. I am married to Ed for 32 years and our son Edward attended St. Linus School, Class of 2006.
Mrs. Tierney – Room 5 | ktierney@stlinusschool.org
Google site: Mrs. Tierney – Room 5 Connection
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
Mrs. Keelan is our new preK-8th grade music teacher. This is her 9th year teaching music. She has her bachelors degree in music education from Illinois State University and masters from VanderCook College of Music. She previously was the band and choir director at Morris District #54. Mrs. Keelan’s main instrument is the saxophone and piano. She resides in Evergreen Park with her husband, Patrick, and 5 month old daughter, Lorelei. She is excited to start the school year and get your children singing, playing, and moving!
Mrs. Keelan – Room 23 | hkeelan@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Music Connection
Physical Education
Hello! My name is Terry Dillon and the 2022/23 school year will be my fifth 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. In addition to being endorsed to teach middle school, physical education, science, and social studies, I am also a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer.
Mr. Dillon – Gymnasium | tdillon@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Mr. Dillon – P.E. Connection
Speech
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