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
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 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
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
Fifth Grade
Hello! My name is Ivory Power, and this is my first year teaching at St. Linus. I attended The Ohio State University, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Nonprofit Management. Go Buckeyes! I have an amazing husband, three lovely children, and two sweet dogs. On the weekends, you can find me watching football, heading off on a camping trip, working on a creative project, or just enjoying family time. I am incredibly excited to be part of the St. Linus family, and look forward to working with all of your bright children!
Mrs. Power- Room 20 | ipower@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: https://sites.google.com/stlinusschool.org/mrspower/home
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
Hello! My name is Alex Holewa. I am the Junior High Social Studies and Geography teacher here at St.Linus. I earned both my history and teaching degree from Lewis University in 2020. After graduation I began to work in Bremen High School District 228, where I still coach both volleyball and swimming today. I am looking forward to a great year.
Mr. Holewa – Room 27 | aholewa@stlinusschool.org
Google Site: Junior High!
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
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: Coming Soon!
Art
Hi! My name is Alexandria Bos, and I am so excited to be teaching Art at St. Linus this year. I am known for having many creative outlets such as doing photography, arts & crafts with my children at home, and running my own artisanal business. Things I love are iced coffee, sports (especially softball), and traveling with my husband! I graduated from Governors State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and a minor in Psychology. I look forward to meeting everyone and to having an amazing year!
Mrs. Bos- Room 5 | abos@stlinusschool.org
Google site: https://sites.google.com/stlinusschool.org/art-class-room-1/
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 23 | 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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