Meet Our Faculty and Staff
Administration
Msgr. Dennis J. Lyle
Pastor
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
Monsignor Dennis J. Lyle was ordained a priest in 1991 for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He has served in parish ministry, taught in the seminary, and worked in the Office of Vicar for Priests. When the communities of St. Benedict, St. Peter Claver and St. Walter formed St. Mary Magdalene Parish in 2021 he was named pastor. B.A. in History, Loyola University, Master' in Divinity, University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, License in Sacred Theology (STL)University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD), Accademia Alfonsiana, Rome
I earned my bachelor's degree at Trinity Christian College, in Elementary Education. I have worked at STWSTB for five years, and have taught for 12 years.
Mrs. Kimberly Leonard
Principal
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
Assistant Principal
Ms. Lisa Agner
Ms. Agner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Elmhurst University, graduating with Cumma Sum Laude honors. She also holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Dominican University, with Special Education Approval, and is considered highly qualified in English as a Second Language. Read more about Ms. Agner.
Ms. Julie Martinez
Administrative Assistant, Communications Director
I have a BA from Northern Illinois University in Organizational Corporate Communications & Spanish Languages & Literature. I have worked at STWSTB since 2003.
Blue Island Campus
Mrs. Elizabeth Cardenas
Administrative Assistant
Chicago Campus
This is my 17th year at the Chicago Campus. I have been the administrative assistant for the last four years.
This is my 17th year at the Chicago Campus.
Mrs. Alicia Salinas
Tuition Manager and Lunchroom Supervisor
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
I have worked at STWSTB for 10 years.
Teachers and Paraprofessionals
PreK 3/4 Teacher
Mrs. Laurey Olson
With a degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Xavier University and 20 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Olson is passionate about nurturing a love of learning in her in her students. Having spent most of her career in preschool, she’s dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential.
Ms. O'Riordan
Pre-K 3/4 Teacher
Chicago Campus
I completed my bachelor's degree at Chicago State University and have been a teacher for twenty years.
Mrs. de la Riva
PreK 3/4 Paraprofessional
Blue Island Campus
I am the preschool paraprofessional at the Blue Island Campus with Ms. Agner. I have worked here for six years.
Wendy Stein
Chicago Campus
wstein@stwstb.org
PreK 3/4 Paraprofessional
Mrs. Lori Campione
Kindergarten Teacher
Chicago Campus
This is my 26th year teaching at STWSTB.
Ms. Yesenia Nelson
Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Chicago Campus
I have worked at STWSTB for 10 years. I attended MVCC.
PreK 3/4 Paraprofessional
Ms. Margaret Gahan
1st Grade Teacher
Chicago Campus
mgahan@stwstb.org
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Ms. Gahan joined STWSTB in 2024, bringing eight years of classroom experience. With a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, she specializes in creating engaging lessons tailored to her primarily English-speaking second-language learners. Ms. Gahan believes that every child can learn when we work together.
Dr. Jean Simpson
2nd Grade Teacher
I taught for the Arlington (VA) Diocese at Holy Family Catholic School for five years. I hold a PhD in Human Growth and Development and three other degrees in education. My hobbies are knitting, reading and writing.
I attended Western Michigan University and finished my BA at St. Xavier University. This is my second year at STWSTB, but this is my 10th year in the classroom.
I attended Western Michigan University and finished my BA at St. Xavier University. This is my second year at STWSTB, but this is my 10th year in the classroom.
6th Grade Homeroom
Math Teacher
Blue Island Campus
Mr. Joe Esse
Mr. Esse joined STSB in the fall of 2023. He holds a BS from DePaul University and a Masters in Education from North Park University.
4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Sharon O’Bryant
Teaching has been Ms. O'Bryant's dream since childhood, and she’s lived it for over 20 years—half of it here in the Archdiocese of Chicago. A proud Tennessee State University alumna and lifetime Girl Scout, she’s passionate about inspiring kids to become lifelong learners. She joined STWSTB in 2024.
Mrs. Kelly Rice
5th Grade Homeroom
Science Teacher and Religion (Grade 5)
I attended Western Michigan University and finished my BA at St. Xavier University. This is my forth year at STWSTB, but this is my 12th year in the classroom.
I attended Western Michigan University and finished my BA at St. Xavier University. This is my second year at STWSTB, but this is my 10th year in the classroom.
Mrs. Mary Harris
Blue Island Campus
I have a Bachelors' Degree in Social Sciences from Edgewood College. I have taught at STWSTB for 41 years.
7th Grade Teacher, Religion (6, 7, 8), Social Studies (5, 6, 7, 8)
Mrs. Rachel Krueger
Blue Island Campus
I have a BA in English from Western Illinois University. I have been an English Teacher at STWSTB for 7 years, and have been a part of the staff here for 11 years.
8th Grade Teacher, English (5, 6, 7, 8)
Mrs. Gloria Dikcis
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
I attended University of Illinois Chicago eand earned my BS in physical education. I have been teaching at STWSTB for 24 years.
P.E. Teacher
Mrs. Yajaira Borjas
Art Teacher
I joined STWSTB in 2023 and am excited to be here!
Mr. William Gula
Band Teacher
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
Sr. Jyothi Maria
Technology Teacher and IT Director
I earned my M.Sc. at Devagiri College in Kerala and my M.Phil at Loyola University Chennai and the Computer Diploma from Community College, Chicago. I have worked at STWSTB for 23 years and have been in the classroom 28 years.
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
Mrs. Tenera Washington
Title 1 Teacher
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
Support Staff
Mr. Dwight Leonard
Director of Facilities
I earned my Bachelor of Art in Economics of Business, minor in Elementary Education. I have been with the STWSTB family for 4 years.
Blue Island Campus and Chicago Campus
Ms. Rosy Robinson
FSP Food Provider
Blue Island Campus
I have been a FSP Food Service Provider for the last 3 years at the Blue Island Campus.
Ms. Maria Palos
Lunchroom and Aftercare Monitor
Chicago Campus
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This is my third year at STWSTB. I am the lunchroom and recess monitor and after care monitor.
Mrs. Griselda Ramos
Blue Island Campus
I am in my third year of working at STWSTB.
Lunchroom, Recess, and Aftercare Monitor
Mrs. Theresa Rich
FSP Food Provider
I have been at the Chicago Campus for 8 years, as the FSP Food Service Provider.
Mrs. Josie Mendez
Lunchroom and Aftercare Monitor
Blue Island Campus
I have worked at STWSTB for 1 year. I worked 22 years in Dentistry.
Ms. Margie Garcia
Aftercare Monitor
Chicago Campus
This is my third year at STWSTB. I attend UIC and am studying Psychology.
Ms. Citlali Herrera
Aftercare Monitor
Chicago Campus
This is my 4th year at STWSTB. I attend UIC and am studying Psychology.