Alumni
Alumni Notes from the Education Department
Judy Swan ’59
I am embarrassed to say the only reason I was an education major was my father's statement, "You might have to work sometime, you might as well getting a teaching degree". Over 20 years later I earned an MBA at Kellogg Graduate School, Northwestern University.
I never taught. My education major combined with my Business Administration major/minor allowed me to teach typing. I have worked in copywriting, sales of printing and point of purchase displays, retail management and property management. Never teaching. Others could do a far better job than I.
Dr. Peggy Aagesen Rouh '73
I thought being a classroom teacher was what I was meant to do.
Instead, I put those skills to use in other ways. In less than one year in a public high school, I knew that teaching school was not the career for me. I did, however, put my teaching skills to use throughout the 30 years I spent with IBM. I began my career teaching customers how to use our equipment. As I progressed. I taught classes in my area of expertise, was a featured speaker at many events, conferences and executive briefings. I received an M.S. and Ph.D. in Corporate Training. Since retiring from IBM, I now teach at the University of North Texas in the Corporate Training program and am an adjunct professor in the College of Business at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.
David Beecher ’80
I am a graduate of the Class of 1980, having "trained under" 3 Education Dept. heads--Sheryl Bergmann, Dan Dyer and Mark Tierno (for two years). I still keep in touch with Mark who is the President of Cazenovia College in upstate NY.
Over my career in education I have worked at four boarding schools--Berkshire, Fay, Wilbraham & Monson, and Hillside. Between the first two and the second two, I coached hockey at Yale for 7 years. I have been the Headmaster of Hillside School for 9 years. My wife, Carrie and I have two daughters, Maddie and Haley and live on campus in Marlborough, MA. We see classmates, Jon Hagenstein and Brian Feeney regularly, as well as link with Kevin Conklin LFC '79 often as he is Headmaster of a school in PA.
I also keep in touch with Tony Fritz and Spike Gummere--two LFC gems!
I hope all is well with the Ed department at Lake Forest. I know from my experience I benefited greatly from the "training" received at LFC.
Debbie Good-Krochock ‘81
I am a French and Spanish instructor at the Hadley School for the Blind in Winnetka, IL. Because we are a distance education program, there are no students at the school. Since the school forwards my students’ cassette and e-mailed lessons to me at home, I get to work exclusively at home. When I was an education student, I never could have imagined teaching full-time from my house!
Cheryl Tarr Magrini '81
I now have a Ph.D. in Christian education and congregational studies. I am a minister ordained in the United Methodist Church serving a downtown Chicago church. I just came back from teaching my original method called "hospitable pedagogy" in Australia.
Thomas W. ("Woody") Price '83
I am the new head of school at The Branson School in Marin County, California. Before moving to California, I served as headmaster of schools in New Orleans, Cambridge, and Philadelphia. After earning my degree in politics from Lake Forest, I earned a M.A. from Columbia University and an Ed.D from the University of Pennsylvania. I am married to Katherine Dinh and we have a great 3.5 yr old son named Henry. I serve on a number of boards, including serving as a trustee at Lake Forest.
John Loucks ’90
Hope all is well.
Jodi Moss ‘94
Hello Fellow Graduates!
I am getting ready to complete my thirteenth year of teaching! I can't believe the time has passed so quickly. I have worked as a reading teacher for the past nine years and have loved every minute of it! This month I also just completed my Type 75 certification and am actively seeking an assistant principal position in the McHenry area. (We just built a new home there! ) However, my favorite item to share is the fact that I have an adorable six year old boy. He is in kindergarten this year. I look forward to catching up with everyone this summer.
Deanna Olenick Denman ’95
Upon graduation from LFC I headed back home to begin my search for a teaching position. I quickly found myself back at my own grade school, Grass Lake Elementary. I was hired for the kindergarten teaching position and began in the fall of 95. Since then I have moved to the first grade position and have remained at Grass Lake. This is a wonderful school to be working at, and I am teaching side-by-side with some of my former grade school teachers! I often reflect back on my days at LFC and I drive around the campus whenever I am nearby. I truly loved the time that I spent there, and I feel very lucky to have received my education degree from LFC.
In October of 2005 I married my husband, Mike Denman, and we became an instant family with his two girls, Taylor and Haley. In October of 2006 we welcomed another addition, Hannah Kathleen. We are currently working on expanding our too small house in order to make room for our latest creation, due in November of this year.
Becky Galka ‘97
Hello Education department!!
I can't believe it's been 10 years! In 1998, I moved back to Colorado with my now husband, Ben Galka. We were married in 2002. I spent 5 years teaching first grade at a private school in Denver and loved it! Three years ago I left the classroom to start a family. We are now the proud parents of a 2 year old boy, Quinlan (picture attached), and I am enjoying my new job as a full-time mom. I have started an at home business making and selling bath products, Shine Bath and Body. It is a fun hobby. I am also pursuing the possibility of opening a My Gym, Children's Fitness Center franchise in Louisville, Colorado. Other than that, I'm just enjoying the Rocky Mountain sunshine!
Mary-Audrey Proops Atteberry ‘98
I am currently living in Chicago with my husband, Phil, and my two children. Mary Amelia is 5 years old and Charlie will be 2 in September. Up until my daughter’s birth, I taught at Lake Forest Country Day School, where I helped develop their “A+” Enrichment Program. Although I am not currently teaching in a classroom, I feel like I am putting my knowledge of Elementary Education and Child Development, to good use at all times as a stay at home mother! At this time I also serve on the Auxiliary Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo, and have been very involved at my daughter’s school -- both passions of mine!
This summer we are making “The Big Move” to Winnetka where we are looking forward to suburban life, but will miss the action of the city!
Emily (Rendon) Emiley ‘98
Hello! I'm currently living in Federal Way, Washington and teaching first grade at Cascade Elementary School in Renton, WA, where I've been for almost 4 years. I have 23 fabulous (and rambunctious) kids and a room full of "pets"--mealworms, crickets, and a gecko named Jake. I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree through Lesley University on Integrating Arts in the Curriculum--I'm halfway through and will have my Master's in March 2008!
Thanks and good luck on August 13th!
Christy Gouletas ‘98
I have been a English as a Second language teacher these last six years I was the bilingual Special education teacher here at Holmes Middle School in Wheeling. This past year I accepted a newly created position in the district. I am ESL resource teacher. I love every minute. Everyday I learn something new. I really invite anyone to come over to Wheeling to visit or observe a really neat ESL/Bilingual program not that far from campus.
Ayesha Spooner ‘98
Well, I'm still in Texas! I taught third grade at St. Andrew's Episcopal School from Fall 2001-2005. In the midst of that I went back to grad school to start working on my Masters in Education Administration. The Fall of 2005 I took a job at St. Andrew's Upper School as the Director of Admissions and I'm still here. I will graduate from Texas State University next Friday and start preparing for what's coming next.
Next year I'll be back in the classroom. I'll be teaching 2nd grade for the next two years (at least) at Colegio Internacional de Carabobo. That's an international school in Valencia, Venezuela. No, I don't speak any Spanish, but I'm excited about the opportunity to learn. That's all from me!
Corinne Frank Blank '99
After teaching seventh grade for three years, I decided to embark on an exciting career in motherhood. On September 15, 2003, my husband and I became the proud parents of triplet daughters (Melina Corinne, Calla Nicole, and Ariana Helene). Now three-and-a-half, the girls will reach a milestone when they begin preschool next fall. Aside from being a parent to triplets, I am also a law student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. I will begin my third year in August and plan on practicing zoning and land use law.
Victoria (Tori) Jones Hirner ‘99
I am back home in Kansas City where I've been teaching in the inner-city for7 years. I teach third grade in an entrepreneurial-themed charter school. This year our school became an Expeditionary Learning school. EL is a subsidiary of Outward Bound and it has helped us really get in touch with all kids and push learning to a new level!
I met the man-of-my-dreams and got married two years ago, in Feb. 2005. We are expecting our first child this September. Our families are thrilled and so are we! Next year, my role will be switching from a classroom teacher to a part time assessment guide so that I'm able to stay home and take care of Baby!
Rachel Andres ’00
This is my second year at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, CA. I have taught two levels of Geometry each year, but this year I also began teaching for the AVID program. My current AVID students are 9th graders, and I will be their AVID teacher until they graduate, teaching study and organizational skills as well as pushing them to take upper level courses. It is their goal to be accepted to and successful in a four-year college or university. I am also completing Year 2 of a 2 year new
teacher's program to gain my California Clear Credential, which has been good professional development. I did go back to Lake Forest for Homecoming 2005 and my 5 year reunion. Menlo-Atherton is the 2nd highschool I've worked for. I taught Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, MCAS Prep and Functions, Statistics & Trigonometry at Winthrop High School, Winthrop, MA for 4 years after graduating.
Mary Gerke ‘00
My first teaching job was for the Steger School District, Steger, IL where I taught 7th grade science and social studies and 8th grade science. My second year of teaching, I went to Waukegan School District and taught at East Middle School where I served as a 6th grade science and social studies teacher. After two years of teaching in Waukegan, I wanted to be closer to family so I moved out to Portland, OR and taught in the Sherwood School District in Sherwood, OR. I taught 8th grade earth science at Sherwood Middle School for three years. During that three year time span I met a man in the Navy and am now living down in San Diego, CA due to a shore tour that he is serving down here.
I am teaching for San Diego Unified School District at Point Loma High School where I am a physics and government teacher. Next year, I will be teaching Earth science for the high school. During this entire time of teaching, I have also been coaching. I was the head volleyball coach for Sherwood High School and am currently the Head Mens’ Volleyball Coach for Point Loma High School.
Angela Larson ‘00
My name is Angela Larson and I graduated from Lake Forest College in May of 2000 and then did my student teaching the next fall at Stevenson High School. I am finishing my sixth year of teaching at Wauconda High School where I teach regular biology, honors biology and anatomy and physiology. This year I also took on the duty of Department Coordinator. I completed my first Masters of Education in December of 2005 in Curriculum and Instruction at National-Lewis University. Within the next year I plan on returning to school to get a Masters in Educational Leadership with a type 75 certificate. From there who knows?
Joe Brysiewicz ‘01
Professional: I am currently a fifth year social studies teacher of European and World history a Grayslake North High School.
I am also the department chair of both social studies and foreign language departments. Outside of the classroom, I sponsor the school literary magazine and student travel (this past spring break we took 35 students to Venice, Florence, and Rome). I continue to immerse myself in metropolitan Chicago history; last year I worked with WTTW Chicago Stories with Geoffrey Baer on their Chain O’ Lakes show, and I am currently finishing a book on the history of Lindenhurst, Illinois. My M.A. in educational leadership is a continual project that I expect (hope?) will be finished by 2008.
Personal: I have little personal time; I spend that precious little with my wife of almost three years, Erin Lucido ’02, and the one houseplant we haven’t killed—no pets, no kids.
Laura LeMone ‘01
I continue to teach English at Benito Juarez Community Academy in Chicago. This spring I was promoted to department chair. I also got married in May to Dr. James Bromley, an English professor at Miami University, Ohio.
Jaime Madison Vasquez ‘01
I am working as a reading coach with the Reading First program at Seward Academy in Chicago Public Schools.
Rachel Roth ‘02
My maiden name is Rich. I've spent the past two years teaching at a private high school in San Jose, California. In 2006 I got married. I have applied to graduate programs in special education for the fall. I am very excited about this change in my career!
Genevieve Misfeldt ‘04
As June rounds the corner, I’ll complete my 3rd year at Highland Park High School in the Social Studies Department. I continue to keep in touch with fellow ed. majors, Jeanne Andersen, Josh Bill, Mei Gibson, Liz Waller, and Chrissy Roinoitis, on a monthly basis with our “teacher dinners” and am looking forward to finishing up my Masters in Administration and Supervision at Loyola University in December.
Jasmina Bjegovic ’05
Just wanted to send a warm hello to the entire education department! I really miss all of you! I hope all is well in the world of LFC. And now a little update....Even though I have not pursued a career in the education field, everything I learned during my four years at LFC have definitely helped me where I am today. I have been with Walgreens Health Services for almost a year now (with the company for 7 yrs.) as the Immunization Program Coordinator. It is a really exciting position because last year Walgreens started a pilot program where pharmacists were able to administer immunizations. We have launched nation-wide and I am responsible for coordinating all of the training for our pharmacists. The presentation skills that I developed at LFC, especially during my time in the Ed program have given me the confidence in my current position. I have also been inspired by my fellow colleagues here at work to further my education. Next year I plan on attending pharmacy school to get my doctor of pharmacy degree. I want to be able to utilize the communication skills that I polished up during my time at LFC and the knowledge I gained here at work to pursue a career as a pharmacist. Hope all is well with everyone teaching at LFC and all my former classmates. I look forward to seeing all of you on the 13th!
Amy Effenberger Kuchta ‘05
Amy Effenberger married Nathan Kuchta '05 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on July 14, in a ceremony performed by Professor of Religion Ron Miller. Other faculty and alumni in attendance included Michelle Wente '05, Assistant Professor of Education Shelly Sherman, Matt McClusky '05, John Woodruff '06, Matt Harney '05, Jon Huntley '06, Lauren Erck '05, and Emily Cocanower '05. Amy teaches first grade at a private school in Bothell, Washington. Nathan will receive his Masters Degree in computer science from the University of Washington this June. The Kuchtas live in Seattle.
Kelly Albanese ‘06
Since graduating in May, I completed my post-graduate student teaching at Central School in Lake Bluff. I have been spending my time substitute teaching and babysitting while looking for a full-time teaching position.
Eva Margolis ‘06
I wanted to let you know that I am currently finishing up a year of work at Sheridan Elementary School in Lake Forest- the same school where I finished student teaching. I work as a Reading Specialist Assistant and help students k-4 learn and use decoding strategies to be better active readers. I accepted a position for the 2007-2008 school year in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii. I will be teaching 2nd grade at Kihei Elementary. Because I will be in Maui, I will not be able to attend the August 13th celebration, but I would love to hear an update on any changes in the department, and where my fellow education majors ended up teaching. I hope all is well with you and your family and I look forward to hearing from you soon, Eva
April Milner ’06
I graduated from Lake Forest College with a double major in education and music. Since my graduation, I have moved to Xi'an, China where I could build my educational experiences and learn about another culture. While living in China, I have worked as an English teacher at Xi'an International University teaching college students, Bodi Boarding School teaching high school students, and Changan Cambridge English Training School teaching students from ages 5-13. During the holidays, I traveled around China such as to Beijing, Louyang, Sanya in Hainan, and Chengdu. While in China, I have climbed the Great Wall, explored the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, observed Buddhist caves, saw the Terracotta Warriors and ancient Pagodas, and explored a variety of unique Chinese foods. During the winter holiday, I flew to Bangkok, Thailand to visit my family. While in Thailand, I indulged myself in the culture and saw many famous temples, minority tribes in the North, and rode elephants in the South. For the 2007-2008 school year, I hope to find work around the Chicago area and share my experiences with others.