Our Wonderful Staff
Debbie Keller...returned to St. David’s as Director in 2017. Prior to teaching kindergarten in Chicago, she taught the AM/PM 4-year-old classes at St. David’s from 2000-2012. She earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Masters in Elementary Education from DePaul University.
Rosie Johnson...Started teaching at St. David’s in 2003 as an Early Childhood Assistant. In 2004 she began co-teaching in a 4-year-old classroom. Rosie is a co-Teacher in the 4 day - 3/4 combination class with Mary Garvey. Rosie also serves as Assistant Director. Rosie holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Education from DePaul University.
Mary Garvey…Mary began her teaching career at St. David’s in 2021. She is a co-Teacher in the 4 day - 3/4 combination class with Rosie Johnson. Mary earned her undergraduate degree from University of Notre Dame and holds a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola University. She has completed coursework to become a certified Early Childhood Education teacher.
Molly Koek...started at St. David’s in the fall of 2010. She has worked as a Turning-Three teacher and Lunch Bunch Supervisor before settling in as our 5 day 4 year old Teacher in 2015. She co-teaches this class with Jen Wiesman. Molly has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Ed. from Western IL University and an M.A. from North Park University. She taught grades pre-K through second in the Libertyville Public School system for nine years.
Jen Wiesman…This is Jen’s seventh year as a teacher at St. David’s. She began teaching our Turning 3, and 3-year-old classes, and is a Teacher along with Molly Koek in the 5 day 4 year old class. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Columbia University Teacher’s College. While living in Colorado after grad school, Jen taught kindergarten and first grade at Vail Mountain School for 6 years, and she was Co-Director and Head Teacher of Eagle Montessori for 5 years.
Amy Kwilosz…This is Amy’s 5th year teaching with us. She began as a teacher in our 2+ and Turning 3 programs and is now a Teacher in our 3-day 3 year old class. Amy earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Amy has completed additional coursework in Early Childhood Education to become a certified ECE teacher.
Courtney King…This will be Courtney’s third year as a Teacher at St. David’s. She has taught our Turning 3 class on Thursday and Friday mornings, and will teach our youngest students in the 2+ class this year. Courtney holds a Masters degree in Community Counseling and has completed coursework in Early Childhood Education to become a certified ECE teacher.
Kim Degand…Kim has been an early childhood educator for 33 years. This will be Kim’s first year as a teacher at St. David’s. Kim will be teaching our Turning 3’s class on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education From Northeastern Illinois University. Kim also teaches our Super Science Enrichment Class.
Debby Shellard…is joining our staff this year as our Music Teacher. Debby will be working with each of our classes twice a month, as well as teaching Drama in our extended Wednesday program and is co-teaching our Music and Art Studio Enrichment class. Debby has worked for District 34 as a classroom and Drama teacher for 15 years before retiring in 2023. She also led the children’s choir at Glenview Community Church for 16 years, and has taught children’s acting and singing classes with the Eileen Boevers Performing Arts Workshop.
Marty Carey… Marty is our 3-day Early Childhood Assistant. This is her third year in this position. She works in all classrooms. Marty has worked in food service in school settings and is the Aunt to former St. David’s students.
Jackie Strzalka…Jackie is returning to St. David's as the 2 day Early Childhood Assistant. Jackie retired from a long career as a Nurse/Unit Manager and began working with us as in 2020. She earned her B.S. and MSN degrees from the University of St. Francis. She will be assisting on Thursday and Friday mornings.