Meet our new faculty/staff for 2017

Pictured above, left to right: Mrs. Sarah Smith, Mrs. Debbie Shoberg, Mrs. Lauren Graham, Mrs. Karene LoGalbo, Miss Amanda Leonhart, and Miss Clarissa Young.  (We will endeavor to add photos for the additional new employees as the summer progresses.)

Pictured below: Mrs. Mary Beth Laptad, Miss Amanda Birth, and Miss Sarah McCarthy.

While students and their parents are settling in to a new summer routine, many of our new faculty and staff are settling in as well – at the Wheaton Christian Grammar School campus, that is!  We have been privileged to welcome a new cohort of employees for orientation this summer, a group of eager and-well prepared new colleagues whom you will want to get to know.  During the orientation with our administrative team, they are learning more about the history, culture, and ethos of our school, as well as practical considerations ranging from technology to daily procedures.

Miss Amanda Birth (Jr. High Science) is a 2011 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University.  For the past three years, she has taught middle school Science at Harvest Christian Academy in Elgin.

Mrs. Danette Farrell (Nurse) is no stranger to WCGS families as she has been an active and involved school parent (grads Joshua ’13, Sophia ’16, and current student Nate ‘18), but she’ll now be using her extensive nursing experience here as well.  She achieved an R.N. and B.S.N. at Loyola University, and has served at Wheaton College, Edward Hospital, and Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital.

Miss Lauren Graham (Physical Education) earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Wheaton College where she was team captain of the Women’s Varsity Basketball team and, after graduation, served as assistant coach. Most recently, she has worked at Aurora Christian School as PE teacher and coach.

Mrs. Julie Jones (Technology Integration Coordinator/Multi-Media Literacy Teacher) is no stranger to WCGS.  She is excited to take on her new responsibilities, as well as to provide computer support along with Steve Johnson.

Mrs. Mary Beth Laptad (3rd Grade), recently married, comes to WCGS after spending the past year teaching third grade in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  She is a 2016 graduate of the University of Oklahoma.

Miss Amanda Leonhart (Kaleidoscope Coordinator/Educational Therapist) earned degrees from Judson College (B.A., Elementary Education) and Concordia University (M.A. Curriculum and Instruction) where she is currently pursing an additional M.A. in Educational Administration.  She has worked extensively in Christian schools (Aurora Christian, Plumstead (PA) Christian School, and New Life Academy).

Mrs. Karene LoGalbo (French) is already a familiar face at WCGS as a school parent to sons Nickolas and Michael.  Born and raised in France, she earned a Bachelor of Music at North Central College, and is multi-talented, having taught both French and music!  She has served as a substitute teacher in those areas at WCGS and Wheaton Academy.

Miss Sarah McCarthy (6th grade) is a 2016 graduate of Wheaton College.  She spent this past year working at Emerson Elementary School in Wheaton and Westfield Elementary School in Glen Ellyn.

Mrs. Maria Mendoza (part-time Extended Care staff) already knows our school well as a school parent, with son Esteban who will be entering 4th grade.

Mrs. Debbie Shoberg (Educational Therapist) followed her B.S. in Christian Education from Grace University with NILD training, and has served as both an elementary teacher and NILD educational therapist.  An MK, she was born in Peru, grew up in Peru and Columbia, and has lived and served in a Bolivia, Ecuador, France, and Germany.

Mrs. Sara Smith (Elementary Music and 6th grade Choir) comes to us with a Bachelor of Music Education from Wheaton College.  Her most recent work has been as Director of Fine Arts at Clapham School, and Worship Leader at Harvest Bible Chapel.  She is also a nationally touring recording artist, singer, and composer, and is the mother of 2 preschool children.

Miss Clarissa Young (Marketing Specialist) graduated this year from Lipscomb University with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing.  She is yet another WCGS graduate (’10) to join our staff, and is a second-generation WCGS student in her family.  Her mom, Melanie (Passon) Young was graduated from WCGS in 1986.