WCGS Hiring Updates for 2025-2026

This school year, we are excited to welcome multiple new faculty and staff to the school! There are also several individuals who have moved into different roles, so we wanted to highlight those for you as well. The Lord has been at work in the hiring process over the last few months, and we are excited about all He has in store for the WCGS team as we partner with parents to raise up the next generation to be Christ-centered, critical thinkers and community builders.

Kindergarten

Mary Waterman – New Hire

Mary will be aiding in AM Kindergarten with Andrea Estabrook. She is a school parent to Charlie (5th grade), Calvin (3rd grade), and Tyler (1st grade). Mary has previously served in schools and other organizations as an aide, assistant teacher, Student Support Specialist, and Behavior Analyst. We are thrilled for her to bring her experience and gifts to WCGS! 

A Quote from Mrs. Waterman: “I am most excited about investing regularly in the students at WCGS. I have loved being part of the school through my children’s classrooms the past few years, and am looking forward to having a classroom of students whom I get to interact with and pour into daily.”

Fun Fact: “I love walking, hiking, camping, and being outdoors.”

1st Grade

Kylie McLaughlin – New Hire

Kylie is a WCGS alum, and last school year she served at WCGS as a substitute teacher and a long-term substitute as a kindergarten aide. She did a phenomenal job in those roles, and we are confident that her creativity, strong understanding of the WCGS culture, and heart for shepherding children will be an asset to our 1st grade team.  

A Quote from Mrs. McLaughlin: “What excites me most about working at Wheaton Christian Grammar School is building relationships with my students and helping them foster a love of learning through a biblical lens. My time as a student at WCGS shaped my love for the Lord and for this community and I am grateful for the opportunity to be back as a teacher.”

Fun Fact: “I have been part of a worship team at various places since I joined the worship team in 7th grade at WCGS.”

Kristin Johnson – New Hire

Kristin Johnson will be serving as one of our 1st Grade Aides this year. Kristin previously taught at WCGS, has been a substitute teacher here, and most recently served as the maternity leave sub in 1st grade for Lindsey Sharrar. We are excited to have her supporting our 1st grade teachers and students in this capacity. Kendra Bratt will continue at WCGS as a Speech Language Pathologist, focusing more of her time in this role, which is a tremendous benefit to our community.   

A Quote from Mrs. Johnson: “I am so excited to come work at WCGS! It is a special place for my family and me. One of the things I love most is the nurturing environment where students grow academically and in their personal faith in Jesus. I look forward to working in a role to help and support the wonderful team of first grade teachers and students.”

Fun Fact: “I love spending time with my family – my husband, 4 kids & our dog.”

3rd Grade

Amber Smith – New Role

Amber has done an incredible job in her current role as a Kindergarten Aide and supervising PM Extended Care, and we are excited to have her move into a full-time teaching position. She taught 3rd grade prior to coming to WCGS, and we are confident that she will be a fantastic fit for this team!

A Quote from Miss Smith: “As a third-grade teacher this coming school year, I am most excited to build relationships with my students and cultivate a creative classroom culture in which they can grow in their knowledge of the Lord and His love for them. I am eager to establish a space that sparks their curiosity, desire for learning, and love for Jesus. I am also thrilled to partner with such wonderful families and staff members at WCGS as we train and equip students in both academics and Scripture.”

Fun Fact: “I love to travel, and I have been to all 50 states in the U.S.”

4th Grade

Taylor Bluemel – New Hire

Taylor has been teaching in Wisconsin for the last 5 years. She is extremely excited to join our team, where she will be able to share her love of the Lord, her love of students, and her love for teaching with this community. 

A quote from Miss Bluemel: “What excites me the most about working at Wheaton Christian Grammar School is for the opportunity to pour into kids on both a spiritual and academic level. I am really looking forward to investing in my students and getting to use my passion for helping all kids achieve their goals through the opportunity to be a teacher and cross country and track and field coach.”       

Fun Fact: “I grew up on a hobby farm in a small town in Wisconsin! My favorite hobby as a kid was horseback riding and caring for our first horse named Rocky.”

Lucy Weber – New Role

Lucy is a WCGS parent and former Auxiliary President, so she knows the school well from a variety of angles. She has also been an excellent substitute teacher for us over the past several years, and just recently earned her master’s degree in teaching. She will make great contributions to our 4th grade team!  

A Quote from Mrs. Weber: “I am looking forward to the opportunity to give back to a school that has meant so much to my family. All three of my children attended WCGS (my youngest will be in 8th grade this year) and, over the years, I’ve loved being able to volunteer in many different ways. I deeply value the school’s Christ-centered mission and strong sense of community. I’m excited about taking on my new role as a teacher and helping students grow both academically and spiritually.”

Facts: I grew up in Wales, UK, and know how to pronounce the longest place name in Europe – a small town in north Wales named Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.”

5th Grade

Ella Colquhoun – New Hire

Ella grew up in Wheaton, graduated from Taylor University, and is looking forward to using her gifts at WCGS. Ella comes with a strong desire for excellence and is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her students. She will be a fantastic addition to our 5th grade team!  

A Quote from Miss Colquhoun: “What excites me most about working at WCGS next year is having the opportunity to pour into my 5th-grade students academically and spiritually, and see them grow and deepen their relationship with Christ.”

Fun Fact: “I taught in Belize for a month.”

Jr. High

Jennie Cathey – New Role

​​Jennie has been the 3rd grade aide and an Academic Specialist for the last several years, and we are excited to have her transition into this full-time teaching role. Prior to coming to WCGS, Jenny taught 6th grade and her areas of concentration with her degree are History and Literature, so we are confident that this teaching position is an excellent fit!  

A Quote from Mrs. Cathey: “Being a part of the WCGS community for the past three years has been a true joy, and what excites me most about teaching 6th grade is the opportunity to build new relationships with both students and colleagues. It’s a privilege not only to teach the incoming 6th graders but also to walk alongside them as they grow in their faith and understanding of Jesus.”

Fun Fact: “My husband and I have 4 daughters, ages 11.5 – 16. My husband is the minority in a sorority. It certainly is never boring in our house.”

Dave Griffin – New Hire

Dave has 32 years of experience in Student Ministry, spending the last 10 years as the Pastor of Student Ministry at The Compass Church in Wheaton. He is a familiar face to WCGS as he has been a guest speaker in chapel for the last several years. Dave loves the Lord, has a strong desire to help students understand and apply God’s Word, and has a heart for students. He also has a passion for global ministry, as he spent 10 years as a Youth Pastor in Mexico. We look forward to how the Lord is going to use Dave at WCGS!”

A Quote from Mr. Griffin: “I am most excited about sharing God’s truth with Middle School students daily!”

Fun Fact: “I am bilingual…Spanish and English. I lived in Mexico for 10 years!”

Lars Cassel – New Hire

Lars filled in for Nicole Todd during her maternity leave, and has now been hired to be a full-time Jr. High Math Teacher next year. Lars is a graduate of WCGS, has a strong math background, and has done a great job guiding and connecting with our students already. He will be a wonderful addition to our junior high team! 

A Quote from Mr. Cassel: “I am most excited about having the opportunity to build strong relationships with the students in my classes, as well as maintaining the standards of excellence at WCGS by providing engaging math instruction.”

Fun fact: “I met my wife, Caroline, a second grade teacher here, in 8th grade at WCGS.”

Caeli Santa Maria – New Hire

Caeli Santa Maria has been hired to teach 6th and 7th Grade Spanish this year.  Caeli taught high school Spanish for 6 years, and has recently been tutoring junior high and high school students in Spanish, as well as teaching a group of homeschool students.  She comes with a strong background in the language and is looking forward to using her creativity and passion for Spanish here at WCGS!

Spanish Department

With the high interest in our Spanish program this year, we will have 2 Spanish teachers at every grade level – 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade.  Michelle Clousing and Caeli Santa Maria will be teaching 6th and 7th Grade Spanish.  Another addition to our Spanish department is a familiar face – Alyssa Zarn.  Alyssa will be teaching 8th Grade Spanish alongside Sharenda Barlar.  She has a degree in Spanish and has been a Spanish sub for us at WCGS in the past. Additionally, Valerie Busch will teach k-4 Spanish.

Faculty and Staff

Kate Lindstedt – New Hire

Kate will be serving in two different roles at our school as a 4th and 5th grade Instructional Aide, and as our Extended Care Supervisor in the morning and afternoon. She is married to Jake (7th/8th Grade History Teacher), and they have 2 young sons. Kate has served as a Learning Behavioral Specialist and Special Education Teacher over the last five years. We are confident that her passion to support students and teachers will be a great fit for our team!

A Quote from Mrs. Lindstedt: “I am most excited to work in a Christian environment where faith is first, and every interaction and moment of learning flows from that.”

Fun Fact: “Growing up, my family had a fish tank with an Oscar fish. We would take family trips to Petsmart to get it goldfish to eat. Then, my siblings and I would all sit around and watch it eat the fish.”

Val Terdina – New Hire

Val was hired to be Emily Mittlestadt’s maternity leave sub and to fill this teaching role in the coming school year. She brings great skill as a musician and a passion for teaching students to develop their musical abilities as they journey through their intermediate and junior high years. We are so glad that she is on our team!

A Quote from Miss Terdina: “I’m so thankful to be part of a Christian community where I can pursue excellence and Christlikeness alongside my students!”

Fun Fact: “I read all the books on the Battle of the Books list this summer! Ask me anything!”

Jill Gruden – New Hire

Jill will be joining our Student Services team and working with several students as an Academic Specialist. She is married to Andrew (Academic Specialist/Lunchroom Supervisor), and they have 2-year-old twins. Jill previously taught at Landmark School, which is a school for students with language-based learning difficulties. We are excited for her to contribute to our Student Services Team!

A Quote from Mrs. Gruden: “I am most excited about making meaningful connections with my three IIS students and being part of the WCGS community.”

Fun Fact: “I have two-year-old boy/girl twins.” 

Nicki Barr – New Hire

Nicki joins us in a new capacity as a Front Desk Associate after serving as a Crossing Guard, Recess Supervisor, and Substitute Aide. She is a school parent to Charlie (6th grade), Eddie (5th grade), and Pennie (3rd grade). Nicki has worked at Toddler’s Campus Preschool, Park Community Church, and Bank of America in the past. She is looking forward to partnering with Ann at the Front Desk. 

A Quote from Mrs. Barr: “I’m thrilled to be a part of our wonderful school community and to see the faces of our students and families come through the office. I’m always ready to help with a smile when needed!”

Fun Fact: “I have a very sweet, salt and pepper, miniature schnauzer named Artie.”

Christine Sheetz – New Hire

Christine joins us in a new role as an Administrative Assistant, which will provide support to Marc Painter and Sue Macaluso. She is a school parent to Leah (4th grade) and Josiah (2nd grade), and the sister of Amber Snoeyink and Brittany Schwarzkopf. Christine has worked at Wheaton College, Westminster Christian, and Geneva Christian Schools in the past. She is excited to be back in a K-8 environment that cares deeply about Christian education. 

A Quote from Mrs. Sheetz: “I am excited about joining the staff at WCGS because of the blessing this community has been to my family. Getting to contribute to the spiritual and academic growth of the next generation with this wonderful team, who have had a large impact on my own children, is a gift!”

Fun Fact: “I drink iced coffee in all seasons.”

Shannon McDonald – New Role

We want to thank Joanne DeGroot for her faithful service at WCGS over the past 32 years.  Her incredible work ethic, kind spirit, and love for the Lord have shaped WCGS in profound ways.  As she phases out of her role in Development, we are pleased to announce that Shannon McDonald will become the new Development Coordinator.  Shannon has incredible relationships throughout our community after being a welcoming face at the front desk, and she has an eye for excellence.  She loves the Lord and the mission of the school in a profound way. We are excited to see Shannon step into this new role!

Rachel Brooke – New Role

Due to the additional sections at various grade levels, Rachel will now be teaching Art to students in grades 5-8. 

Debbie Cairncross – New Role

Debbie will continue in her current role as Registrar, but on 3 days, she will work alongside Kate in after-school Extended Care. 

Jennifer Fraser – New Role

Jennifer will continue as the Reading Specialist in 2nd grade, but with the additional section of 3rd grade, Jennifer and Joanne King will both be working with 3rd grade students in Reading support.

Jon Gabriele – New Role

Jon will teach all of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders MML, and then continue in his role as a Math Instructional Coach.

Josie Garrett – New Role

In addition to her current role as the Jr. High Student Services Coordinator, she will also be taking on the role of Jr. High Coordinator (previously handled by Jacqueline Lauriat).  Josie will help oversee the Jr. High schedules and events throughout the year. 

Brenda Johnson – New Role

In addition to her role as a 3rd grade teacher, Brenda will be supporting the K-5 teachers on a part-time basis as the K-5 Coordinator. 

Nicole Linhardt – New Role

Nicole will teach science to all 3rd graders while Brenda is supporting teachers in her new role.  She will also be aiding for 3rd grade in the mornings, and then supporting 2nd and 3rd grade in the afternoons. 

Delena Ollila – New Role

Delena will now be teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade Choir!

As you can see, God has been at work in the details here at WCGS. We look forward to another school year of educating, training, and nurturing children for godliness and excellence equipping them to engage and transform their world for Jesus Christ!