St. John the Baptist Catholic School
St. John the Baptist Staff
Joanne Policht
Principal
Mrs. Policht is in her seventh year at St. John the Baptist and is truly honored to serve as the principal. Mrs. Policht has been an educator for over thirty-five years, including teaching for over 10 years instructing students with behavior challenges, students with learning disabilities, third grade, and additionally was a Reading Specialist. Mrs. Policht, along with her principal partner, were the first job share principals in the state of Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education from Wartburg College, a Master of Arts in Reading Education from National-Louis University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision from Northern Illinois University. Her inspiration and influences stem from many of her family members who have worked with children and who have been educators. Mrs. Policht’s grandfather was even a teacher in a one room schoolhouse!
Favorite Bible Verse
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
Daily Inspiration
"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
St. Therese of Lisieux
Teri Hardesty
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Hardesty is the face of St. John the Baptist every time you enter the school! As our Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Hardesty can help with any question you have. She began working for the Diocese of Joliet in 2004, and has been at St. John's since 2007. Having attended Catholic grade school, high school and college, Mrs. Hardesty has a love for Catholic education.
Daily Inspiration
"Serve the Lord with laughter."
St. Padre Pio
Karen Reed
3-Year-Old Preschool
Mrs. Reed has been our 3-year-old preschool teacher for 3 years, and a teacher for 17 years. She holds her BA in Elementary Education, Middle School Approval, Reading and Social Science Endorsements. Mrs. Reed is also a graduate of St. Pius the X in Lombard!
Favorite Bible Verse
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Reed believes the purpose of education is to provide children with the resources and skills that they need to become lifelong learners so they can pursue a passion or interest later on in life. Her goal is to provide the basic framework of information and skills while also inspiring students to be curious, ask, questions, and discover answers. As a teacher, Mrs. Reed is excited to have the opportunity to challenge, support, and guide each child in their own discoveries. Teaching the Catholic faith involves guiding others to understand and live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the sacraments, and the traditions of the Church.
Denise Lusk
3-Year-Old Preschool Aide
Mrs. Lusk has been our 3-year-old preschool aide for the past 2 years. She also spent a year assisting in kindergarten here at St. John’s. Prior to that, Mrs. Lusk spent 25 years as a special education teacher for the hard of hearing. She holds a BS in Special Education from McMurray College, and an endorsement in elementary – junior high writing from Tennessee. Mrs. Lusk is an avid reader, and loves spending time with her family, including her new role as a grandma!
Favorite Bible Verse
“Love is patient, kind and never ends.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Lusk teaches by “learning through laughter” and instilling kindness and respect in the classroom.
Valerie Murphy
4-Year-Old Preschool
Favorite Bible Verse
Teaching Philosophy
Beth Fuhrmann
4-Year-Old Preschool Aide
Mrs. Fuhrmann has been the 4-year-old preschool aide for 4 years, and prior to that was a substitute teacher at St. John’s for a year. She has 21 years of school experience and was an aide at a local Catholic school for preschool – 5th grade. Mrs. Fuhrmann holds a BS in Industrial Arts from Minnesota State University. Prior to that, she attended St. Dennis and St. John the Evangelist grade schools, and Lady Cliff Academy (high school), all located in New York. Mrs. Fuhrmann loves to create ceramic art and shows and sells it at local craft shows. Additionally, she has four children, all of which attended Catholic school, 11 grandchildren and loves all animals, especially cats!
Favorite Bible Verse
“Be still.”
Psalm 46:10
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Fuhrmann believes in always having patience and kindness in the classroom, as well as a goal of every student learning at least one new thing every day.
Stefanie Potts
Kindergarten
Favorite Bible Verse
God has more in store for you than you can ever imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Potts believes every child is a unique gift from God, filled with purpose and promise. Her classroom is a joyful, faith-filled space where children learn, grow, and come to know they are deeply loved. She teaches with a heart for both academics and the soul—helping little ones grow in knowledge, kindness, and faith. Through prayer, story, and play, she guides them to discover the beauty of God’s world and their special place in it. Mrs. Potts believes that teaching is more than a job—it’s a calling. Watching children grow, wonder, and shine is one of the greatest blessings of her life.
Carole Russo
1st Grade
Mrs. Russo has been our 1st grade teacher for four years. She has been teaching since 1999, aside from the 10 years she took off to raise her children. Mrs. Russo holds a BS in Education from Eastern Illinois University and also attended Trinity High School in River Forest, IL.
Favorite Bible Verse
“Encourage each other and build each other up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Russo’s goal is to create a learning environment where students are involved in active and engaged learning, exploring and asking questions. Additionally, Mrs. Russo believes in the importance of learning to treat others with kindness and respect while learning about other viewpoints.
Annamarie Simon
2nd Grade
Mrs. Simon has been teaching at St. John’s for 4 years, and this is her 5th year as a teacher. She holds a BA in Psychology and Religious Studies from Nazareth University, a Masters in Education Policy from The University of Rochester and a Masters in Elementary Education from Lewis University. Her favorite prayers include the Memorare and Hail Holy Queen.
Memorare Prayer
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer them.
Lori Seay
3rd Grade
Mrs. Seay has been our 3rd grade teacher for the past 9 years, and prior to that taught kindergarten at St. John’s for 22 years. She has been a teacher for 31 years – all at SJB. Mrs. Seay holds her BA from North Central College in Naperville, and her Masters in Education from University of St Francis in Joliet. Mrs. Seay’s greatest pleasure is to share her love of Christ with her students. Her hope is that every student will learn to live their lives in Christ and follow His perfect example bringing Christ’s light to the world.
Favorite Bible Verse
"Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it."
Matthew 10:38-39
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Seay feels that teaching in a Catholic school provides a unique opportunity for students to experience education through the transcendentals of God's Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. It is through this lens that they explore the core subjects of reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social studies and Religion. Mrs. Seay believes her role as a teacher is to guide students in exploration through these key subjects using dialogue, higher order thinking questions, and various activities incorporating practical application in the classroom.
Michele Wozniak
4th Grade
Favorite Bible Verse
Teaching Philosophy
Angela Murray
5th Grade
Mrs. Murray has been teaching 4th grade homeroom and 5th grade Social Studies at St. John’s for 6 years. For the 2025-26 school year she will be teaching 5th grade homeroom and 4th grade Social Studies. She has been a teacher for almost 20 years, including the time she was subbing while raising her children. Mrs. Murray holds a BA in English from Illinois State and a Masters in Education from National Louis University. Mrs. Murray loves the staff and families at St. John there is nowhere else she would rather be!
Favorite Bible Verse
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Teaching philosophy
Every student is someone’s child. So, I always think of my own children and what I want for them when deciding how to teach my students, providing the best education in the best environment.
Scott Valenta
6th Grade, Jr. High Science
Mr. Valenta has been teaching science at St. John’s since 2017, and a teacher since 2016. He holds a BA of Science in Biology from Western Illinois University and a Masters of Science in Biology from Clemson University. Prior to college, Mr. Valenta attended St. Francis High School and St. Michael Parish School, both located in Wheaton. Mr. Valenta is very active in the science community and recently was awarded the 2024 Bob Thompson Excellence in Energy Education Award, was seated on the Governing Board of the 2021 American Association of Chemistry Teachers and acts as a Facilitator for the National Energy Education Development Project. In his free time, Mr. Valenta is a father of two wonderful boys and an avid Peloton rider.
Favorite Bible Verse
The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed."
Matthew 8:8
Teaching Philosophy
In a world of ordinary classrooms, why not be extraordinary? Let's do weird stuff like track satellites and download images from them or be a fish hatchery and raise Rainbow Trout. Let's do something you won't forget.
Jamie Buhnerkemper
7th Grade, Jr. High ELA
Mrs. Buhnerkemper has been at St. John’s since 2007 as a coach, substitute teacher, paraprofessional and now a teacher! Her first year as a teacher was in physical education, and now she is our middle school art teacher. With over 7 years of teaching experience, we are thrilled to have her at St. John’s. Mrs. Buhnerkemper earned her BA degree in English Education with a minor in Communication and an endorsement in Art from Western Illinois University, as well as a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Physical Education from North Central College. When Mrs. Buhnerkemper is not teaching, she coaches volleyball as the girls' head coach at Neuqua Valley High School and boys head coach at St. Charles North.
Favorite Bible Verse
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Buhnerkemper’s teaching philosophy is focused on encouraging students to find their unique personality. She believes in process-based learning and being a resource for students through visual language, media, and history.
Katie Pierscionek
8th Grade, Jr. High Math
Mrs. Pierscionek is our 8th grade homeroom and 5th -8th grade math teacher, and she has been at St. John the Baptist for 6 years. She has 12 years of teaching experience, and holds a BA from St. Mary’s College, a Masters in Education from Concordia University, and a Masters in Administration from Lewis University. Additionally, Mrs. Pierscionek is a proud graduate of St. Mary’s grade school in West Chicago and St Francis high school in Wheaton!
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Pierscionek believes in continued progress over perfection, and the importance of teaching the whole student.
Gabrielle Wilson
PS - 5th Grade Art
This year is Mrs. Wilson’s first year teaching art to 4-year-old preschoolers - 5th graders at St. John’s. Since 2015, she has worked in the education field as a substitute teacher and a paraprofessional, so she is very familiar with education! Mrs. Wilson holds a BFA from The Columbus College of Art and Design, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University. Additionally, she has completed graduate coursework in Art Therapy at Adler University. Mrs. Wilson is thrilled that she can come to St. John’s every day with her three children who attend SJB. She and her family are very grateful to have found such a supportive, academically rigorous, and safe community.
Favorite Bible Verse
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Wilson seeks to guide students by teaching them useful skills in their everyday lives, whether this is through prayer, discernment and interpretation of the world around them, or by building community. When God comes first, everything else falls into place.
Jamie Buhnerkemper
6th- 8th Grade Art
Mrs. Buhnerkemper has been at St. John’s since 2007 as a coach, substitute teacher, paraprofessional and now a teacher! Her first year as a teacher was in physical education, and now she is our middle school art teacher. With over 7 years of teaching experience, we are thrilled to have her at St. John’s. Mrs. Buhnerkemper earned her BA degree in English Education with a minor in Communication and an endorsement in Art from Western Illinois University, as well as a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Physical Education from North Central College. When Mrs. Buhnerkemper is not teaching, she coaches volleyball as the girls' head coach at Neuqua Valley High School and boys head coach at St. Charles North.
Favorite Bible Verse
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Buhnerkemper’s teaching philosophy is focused on encouraging students to find their unique personality. She believes in process-based learning and being a resource for students through visual language, media, and history.
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Technology
Favorite Bible Verse
Teaching Philosophy
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Health & Physical Education
Favorite Bible Verses
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Music on the Move
Favorite Bible Verse
Teaching Philosophy
0S259 Church Street
Winfield, IL 60190
P: 630.668.2625, ext. 617 F: 630.668.1074
Email: jpolicht@stjohnwinfield.org
