St. John the Baptist School Staff

Joanne Policht

Principal

Mrs. Policht is truly honored to have served as principal of St. John the Baptist school since 2018. 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 since 2022, and a teacher for over 15 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.

Valerie Murphy

4-Year-Old Preschool

Mrs. Murphy holds a BA from University of Illinois, Chicago, with  certification in elementary education.  She has a variety of experiences in education having just finished a one-year leave position in Kindergarten at Sycamore Trails School in Bartlett, previously taught first grade, a math and reading interventionist as well as teaching pre K for 6 years, substitute teaching and an instructional aide.  Valerie brings all of this experience and passion to us this year as our Pre-K teacher for the 2025-26 school year.

Favorite Bible Verse

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the greatest commandment.  And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:37-39

Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Murphy believes that students are active participants in their own learning at every developmental level, not just passive participants.  Teacher are merely facilitators who should provide an abundance of opportunities for students to explore the world around them with real world connections.  Problem solving, experimenting, collaborating with peers, inquiring, and thinking critically, make student resourceful, build a sense of autonomy, and a love for learning that prepares them to take on the world rather than passively walk through it.  To watch students become excited and engaged is the the greatest joy of a teacher.

Beth Fuhrmann

4-Year-Old Preschool Aide

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

Annamarie Simon

2nd Grade

Mrs. Simon has been teaching at St. John’s since 2021. 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

Michele Wozniak

4th Grade

Mrs. Wozniak has taught Middle School and Preschool before staying home to raise her 6 children.  She holds a BS in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. Mrs. Wozniak is excited to return to teaching in the Catholic schools. She began her career at St. Kieran in Chicago Heights. Mrs. Wozniak and her family are members of St. Michael Church and reside in Wheaton.

Favorite Bible Verse

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Teaching Philosophy

Every student is an individual and as a teacher I will take into account each child's cognitive, spiritual. social, and emotional needs in order to create a positive learning experience in the classroom.

Angela Murray

 5th Grade

Mrs. Murray has been teaching 4th grade homeroom and 5th grade Social Studies at St. John’s since 2019. 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 the Baptist.   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, 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.  She now teaches middle school art  and Jr. High ELA. 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.

Steve Herrmann

7th Grade and 8th Grade Social Studies

Mr. Herrmann works every afternoon teaching Social Studies to grades 7 and 8.  He graduated from Marquette University with a major in Criminology and Law Studies, and a minor in Political Science and History.  He served as a police officer for the Wheaton Police Department and made the decision that teaching was his calling and career of choice.  As such, he is in a Masters of Arts in Teaching program at Concordia University.  The past summer, he worked as a baseball camp coach for the Cubs organization.

Favorite Bible Verse

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you home and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Teaching Philosophy

Mr. Herrmann's teaching philosophy is to create a classroom where students are excited to learn and participate, while they build a respectful and trusting community under God's guidance.

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 since 2019. She has over 10 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

Mrs. Wilson has been teaching art to 4-year-old preschoolers - 5th graders at St. John’s since 2024. She  has previously 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.

Danielle Rooney

Technology

Mrs. Rooney 11th has been teaching since 2014. She spent 7 years teaching prior to staying home to raise her children and then returned to teaching in 2021. Mrs. Rooney has a BA in Education with a minor in Spanish from Aurora University along with an MA in Educational Technology from Concordia University Chicago. She previously taught Pre-K at St. John the Baptist and is excited to teach technology to all of
St. John's students!

Favorite Bible Verse

Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later."

John 13:7

Teaching Philosophy

Mrs. Rooney's goal is to create a classroom community where students feel supported and loved. She wants students to develop a growth mindset, feel comfortable making mistakes, walk out of the classroom feeling confident that they learned something new, and follow the example Jesus set for us. Mrs. Rooney understands that every student has unique strengths and different learning styles. She enjoys using different teaching methods to help meet the needs of every student. She believes in mutual respect between teacher and student and works very hard to provide a safe and loving learning environment. 

Mary Slowinski

 Physical Education and Math Resource

Mrs. Slowinski started her career at St. John’s during the 2024-25 school year, as our physical education teacher for all grades - 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade. She has over 20 years of experience teaching and loves to learn and loves to teach! She greatly enjoys building positive connections and relationships with students and their families. Mrs. Slowinski earned her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from Mount St. Joseph University, her Bachelor in Special Education degree from Mount
St. Joseph University and her Master of Arts degree in Recreation Administration and Outdoor Pursuits
from Aurora University. She is a proud graduate of St. Bernadette Catholic Grade School in Evergreen Park and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago.

Favorite Bible Quotes:

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." ~ John 10:14

"You created every part of me; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." ~ Psalms 139: 19

"The Lord your God is with you; His power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you, and in His love, He will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you." ~ Zephaniah 3:17

Teaching Philosophy:

Mrs. Slowinski believes that we are all created on purpose for a purpose and that our gifts and talents are unique to each of us; to be developed and used to glorify God and to build the Kingdom of Heaven here
on Earth. She believes that students learn best through experiential activities and play. Her goal is to help students further develop into the people they are called to be.

Gemma Scarpa

 Spanish

Mrs. Scarpa previously worked as a journalist for a Catholic TV network before teaching Faith at
Highlands School to middle and high school students in Europe. She then dedicated several years to
raising her three children at home. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. Mrs. Scarpa is excited to return to teaching
in Catholic schools. She and her family are members of St. Raphael Church and live in Naperville.

Favorite Bible Quotes:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Teaching Philosophy:

Mrs. Scarpa believes language learning should be joyful and engaging, building confidence through active participation. She views Spanish not only as communication but also as a bridge to culture, faith, and community.

Stacey Spears

Music

Stacey Spears has taught music and theatre in educational, recreational, and worship settings for
35 years.    In addition to teaching, she has directed choirs, hand chime choirs, percussion ensembles, plays, musicals, radio dramas, improv theatre shows, and Renaissance Faires.  She is an alumnus of Indiana University, and has completed continuing education classes at Northwestern University and Michigan Univeristy.

Favorite Bible Verse:

Teaching Philosophy:
Mrs. Spears encourages students to think critically, make discoveries, and support the different learning needs of everyone in order to achieve success together.