Say Hello to Our New Teachers!

This school year, EPCUSD 401 is proud to welcome 21 new educators and certified staff members to schools across the District. After attending a New Teacher Orientation held at Elmwood Park High School, they feel prepared for the school year ahead. The orientation focused on curriculum and instruction, mentorship, safety and security, student services, and multilingual and instructional supports.

From preschool to high school, these new team members bring a wide range of experience, talents, and passions—all dedicated to helping our students succeed. Read the bios below to learn more about the new faces bringing bright ideas to our classrooms!

John Mills Elementary School

Emily Crook - School Psychologist
11 years in education, excited to serve the Elmwood Park community
Fun fact: Enjoys making ceramics

Fernanda Balleza-Jasso - 5th Grade Dual Language Teacher
4 years in education, excited to grow with her students
Fun fact: She is the oldest of 5 siblings

Julia Niklewicz - Special Education Teacher
6 years in education, looking forward to learning about her students’ interests
Fun fact: Has a free-roam rabbit

Kaylor Smith - Speech & Language Pathologist
1 year in education, looking forward to meeting students, families, and staff
Fun fact: Has never met someone in person with the same name

Lauren Feiereisel - Special Education Teacher
9 years in education, excited to work with old friends again
Fun fact: Her grandfather played basketball in the NBA

Thanh Shanahan - Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
25 years in education, looking forward to new classroom renovations
Fun fact: She is an immigrant from Vietnam and was a refugee in Malaysia before coming to the U.S.

Elmwood Elementary School

Christina Cuevas - Special Education Teacher
13 years in education, looking forward to supporting diverse learners
Fun fact: Is a member at Music Box Theatre and has met numerous filmmakers

Josephine Patras - Special Education Teacher
10+ years in education, excited to return to teaching after time away
Fun fact: Has traveled extensively

Rebecca Riha - Special Education Teacher
4 years in education, looking forward to having her own classroom and making a difference
Fun fact: Was an Irish dancer throughout childhood and still breaks her skills out on occasion

Elm Middle School

Aeryn Chapman - Science Teacher
First year in education, looking forward to getting to know students and staff
Fun fact: Has visited 15 countries in 15 years

Emily Rebholz - School Social Worker 
1 year in education, excited to join the Elm team and support students creatively 
Fun fact: Enjoys skydiving

Katharine Lekberg - Art Teacher
1 year in education, excited for unique art projects and meeting colleagues 
Fun fact: Dislikes shellfish

Michael Anelli - Social Studies Teacher
First year in education, looking forward to watching students grow and having his own classroom 
Fun fact: Conversational in English, Spanish, and Italian

Sarah Stark - School Psychologist
14 years in education, looking forward to building connections with students and families 
Fun fact: Is a twin

Elmwood Park High School

Alec Poullette - Math Teacher
First year in education, looking forward to meeting all his students 
Fun fact: Has a passion for film

Anthony Manicke - Kinetic Wellness & Driver Education Teacher
10 years in education, looking forward to teaching Driver’s Ed for the first time 
Fun fact: Is an avid reader, especially Stephen King novels

Cary Bianchetta - Special Education Teacher
8 years in education, looking forward to developing relationships with students and staff

Daphne Sims-Mobley - Business Education Teacher
1 year in education, looking forward to helping students enjoy computer science 
Fun fact: Played violin from 3rd to 8th grade

Gabriella Parravicini - School Social Worker
3 years in education, looking forward to engaging with the EPHS community
Fun fact: Attended soccer events at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Julia Levit - Student Support Specialist
20 years in education, looking forward to trying a new position outside the classroom
Fun fact: Once met Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad

Marco Orozco - School Counselor
4 years in education, looking forward to working with students 
Fun fact: Played rugby in college

With fresh energy in each building, this school year is full of possibilities. We can’t wait to see all we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead!