Janet was born in Chicago and currently still lives there. She is the daughter of two hard-working and inspiring Mexican immigrant parents and a little sister to two older brothers, also college graduates. Janet's first language was Spanish, and she grew up surrounded by many immigrant families as she was involved up until recently with a non-profit organization who served primarily immigrant mothers and their children. Notably, she was a Mexican Folkloric Dancer for this organization for 15 years and a volunteer for their fundraising events. 

The Chicago neighborhood Janet grew up in was West Town and she lived in a very small two-bedroom apartment, but was forced to move away due to gentrification. For the last seven years Janet has lived on the Northwest side of Chicago with her family and two pet fish. In her free time, Janet enjoys going for walks in different forest preserves and hiking in national parks with her boyfriend. She partakes in many hobbies, such as crocheting (mainly amigurumi), photography, wood-burning, painting, card-making, sewing, and more.

Education

B.A. and Professional Educator License in the Teaching of Spanish, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

Why Roycemore?

I was instantly interested in Roycemore because of its diverse community. I believe that having a more diverse community greatly benefits all students since it better prepares them to develop cultural competence, which is essential for the globalized world we live in. Also, I appreciate that the classes are small at Roycemore because this better ensures that each student gets the attention they need and creates a more rich learning environment.

Favorite Book

One of my favorite books is No Somos de Aquí by Jenny Torres Sanchez.

Adam has worked in arts education for over 15 years, including roles as a classroom teacher, orchestral conductor, and executive director of a nonprofit dedicated to equitable access to free music education programs. He is passionate about creating spaces where young students feel empowered and safe to explore, express, and take creative risks.

Adam's teaching draws from a wide range of traditions and disciplines from Orff and Kodály techniques in music education, to improvisational and ensemble-based storytelling. He believes strongly in integrating music and drama with social-emotional learning, global cultures, and core academic themes. Whether composing original songs, staging playful productions, or simply learning how to listen with empathy, he aims to nurture curiosity, courage, and lay strong musical foundations to create lifelong performers and patrons of the arts.

Outside of the classroom, Adam is a working classical musician, avid reader, and constantly in the kitchen playing with his pets, or growing plants. He is honored to be part of a school that values the arts as essential, and Iooks forward to collaborating with students, families, and faculty on a joyful, expressive year ahead.

Education

Adam holds degrees in music and music education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Cleveland State University, and the University of Florida.

Favorite Book

The Expanse Series by James S. A. Corey

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore’s mission resonates with both my personal values and professional philosophy. As a musician who has spent years advocating for equitable access to arts education in underserved communities, I’m inspired by the school’s commitment to nurturing the whole child through creativity, courage, and character.

What drew me most to Roycemore is its rich tradition of progressive education, its emphasis on student voice and individuality, and its genuine integration of the arts across disciplines. I see it as a place where young learners are not only celebrated for who they are, but also encouraged to explore who they can become.

Alex has loved stories and history for as long as he can remember. He developed both of his passions as an undergrad, studying Theater and Archaeology. He spent two summers on archaeological digs before moving to Chicago after graduation. While tentatively pursuing an acting career, he simultaneously cultivated a love of education while working for the Museum of Science and Industry and the Chicago Park District. Eventually leaving the stage behind, he went on to focus on informal education with Chicago area startups and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Alex was drawn to Roycemore by the school's emphasis on the whole student and focus on community, and found his way there after finishing his master's degree. A self described “earthy nerd,” Alex can usually be found with his nose in a book, playing video, board, or tabletop games, or daydreaming about spending more time outdoors.

Education

M.S.Ed., Northwestern University
B.A. in Ancient Civilizations and Theatre, University of Iowa

Favorite Book

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Favorite Quote

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." - John Muir

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore aligns with my belief that most of our learning comes informally — when we learn how to ask questions of our own, rather than answer questions from someone else. What we discover about ourselves and our place in the world will stay with us our whole lives — certainly longer than most of us will remember specific names or dates.

Ashley Quire is a Chicago native and Evanston resident. She attended Marquette University where she received a BA in Psychology. Ashley has a strong recruiting background over 10 years including campus recruiting for a Fortune 100 company and college admissions for various colleges including Loyola Marymount University, Otis College of Art and Design, and Northwestern University. She lives with her children, Roycemore students, Selvin III and Melanie, and her husband Selvin. Together they co-run a student success nonprofit.

Education

B.A. in Psychology, Marquette University

Favorite Quote

"Anything you can imagine, you can create." - Oprah Winfrey

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore has been such a wonderful home and community for my daughter. After experiencing Roycemore as a parent and volunteer, I'm excited to continue to work with such a great group of professionals and students who are truly masters of their fields and the future innovative leaders of tomorrow.

Karen began her work at Roycemore in 1993 as a sub for Upper School Learning Specialist. The following year she took on the position full-time and currently teaches both Modern European History and AP Euro, in addition to serving as the Upper School Learning Specialist. Over the years, Karen has served the school in the classroom by teaching Service Learning, Topics in African-American History, Foundations of English, and served as a faculty advisor to many Independent studies over the years. In addition to her current role as the faculty advisor of the National Honor Society, she has organized Community Service opportunities for the school, sponsored Yearbook, and currently helps coordinate and support Upper School Student Activities.

Karen has always been drawn to teaching. She supported ELL during her high school years before earning an undergraduate degree in History and Secondary Education. In addition, Karen has earned a Master's in Education in Special Education and has pursued additional graduate work in Educational Therapy and Neurodiverse students with ADHD and ASD. Karen has continued her lifelong learning with professional development in Executive Functioning, ADHD, Mental Health and Education, and most recently teaching and assessing Online Learning. These educational opportunities have been in response to students that Karen has worked with and she continues to search out professional development to meet the ever-changing needs of her students. Karen feels very strongly about helping each student reach their potential as a student and person.

In her free time, Karen has always enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and in Europe, volunteering, and crafting. Over the years, Karen has taken her personal passions of service and traveling and has provided students with opportunities to do both. Karen has been married for 10 years, and she and her husband live with their three Schnauzers, Max, Grace, and Bella in Gurnee. When she is not unwinding, she is busy connecting with her former students and colleagues.

Education

M.Ed., National Louis University & Educational Therapy Institute
B.A., Cornell College

Fun Fact

I am a two-Time All-American Shotputter for Division III Athletics.

Why do you teach? What is the impact you hope to make on students?

I teach because I love learning and feel that I can share this with students, as well as help them gain knowledge, learn about themselves, and become great human beings.

Why Roycemore?

I chose Roycemore because I feel it is important to get to know students in order to customize my teaching style to maximize their learning and Roycemore with its small classroom and community gives me this opportunity. Students, teachers, and families work closely in partnership to make this happen.

Amanda is the 3rd grade teacher at Roycemore School. She grew up in Highland Park, graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and now lives in Chicago. In 2017, she obtained her ESL endorsement from National Louis University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education. With experience teaching multiple grades of elementary school, Amanda understands how to create a curriculum that is both engaging and developmental. She helps ensure her students are inspired and challenged in a supportive classroom environment through individualized guidance. As the daughter of a teacher, Amanda always knew she wanted to take her creativity to elementary education. One of Amanda's passions is art. She uses art to enrich the minds of her students and enable each and every one of them to express themselves in a creative and innovative way. In her free time, Amanda enjoys exercising, exploring the city with her friends and family, and baking.

Education

M.Ed. in ESL and Curriculum & Instruction, National Louis University (In Progress)
B.S. in Elementary Education, Indiana University Bloomington
ESL Endorsement, National Louis University

Favorite Quote

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein

"A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers." - Helen Keller

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore's vision aligns with my teaching philosophy, as I resonate with John Dewey's progressive teaching philosophy. Each student is at the center of their learning and cared for by their teachers. Roycemore is a warm, supportive, and diverse community, that I am excited to be a part of.

For over a decade, Eliese has worked in outdoor, STEM, and environmental education, specializing in training fellow educators and curriculum development. She worked throughout the Southeast US (and one summer in Alaska), leading diverse teams, creating engaging educational activities, and developing training materials. Holding degrees in Wildlife Biology and Ecology, if you have questions about wildlife, conservation, or how to pepper-spray an aggressive moose, she’s got answers.

Eliese writes, crochets, and plans elaborate multi-course meals she and her husband make and enjoy together in her spare time. She also loves exploring diverse cultures and the many museums of the Chicago area.

Education

B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, North Carolina State University
M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arkansas

Favorite Quote

"Imagine that every man's mind is an island, surrounded by ocean. Each seems isolated, yet in reality, all are linked by the bedrock from which they spring." - Arthur C. Clarke

Why Roycemore?

I love Roycemore's focus on the holistic growth of students, not only as scholars but as thoughtful members of our community.

Hannah was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area (but grew up a Chicago sports fan — her dad is a South Sider!). After spending four years on the east coast studying English, marketing, and journalism at Boston College, she moved back home to Northern California and worked on the Development teams at the Seven Hills School in Walnut Creek, CA, and the College Preparatory School in Oakland, CA. In these roles, she gained valuable experience spanning communications, marketing, development, and admissions, and fell in love with the world of independent schools. She is thrilled to join Roycemore’s amazing community and can’t wait to showcase the wonderful work of its students and educators through the school’s communications initiatives.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, running, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and spending time with her dog, Izzy.

Education

B.A. in English with minors in Marketing and Journalism, Boston College

Why Roycemore?

I was especially drawn to Roycemore’s small, tight-knit, inclusive community and its mission to guide students to find their passions and establish their own unique identities in the world. I can’t wait to watch the students grow as they journey from Early Childhood all the way through Upper School.

Jorge Sánchez has been teaching English, humanities, and public speaking for over two decades at a variety of schools. Most recently, he taught at Elgin Academy in Elgin, IL. In addition to teaching, he is passionate about academic competitions and hopes to bring the fun and challenge of quizbowl and similar activities to Roycemore. When not teaching, he can be found writing poetry, watching movies, learning Talmud, kayaking, or long-distance backpacking.

Education

M.A. in Divinity, University of Chicago
M.F.A. in English and Creative Writing, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
B.A. Honors in English and Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago

Why Roycemore?

I have taught at several institutions of varying sizes and missions during my teaching career, but the institutions that serve students and families best are those that are student-centered and allow for community members to really get to know each other. Roycemore is a perfect example of that kind of school.

Favorite Quote

This is a hard one. Perhaps a paraphrase of Camus: "The struggle to the heights is enough to fill one's heart."

Jamie is starting her 17th year of teaching middle school! Her career began in Crystal Lake teaching 8th grade science. Jamie has spent the past 11 years at the Frances Xavier Warde School teaching math, science, and small group support. Jamie loves teaching middle school and has such wonderful memories from her middle school years.

Education

M.Ed. in Leadership and Administration, St. Xavier University
B.S. in Elementary Education, Bradley University

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore feels like a family! I love the model of small class sizes where true learning and mentoring can occur.

Favorite Book

My favorite book that I read this summer was Lessons in Chemistry.