Originally from New England, where most of her extended family still lives, Ashley’s family moved to Florida when she was a young teen. She is the second oldest out of five kids and they grew up in a household where academics and athletics were very important. She received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where she earned a degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, she worked for CBS Radio and Clear Channel Communications as a Sales Executive. She quickly learned that selling airtime to local businesses was not something she was passionate about.

She went back to school and received her Early Childhood Teaching License from Kendall College. While in school, she started working at Roycemore as the Pre-K Teaching Assistant. This is where she began to fall in love with teaching and working with little kids. After she received her license, she became the Pre-K teacher at Roycemore. She taught Pre-K for three years and is now the Kindergarten teacher.

She currently lives in Skokie with her husband, daughter, and two four-legged friends – Madison and Mr. Boots. She and her husband Jeff have been married for six years. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on long bike rides, cooking and trying new recipes, online shopping, and binge-watching her favorite TV shows.

Education

B.A. in Sociology, University of Wisconsin

Professional Educator Licensure in Early Childhood Education, Kendall College

Favorite Quote

“Be the reason someone smiles today.”

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

Teaching is a personally rewarding profession. It is a great pleasure and privilege to watch my students' personalities grow day by day and see how they develop in their learning. I get to experience things with them for the first time and see the excitement in their eyes. There is never a dull moment and no day is ever the same. It also doesn’t hurt to have summers off!

Why Roycemore?

When I began my teaching career, it began at Roycemore. I knew from day one that something special was happening here. Almost six years later, it still feels that way!

Daniel (Danny) has coached lacrosse for many years and considers himself very lucky to be part of the Roycemore community.

Education

B.S., American University

Why Roycemore?

I have never been more inspired working with both staff and students. Roycemore is a truly welcoming community that helps everyone find their passion.

Favorite Book

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

Matt began teaching in 2019, and 2022 was his first year at Roycemore. Previously, he taught 6th grade science at Drauden Point Middle School in Plainfield, IL. At Drauden, he taught chemistry and physics and was an assistant coach for Cross Country and Track and Field.

Education

B.A. in Middle Level Education, Illinois State University

Favorite Quote

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore's values and philosophies align with mine and are something that I am very passionate about. I aim to teach through inquiry and engagement where students can show their creativity and learn in many ways. Roycemore's partnership with Northwestern is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the world to bring relevant topics into the classroom.

With more than two decades of experience in early childhood education, Mary is thrilled to have recently returned to Evanston — where she grew up — with her husband and two children. Mary's professional journey has taken her from classrooms in California to downtown Chicago, where she developed a deep passion for early intervention, differentiated instruction, and responsive support during critical developmental stages.

Mary believes strongly in partnering with parents and families to ensure each child’s success. Whether it’s through early screening, progress monitoring, or individualized learning plans, she works to create a nurturing environment in which students can thrive academically and emotionally.

Education

Learning Behavior Specialist Endorsement, University of Illinois Chicago (Chicago, IL 2024)
Social Emotional and Character Development Certification, Rutgers (Piscataway, NJ 2019)
Structured Literacy (SLANT) Certification (2016)
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Concordia University Chicago (River Forest, IL 2014)
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University Chicago (River Forest, IL 2012)
Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development Certification, University of San Diego (San Diego, CA 2003)
B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Reading Endorsement, John Carroll University (University Heights, OH 2002)

Favorite Quote

"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think." - Margaret Mead

Why Roycemore?

I’m drawn to Roycemore’s emphasis on developing the whole child in small group settings.

James came to Roycemore from Beacon Academy where he served as the Director of Athletics for five years. James is also the President of the Lake Shore Athletic League, an 11-member IHSA athletic conference serving the greater Chicagoland area. Before coming to Illinois, James served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

James' professional background began in the collegiate ranks as a Wrestling Coach and Administrator. He had stops at Menlo College, Montclair State University, and George Mason University. He also served as a Senior Level Coach of the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club out of Stanford University.

James has a teaching background in yoga and meditation. He started the Yoga Program at the Baylor School within the curriculum of the physical education department. This program led to before and after-school opportunities for faculty and staff. He is a regular practitioner and enjoys sharing his practices with others. James also has an affinity for non-profit work, serving on several state-level boards for USA Wresting, and now Beat the Streets-Chicago.

"Wrestling shaped my life in so many ways outside of the traditional athletic mold. My passion is to help others find their 'personal journey' while reaching their potential. I believe in a simple formula of Embracing, Educating, and Empowering the student so they have the ability to become the teacher."

Education

B.A. in Social Behavioral Sciences, Indiana University
M.A. in Kinesiology-Sport Management, Saint Mary's College of CA

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore offers a ton of potential in the Chicago market. I wanted an opportunity to be a part of a strong leadership team while expanding my own footprint in cultivating the ultimate learning experience for our growing community.

Favorite Quote

"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. Be water my friend." - Bruce Lee

Marge has had a career as a business professional in the experimental aircraft field with years of customer service, management, and marketing experience. She has also taught ESL to children and adults while living in Mexico.

Michael, a proud Chicago native from the Lincoln Square neighborhood, brings a wealth of experience in finance and operations to Roycemore School. He and his wife, Detana, now call the northwest suburbs of Chicago home.

Before joining Roycemore, Michael honed his expertise at Northwestern University, where he played a key role in accounting, financial operations, student affairs, and facilities management. His transition into independent school finance reflects his deep commitment to mission-driven institutions and the transformative impact of education.

Michael holds an MBA from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from DePaul University. A strong advocate for financial literacy, he believes that empowering individuals with financial knowledge is a critical tool for long-term success and community enrichment.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys traveling, reading, prioritizing health and fitness, and spending quality time with his family.

Education

MBA from Kellstadt Graduate School of Business

BS in Finance from DePaul University

Favorite Quote

“Behind every success is effort, behind every effort is passion, behind every passion is someone with the courage to try.”

Favorite Book

Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill or Atomic Habits by James Clear

Why Roycemore?

Roycemore School reflects the core values that are most important to me: academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and the transformative impact of personalized education.

Born and raised in Evanston, IL, Shauna attended and graduated from Evanston Township High school and Jackson State University. While there, she met her husband of 24 years and moved to North Carolina with her four girls. She continued working in the medical field, managing a doctor’s office in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She has over 15 years of working in the medical billing field starting at Evanston NorthShore.

Education

B.S., Jackson State University

Favorite Quote

"Smile because you never know how it might make someone’s day" – Wilma Terry

Why Roycemore?

The atmosphere and people make you feel at home, the smiles on the faces of these kids every day make everything worthwhile.

Brandon has served in a variety of educational settings, including Washington, D.C. Public Schools, charter schools, and an independent school in Columbus, Ohio. Across every step of his educational journey, Brandon has remained committed to one core belief: students come first. He is passionate about understanding each student's unique beliefs, interests, and motivations, and then helping guide them to reach heights they may not have believed were possible. He enjoys involving the family into this process as well to ensure there is clear and consistent communication.

Equally important to Brandon is supporting teachers, the true heartbeat of any school. Recognizing the immense impact educators have in the lives of students, he is dedicated to celebrating their successes, empowering their growth, and providing meaningful support for the transformative work they do every day. Brandon brings a diverse background to his leadership. He has taught math and science, served as an athletic director, and has been a principal for over six years.

As a school leader, Brandon is known for being present and engaged. Whether it's attending school events, helping students problem-solve, or visiting classrooms, he is deeply involved in the daily life of the school community. His goal is for students and teachers to be more excited to come to school tomorrow, than they were today.

Brandon looks forward to building strong, trusting partnerships with families and is honored by the opportunity to serve alongside a dedicated team in pursuit of student success. Outside of school, he enjoys staying active, cheering on Wisconsin sports teams, and reading.

Education

B.S. in History of Science, University of Wisconsin
M.A. in Educational Administration, The Ohio State University

Favorite Book

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, and City of Thieves by David Benioff

Why Roycemore?

I am excited to join Roycemore School, which is known for recognizing its students, high standards for scholarship and community involvement, and as an inclusive community. I view those three traits in harmony with my own views on education. My job is to help us continue to evolve by honoring the rich past Roycemore has, while helping to pave the way for a bright future.