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 my practices with others.

I also have 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.

Jennifer Zielinski has a passion for all things community. As a mission-driven, equity-centered, growth-oriented leader with more than a decade of experience, Jennifer strives to create impactful experiences and build enduring relationships by bringing people together in service of something larger than themselves.

Curiosity is the driving force behind her varied initiatives, ranging from DEIJB awareness training to building a food truck business, becoming a Charter School Developer and an Assistant Head of School. She is a lifelong learner guided by and grounded in curiosity, empathy, and humility, striving to bring out the best in others and herself.

Jennifer and her husband, Paul, live in Rogers Park where they have raised three (successfully adulting) sons. Not only does Jenn enjoy reading, traveling, and hanging out with her three dogs, she also enjoys talking about reading, traveling, and her three dogs. Currently, she is most passionate about oysters and oat milk cortados.

Education

B.A.S., University of Illinois - Chicago. M.B.A Candidate, University of Illinois - Springfield

Favorite Quote

"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Why Roycemore?

It is so apparent that there is love for the children at Roycemore.