Our St. Jerome Staff

Preschool:  My name is Karen Mizera. I have been a teacher for 12 years, 10 of those years I have spent at St. Jerome teaching preschool. I attended Governors State University for my teaching degree. Now I am returning to the University of Illinois to get a degree in Technology in Education. In the summer I also teach at Moraine Valley C.C. In February 2002, I got married here at St. Jerome Church to my husband Brett. I have one son, Lucas who attends 4 year old preschool here at St. Jerome.

Kindergarten: My name is Courtney Dunlap and I teach Kindergarten at St. Jerome. I grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and went to college at Kansas State University. After graduating, I moved to Chicago and worked in Human Resource Management for an insurance company. After working there for almost 3 years, I decided to go back to school and get my Master's in Education from Depaul University.

1st grade: Ms. Laura Stach

2nd grade: My name is Nicolette Bernardi and I am the 2nd grade teacher at St. Jerome School. I have been teaching a total of 10 years, 9 of which has been here at St. Jerome. I live in the south suburbs and graduated form Mother McAuley.  I received my B.A. in Elementary Education from Elmhurst College in 1997. For the past 4 summers, I have taught children's classes at Moraine Valley C.C.

3rd grade: My name is Sara Pappalito. I recently graduated from St. Xavier University, whom I received a B.A. in Elementary Education. This is my first year teaching here at St. Jerome, and I am excited about the school year. I attended Santa Lucia and went to St. Ignatius College Prep. I have a strong Catholic upbringing and believe in the importance of Catholic education.

4th grade: My name is Sara Aguilar. This my 2nd year teaching here at St. Jerome and I love it. I love to teach novels in Reading, play review games, and go on field trips. I just got married over the summer and got an 8 month old puppy. This year I am running student council and a few enrichment courses.

5th grade: My name is Kelly Carrillo. This is my 4th year here at St. Jerome. For the past 11 years, I worked at the Tinley Park Library, but recently resigned to spend more time with my new baby. I graduated from Andrew H.S. in Tinley Park and continued my education at Governors State University where I received my B.A. in Elementary Education.

6th grade: My name is Jadie Juric. I have been part of the St. Jerome family since I was 6 years old. The experience has been incredible. I like it so much that I sent both of my sons to St. Jerome. I enjoy the school, parish, and the families.

7th grade: My name is Michael Jewell (Mike) and I am the science teacher for grades 5-8 and the 7^th grade homeroom teacher. I am currently finishing the Masters in Elementary Education program at National-Louis University in Chicago. My undergraduate degree is from Northeastern Illinois University in Geography and Environmental Studies. I am married to a teacher, Ruth, and have two grown children, Craig and Rachael and one grandson, Jack. My previous work experience was in the field of aviation working at Boeing, for 12 years and in the Marine Corps, for 8 years.

8th grade: My name is Carm Parrilli. I was born and raised and still living in the Bridgeport/Armour Square neighborhood. I graduated from St. Jerome, St. Mary's Perpetual Help, and Loyola University. I have been teaching at St. Jerome School since 1987. I am the head of the Math Department and teach departmental math grades 5-8. I am also the the grade 8 homeroom teacher and assistant principal.