Ms. Karen Dickerson

Title
Director of Development

CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x461

EDUCATION
Degrees(s)
B.M., Music Education, Lawrence University

BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Dickerson has been a part of Quest Academy since 1998, when her two oldest daughters entered second grade and kindergarten. Two additional daughters later, she is now the proud alumni parent of four Quest Academy alums from the Classes of ’05, ’07, ’13, and ’17. During the time that her children were in the school, she volunteered in many volunteer positions, including PSA, Auction, as a Room Parent, and as a substitute teacher. She joined Quest Academy as the Development Director in 2018 and is thrilled to be able to devote her time to ensuring the continued success of Quest Academy, the school that she loves!

Joined Quest Academy
2018

Mrs. Diane Tovar

Title
Faculty – Kindergarten

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x418

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S. Illinois State University
M.A.T., National Louis University

BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Tovar’s favorite part of teaching is to watch her students’ faces light up with excitement when learning something new. In her class, students learn how to show kindness to others, work independently, and discover their love of learning. One of her goals is to teach students to explore new ideas while developing their skills and talents. Before coming to  Quest Academy, Mrs. Tovar taught kindergarten at Da Vinci Academy for 17 years and Summit School for nine years. Her motto is, “Work hard, dream big, and never give up!”

Joined Quest
2017

Mrs. Cathy Gruzinsky

Title
Faculty – Third Grade

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x430

EDUCATION

Degree(s)
B.S., Illinois State University

BIOGRAPHY

Quest Academy is Mrs. Gruzinsky’s teaching home, where she creates a caring and challenging environment for her students based on who each person is as an individual. She uses her talents in music, creativity, and ingenuity to use a strong gifted-focused approach toward guiding her students along their learning path.

Joined Quest Academy
1988

Mrs. Kristin Fiore

Title
Faculty – Second Grade

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x463

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Merchandising, Eastern Illinois University
M.A., Elementary Education, Roosevelt University

BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Fiore has been teaching kindergarten, first grade, and second grade gifted students at Quest Academy for the last 20 years. Prior to her teaching career, she was a merchandiser for J.C. Penney. As she proceeded in her different careers, her love of helping others and teaching children took over as she discovered her lifelong dedication to education. She continues to enjoy teaching gifted children the ability to understand themselves as learners, as well as expanding their knowledge in all interests. 

Joined Quest Academy
2003

Mrs. Deanna Armentrout

Title
Faculty – Lower School Performing Arts

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x492

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.F.A, Theatre, University of Detroit Mercy
M.F.A., Performance, University of Texas at Austin

BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Armentrout is passionate about drama and its impact on people’s lives. She remains committed to nurturing people’s gifts and abilities to communicate clearly and creatively. She is dedicated to inspiring others to love the actor’s process and to direct each student toward authenticity through disciplined practice. Mrs. Armentrout performed in the drama ministry at Willow Creek Community Church where she trained and developed student and adult actors and upfront communicators. She has directed and performed for various organizations across the U.S. and the world, with the goal to entertain and demonstrate how the arts can bring clarity to content and engage the listener.

Joined Quest Academy
2013