Title
Faculty - Lower School Physical Education
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x473
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.Ed in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education, Northern Illinois University
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Alicea has taught physical education for five years. She has also coached basketball and track and field at the middle school and high school levels. She competed in various sports throughout high school and college and has gone to nationals in college in the heptathlon, 4X100 and 4X400 and javelin. Her physical education class incorporates various aspects such as exercise, developing locomotor and fundamental motor skills, teamwork, and communication. These together make a great starting foundation for building character and friendships inside and outside the classroom.
Title
School Social Worker
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x479
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
A.M., University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
Certifications
- CDVP -- 40-hour trained in sexual assault and domestic violence
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Arditti is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who graduated from the University of Chicago Social Service Administration and has twenty years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Prior to joining Quest Academy, she worked at various social service agencies and maintained a private practice in Evanston where she specialized in working with the effects of trauma on children and adolescents. She provides community and professional trainings in the areas of divorce, child development, and trauma and is a former president of the Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work.
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
Title
Faculty - Lower School Music
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x439
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.M.E., Music Education, Illinois Wesleyan University
M.A.M.E., Music Education, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
Certifications
Certified in Orff and Kodály methodologies as well as First Steps in Music.
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Burger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the music classroom, having taught music to children for the past 30 years. She is both a Kodály and Orff certified instructor, as well as having certification for First Steps in Music for preschool and beyond. Mrs. Burger's teaching experience is also extensive, from six-week old infants in Kindermusik to adults in choir settings. Mrs. Burger hopes to bring the love and joy of music to all students at Quest Academy, inspiring them to become lifelong music makers and supporters of the arts.
Joined Quest Academy
2021
Title
Director of Academics and Student Affairs
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x424
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Psychology (Adolescence), Judson University
M.A., Gifted Education, Northeastern Illinois University
M.A., Organizational Leadership in Education, Lewis University
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Davey has spent the majority of her career in education supporting gifted learners, including over 20 years working in three mission-specific gifted schools. She regularly presents on gifted topics at conferences for audiences of parents, educators, and pre-service teachers. Ms. Davey serves on the Education Committee for the Illinois Association of Gifted Children, has participated on several out-going teams for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) to review other schools for accreditation, and was a past Co-Chair for the International Dabrowski Congress conference concentrated on over-excitabilities and gifted minds. Ms. Davey has published articles with the National Association for Gifted Children and has been interviewed on topics related to gifted for local publications. She is proud to be part of the Quest Academy community - a school that truly upholds its mission to inspire young gifted minds.
MEDIA
An Oasis of Learning in Barrington's Backyard
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
Title
Faculty - Lower School Science
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x454
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Northeastern Illinois University
M.Ed., National Louis University
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Diones believes that her most meaningful work lies within the strong relationships formed with her students. She has remained steadfast in her efforts to provide authentic, challenging, and meaningful learning experiences, which foster gifted students to not only develop a love for science but to recognize their strengths in order to become competent leaders, critical thinkers, and changemakers within our global community. Her commitment to forming tomorrow’s critical thinkers and leaders is evident upon stepping into her lab, where you can observe students actively experimenting, debating ethical implications, or meeting with experts from various scientific fields.
Memberships
Illinois Science Teachers Association
Fermilab Friends For Science Education
Joined Quest Academy
2015
Title
Faculty - Middle School Performing Arts
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x492
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
BIOGRAPHY
After completing her education, Andrea trained at Act One Studios and Second City in Chicago. She performed in numerous plays, musicals, and theater festivals. She had the opportunity to move to New York City where she continued theater and television work, before moving on to direct children's theater in New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey. When she moved back to the Midwest, Andrea worked at The Music Room in Palatine teaching private piano and voice lessons. She also taught classes at The Metropolis Theater in Arlington Heights and choreographed for summer camps. She also owned her own business, Peacock Performing Arts Center, while performing with her band all over the Midwest. In 2008, Andrea behan her career at Quest Acadmey, where she remains committed to inspire and teach children how to trust themselves and build confidence in a safe place. Andrea wants her student to flourish in the present, future, and real world, while being proud of who they are and who they will become.
Joined Quest Academy
2008
Title
Faculty - Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x405
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Northwestern University
M.Ed., Northwestern University
BIOGRAPHY
Quest is a place of magic. The students continue to surprise me with their creativity and enthusiasm. I love to watch them collaborate with one another and form meaningful and lasting relationships.
Joined Quest Academy
2003
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
Title
Faculty - Middle School Mathematics
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x453
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Mathematics, Illinois State University
B.S., Computer Science, Illinois State University
M.A., Education, Roosevelt University
Certifications
ITIL certified, PMP certified
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Frank is a former technology executive who specialized in IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and program/project/process management. He made the switch to teaching to share his love of mathematics and technology with students and to show them how to think logically and apply mathematics in real life. Before coming to Quest Academy, he taught at DaVinci Academy.
Teaching Awards
Outstanding Educator, Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, 2020
Joined Quest Academy
2015
MEDIA
"Local Student and Teacher Recognized by Northwestern University."
Title
Faculty - Lower School Spanish
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x437
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Architecture, Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
M.A., Urban Planning & Development, Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Postgraduate in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, Universidad Galileo, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Certifications
Effective Parenting Coach Certification, Niños de Ahora, México
Positive Discipline for Families Trainer Certificacion, CELA, San José, Costa Rica
BIOGRAPHY
Quest Academy is the perfect place to see students thrive and become passionate about learning Spanish and Hispanic culture. Language acquisition comes through interactive and immersive methodology in which students have fun and make use of the language in every class activity.
Joined Quest Academy
2002
Title
Faculty - First Grade
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x433
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Tufts University
M.A.T., Columbia College
Certifications
IMSLEC Dyslexia Practitioner
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Genovese teaches first grade and tutors children in reading/writing, specializing in structured literacy for dyslexia. Her master's degree in teaching focuses on Interdisciplinary Arts Education, which is the use of the arts in teaching classroom concepts. Ms. Genovese is certified in the State of Illinois to teach reading, elementary education, early childhood education and K-12 Art. Additionally, she is a certified Orton Gillingham Dyslexia Practitioner. Ms. Genovese values creativity and problem solving, encouraging her students to pursue their ideas in unexpected ways. She strives to provide a safe, caring classroom where her students can be supported academically, intellectually, and personally.
Joined Quest Academy
2013
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
Title
Faculty - Lower School Computer Science/AI
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x471
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
M.M.E., University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Certifications
CodeMonkey Instructor Certified, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Computer Science Endorsement
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Hasty has taught computer science and artificial intelligence at Quest Academy for the past eight years. She is the Team Leader for the Specials Team and enjoys helping gifted students reach their potential. She is also the Lead Facilitator for Intel's AI for Workforce Program at Harper College, where she teaches Foundations of Artificial Intelligence in the Continuing Professional Education program.
Teaching Awards
Illinois Computing Educators Conference Presenter
Robert E. Thomas Music Award
Sycamore Gifted Education Conference Presenter
Joined Quest Academy
2016
MEDIA
Optimizing the future: How Harper’s Innovation Accelerator and BILT councils guide growth
Title
Faculty - Grades 4-8 Art
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x431
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.F.A., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
M.F.A., University of Kansas
Certifications
Certificate in Documentary Studies, Duke University
BIOGRAPHY
Some of her favorite memories at Quest Academy are leading students in paddling adventures while on Outdoor Education Trips! Ms. Hoffmann is also involved with the Illinois Art Education Association, Illinois Computer Educators Association, National Art Education Association, American Canoe Assocation, and the Praire State Film Festival. She has been published in Misadventures Magazine website, Paddler Magazine, and on the Kokatat blog. Her solo art exhibitions have been shown at the Palatine Library, Schaumburg Library, and Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts (2014-2016).
Joined Quest Academy
1997
Title
Faculty - Lower School Teacher
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x421
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Northland College
M.A.T., National Louis University
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Jurewicz has been teaching at Quest Academy for more than twenty years. She is also the proud mom of three Quest Academy graduates. She loves introducing children to the joy of learning about their world through science. She believes that with our younger learners hands-on is minds-on when building an understanding of their world and what happens there. Mrs. Jurewicz also loves her time in the library helping children become lifelong readers.
Title
Accounting & Payroll Manager
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x416
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.B.A., Robert Morris University
BIOGRAPHY
I love to hear stories from the teachers, parents and students about the impact that Quest has made on their lives. It truly is a special place for gifted students to grow and thrive as a whole person, not just academically.
Joined Quest Academy
2015
Title
Faculty - Third Grade
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x465
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., German Language and Literature; Endorsed English Secondary Education, Northern Illinois University
Title
Faculty - Middle School Spanish, Advisory Coordinator
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x451
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Indiana University
M.A., Northern Illinois University
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Kropp believes that Spanish class should be a lively community comprised of warm, enthusiastic and humorous interactions between students and teacher. When a student is motivated and inspired, learning is a natural act.
Joined Quest Academy
2003
Title
Faculty - First Grade
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x429
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., National Louis University
Cert., Northwestern University
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Larsen believes in creating a collaborative community that honors every student's unique talents, learning style, and personality. As an alumni parent, Ms. Larsen has a deep and personal connection to the school, having witnessed firsthand the profound impact of our mission to serve gifted students. This experience has only strengthened her commitment to fostering a strong work ethic and a growth mindset in her students - qualities that are essential for learning and success. Aligned with the school's mission to nurture the potential of gifted students, Ms. Larsen guides each student through the process of discovering new ideas and solutions by encouraging independent thinking and providing engaging learning experiences.
Teaching Awards
Recipient of the Helene Bartz Gifted Educator Award, June 2017
Joined Quest Academy
2003
Title
Faculty - Second Grade, Primary Team Leader, and DEIB Committee Co-Chair
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x407
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., DePaul University
M.Ed., National Louis University
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Lau-Paredes loves creating challenging opportunities and developing the growth mindset of "loving a great challenge!" She encourages a literacy-rich environment in her classroom and strives to establish a love for reading in all learners. Before coming to Quest Academy, she worked for three years at an independent early childhood school teaching kindergarten and first grade. She loves working at Quest Academy because of the opportunity to provide a creative, challenging, and nuturing environment for gifted learners. There's no other place that offers children a more personalized learning experience in the most fun way!
Joined Quest Academy
2008
Title
Faculty - Mathematics/Science
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x404
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S. Biology and Society, minor in Environmental Economics, Cornell University
Teaching Certification, Doane University
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Lee has been leading and educating youth for over 20 years. His passion for nature led him into the wilderness and, ultimately, to Cornell University. He began teaching in 2017 at North Cedar Academy, a boarding high school, where he taught courses in mathematics, science, and humanities. At Quest Forward High School in Omaha, Nebraska, he used innovative, research-based teaching techniques to serve a wide diversity of exceptional learners. He is thrilled to share his knowledge and experience with the Quest Academy community!
Joined Quest Academy
2024
Title
Faculty - Lower School Art
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x417
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.F.A., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
M.F.A., Northwestern University
BIOGRAPHY
Engaging students in the arts has been Mr. Mann’s passion throughout his career. Even before the “maker” movement was popular, his students were building and designing exhibits that led to the creation of a Children’s Museum comprised entirely of student-generated works, which led to the opening of Quest Academy's My Museum. The projects gave students an interest in the arts and sciences, and they came to understand the importance of mathematics as they measured and built each project. As a pioneer member of the Chicago mural movement, Mr. Mann created murals of cultural and diversity, painting murals throughout the city with kids and adults from different neighborhoods. He always looks for the opportunity to continue to empower young minds and help students express themselves through the different mediums of art.
Joined Quest Academy
2018
Title
Faculty - Middle School Mathematics and Math Team Coach
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x422
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, with an emphasis in Secondary Education and Middle School Endorsement, Northern Illinois University
Certifications and Specializations
Member of Mensa and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Marciniak enjoys watching her students grow and find joy in mathematical discovery. In her class, students learn how they can excel at math in an environment where they feel safe to take risks, creatively explore, and apply mathematics. She aims to teach her students to question, challenge, and advocate for their own learning and the learning of others. Prior to coming to Quest Academy, Mrs. Marciniak spent five years as a public-school mathematics instructor, 20 years as a private tutor and advocate for mathematics students, and 10 years as a math department coordinator and instructor at a private cooperative academy.
Joined Quest Academy
2021
MEDIA
"Problem Solved! Quest Academy Students Earn National Math Placements."
Title
Faculty - Fifth Grade
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x401
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Elementary Education, Newport University, United Kingdom
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Maskell has been teaching third, fourth, and fifth-grade students for twenty years in both the UK and US. This is his eighth year at Quest. He came from Da Vinci Academy where he taught for eight years. Prior to that, he taught at the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove. He has worked with advanced learners for twelve years and looks forward to continuing being challenged by these kinds of students. Above all, the valuing of children, raising their self-confidence, and enhancing their love of learning are his main objectives.
Teaching Awards
2007 Postive Promotions, Midwest Teacher of the Year
Sam's Club Teacher of the Year 2007
Joined Quest Academy
2017
MEDIA
"Class project inspires Palatine fifth grader to publish her own book."
Title
Faculty - Middle School Computer Science/AI
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x442
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Education, Montana State University
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. O’Hair brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, particularly in educational research, educational psychology, and supporting neurodivergent students. His lifelong passion for technology is complemented by diverse professional experiences, including roles as a competitive gymnastics coach, LEGO engineering instructor, and third-grade teacher. Prior to joining Quest Academy, Mr. O’Hair founded and operated a business dedicated to teaching coding and robotics to students in grades 3-8.
Joined Quest Academy
2024
Title
Front Office Administrator
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x415
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Educational Studies - Special Education, MacMurray College
B.S., Art, MacMurray College
M.A., Curriculum & Instruction - Early Childhood Education, Concordia University, Portland
Title
Executive Director & Head of School
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x423
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Texas Tech University
M.A.T., Aurora University
Ed. D., Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
Certifications
National Association for Gifted Children
National Board Certification: Mathematics/ Early Adolescence
BIOGRAPHY
I am honored and excited to lead Quest Academy. I believe my strong background in elementary and middle school gifted education, along with my role in gifted leadership, are perfectly aligned to take Quest Academy to the next level of empowering gifted learners and being recognized as the exemplar model for gifted education in the Chicagoland area and beyond.
Joined Quest Academy
2023
Title
Faculty - Middle School Physical Education & Athletic Director
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x443
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., San Diego State University
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Ryder believes that it takes courage to push yourself to places you have never been before. To test the limits and break through barriers.
Joined Quest Academy
2004
Title
Faculty - Junior Kindergarten
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x412
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Early Childhood Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
M.Ed., Early Childhood Special Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Certifications
Early Childhood Education Illinois Professional Educator Licensure
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Sandford has over 10 years of teaching experience in a number of settings including DaVinci Academy and St. Mark's Day School in Barrington. While at DaVinci Academy, Ms. Sandford taught gifted pre-kindergarten and first grade students. As Director of St Mark's Day School, Ms. Sandford was given the opportunity to create curriculum for students ages two through five and oversee the education of more than 70 students. Ms. Sandford's mission is to help students find their curiosity and love of learning. While teaching is her objective, it is when her students use their creativity and problem solving skills independently that she feels true accomplishment.
Joined Quest Academy
2024
Title
Faculty - Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x462
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., William Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Master Level Certificiate, Northwestern University
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Shilhanek is in his 23rd year at Quest Academy and his 31st year of teaching overall. He began his teaching career at Cardinal Communicty School District in Eldon, Iowa, followed by five years at Marceline R-V Schools in Marceline, Missouri. He loves working at Quest Academy and educating gifted students because of the amazing talents and creativity of the entire school community. He has worked with 16 students who qualified for the National History Fair, including a second, sixth, 10th and 11th place finishers. He is currently the Quest Academy Middle School Policy Debate Coach, and one of his highlights was sitting in on a non-argument day of the Supreme Court during the school's Washington, D.C. trip. Additionally, Mr. Shilhanek coached basketball for more than 20 years.
Joined Quest Academy
2002
MEDIA
A Winning Argument for Debate at Quest Academy
Debate Team Soars at Tournament
Quest Academy Wins First Place in State Tournament
The Wins Keep Coming for Our Quest Debaters
Kudos to Our Quest Debate Team
Title
Faculty - Fourth Grade
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x478
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S.Sp. (Speech), Northwestern University
M.S.Ed., Northwestern University
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Simon has been teaching gifted students for almost 20 years, at Quest Academy and beyond. He has taught first, third, fifth, and now fourth grade at Quest Academy, as well as a variety of classes for first through sixth grades at the Center for Talent Development. He also teaches Theater Lighting to Quest Academy's middle school students to empower them to support school assemblies and performances throughout the year. Since he has so many areas of interest and expertise, he loves encouraging gifted children to explore and nurture talents in as many ways as possible.
Title
Auxiliary Programs Coordinator
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x402
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Education and History, Monmouth College
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Stasch manages Quest Academy's After Care, After School Specials, and Summer Quest programs. She has worked as a teacher at the Russian School of Mathematics and has served in the U.S. Peace Corps.
Joined Quest Academy
2024
Title
Faculty - Preschool
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x495
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S. Early Childhood Education, Maranatha University, 2010
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Stefan has been teaching for the past 13 years and specifically at a private school for advanced learners for the last nine years. She ascribes to our belief that there should be no ceiling on a child's learning and anticipates meeting the needs of each individual child at this critical time of learning growth. She looks forward to working on both concrete curriculum such as letters, numbers, and fine motor skills, as well as promoting higher level thought and creativity. Ms. Stefan believes in partnering with the parents through communication and common goal setting.
Joined Quest Academy
2023
Title
Faculty - Middle School Science
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x425
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Augustana College
Cert., Northwestern University
BIOGRAPHY
As I look at the students of today I see the leaders of tomorrow. Knowing how to problem solve with confidence, communicate clearly and to guide one's actions with a strong moral compass are all hallmarks towards which we strive.
Teaching Awards
Demonstrated Excellence as a Teacher, Golden Apple Foundation, 1993
Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2000 and 2004
Memberships
Board Member and Special Awards Coordinator, Illinois Junior Academy of Science
Member, National Science Teacher's Association.
Joined Quest Academy
1992
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
Title
Faculty - Second Grade
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x476
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Elementary Education, Type 3 Certificate, Northeastern Illinois University
M.A., School Leadership Illinois Principal Preparation Program, Concordia University Chicago
M.A., Gifted Education, Northeastern Illinois University
Certifications
Kagan Structures Level 1
IMSE Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Training (30 hours)
Qualified Evaluator PERA certification Growth Through Learning Illinois
Title
Faculty - Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x495
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Management, National Louis University
A.A., Early Childhood Education, College of Lake County
BIOGRAPHY
Linda's favorite part about teaching is assisting our youngest learners with new concepts and experiences. It's her goal to teach her students independence and encourage exploration. Before coming to Quest Academy, Linda worked as an administrator of an early childhood program.
Joined Quest Academy
2023
Title
Receptionist
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x477
EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Chicago College of Commerce
BIOGRAPHY
I hope all our gifted students take many risks and challenge themselves so they can achieve all of their dreams.
Joined Quest Academy
2015
