Principal's Welcome

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year where Spartans will have a clear vision while continuing to utilize a growth mindset to make it their best year yet!
In 2001, I began my teaching career in Summit Hill School District 161 at Indian Trail Elementary School instructing 3rd grade students in all core subject areas. After eight years at Indian Trail, I transferred to Summit Hill Junior High School where I taught 7th grade reading and language arts for five years. Once I earned my administrative degree, I knew I wanted to give even more back to the community of Summit Hill School District 161, my second family. Walker Intermediate is where my administrative career began as the assistant principal for a year before taking on the principalship for the following five years. Today begins my twenty-fourth year in Summit Hill School District and fifth year at Summit Hill Junior High as principal. I am very proud to be joining and serving the staff and students of the junior high.
I have always taken great pride in education and have taught my students the same especially when goals are created and the process to achieve them are accomplished. Reaching my professional goals began in 2001, when I received my Bachelors of Science in Education from Illinois State University. Just a few years later, in 2004, I earned my Masters in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University and then went on to earn my Masters in Educational Administration from SXU in 2007. Throughout my educational journey and career, I have always strived to gain many experiences in order to support staff and students in the best possible way. This has led me to become the administrator I am today; one who puts students’ best interests at the forefront of every decision while supporting and leading my incredible staff.
Career and education have been top priorities in my life, but my two amazing children are as well. My son is the most energetic, athletic, enthusiastic high school junior out there and my daughter, entering eighth grade here at SHJH, is just as smart, compassionate, and energetic as her older brother. Both are my pride and joy. Both absolutely love Summit Hill School District staff and students as much as I do. And both will continue to be our biggest cheerleaders!
Here’s to a wonderful year at SHJH!
Principal
#mindsetmattersmost
#mindsetmattersmost

I am a transformational leader who is student centered, with experience in school leadership, social emotional learning, and educator effectiveness. I’ve spent over twenty years working in public education in varying grade levels. I pride myself in the education of students and helping them become independent, lifelong learners with transferable skills that will result in deeply engaging thinking and learning abilities. My passion is working with students, educators, and families to establish and advance a culture of inclusiveness, diversity, and equity.
I view education as a life-long process and expect that I will continue to learn much about the uniqueness of Summit Hill Junior High School this year and in the years to come. Most importantly, I believe the relationships between administrators, students, families, and teachers are vital to the success of our students and school. I look forward to meeting all of you this year to create a strong partnership for the success of our students.
Go Spartans!!!
Associate Principal
#mindsetmattersmost
#mindsetmattersmost