Christopher Caban, Principal
My name is Christopher J. Caban and I was born and raised in
Northwest Indiana. I obtained my initial bachelor degrees from Ball State University in History and Economics. Following completion of my undergraduate degree I worked in Chicago's financial services industry. After several years in the corporate world I was called to pursue my dream and attended a transition to teaching program at Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana. I have worked within the Archdiocese of Chicago ever since. I began my career in Education as a middle school social studies teacher, Athletic Director, and Dean of Students. I was approached to participate in the Big Shoulders leadership program and received my Masters degree in educational administration from Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame. I belong to the Illinois Principal Association, the National Middle School Association, and the National Catholic Education Administration.
Karen Mizera, Preschool
I have been a teacher since 1994. 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 2002 I was married here at Saint Jerome Church to my husband Brett. I have one son, Lucas, who attends Saint Jerome School.
Anne Zurkowski, Kindergarten
I was born and raised in Chicago and attended St. Paul of the Cross and St. Ignatius College Prep. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University in Elementary Education and Spanish Language and Literature. I recently worked at a NAEYC accredited child care center as an assistant teacher. I am excited to continue working with young children and love teaching at Saint Jerome School.
Elena Balcer, First Grade
I was born and raised in Chicago, and currently live in the St. Jerome community of Bridgeport. I received my Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle Campus. I have enjoyed teaching at the elementary school level for many years and am very happy to become part of the Saint Jerome Family. I am married and have two beautiful children, three cats and a dog!
Nicolette Bernardi, Second Grade
I have been teaching a total of 12 years, 11 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.
Elizabeth Hatfield, Third Grade
I have been teaching since 2005 in Chicago. I have taught children from preschool age through middle school and have thoroughly enjoyed each age group. I have earned a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Drake University. In the fall of 2009, I was accepted into the Big Shoulders Fund Leadership Development Program and will complete my Master of Arts in Educational Administration type 75 at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois in 2012. Outside of teaching, I attend workshops, conferences, professional meetings, and seminars. I also read various professional journals, belong to the educational leadership organization ASCD, and collaborate with my fellow teachers to bring the best education possible to the students here at St. Jerome Catholic School.
Mary Kate Stinn, Fourth Grade
I received my Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Elementary Education and English. I recently moved to Chicago from Cleveland, Ohio; I love it here! I am excited to be a part of the Saint Jerome School community!
Kelly Carrillo, Fifth Grade
I have been a faculty member at St. Jerome since 2004. 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. I am married to my husband Esteban and have one daughter. I also work at the Alsip Public Library.
Jadie Juric, Sixth Grade
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.
Michael Jewell, Seventh Grade
My name is Michael Jewell and I teach fifth and eighth grade science, as well as seventh grade homeroom. I earned my Masters in Elementary Education degree from National-Louis University in Chicago. My undergraduate degree is from Northeastern Illinois University in Geography and Environmental Studies. The professional organizations to which I belong include the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) and the American Association of Geographers (AGA). 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 twelve years and in the Marine Corps for 8 years. I am grateful to be working at St. Jerome and am looking forward to my fourth year here.
Carm Parrilli, Eighth Grade
I was born, raised and still living in the Bridgeport/Armour Square neighborhood. I graduated from Saint Jerome Grammar School, St. Mary of Perpetual Help High School, and Loyola University. I have been teaching at Saint Jerome since 1987. I am head of the Math Department, and teach Math in grades 5-8. I am also the 8th grade homeroom teacher and assistant principal. I was listed on “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers†in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. My family has been members of Saint Jerome Parish for 3 generations. Over 35 members of my family have graduated from Saint Jerome School and are part of the great Saint Jerome educational tradition.
Jillian Vokral, Eighth Grade
My name is Jillian Vokral. I was born and raised in Brookfield — yes, right by the zoo! I attended St. Barbara School in Brookfield for nine years and Lyons Township High School in LaGrange. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Illinois University in Elementary Education, Middle School Mathematics. I was on the executive board at EIU for the Association of Childhood Education International. I have tutored several students in math and am excited to begin working with the students of St. Jerome!