Preschool:  My name is Karen Mizera. 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 February, 2002, I got married here at Saint Jerome Church to my husband Brett.  I have one son, Lucas, who attends Saint Jerome School.

Kindergarten: My name is Courtney Sherman 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: My name is Elena Balcer. 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!

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 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.

3rd grade: My name is Sara Mandile. 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, I have been a faculty member at St. Jerome School since 2006 and I love it. I love to teach novels in Reading, play review games, and go on field trips. I am married to Sergio and I have 1 child.

5th grade: My name is Kelly Carrillo. 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.

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, 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 8^th 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.