St. John the Baptist Staff

Joanne Policht

Principal

Mrs. Policht is in her seventh year at St. John the Baptist and is truly honored to serve as the principal. Mrs. Policht has been an educator for over thirty-five years, including teaching for over 10 years instructing students with behavior challenges, students with learning disabilities, third grade, and additionally was a Reading Specialist. Mrs. Policht, along with her principal partner, were the first job share principals in the state of Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education from Wartburg College, a Master of Arts in Reading Education from National-Louis University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision from Northern Illinois University. Her inspiration and influences stem from many of her family members who have worked with children and who have been educators. Mrs. Policht’s grandfather was even a teacher in a one room schoolhouse!

Favorite Bible Verse

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

Daily Inspiration

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."

St. Therese of Lisieux

Teri Hardesty

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Hardesty is the face of St. John the Baptist every time you enter the school! As our Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Hardesty can help with any question you have. She began working for the Diocese of Joliet in 2004, and has been at St. John's since 2007. Having attended Catholic grade school, high school and college, Mrs. Hardesty has a love for Catholic education.

Daily Inspiration

"Serve the Lord with laughter."

St. Padre Pio

Karen Reed

3-Year-Old Preschool

Mrs. Reed has been our 3-year-old preschool teacher for 3 years, and a teacher for 17 years. She holds her BA in Elementary Education, Middle School Approval, Reading and Social Science Endorsements. Mrs. Reed is also a graduate of St. Pius the X in Lombard!

Favorite Bible Verse

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 

Teaching Philosophy

Mrs. Reed believes the purpose of education is to provide children with the resources and skills that they need to become lifelong learners so they can pursue a passion or interest later on in life. Her goal is to provide the basic framework of information and skills while also inspiring students to be curious, ask, questions, and discover answers. As a teacher, Mrs. Reed is excited to have the opportunity to challenge, support, and guide each child in their own discoveries. Teaching the Catholic faith involves guiding others to understand and live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the sacraments, and the traditions of the Church.

Denise Lusk

3-Year-Old Preschool Aide

Barbara Clemente

4-Year-Old Preschool

Mrs. Clemente is our new 4-year-old Preschool teacher. This is her third year as a teacher, and she holds a BA in Early Childhood Education with Endorsements in Special Education and ELL. We are excited to have Mrs. Clemente at St. John’s, welcome!

Favorite Bible Verse

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

Teaching Philosophy

I focus on the learning needs of my students. They learn when they are able to ask questions and be part of the process. Learning should be fun!

Beth Fuhrmann

4-Year-Old Preschool Aide

Donna Gudanick

Kindergarten

Mrs. Gudanick has been our Kindergarten teacher for the past 13 years. She taught 2 years in 2nd grade prior to that. She has 28 years of teaching experience and holds her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University, her BS in Education from Northern Illinois University, her Masters in Differentiated Instruction from St. Francis University, and her Learning Behavior Specialist Certificate from Lewis University. In addition, Mrs. Gudanick also attended a Catholic grade school in the area, at Divine Providence in Westchester. Mrs. Gudanick’s life is founded in strong family values and the Catholic faith.

Favorite Bible Verse

“We love because he first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

Teaching Philosophy

Mrs. Gudanick’s teaching philosophy encompasses the whole child. She seeks to educate each child not only in academics, but socially, morally, and independently. Each child is a gift from God and deserves His love and mercy!

Carole Russo

1st Grade

Annamarie Simon

2nd Grade

Mrs. Simon has been teaching at St. John’s for 4 years, and this is her 5th year as a teacher. She holds a BA in Psychology and Religious Studies from Nazareth University, a Masters in Education Policy from The University of Rochester and a Masters in Elementary Education from Lewis University. Her favorite prayers include the Memorare and Hail Holy Queen.

Memorare Prayer

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer them.

Lori Seay

3rd Grade

Angela Murray

4th & 5th Grade

Mrs. Murray has been teaching 4th grade homeroom and 5th grade Social Studies at St. John’s for 6 years. She has been a teacher for almost 20 years, including the time she was subbing while raising her children. Mrs. Murray holds a BA in English from Illinois State and a Masters in Education from National Louis University. Mrs. Murray loves the staff and families at St. John there is nowhere else she would rather be!

Favorite Bible Verse

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Teaching philosophy

Every student is someone’s child. So, I always think of my own children and what I want for them when deciding how to teach my students, providing the best education in the best environment.

Kathy Redar

5th Grade

Mrs. Redar has been teaching fifth grade for over ten years at St. John’s and has been a teacher for over 15 years. She holds her BA in Elementary Education with a minor in English from Trinity Christian College and her ESL endorsement from National Lewis University. She loves teaching at St. John’s!

Favorite Bible Verse

^“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

Teaching Philosophy

Always put God first in learning!

Scott Valenta

6th Grade, Jr. High Science

Mr. Valenta has been teaching science at St. John’s since 2017, and a teacher since 2016. He holds a BA of Science in Biology from Western Illinois University and a Masters of Science in Biology from Clemson University. Prior to college, Mr. Valenta attended St. Francis High School and St. Michael Parish School, both located in Wheaton. Mr. Valenta is very active in the science community and recently was awarded the 2024 Bob Thompson Excellence in Energy Education Award, was seated on the Governing Board of the 2021 American Association of Chemistry Teachers and acts as a Facilitator for the National Energy Education Development Project. In his free time, Mr. Valenta is a father of two wonderful boys and an avid Peloton rider.
 
Favorite Bible Verse

The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed."

Matthew 8:8
 

Teaching Philosophy

In a world of ordinary classrooms, why not be extraordinary? Let's do weird stuff like track satellites and download images from them or be a fish hatchery and raise Rainbow Trout. Let's do something you won't forget.

Christina Martin

7th Grade, Jr. High ELA

Ms. Martin has been a teacher at St. John’s for the past nine years in various roles including social studies, resource, ELA and religion positions, and is currently enjoying teaching 7^th grade. Prior to St. John’s, Ms. Martin was a teacher at St. Francis High School in the religion department. She holds a BA from DePaul University in Political Science & Philosophy, a Masters from University of Chicago in Peace Studies and Masters of Public Administration from Northwestern University in Public Policy: Education Policy & Public Policy Administration. Having attended St. Michael's in Wheaton for K-8^th grades and St. Francis HS in Wheaton, Ms. Martin is excited to be close to her hometown schools! In her spare time, Ms. Martin loves spending time with her family and her German Shepherd, Leo.

Favorite Bible Verse

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Corinthians 13:4–7
 

Teaching Philosophy

MY teaching philosophy centers around our students and how they can use the information, from within our classes, to better themselves as learners and as Catholics. We begin each class in prayer and entwine both English & Social Studies classes with faith by using examples and connecting our curriculum to that faith. We are an extension of what is taught at home.

Katie Pierscionek

8th Grade, Jr. High Math

Gabrielle Wilson

PS - 5th Grade Art

This year is Mrs. Wilson’s first year teaching art to 4-year-old preschoolers - 5th graders at St. John’s. Since 2015, she has worked in the education field as a substitute teacher and a paraprofessional, so she is very familiar with education! Mrs. Wilson holds a BFA from The Columbus College of Art and Design, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University. Additionally, she has completed graduate coursework in Art Therapy at Adler University. Mrs. Wilson is thrilled that she can come to St. John’s every day with her three children who attend SJB. She and her family are very grateful to have found such a supportive, academically rigorous, and safe community.

Favorite Bible Verse

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Teaching Philosophy

Mrs. Wilson seeks to guide students by teaching them useful skills in their everyday lives, whether this is through prayer, discernment and interpretation of the world around them, or by building community. When God comes first, everything else falls into place.

Jamie Buhnerkemper

6th- 8th Grade Art

Mrs. Buhnerkemper has been at St. John’s since 2007 as a coach, substitute teacher, paraprofessional and now a teacher! Her first year as a teacher was in physical education, and now she is our middle school art teacher. With over 7 year of teaching experience, we are thrilled to have her at St. John’s. Mrs. Buhnerkemper earned her BA degree in English Education with a minor in Communication and an endorsement in Art from Western Illinois University, as well as a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Physical Education from North Central College. When Mrs. Behnerkemper is not teaching, she coaches volleyball as the girls head coach at Neuqua Valley High School and boys head coach at St. Charles North.

Favorite Bible Verse

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Romans 15:4

Teaching Philosophy

Mrs. Buhnerkemper’s teaching philosophy is focused on encouraging students to find their unique personality. She believes in process-based learning and being a resource for students through visual language, media, and history. 

Connie Jesukaitis

Technology

Mrs. Jesukaitis teaches technology to the entire school from preschool – 8th grade! This is her first-year teaching at St. John’s, and has been a teacher for 25 years. Mrs. Jesukaitis has her BS from Southern Illinois University, her Teacher Licensure from Northern Illinois University, and her Masters in Education Leadership from Benedictine University. Additionally, she attended Catholic grade school and high school in Chicago, at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School and Maria High School. Mrs. Jesukaitis is a proud mother of two artists, Bonnie and Anthony, who attended SJB. Bonnie creates custom cakes and desserts, and Anthony is a professional drummer. In her spare time, Mrs. Jesukaitis is active as a Eucharistic Minister at SJB and Northwestern Hospital and also the treasurer for Council of Catholic Women.

Favorite Bible Verse

"Make known to me your ways Lord: teach me your paths."

Psalm 25:4

Teaching Philosophy

Mrs. Jesukaitis’ teaching philosophy is that all students can learn. In order to advance in education, it is important to remember we are building on knowledge from home and the classroom. The key to unlocking each students' potential starts with a foundation of faith in God and creating opportunities to weave knowledge with interpersonal and technical skills.

Mary Slowinski

Health & Physical Education

Mrs. Slowinski is a new addition to St. John’s this year, as our physical education teacher for all grades - 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and loves teaching as much as she loves learning! She greatly enjoys building positive connections and relationships with students and their families. Mrs. Slowinski earned her BA in Elementary Education and Special Education from Mount St. Joseph University and her Masters in Recreation Administration and Outdoor Pursuits from Aurora University. She is a proud graduate of St. Bernadette Catholic Grade School in Evergreen Park and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago. Welcome to the team Mrs. Slowinski!

Favorite Bible Verses

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."

 John 10:14
"You created every part of me; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. Psalms 139: 19
  "The Lord your God is with you, His power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you, and in His love He will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you." Zephaniah 3:17
 
Teaching Philosophy

I believe we are all created on purpose for a purpose and that our gifts and talents are unique to each of us; to be developed and used to glorify God and to build the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. I believe that students learn best through experiential activities and play. My goal is to help students further develop into the people they are called to be.

Linida Bulifant

Music on the Move

Mrs. Bulifant is our preschool-8th grade music teacher and comes to us through Music on the Move. She has been teaching music at St. John’ s for 4 years, and has been a teacher for over 25 years. Mrs. Bulifant holds her Bachelors in Music Education and Masters Degrees in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan. Her desire teaching at St. John’s is that each student knows how important his/her life is to her and to God. She feels it is a privilege to get to know each and every student!

Favorite Bible Verse

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Teaching Philosophy

Mrs. Bulifant wants to show God’s love to her students while encouraging them to become all that God has planned for them to be. Teaching music is the opportunity she has to create relationships with her students in God.