Faculty & Staff

When Christopher Goffos first visited Embers Academy, he was drawn to the school’s commitment to both academic excellence and character formation – two elements he also sees as cornerstones of growth. Mr. Goffos graduated with a B.A. from Ashland University with majors in political science and history, and minors in philosophy and applied music (voice). He has an M.A. in politics from Hillsdale College and is a Ph.D. candidate in politics. Mr. Goffos has received many notable distinctions including John Jay Institute Fellow, Ashbrook Scholar, Eagle of the Cross Award from the Diocese of Youngstown and Eagle Scout. He was chosen as a Leonine Forum Fellow with the Catholic Information Center in 2016 and served as a Classical School Administrator Apprentice at Hillsdale Academy in 2021. He has worked as an Instructional Fellow in Hillsdale’s Department of Online Learning and Associate Director of the Faculty Division at the Federalist Society. His classroom experience includes Adjunct Instructor for the Department of History at Ashland University and Lecturer in the Hillsdale Department of Politics. Mr Goffos will bring his instructional knowledge and the study of statesmanship into the classroom, serving also as our 5th grade history teacher.

Mr. Goffos enjoys studying American political thought from the Founding to today, as well as reading 20th and 21st century literature. He enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, Kristine, and their children, who are also Embers Sparks. Their home parish is St. Peter in Volo, IL. Mr. Goffos looks for ways to authentically live Catholic faith in the small moments of each day and looks to enrich that shared mission with Embers!

A mom of five Embers students, Julene Barder is the ideal person to share the mission of Embers with prospective families. Julene graduated with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Wheaton College and has received several additional credentials, including a certification as a Montessori Paraprofessional. Over the years, she has participated in several speaking engagements on topics relating to the importance of books and reading in children’s development. Julene served as a volunteer at Embers in various capacities and now brings her passion to the Admissions Office, helping families become better acquainted with Embers Academy.

As a nature-loving family, Julene enjoys taking time for long walks in the local forest preserves with her husband and children. Her home parish is Our Lady of Ransom, in Niles.

As a parent at Embers Academy, Toni knows firsthand the crucial role that parents play in their children’s education, and as Learning Specialist, it is her priority to work with parents to provide the best possible learning experience for their kids. Toni graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing and Management from Robert Morris University. She went on to receive a Masters in Education, graduating with high honors from DePaul University, obtained a Professional Educator License for grades K-9, and is currently working towards her endorsement as a Learning and Behavioral Specialist. An educator since 2005, Toni taught Kindergarten at Embers from 2018-2023. Her resume includes instruction in grades Preschool through 5th grade, in addition to various experiences in Special Education. During her time as a Special Education Paraprofessional in the public school system, she became proficient in providing administrative support to teachers and monitoring student development. The combination of these experiences has allowed Toni to have a profound comprehension of students with disabilities and to develop a diverse set of successful teaching techniques to help both students and their families.

Toni enjoys spending time outdoors, bike riding, and playing basketball. As a road trip enthusiast, Toni enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Pablo, and their family of current and former Sparks. Her home parish is St. Paul of the Cross, in Park Ridge.

Mrs. Casaletto has been keeping the Embers office running smoothly for over 15 years. Her warm and helpful nature is beloved by students, parents, and faculty. She is the engine and energy from which Embers operates. Mrs. Casaletto and her husband live in Chicago and have two grown children. When not at Embers, she likes to travel, listen to music and spend time with her family.

Lisa has been a devoted member of the Embers community since 2002, in both the role of parent – with eight children having graduated from Embers – and administrative staff, as former Head of School (2016-2023). During her time as Head of School, Lisa spearheaded the creation of the Embers Parents Association in 2001, a thriving program which remains fundamental to our school’s identity. Lisa has a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from DePaul University. She served as Director of Development during the renovation and re-dedication of her home parish, St. Mary of the Angels Church. As Embers’ Director of Development, she is dedicated to the growth of Embers, while developing and cultivating the vision that was set forth by its founders.

Lisa loves spending free time cooking international delights, including Italian dishes and a famous Irish Crème cake. Lively evenings outdoors include games of basketball or bocce ball with her family.

Mrs. Harig heads up the Embers Business Office and also coordinates many of our marketing efforts. She and her husband are founders of the Fire Foundation, an organization that seeks to provide inclusive education at Catholic elementary schools. Mrs. Harig is a graduate of St. Mary’s College (Notre Dame) and has five children.

Mrs. Reardon holds a B.A. in Business and Marketing from Miami University (OH), with a minor in English. She has extensive experience working in the academic community providing administrative support at two local parish school offices. She is thrilled to enter her second year at Embers! Mrs. Reardon has four daughters and enjoys reading, gardening, biking, and cooking.

Mrs. Silhan joins our staff as our new Marketing and Communications Associate, and brings to Embers over 15 years of experience as a Communications and Marketing specialist. She holds a BA in Communications with a minor in Marketing from Bradley University. Her background includes a variety of skills including corporate branding, graphic design, and event marketing.

Mrs. Williams joined Embers as Parent Advisory Director overseeing Embers Parent Association (EPA) and has also taken on the position of Director of Operations. Mrs. Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Miami University (OH) and an M.B.A and Certificate in Non-Profit Management from North Park University. Mrs. Williams has spent over eight years working for various independent schools and non-profit organizations in the areas of admissions, operations, and analytics. She and her husband have three children all of whom are Embers Sparks!

Gloria received a degree in Primary Education from the University of Barcelona and an additional certification in Primary Education in English. Her international resume includes instruction as a primary English teacher in Barcelona, a preschool teacher in Dublin, and a preschool and primary teacher in Barcelona. She has also worked as a camp counselor in Fatima and Boston.

Gloria has many role models in her life, including highly awarded tennis player Rafa Nadal and author Marian Roja, who specializes in children and adult behavior and disorders. Her home parish in Spain was Persona y Familia de Juan Pablo II.

Mrs. Fernandez is in her ninth year as the 3rd and 4th grade Spanish Teacher and her seventh year as a Preschool Aide in Mrs. Dabe’s classroom. She is the mother of three children: two are Embers alum and one is a current student. Her favorite hobbies are arts and crafts. Working with kids in the classrooms is one of her major inspirations.

Mrs. Baehl is a wife and mother of 5 children. Mrs. Baehl comes with extensive experience in teaching Preschool, as well as a seasoned Resource Teacher. She brings with her a love for bringing out the best in each of her students. Katie earned a BA from Providence College with a dual degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. She then continued to earn an MA in Learning Disabilities from Montclair State University.

Mrs. Dabe is in her 18th year of teaching Preschool at Embers, and is looking forward to making this the best year yet! Mrs. Dabe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Elmhurst College. She is excited every day to come to work and watch your children grow and learn! Mrs. Dabe has been married to her husband, John, for 27 years and they have two grown children. She enjoys reading and doing anything outdoors.

Coming Soon

After completing a B.A. in Psychology from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Cassie began her teaching career as a Seton Teaching Fellow at Romero Academy at Resurrection in Cincinnati. In 2022, she joined Embers as a Preschool teacher and immediately felt a sense of community and support from both colleagues and families. Her time at Embers has allowed her to grow as a teacher each day, while she strives for Heaven alongside her students.

Cassie is an avid thrifter of Catholic art and is currently teaching herself how to play acoustic guitar. Her home parish is St. Alphonsus, in Chicago.

Mrs. Donovan is entering her second year at Embers as a 1st-grade teacher. She is a proud Willows graduate! She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Birth-3rd Grade from the University of Dayton. This year marks her 13th year as an educator, with nine years teaching 1st grade. Mrs. Donovan and her husband and daughter Molly, live in Arlington Heights. They enjoy bike riding, reading, and cooking together!

Ms. Noteman is a graduate of St. Mary’s College (Notre Dame) with a degree in Elementary Education and a licensure in Reading intervention. She joins our faculty as a 1st grade teacher and brings to Embers her creative ways of differentiated learning. While at St. Mary’s Ms. Noteman was involved with the Student Activities Board, served as Notre Dame Club Field Hockey rep and was a member of the Education Club. She is excited to partner with Mrs. Donovan to foster a love of learning in our 1st grade Sparks!

This year marks Mrs. Potempa’s second year as a member of the Embers team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Marquette University and has worked in a variety of environments. She has experience in Case Management for a Christian shelter serving displaced families and most recently as a Teachers’ Aid in a dedicated Special Education program. Mrs. Potempa married her high school sweetheart and has four children. She enjoys photography, sewing, and exploring the beauty of God’s creation.

Mrs. Black holds degrees in both Middle School Education and Elementary Education with endorsements in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. She attended the Willows, married an alum of Northridge, and has six children who have attended Northridge and Willows. Coming from a long line of educators, she believes it is a true honor when parents entrust their children’s education to her. Outside of Embers, she loves to garden, travel, and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

As a member of the United States Army Reserves, James knows a thing or two about the importance of leadership – a passion he ignites in his students as well. James earned his degree in Psychology from the University of Dallas, where he completed ROTC and was subsequently commissioned as an officer in the United States Armed Forces. After graduation, James worked at Brilla College Prep Elementary as a Seton Teaching Fellow in grades K-4. At Embers, James strives to incorporate Catholic values into education while creating a nurturing learning environment.

An avid Hugh Howey fan, James enjoys unwinding with a good book or a friendly game of Catan where he can practice strategic thinking, coupled with friendly competition. Volunteering is a significant part of his life, with a focus on Catholic charities and the great friendships he has formed through those opportunities. James’ home parish is Christ Our Hope, in Highland Park and St. James Parish, in Arlington Heights.

Deanne Roy has been an active member in the field of education since 1988, splitting her time between classroom instruction and school administration. She holds a B.A. from DePaul University and an M.A.T. in Elementary Education from National Louis University. Deanne deeply understands the value of Catholic education, having attended 16 years of Catholic schooling. As a teacher, she coaches her students to be self-directed, lifelong learners. Deanne believes in engaging students in the curriculum by making learning fun and relatable to their own lives and interests. Respect is a cornerstone in her classroom, allowing students to feel safe – both physically and mentally – and creating an environment where students grow in their faith and are excited to share their Catholic faith with others.

Deanne enjoys spending time with her three adult sons, traveling to beachy destinations, unwinding on a boat ride, and getting in touch with nature while gardening. Her home parish is St. Monica, in Chicago.

This is Mrs. Ptacek’s fourth year at Embers, but her sixteenth year of teaching. She earned her Bachelor’s at Benedictine University and attended National Louis University for her Masters degree. Mrs. Ptacek is a mother of two boys who are also Embers Sparks. She and her husband love to spend time outside with their boys!

Coming Soon

Señora Carpenter is very excited to begin her fourth year of teaching Spanish to the Kindergarten and 1st grade. Señora Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language and International Studies, with a minor in Philosophy, from Gannon University in Erie, PA. She was blessed to work in a grammar school, La Escuela Morelos, in Chihuahua, Mexico, for 13 months while serving as a Catholic lay volunteer with the Canossian Daughters of Charity. Señora Carpenter and her husband have two sons – an Embers alum and a current student. She and her family enjoy music, family walks with their dog, golf, camping, board games, and backyard baseball.

Mrs. Henschell has shared her joy for teaching with Embers since 2019. She has her BA in Elementary Education, and over 11 years of teaching experience. She served as a substitute teacher, a 3rd Grade Co-Support Teacher during the pandemic when Embers was in-person, and one of the 5th grade teachers until Mr. Boville arrived from Spain. Mrs. Henschell is currently our Science teacher and provides her magical hands-on science experiments for grades K – 5. She and her husband Scott have four children, with two being current Embers Sparks.

Mr. Sadlowski is happy to be returning for his third year as Music and Band Director at Embers Academy. He also keeps our Spark fit and healthy as our P.E. teacher. Mr. Sadlowski draws from a vast history in various fields of Fine Arts education and performance as a vocalist, instrumentalist, theatrical actor, choir director, and cantor for the Catholic Church to energetically inspire love and spiritual joy for music and the arts. When not teaching, singing, or performing on stage, Mr. Sadlowski can usually be found at home watching Marvel Movies with his 12-year old son Joshua.

Mrs. Dysart earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Marquette University and has many years of teaching children at various grade levels. Mrs. Dysart is also a certified catechist for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three grown children and is an active parishioner at Mary, Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge.

Coming soon…

Ms. Harig is a recent graduate of St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, where she majored in English Literature.  She is also an Embers alum and we are thrilled to have her with us as a Support Teacher.

Coming soon…

Mrs. Ullman joined Embers in 2017 and has dedicated herself to our littlest Sparks in different capacities. This year, Mrs. Ullman will be sharing the Kindergarten Co-Aide position. She is a certified Level 1 catechist for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and is excited to bring Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to the young children of Embers to help in their faith formation. Mrs. Ullman and her husband have three daughters, all of them current or past Willows Academy Eagles. Outside of Embers she enjoys spending time with family, traveling (especially to Ecuador where she is from), cooking, and playing with her 23-year-old parrot.

Bio Coming Soon!