Jennifer Potempa
2nd Grade Teacher
As a second grade teacher, Jennifer is honored to guide her students through the privilege of encountering Jesus through the sacraments for the first time. Jennifer graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and worked as a special education teacher’s aide in Washington Elementary School (District 63) before starting at Embers Academy in 2020. A highlight of Jennifer’s day is teaching her students about our faith and helping students dive into life’s big questions- the “why” of our belief. Her commitment to forming the whole student has led her to serve as co-leader for a third grade summer program where students improve their self image and enter the new school year feeling empowered and strong.
Jennifer and her husband have four children, including current and graduated Embers Sparks. She enjoys listening to and identifying birds while encountering nature through insects, trees, sunsets, rainstorms, and – a personal favorite – snow! She is a Cub Scout leader for her daughter’s Tiger Den and enjoys Fr. Mike Schmitz’s podcasts: Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year. Her home parish is Mary, Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge.