Strategic Planning Team

District 28 invited parents and staff to volunteer to participate on the strategic planning team. Volunteers are committed to attending all of the planning retreats and meetings. Read each member's statement of interest linked to their name for additional information.

Strategic Planning Team Members

Parent/Community Members

Anne Marie Adams, Ph.D.,

Representing: Meadowbrook School.

Statement of Interest:

My expertise is in curriculum design and assessment, and student experiences with an emphasis on understanding what it takes to enhance any student or parent-facing event. I believe my background as an education researcher and academic affairs administrator would be a positive addition to the group as they think through the strategic planning process. As a parent of three kids at Meadowbrook (1st, 3rd, and 5th), I'm interested in contributing to D28's growth and long-term planning.

Elisabeth Aguilera

Representing: Greenbriar School

Statement of Interest: I have children at Greenbriar and soon NBJH and I want to ensure that they receive the best education possible. I have a unique skill set (background in finance and accounting) and have worked in strategic planning in the past. I currently work in horticulture which also involves a lot of strategy and planning. I am very logical and enjoy improving efficiency.

Talia Block

Representing: Greenbriar and Westmoor

Statement of Interest: As a former teacher, I know the importance of strategic goals. I am able to take a big picture view to understand what is most important for students, teachers, the board of education, and the larger community. I look forward to taking my skills and putting them to good use for the benefit of my own children and the larger District 28 community.

Christie Callahan

Shannon Curth

Katie Dallia

Javkhlan Enkhsaikhan

Tony Forchetti

Representing: Community and all school in the district

Statement of Interest: I am honored to be considered for this important planning process. I feel it is important to carry forward work that was done while I was a board member. I am a continuing stakeholder within the district, with perspective as a parent, community member and staff member in addition to my board experience. I look forward to contributing to the district’s strategic vision.

Leah Gistenson

Meghana Kamik-Henry

Representing: Meadowbrook

Statement of Interest: As a parent of a 2nd-grader at Meadowbrook, I want to better understand the needs of District 28. I want to ensure that this district, where we intend to stay through the completion of our daughter's secondary education, is a place where she and her classmates thrive and are well-prepared for the unique challenges her generation will face as adults. I am a neuroscientist who has been an educator (liberal arts college setting), and more recently, has served, and continues to function, as a driver of medical strategy in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. I believe my experience in interpreting scientific data, generating scientific evidence, communicating complex ideas, leading teams of individuals with differing priorities and backgrounds, and engaging in discussions of pedagogy will prove uniquely beneficial to the D28 Strategic Planning Team. Perhaps more than anything else though, I am eager to learn about and serve this district and community where we've chosen to make our home.

Parent/Community Members

Chris Laures

Representing: Meadowbrook

Statement of Interest: I am a hands-on, accomplished senior executive who brings deep experience in building and leading strategy for several Fortune 500 organizations, as well as a time management consultant at McKinsey & Company. In addition, I am ‘a technologist at heart,’ with ten years of proven experience in IT, software development, and product management I have a BSE in Computer Engineering from ASU, an MS in Systems Engineering from USC, and earned his MBA from Northwestern University..

Chen Li

Representing: Northbrook Junior High

Statement of Interest:

I am honored to be a parent volunteer for the D28 Strategic Planning Team. My son graduated from Greenbriar Elementary School and is now a sixth-grader at NBJH. As an educator and a mother, I strive to impart the value of education, love of learning, and critical thinking skills that all students need for academic and personal success. In 2022, I graduated from a doctoral program in Literacy and Language Education at Purdue University, specializing in English Language Learners (ELL)/Bilingual education. I've conducted research on accountability and testing policy in Illinois, as well as reading education and critical thinking skills. Drawing from both my personal and professional experiences, I am thinking of representing ELL/emergent bilingual student groups, including Asian student groups. However, I am equally dedicated to contributing to the education of all student groups. My aim is to work with schools and districts to effectively meet the needs of all learners.

Katie Matlin

Representing: Westmoor

Statement of Interest: I am a parent of a Young Explorer and First grader with a Masters Degree in Public Policy with a certificate in program evaluation. I have a strong professional background in children's health and education policy and have worked in the role of State Government Affairs Analyst at the American Academy of Pediatrics for 17 years. I am interested in learning more about the inner workings of District 28 in order to provide input as both a parent and a child advocate to ensure that our children are receiving the education and services they need from the district.

Cameron Modjeski

Representing: Meadowbrook

Statement of Interest: Part of my professional experience includes preparing Strategic Plans for large airport operators. I am also part of my own organization's strategic planning team, focused on continually refining and updating our strategic objectives and initiatives. I have assisted several organizations articulate their mission, vision, and values; helped them identify strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats; and worked with them to implement measured, actionable steps to realize their vision. I have training and recent, practical experience in common strategic planning approaches and frameworks. I’ve also worked on creative strategic planning exercises that eschew traditional frameworks to create bespoke, original strategic approaches. I have one student in third grade at Meadowbrook and another entering the school system shortly. Given we expect both to be in District 28 for the foreseeable future.

Laura Oberdorf

Chris Phenner

Cari Raymond

Representing: Greenbriar

Statement of Interest: Over the past 15 years, I have had 4 children matriculate from D28 and during that time, I have been a very active member of the elementary, junior high and district level parent organizations. I currently have a 4th-grade son at Greenbriar and I care deeply about making D28 the best that it can be now and for the future.

Michael Shakarov

Susan Walsh

Representing: Westmoor and NBJH

Statement of Interest: I'm a true believer in the notion that public schools are the heart of a thriving community. My background in education has taught me that great schools are made when all stakeholders come together and support a common goal. In this instance, it’s important to celebrate accomplishments, keenly reflect to seek opportunities and set visionary goals to move a district forward. I've enjoyed a 29-year career in education with eleven years as an elementary school principal who actively participated in and led school improvement and strategic planning processes. I have recently retired and work part-time for National Louis University/National College of Education, thus providing the time to invest in Northbrook 28's strategic planning process. In addition to my experience in education, I offer viewpoints of a parent of a NBJH and Westmoor student and a Northbrook community member.

Laury Wolf

Representing: Meadowbrook

Statement of Interest: As an educator committed to fostering excellence, my visionary perspective aligns seamlessly with the future trajectory of our district. Drawing from a wealth of experience gained in both independent schools and diverse districts, I am poised to contribute invaluable insights and collaborative solutions. I ardently anticipate spearheading initiatives that elevate educational standards and cultivate an environment conducive to continual growth and achievement.

District 28 Staff Members

Kristin Cash

Title: Instructional Technology Coach, Districtwide

Statement of Interest: With experience working with teachers, administrators, coaches, staff, and students at all buildings, I have a global perspective to offer when considering our areas of strength and need. I can also offer insight into best practices into technology integration, new developments in technology for teaching and learning, and content area expertise I’ve gained from curriculum committees and projects in Science, Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Spanish, and Art. Most importantly, I care deeply about the future of our district and appreciate the opportunity to shape it and give back in any way I can.

Jessica Donato

Maria Eck

Nicole Gas

Claire Greene

Title: Library Media Specialist, NBJH

Statement of Interest: I am the school librarian at the junior high, and as such, I am fortunate to work with a wide cross-section of students and staff. My work brings me across the curricula of multiple content areas and grade levels, both through collaborative planning, and active instruction. Given the nature of my role, I am particularly excited to represent the needs and interests of many of our stakeholders. Having worked in this role for six years, I feel strongly invested in our district's success. I am eager to support the effort to develop a meaningful strategic plan that aligns with the culture and values of our community.

Ryan Hamilton

Jeri Hart

Title: 5th Grade Teacher, Greenbriar

Statement of Interest: I am so proud to work in district 28. I believe we offer a level of compassion and student-centered work that is above and beyond other districts in the area. I am passionate about continuing the beautiful work we are doing in district 28, as well as looking for ways in which we can improve our system for the entire community.

Dr. Ginny Hiltz

Title: Principal, Greenbriar

Statement of Interest: I'm happy to be a part of the strategic planning process for District 28. As an administrator, parent, and community member, I have a vested interest in the future of District 28. Through this process, I'm excited to hear the perspectives of the other committee members, discuss trends in the future of education, and support the development of a strategic plan that will positively impact students and serve our community for years to come.

Brigette Hurst

I would love to participate in the Strategic Planning team to support the research and development of our shared goals and district needs. In my previous district, I was a part of a similar committee to help the growth and development of the buildings with technology, flexible seating, sensory tools and STEM lab reconstruction. My experience in working with many members of the building and grade levels uniquely positions me as an advocate for strategic planning. I would love the ability to collaborate across various grade levels and departments showcases a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape.

Michelle Jackson

Title: Director of Learning, districtwide

Statement of Interest: I am eager to participate in this strategic planning process drawing on my various experiences in education. Having previously engaged in strategic planning as a teacher in Barrington 220 as well as a building leader in Round Lake 116 and assisting with developing the strategic planning process at Oak Grove 68, I bring a comprehensive perspective to collaboratively shape initiatives that drive student success. I believe that my commitment to fostering innovative learning experiences for all students will allow me to provide significant insights to develop the district's next strategic plan. I am enthusiastic about this process and looking forward to contributing meaningfully to this endeavor.

Maggie McElvain

Jasmine Myalil

Title: Multilingual Instructional Coach, districtwide

Statement of Interest: I am eager to join the Strategic Planning Team to provide perspective on how best to serve linguistically diverse students and their families. With firsthand experience working with this population and the staff that serve them, I understand the unique challenges they face and recognize opportunities for the organization to further support their learning goals. Input on strategic initiatives can help shape plans to provide more resources for multilingual students, enable their academic success, and foster a more inclusive environment for all students. By joining forces on this team, I believe we can craft a shared vision and roadmap that empowers all students. This experience presents a valuable opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders across departments and help shape language support initiatives within our district schools.

Holly Osifalujo

Dr. Jason Pearson

Title: Superintendent

Statement of Interest:

District 28 is a tremendous school district in a wonderful community. The strategic planning process will give us the chance to “dream big” about the opportunities we provide for our students as we prepare them for their futures. I look forward to working with the team to create a plan that will catalyze our work for the next several years as we commit to a vision of excellence together.

Julie Propes

Dr. Kris Raitzer

Terry Ryan

Title: Communications Director, districtwide

Statement of Interest: I am excited to participate in the strategic planning process and chart the district's progress and future aspirations. Having participated in strategic planning throughout my career, I have seen the importance of community wide discussion, visioning and goal setting. It is an essential element in sharing our story with the community and as well as holding ourselves accountable to targeted objectives and goals.

Rachel Schlesinger

Dr. Kelly Sculles

Title: Director of Student Services

Statement of Interest: As a long-time educator, I am passionate about fostering a supportive educational environment. I believe participation on the strategic planning committee will provide an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with others to shape practices that enhance the overall educational experience for all of our students. I bring a holistic lens to the committee as it relates to student development and aligning academic, social, and emotional support to reach optimal learning outcomes.

Stephanie Smith

Carmela Stout

A.J. Treiber

Title: 7th Grade Math Teacher

Statement of Interest: I am interested in helping add my perspective to potentially guide the direction that learning occurs within our district from a macro view- whether that be in discussing academic needs, social emotional development, or executive functioning for all students. I look forward to discussing different ways that District 28 can build on successes and innovate to best address student needs.

Allie Wenk

Title: 2nd Grade Teacher, Westmoor

Statement of Interest: I am eager to help support our District as we create a forward-thinking vision that will impact our students, staff, families and Northbrook community in a positive way. As a Northbrook native and District 28 alumna, as well as a teacher who has joined the District community in the last five years, I feel my background will help provide a unique perspective, as well as an important lens for the work that will be delved into. I am also a member of the District Belonging Committee and I strongly feel as if the work we have engaged in this school year will serve as a solid foundation for this upcoming work as well.

Katy Wetter

Title: 4th Grade Teacher, Meadowbrook

Statement of Interest: District 28 has become an influential part of my life. I began teaching at Meadowbrook 20 years ago. After witnessing the powerful curriculum our students were receiving, my husband and I realized that we wanted our four children to benefit from the curricular opportunities of District 28. As a parent, educator, and community member in Northbrook I am deeply invested in our school community and planning for the district's future.

Joanna Wsol

Students

All are 7th Grade Students at Northbook Junior High

Nicholas Van Zant

Daniel Majarucon

Gia Swinger

Maeve Zale

Camerone Moore

Reese Mueller

Krystian Gebicz

David Madison

Talia Kaiz