Faculty & Staff
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
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Ms. Nilma Osiecki
Principal Nosiecki@stbartholomew.net Bio
Mrs. Nilma Osiecki joined St. Bartholomew School July 1st, 2019. Prior to becoming the principal at St. Bart's, Mrs. Osiecki spent two years as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at St. Viator School. She joined the Archdiocese of Chicago, Office of Catholic Schools, after dedicating 26 years to the Chicago Public School System where she served in many capacities including, teacher aide, bilingual teacher, district administrator, assistant principal, and as principal for almost 10 years. In addition, her professional expertise includes the following areas:
In addition, Mrs. Osiecki's personal qualities include those of a good listener, compassionate, understanding, fair, trustworthy, and service-oriented. She acquired a B.A. in Elementary Education with a Double Major in Bilingual and Bi-Cultural Studies from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), a Masters Degree in Elementary School Administration and Supervision, also from NEIU, and is currently a Doctoral Student at University of Illinois at Chicago. To learn more about Mrs. Osiecki, visit the Principal's Corner tab. |
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Bio
Gigi Ybarra has been part of the St. Bartholomew School community since 2004, when she enrolled her eldest daughter in the Pre-K program. Both her daughters attended St. Bartholomew School from Pre-K to 8th grade. Mrs. Ybarra started volunteering as an art mom, became a member of the Parent Club and in 2009 was hired to work in the school office as the financial secretary. In addition to her financial responsibilities, she served as the bilingual liaison for current families and prospective Spanish-speaking parents enrolling at St. Bartholomew. Mrs. Ybarra was instrumental in assisting families with the enrollment process including registration and applying for financial assistance and scholarships. As the Administrative Office Manager, Mrs. Ybarra works closely with the principal to oversee the day-to-day administrative school operations and handles the communications efforts for the school. She is also the Site Administrator for the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth ensuring employees and volunteers are in full compliance, and is currently part of the Operations, Health & Safety Team to ensure all COVID guidelines and protocols are followed. Mrs. Ybarra holds a B.S. in Marketing from DePaul University. |
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Bio
My name is Christina Torres, I am a mother of 3 and happily married going on 20yrs. I have worked in education for close to 13 years, servicing as a volunteer at my children's school then moving on to working closely with community partners while advocating for more resources and funding for schools. I look forward to collaborating with the parents and community to bring more opportunities to St. Bart's families. |
Early Childhood
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Bio
My name is Monique, or as my students call me “Ms. Monique”. I am a native Chicagoan born, raised, & grew up on the north and northwest side of the city. I studied & graduated from Northeastern Illinois University. I received my bachelors degree in Early Childhood with a minor in Language Arts. I have been working on my masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education. My husband of fifteen years and I have chosen to raise our two daughters on the north side of the city. We feel the city has given our girls a diverse upbringing and offers a multitude of cultural experiences. A little about me personally; my hobbies are photography, baking, and reading. I am also a foodie and love a good deep dish pizza. Lastly, our home is a house divided when it comes to baseball; the girls and I are die hard Cubbies fan and my husband a Sox fan. I’ve worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago for over fifteen years. I’ve taught at several schools. All of my years in education have in preschool and a year in Kindergarten. I’m very happy to be a part of the St. Bartholomew community as it’s a very special and welcoming community. I look forward to getting to know my students and their family’s throughout the 2020-2021 school year. -Monique Classroom Links
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Primary Grades
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Bio
Kindergarten teachers create an enjoyable, fulfilling learning environment for their students. Mrs. Marchant endeavors to meet the needs of each child, encourage each child to try his/her best, and nurture the love of learning! Realizing that kindergarten children are active learners, she provides a variety of engaging experiences: ~ thematic projects for reading readiness ~ creative opportunities in art, music, movement, play, design ~ cooperative group work to build the concept of “team” ~ center work ~ experiments ~ problem solving situations |
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Bio
Hi. I’m Ms. Nolan. I am your first grade teacher at St. Bart's. I was born and raised in the Quad Cities before moving to the Chicago suburbs in middle school. I received my BA in Education from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota and my M.Ed. from National Louis University with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction and special education. I have been teaching in the Archdiocesan schools for over 30 years. I currently live in Chicago and am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. I am very happy to be part of the St. Bart’s family. I look forward to working with your child and having a fantastic school year. |
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Bio
B.A. Education To nurture continuing growth and success in school and provide students with learning opportunities to: ~ foster cooperation, confidence, inquisitive questioning ~ develop critical and creative thinking skills ~ communicate ideas in a variety of ways ~ participate more fully in the sacramental life of the church ~ develop a strong foundation in the reading, writing, listening, speaking skills ~ advance in the study of math, science, and social studies |
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Bio
BA Elementary Education MA Teacher Leadership Mrs. Griffin strives to prepare each student for actively participating in our global community. Each student is encouraged to grow socially and emotionally as well as academics. A variety of learning opportunities and experiences help to address the learning needs of all students. In addition to teaching third and fourth grade, Mrs. Griffin has assumed the role of Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. In this role, Mrs.Griffin works closely with the principal as well as the faculty to ensure optimal learning environments for all students. Using multiple forms of data including the I-Ready diagnostic, Mrs. Griffin works with the faculty to optimize and individualize student instruction and learning. |
Middle Grades
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Bio
Mr. Gordon grew up in Evanston, where he graduated from Northwestern University with majors in Mathematics, Economics, and Higher Education. Before coming to St. Bartholomew, he tutored students in math and social-emotional skills at Funston Elementary School and ran a summer academy for refugee families through World Relief Chicago. Mr. Gordon is passionate about learning and teaching math skills which he thinks are important for all parts of life: staying focused, checking your work, and never giving up! In his free time, Mr. Gordon enjoys reading, chorizo sausage, and Mario Kart. He is a member of four book clubs. Alex Gordon Teacher: 5th-8th Math, 5th Homeroom St. Bartholomew School "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.." Ecclesiastes 7:8 |
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Bio
Hello St. Bart's Families!! My name is Mr. Butz, I am the 5th-8th Grade Social Studies Teacher and the 5th-6th Grade Religion Teacher. This is my page for our Social Studies and Religion updates. This will be my 2nd year at St. Barts!! Woohoo!! I am excited and blessed to start this unique and new school year with you!! I received my BA in History and Secondary Education at North Park University here in Chicago, IL. Fun Fact: I coach football and wrestling! Below I have my email and the Middle School Website. If you or your student ever need to contact me, please email me at cbutz@stbartholomew.net Middle School Website - https://sites.google.com/stbartholomew.net/stbartsmiddleschool/home |
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Bio
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. I am so excited to be apart of St. Bart's. This is my twelfth year in education and my second year at St. Bart's. I am teaching 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade Science and 7th and 8th-grade religion. I have my B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Natural Science from Loyola University. I received my teaching certification from Northeastern. I encourage my students to use a growth mindset and to look at every mistake as an opportunity for growth; I believe that students may need multiple chances to interact with new material. I use a variety of learning styles and strategies to reinforce the material being learned. -- Mrs. Gambino Middle School Science St. Bartholomew School |
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Bio
Hi! I'm Ms. Scott. I was born and raised all across Chicago, never straying from a Catholic education. I've been teaching middle school English Language Arts for 11 years with 7 of those years spent in Chicago Public Schools. I received my Bachelor's degree from DePaul University in African Studies and Women's and Gender Studies. Then, I attended National Louis University and received a Master's degree in Education. I've recently attained a second Master's degree in Education Administration from Concordia University and am working on an Education Administration Certification. I look forward to working closely with your students! |
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Ms. Manju Chakkappau
Title 1 Support Bio
Hello. My name is Manju Chakkappan and I have been teaching for more than twenty years now. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in K-8 education. My earliest teaching years were as an assistant teacher in a Montessori classroom working with 3-6 year old students. Most of what I believe is fundamental about an effective educational experience comes from my years working with these very young children. I later went on to receive certification in Elementary Montessori Education and taught students in grades 1-3. When my son began his own elementary schooling, I sought a teaching job with more flexibility to allow me more time to support him. I was lucky to find a position as a Reading and Math tutor with Superior Chicago Tutoring. It is my great joy to work with small groups of elementary students who are working to solidify their academic progress in these areas of learning. I have been employed by SCT and working with St. Bartholomew students for four years now and I love my role supporting students in their academic goals. I believe that the best teachers look to the children to understand what they are ready to learn and how best to teach them. I believe that children learn best when "doing" for themselves and less from being told what to do. And I believe that the best learning stems from experiences that revolve around a child's interests. Experiences where a child is allowed to experiment, and try, and fail and try again are the ones that result in lasting understanding. I will be there to support and facilitate the students of St. Barts as they embark on these years of trial and error and lasting learning. |
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Ms. Nicole Foster
Title 1 Support Bio
Hello St Bart's Mrs. Foster is one of two Title 1 teachers at St. Bart’s. Mrs. Foster helps students with both reading and math, and provides academic coaching services. Mrs. Foster holds a Masters of Teaching and has been teaching for 15 years. When Mrs. Foster is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children, plus her international student. Together, they enjoying baking and cooking, playing games, visiting National Parks, and having dance parties! One of Mrs. Foster’s greatest accomplishments was completing the 2019 Chicago Marathon. |
Specials
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Bio
Hometown: Gettysburg, PA Education: Level 1 CrossFit Trainer and Level 2 Coach, BA in K-12 Health and P.E. Interests: cooking, reading, painting, and trying new sports It’s easy to see Danny’s enthusiasm for exercise based on some of his adventures and achievements. Running was always a hobby in high school and college; so to add to his bucket list, he did his first 26.2 mile race when he was 26. Two months later, he conquered a 62.6 mile trail run. An avid cyclist, he took a year off from teaching to become a bike messenger, completing roughly 30-40 miles daily. Danny found CrossFit in 2013 after finishing a semi-professional rugby career. An All-American in college and overall leading point scorer at the USA 7’s National Championships in 2011, he continues to work with local rugby teams in the city by coaching, hosting clinics, and refereeing. Danny is the founder of St. Sylvester CrossFit in Logan Square and St. Bartholomew CrossFit. 
Bio
Hello, my name is Daniel Certain. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and now live in Chicago, Illinois. Being from Caracas, my native language is Spanish. I started working with Little Linguists Arts Academy in 2014 while doing my Optional Professional Training after completing a Master's degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to working with children, I worked as a teacher for 7 years at the high school and college level. I keep teaching because I find teaching to be the highest profession of all. Transmitting knowledge to a student who is later going to use it and make it their own knowledge is a process I love to watch. On the other hand, I had never worked with younger children before, and after doing so, I learned children are the utmost of teachers. In my spare time, I like to write scripts and stories. I am also a cryptocurrency enthusiast and I am currently creating a YouTube channel with friends in Spain and Venezuela. |
Bio
B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife. Preprimary Credential from the American Montessori Society at MECA-Seton M.Ed. Early Childhood Mrs. Meehan offers opportunities for each student to grow as an individual, to achieve independence, to love learning, to respect self/others/environment, and to think creatively and critically. 
Bio
Hello St Bart's Families, I have been part of St. Bartholomew school and parish for 22 years. I am the proud mom of four graduates from St. Bartholomew. I am in my 17th year as Director of Athletics at St. Bart's School. Playing a sport helps children develop social skills which would benefit them even when they grow older. Playing sports teaches them about teamwork and cooperating with others. They learn to interact with people from different ages. Also, joining a sports team helps give children a sense of belonging and gives them an opportunity to make friends. With more friendship circles, it would help improve their communication skills, which will help them in their future careers and relationships. Have a great school year. |
Support Staff
Ms. Maria Teruel
School Aide
My name is Maria Teruel. I am the daughter of Italian immigrants. I have been involved with Catholic education all my life. As a student, as a Catechist, as a parent, as a volunteer and as an employee. I have been connected with several Catholic schools in Chicago. In 2009, I had the pleasure of adding St. Bartholomew to my family.
Everyday is a new adventure and I always look forward to my days.
I thank all who make me smile everyday.
School Aide
My name is Maria Teruel. I am the daughter of Italian immigrants. I have been involved with Catholic education all my life. As a student, as a Catechist, as a parent, as a volunteer and as an employee. I have been connected with several Catholic schools in Chicago. In 2009, I had the pleasure of adding St. Bartholomew to my family.
Everyday is a new adventure and I always look forward to my days.
I thank all who make me smile everyday.
Ms. Kathy Basgall
School Aide
Hello,
My name is Kathy Basgall, I have been part St Bart's Parish for 47 years. My children attended St Bart's as well as my grandchildren for a short time. I served on the parish council as well in prayer groups, hotdog mom, room mother, and many other groups. I have been a pre-school aide for 15years. I have seen many children go through the school and many changes with our school and parish. My hopes and prayers are for our school to be great and it will be with our staff and principal it's on its way. Our children need to share our faith and caring and loving way of Jesus to them. Your children are our way to Jesus, they are our most greatest gift from God, they need to know and share it. I'm very proud to be a member of St Bartholomew for all these years. May God continue to bless us and use us. Ms Kathy Basgall
School Aide
Hello,
My name is Kathy Basgall, I have been part St Bart's Parish for 47 years. My children attended St Bart's as well as my grandchildren for a short time. I served on the parish council as well in prayer groups, hotdog mom, room mother, and many other groups. I have been a pre-school aide for 15years. I have seen many children go through the school and many changes with our school and parish. My hopes and prayers are for our school to be great and it will be with our staff and principal it's on its way. Our children need to share our faith and caring and loving way of Jesus to them. Your children are our way to Jesus, they are our most greatest gift from God, they need to know and share it. I'm very proud to be a member of St Bartholomew for all these years. May God continue to bless us and use us. Ms Kathy Basgall
Mrs. Donna Ryan
School Aide
My name is Donna Ryan, I am called Ms. Donna by the students. I have lived in Chicago all my life. I have worked for St. Bartholomew School for over 17 years! My husband Sean and I have been Parishinors of St. Bartholomew Church since 1989. Both of my children went to grade school at St. Bart's. Christopher graduated in 2008 and MaryKate graduated in 2013. I love teaching the Pre-K class and helping out when I can in other classes. My hobbies are reading, gardening and swimming!
School Aide
My name is Donna Ryan, I am called Ms. Donna by the students. I have lived in Chicago all my life. I have worked for St. Bartholomew School for over 17 years! My husband Sean and I have been Parishinors of St. Bartholomew Church since 1989. Both of my children went to grade school at St. Bart's. Christopher graduated in 2008 and MaryKate graduated in 2013. I love teaching the Pre-K class and helping out when I can in other classes. My hobbies are reading, gardening and swimming!
Ms. Laura Skiba
School Aide
Hello there! My name is Laura Skiba, and I have been a part of St. Bartholomew School and parish for majority of my life. I was born and raised in the Portage Park neighborhood and still live within the community. I even attended St. Bartholomew School and am now a part of the alumni community. I started working at St. Bartholomew School in 1999 and twelve of those years as a teacher's aide. I am so proud to be a member of the St. Bartholomew community.
Fun facts about myself:
My husband and I just celebrated 29 years of marriage. We have one daughter, who is also an alumni. My hobbies are scrapbooking, knitting, baking, and of course shopping.
School Aide
Hello there! My name is Laura Skiba, and I have been a part of St. Bartholomew School and parish for majority of my life. I was born and raised in the Portage Park neighborhood and still live within the community. I even attended St. Bartholomew School and am now a part of the alumni community. I started working at St. Bartholomew School in 1999 and twelve of those years as a teacher's aide. I am so proud to be a member of the St. Bartholomew community.
Fun facts about myself:
My husband and I just celebrated 29 years of marriage. We have one daughter, who is also an alumni. My hobbies are scrapbooking, knitting, baking, and of course shopping.
Sra. Socorro Mendez
Food Service Program Supervisor
Food Service Program Supervisor
Parish Staff
Mr. Michael O'Connell
Parish Administrator
Fr. Mike joined the family of the St. Bartholomew Parish in 2019.
Parish Administrator
Fr. Mike joined the family of the St. Bartholomew Parish in 2019.
Mrs. Maria Arrez
Coordinator of Religious Education
Maria Arrez earned her master's degree from Chicago Theological Union University in the field of Hispanic Theology Ministry. She has worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago for 25 years in different Parishes as Director of Religious Education, currently in St. Bartholomew for 11 years now. From her consolidation as a Catholic in her formative years, inherited from her parents, finally, her own experience, it is her firm conviction that God is showing her the way through many people of faith and prepared that she has known in her life.
Maria Arrez obtuvo su maestría en Chicago Teológical Union University en el ramo de Teología en Ministerio Hispano. Ha trabajado para la Archidiócesis de Chicago por 25 años en diferentes Parroquias como Directora de Educación Religiosa, actualmente en San Bartolomé por 11 años ya. Desde su consolidación como católica en sus años formativos, por inherencia a sus padres y, finalmente, experiencia propia, es su firme convicción que Dios le va mostrando el camino a través de muchas gentes de Fe y preparadas que ha conocido en su vida.
Coordinator of Religious Education
Maria Arrez earned her master's degree from Chicago Theological Union University in the field of Hispanic Theology Ministry. She has worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago for 25 years in different Parishes as Director of Religious Education, currently in St. Bartholomew for 11 years now. From her consolidation as a Catholic in her formative years, inherited from her parents, finally, her own experience, it is her firm conviction that God is showing her the way through many people of faith and prepared that she has known in her life.
Maria Arrez obtuvo su maestría en Chicago Teológical Union University en el ramo de Teología en Ministerio Hispano. Ha trabajado para la Archidiócesis de Chicago por 25 años en diferentes Parroquias como Directora de Educación Religiosa, actualmente en San Bartolomé por 11 años ya. Desde su consolidación como católica en sus años formativos, por inherencia a sus padres y, finalmente, experiencia propia, es su firme convicción que Dios le va mostrando el camino a través de muchas gentes de Fe y preparadas que ha conocido en su vida.
