Faculty

Our teachers and office staff are deeply committed to students.  They often refer to students as “their children.”  Faculty maintain an excellent working relationship with the parents, and view education as a team effort of constant communication between home and school.  

Principal:  Mrs. Erin Boyle Folino

Email: efolino@saintferdinand.org

Mrs. Erin Boyle Folino is our Principal at St. Ferdinand School.  This is her 4th year with us, and she is a product of Catholic Schools.  She has over 15 years of teaching experience in Catholic elementary schools, and two Master’s degrees in the fields of Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership.  She is actively involved in the Church, and strives to bring both academic excellence and the Catholic faith into the classroom.

“It is my honor to serve St. Ferdinand School.  Each student has such great potential, and I feel it is my duty to nurture that and help each student achieve their best, both academically and personally.  I look forward to continuing to work with our parents and staff to make that potential a reality.”

Read more: Principal’s Biography

PK3:  Ms. Patti Szadziewicz

Email: pszadziewicz@saintferdinand.org

Patrice Szadziewicz has been at St. Ferdinand School in the Early Childhood Program for 28 years.  She is a co-teacher with Ms. Marta and works with the 3-year old students.

“I love working as a co-teacher with Ms. Marta and enjoy each day I am with the children!  I enjoy coming to work each day and watching the children grow.  It is my goal to provide a nurturing, safe environment where children can develop their learning and social skills.  Students develop both academic and interpersonal skills.  Playtime helps children with their creativity, but most importantly, helps them learn to work together and interact positively with each other.  In today’s world, I think it is especially important to learn kindness and how to get along well as a community.  We put this into practice each day as we develop our minds and hearts.”

PK4:  Ms. Marta Ostrowska

Email: mostrowska@saintferdinand.org

Marta Ostrowska graduated from Jagiellonian University (Krakow, Poland) and holds a Master’s degree in Pedagogy/Education with ELL endorsement.  She also has completed a post graduate degree in teaching a second language.  Her journey in a preschool setting started over 20 years ago.  Her passion for teaching extends from preschool classes to summer school classes, instructional clubs, and summer school camps.  She was a finalist of the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award.

“Early Childhood programs are my passion.  I am very proud of every student that I have had the privilege of teaching; they are the biggest part of my accomplishments.  Every day brings joy and satisfaction.”

Kindergarten:  Mrs. Corrie Rettelle

Email: crettelle@saintferdinand.org

Corrie Rettelle has been teaching Kindergarten at St. Ferdinand School for 20 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Dominican University.  When she is not with her St. Ferdinand family, she is a proud wife and mother of two children, both of whom are students at St. Ferdinand School.

“I am honored to be part of the St. Ferdinand community and feel blessed to be able to do what I love every day!  Seeing the magic and wonder in a child’s eyes as they learn something new makes my job the best job there is!   I truly believe that Catholic school helped to shape who I am as a person, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue that tradition.”

1st Grade:  Mrs. Lindsay Hansen

Email: lhansen@saintferdinand.org

Lindsay Hansen is our 1st grade teacher at St. Ferdinand School.  She began her career at St. Ferdinand during the 2009-2010 school year.  She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in American Studies, along with her Elementary Education certification from Dominican University in 2009.  Being a lifelong learner, she returned to Dominican University to obtain a Master of the Arts in Education with Reading Specialist certification.

“Education is my passion and I am thankful for the opportunity to share my passion with my students each day! I  am blessed to call St. Ferdinand home and love the family environment we have at our school.”

Maternity Leave Sub / Baby Bulls Coach:  Mrs. Valerie Herrera

Email: vherrera@saintferdinand.org

Valerie Herrera is a long-time member of the St. Ferdinand Community, and joins us this year in the role of Long Term Substitute, as well as Baby Bulls Coach.  Currently, Mrs. Herrera is teaching 1st Grade as the maternity leave substitute.  Mrs. Herrera has also worked as a teacher in our Summer Camp program, and can be seen around leading various clubs and activities.  

 

Stay tuned for further updates!

2nd Grade:  Ms. Emily Babikan

Email: ebabikan@saintferdinand.org

Emily Babikan teaches 2nd grade at St. Ferdinand School.  She has been part of our talented staff since 2015.  St. Ferdinand School holds a special place in her heart, as this is where her teaching career began.  She taught kindergarten for three years, and now is in her fourth year teaching second grade.  She graduated in 2015 from Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.

“I love teaching and am passionate about helping children foster a love of learning for years to come!  Every day I learn something new from each of my students, and that is what makes me love coming to work each day!  It is such a blessing to work at St. Ferdinand.”

3rd Grade:  Ms. Reyna Silva

Email: rsilva@saintferdinand.org

Ms. Silva is our newest addition at St. Ferdinand School.   She is excited to bring her talents and experiences to our 3rd graders.  

 

Stay tuned for further updates!

4th Grade:  Mrs. Alexis Hernandez

Email: ahernandez@saintferdinand.org

Mrs. Hernandez is excited to start her first full year at St. Ferdinand School, after joining us midway through the 2022-23 school year.  She has studied at St. Xavier University.  She has a respectful and kind rapport with her students, and is enjoying getting to know both the students and the school.  She uses group projects to help students learn various topics, as well as the art of working together.  

Stay tuned for further updates!

5th Grade Homeroom / Grades 5-7 ELA:  Mrs. Kia Loster

Email: kloster@saintferdinand.org

Kia Loster has 15+ years of teaching English Language Arts (ELA) in both the Chicago Catholic and public-school systems to both junior high and high school students.  She holds a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in the Teaching of English.  Her specialty is differentiated instruction in the classroom.  In addition to teaching ELA to students in grades 5-7, she also helps co-moderate our Student Council.   She is an active parishioner of St. Ferdinand, and her children attend school here as well. 

“I enjoy working with the St. Ferdinand community as both of my sons attend school here.  I’m a native Chicagoan and I look forward to teaching your children and teaming up with you to make the school year a great success!  I have been blessed, and I enjoy giving back.”

 

6th Grade Homeroom / Grades 5-8 Science:  Mrs. Chrsitine Stypka

Email: cstypka@saintferdinand.org

Although this is Mrs. Stypka’s second year at St. Ferdinand School, she brings 25+ years of experience teaching science to grade school students.  Formerly, she was at St. Paul of the Cross.  Mrs. Stypka uses a hands-on approach, and students are often found doing labs to learn various concepts.  Mrs. Stypka is also preparing some junior high students to participate in a regional science fair.  Through solid knowledge and an inquiry-based approach, Mrs. Stypka fosters a mastery of science, as well as piques the interest of students in the various topics of science.

Stay tuned for further updates!

7th Grade Homeroom / Grades 5-8 Math:  Ms. Aphrodite Kokosioulis

Email: fkokosioulis@saintferdinand.org

Aphrodite Kokosioulis (better known as “Ms. K” to students)  has been at St. Ferdinand since 2008.  She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and has earned endorsements in Language Arts, Math, History and ESL.  She teaches math to students in Grades 5-8, as well as eighth grade Language Arts.

“I enjoy teaching my junior high students, and I want my students to leave my classroom smarter and stronger than when they entered.  I hope that when they leave here, they remember that they are critical thinkers, brave scholars and faith-filled young adults, ready to tackle the world.  I know the world will be a better place because of my students. I am proud to be part of the St. Ferdinand community and it has been my greatest honor to be called teacher. “

8th Grade Homeroom / Grades 5-8 Social Studies / 8th Grade Vocabulary:  Mr. Mike McGinniss

Email: mmcginniss@saintferdinand.org

Michael McGinniss teaches Social Studies to our junior high students.  He works hard to prepare his lessons, and believes it is important for students to have a good understanding both of historical events and of the events that are unfolding in the world around them.  Additionally, he is a long-time member of St. Ferdinand Parish in may various roles.  He is the Scoutmaster of Troop 51 (Boy Scouts).   His wife, Joyce, is the Girl Scout Coordinator at St. Ferdinand, as well as the Director of Christian Outreach.

“I greatly enjoy the challenge of our 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders!  I believe it is important that our students learn as much as they can about the world around them.  Having served St. Ferdinand for most of my life, I view my time here as an honor and a privilege.” 

Music:  Brother James Drangsholt

Email: jdrangsholt@gmail.com

Brother James is presently the Director of Music & Liturgy for the Saint Ferdinand parish.  A Religious Brother of the Franciscan order, he had taught for almost 40 years at the High School and College levels, and was a former principal.  He completed his professional education training at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, DePaul University, St. Mary’s Seminary, and Franklin University.  Brother James directs the School Handbell Choir and School Choir.

“I enjoy being able to share my knowledge and love of music with the students of St. Ferdinand School.  Everybody is able to learn different musical skills and develop an appreciation of the complexity and many different styles of music.  My favorite part of teaching is hearing the students be able to put their knowledge into song – especially in the form of instrumental music / choir.”

Spanish:  Mr. Ernesto Tapia

Email: etapia@saintferdinand.org

Mr. Ernestro Tapia is originally from Mexico and began his career teaching Spanish as a Second Language in the private school system in Mexico.   Mr. Tapia holds a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Spanish from Northeastern Illinois University.  He has taught in private, public, and parochial schools in Illinois for more than 15 years. 

Presently, Mr. Tapia teaches Spanish at St. Ferdinand, as well as three other schools.  This is his 3rd year at St. Ferdinand School, and he maintains and excellent rapport with his classes.

“My rapport with students enables me to develop an atmosphere conducive to exploring and learning.”

Religion:  Sr. Agnes Michna

Email: sramichna@saintferdinand.org

Sr. Agnes Michna was born in Poland, and joined the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King in 1988.  In Poland, she graduated with a degree in Theology from the Academy of Theology in Warsaw, and completed her postgraduate studies in Catechetics in Poznan.  She taught religion in Poland, Canada, and the United States for several years, in addition to being director of St. James Polish School. In August 2019, Sister started working as a religion teacher here at St. Ferdinand Catholic School. Sister Agnes brings a true love of religion to her classes, as well as her creativity and joy.

“I am very happy that I can follow the paths of faith with the students of our school and discover the wonderful works of God with them. For me, each religion lesson is a great adventure, during which we listen to the Word of God, get to know His love, and try to bring this love to others.”

Library:  Mrs. Laura Davis

Email: ldavis@saintferdinand.org

Mrs. Laura Davis starts her third year as our Librarian, overseeing a library consisting of over 14,000 books.  Through Library classes, students gain a broader understanding of books, do enrichment activities, and develop a deeper appreciation for reading.  Mrs. Davis has a background in journalism and communications, and has spent many hours growing up lost in books at the local library.

“I’m excited to help your students explore stories, learn to research, and navigate the library. A good book can take you anywhere, and I hope to go on lots of literary adventures with your children. I’ll be in the library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.”

Physical Education:  Ms. Patty Samborski

Email: psamborski@saintferdinand.org

Ms. Samborski brings over 20 years of teaching experience to St. Ferdinand School.  She is skilled in a variety of sports, and integrates a variety of different physical education topics into the curriculum.  She also teaches at another local school.  As a shared resource, she is able to add variety to the physical education curriculum as she keeps students busy and teaches how to be physically fit.

This year, Ms. Samborski has also taken on the role of Athletic Director, and is striving to bring new sports opportunities to our students.

Stay tuned for further updates!

Art / Office / Aide:  Ms. Kristen Noble

Email: knoble@saintferdinand.org

This is Ms. Noble’s second year teaching.  Ms. Noble’s background is in art, and she brings a wealth of new projects and information to her classes.  Ms. Noble uses a variety of mediums (paints, markers, clay, etc.) to create projects with.  Students also learn about various artists and art history, thereby gaining a well-rounded art experience.  When Ms. Noble is not in the art room, she can be found either in the office as our part-time secretary, or in one of the early elementary rooms as an instructional aide.  Ms. Noble brings many ideas and a great energy to the St. Ferdinand team, and is flexible in a variety of roles.

Stay tuned for furhter updates!

Administrative Assistant / Tuition Specialist:  Mrs. Ginny Quinones

Email: gquinones@saintferdinand.org

Mrs. Ginny Quinones has many years of experience in Catholic Schools.  She works in the main office, and is our Tuition Specialist.  Mrs. Quinones helps families set up tuition accounts, as well as facilitates in the financial aide / scholarship process.  She also answers phones, student questions, and organizes fundraisers.

“I enjoy working in the schools.  Seeing the children smile when they come to school and helping families afford to send their children to St. Ferdinand School brings me joy.  My favorite part of the week is Friday, when we have announcements and I select the best Friday Funnies (jokes the students submitted) to be read during announcements.”

Operations Director:  Ms. Margaret Brumann

Email: mbrumann@saintferdinand.org

Ms. Margaret Brumann is St. Ferdinand’s Operations Director, overseeing both the Church and the School.  With a background in Music Education, Ms. Margaret has taught in the classrooms and done a variety of office work throughout the years in the Catholic School setting.  Currently, she is assisting to Technology in addition to her role as Operations Director.  Ms. Margaret is also our webmaster and Facebook administrator.

“I enjoy the variety of tasks I do around St. Ferdinand School.  I have been a part of the St. Ferdinand community my entire life, from receiving all my sacraments here to graduating 8th grade … I truly do feel that the people who make up the St. Ferdinand School Community are some of the most dedicated, hard-working, caring and fun people I know.  It is my honor to come to work everyday.”

St. Ferdinand School: Faith and Excellence in Education
Chicago, IL