Meet Our Team

With over 25 years of experience in education, Jodi McLawhorn brings invaluable knowledge as the Director of Leadership Formation. She is an alumna of St. Gall School and Maria High School. She previously worked at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School as a teacher, St. Rita of Cascia High School as the Humanities Division Head and Director of Student Activities, Regina Dominica High School as the Director of the Leadership Institute and St. Albert the Great School as the principal.

Jodi has a bachelor of music education degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago and plays several instruments including the flute. She also holds a master’s in education leadership from Concordia University. 

Donna has been a leader in Catholic education for almost three decades. She began her work as the founding Kindergarten teacher at a Catholic school and quickly moved on to serve in leadership roles such as Principal, President, Admissions Director, and Board member/chair of various Catholic schools throughout Texas, Minnesota, Wyoming and Arkansas.  She has served PK - 12 schools in a variety of settings and socioeconomic communities: historic inner city, struggling rural, growing new suburban, and renewed urban.

Donna holds a Masters in Catholic School Leadership from the University of Dallas and a Bachelor's degree in Education and Early Childhood from Texas Woman's University.

Dr. Robert Bassett joined the Office of Catholic Schools in 2023 as a Regional Director after being a principal for the last 10 years. For the last 3 years, he has worked alongside teachers and parents at St. Procopius School, the only dual language school in the Archdiocese of Chicago, to support a school community that celebrates and values student culture and heritage while focusing on academics, faith, and the Spanish language. He has also been a public school administrator, 7 years as a principal and 2 years as an assistant principal. Before becoming an administrator, Dr. Bassett taught high school English, including one year in Cali, Colombia, as well as middle school Spanish in underserved Chicago suburbs.

Dr. Bassett graduated with a bachelor's degree in English from Indiana University, and he received his master's degree from Benedictine University in Education Administration & Leadership. He earned his educational doctorate from National-Louis University in Educational Leadership with the superintendent licensure.

Dr. Bridget de la Peña has worked in Archdiocese of Chicago elementary schools for over 20 years as both a teacher and administrator. She previously taught at various schools in Chicago, including at Children of Peace School-Holy Family Campus, St. James Catholic School, and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School and in the St. Ignatius College Prep summer school program. Prior to becoming an Academic Leadership Coach, she served as principal of St. Michael the Archangel and as a regional director with the Office of Catholic Schools.

Dr. de la Peña graduated summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in music and a minor in the Catholic social tradition. She also has earned a Master of Science in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University and Doctorate of Education in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

In addition to general administrative and superintendent endorsements, she holds teaching endorsements in English language arts (6-8; 9-12), mathematics (6-8), music, (PK-12), science (6-8), and reading (PK-12).

Erin is an experienced educator with 15 years of experience leading and supporting schools. Erin most recently served as the President and Director of Curriculum and Instruction at North Lawndale College Prep. Prior to that, she was an instructional leader at Chicago International Charter Schools. She has worked across the city of Chicago as an instructional leader, leadership coach, and classroom teacher. She started her educational career as a high school English teacher in Milwaukee, WI.

Erin holds a bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College and a master’s degree from Marquette University. She grew up in central Illinois where she attended Catholic schools.

Prior to joining the Office of Catholic Schools, Jerry Spatara was the principal of Divine Providence School in Westchester for seven years. Jerry’s professional background includes three years as a missionary and Facilities Manager at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Arkansas, several years as a community economic development organizer in central Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh. He has taught at Catholic schools in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota and Illinois. He has worked as a Catholic school principal within the Diocese of Joliet and Archdiocese of Chicago for more than15 years.

Jerry earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science/History from Westminster College, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. His teaching credentials are from the University of St. Francis, his Type 75 is from North Central College. Additionally, Jerry completed doctoral work at Lewis University.

Tammy joined the Office of Catholic Schools Staff in 2023 after 11 years serving in the Archdiocese of Chicago schools, 10 years as a principal and one year as a teacher.  Before her career in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Tammy also worked in public schools teaching kindergarten, fourth and fifth grades along with serving on a number of committees. She also has a passion for working in recreation and has been a long-time employee serving youth in outdoor education and youth sports. 

Tammy holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Monmouth College, and two master's degrees: one in Recreation Administration from Aurora University and one from Northeastern Illinois University in Education Administration.  She is also currently pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. 

Natalie is an experienced and accomplished Catholic school leader. Before joining the Office of Catholic Schools, she was the principal of Infant Jesus of Prague in Flossmoor. During her time as principal, Natalie worked to significantly improve the school’s academic quality, culture, enrollment and financial vitality. Natalie also previously worked as an English teacher, Dean and Assistant Principal at Queen of Peace High School in Burbank. 

Natalie possesses a bachelor’s in secondary education from St. Xavier University and a master’s in educational administration from Dominican University. Natalie is a person of great energy, enormous vision and a sincere faith. She cares deeply about our Catholic educational mission. 

Bob has over 15 years of experience in Catholic education. He taught Social Studies and English in high schools across Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois. During that time, Bob also coached and mentored young athletes in both football and lacrosse. His leadership positions have included serving as the Social Studies Department Chair at Saint Ignatius College Prep and the Principal of St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy in Chicago where he earned the Driehaus Foundation Principal’s Award as well as the Polk Brothers Foundation Leadership Award.

It’s important to know that Bob was born and raised in Wisconsin. As such, he is a die-hard Packers fan and lover of all things from the state. Bob, his wife, and three children have lived in Chicago for the last 7 years and enjoy keeping the Bears-Packers rivalry vibrant. Bob graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI and after 10 years of teaching pursued a master’s degree in Educational Administration & Leadership from Loyola University – Chicago. He is excited to join the OCS staff to have a greater impact on students, families, and schools by supporting Principals in the Big Shoulders Fund network.

Amy joined OCS in 2022, after spending time at Chicago Public Schools and various non-profits in the City of Chicago. After her undergraduate degree, Amy did one year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps helping immigrant and refugee families with the immigration process.  She has a strong passion for disability advocacy.

Amy attended Catholic grammar and high school in Denver, CO.  She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts from Saint Louis University and a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola Chicago. 

Dr. Link brings over 20 years of experience in Catholic education to her role. She previously served as the Theology Department Chair and International Baccalaureate (IB) service program coordinator at Trinity High School in River Forest. Prior to her work at Trinity, she chaired the English Department and served as an IB Diploma Program instructor at The Ahliyyah School for Girls in Amman, Jordan. Melissa holds a Doctor of Ministry and Master of Arts degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a BA in religion, philosophy, and social work from Loras College in Dubuque, IA..

Andrea has worked with students and teachers for over 10 years inside and outside of the classroom. She served as an AmeriCorps volunteer teacher through the Inner-City Teaching Corps in Chicago. As a third-grade teacher, Andrea received her master's in the science of education from Northwestern University. She continued her work with students and teachers at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, working with at-risk adolescents. Andrea is passionate about bringing trauma-responsive practices to educators to give all students the opportunity to succeed.

Erika is an enthusiastic ally of Catholic education and over the years has supported this mission in various roles. She first joined the archdiocese as a volunteer CCD Confirmation Teacher, then became the Business Manager at her home parish in 2003. After some years in the role, she transitioned to the Pastoral Center in the Human Resources Department, where she worked primarily with Vicariates 3 & 4 and wherever her bilingual skills where needed supporting school and parish staff. In 2019, Erika came on board with the school’s office in the new role of Hispanic Engagement and Outreach Manager. In this role she supports, Cultural Awareness, ESL Supports and Spanish Language Programs in Early Childhood for schools as part of the Specialist Support Team.

Erika holds a B.S. from DePaul University and most recently became a Hernandez Teaching Fellow through the English As A New Language Program from the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). Erika has been married for 20 years and her two sons attended Epiphany Catholic School in the Little Village neighborhood for their elementary education.

LaTeasha has served in the role of Health/Wellness Coordinator within OCS for 17 years. She has also held the role of Designated School Officer for International Students for 11 years. Recently, she has taken on the role of Preschool Coordinator.  Previously, she served as a Prevention Specialist where she worked on prevention programs such as Too Good for Drugs/Violence, mentoring programs, programs for parents, and other anti-bullying programs for elementary schools. LaTeasha has been a member of different organizations/coalitions for many years such as the Chicago Asthma Consortium and NASFA Association of International Educators.

LaTeasha holds an associate degree from Robert Morris College as a Paralegal, a bachelor degree in Technical Management from DeVry University, and a Master’s in Public Administration in Government Law from the Keller Graduate School of Management.

Heather has been working with Chicago Catholic schools for nearly 15 years, first as a volunteer, then as Director of Stewardship and Development for Saint Clement Parish and Director of Admissions for St. Mary of the Angels School before joining the Office of Catholic Schools in 2022. Heather brings significant experience to the role as an engaged parishioner, involved school parent and experienced marketing & development professional.

Before moving to education, Heather spent 15 years in the commercial real estate finance industry, where she held various investment analysis and relationship management positions at Allstate Investments, J.P. Morgan, and Heller Financial. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Iowa and a Masters in Management with dual focus in Marketing and Organizational Behavior from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Heather is also a graduate of a Catholic elementary and high school located in Ottawa, Illinois and is the proud parent of a recent Catholic high school graduate.

Nora was previously the Digital Content Specialist at Mother McAuley High School before joining the Office of Catholic Schools in the Summer of 2023. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding social media and digital content creation. Intrigued by the power of communication and inspired by the potential to make a difference, she recognizes the untapped opportunities lying within the realm of school marketing. With a dynamic and creative approach, Nora’s goal is to introduce innovative campaigns that resonate with both current and prospective students, parents, and faculty members. She does this through captivating visual content, interactive storytelling, and leveraging the power of user-generated content. Nora harnesses the potential of social platforms to foster engagement, expand reach, and create a lasting impact.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She graduated in 2020 with Departmental Distinction after fulfilling the requirements of the English Honors Program.

Nora is also a proud graduate of a Catholic grammar school and a Chicago Catholic high school.

Clare began serving as Director of Scholarships in August 2017. She is strong advocate for families and believes all children should have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education. Previously Clare served as Director of Finance at AUSL,  an educational non-profit organization serving Chicago Public Schools. She also worked as vice-president/controller for a commercial real estate company and started her career in public accounting.

Clare holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University. She is a parishioner at her local church and both of her children graduated from Catholic high schools.  

Adrienne has been a Scholarship Manager in the Office of Catholic Schools since 2018.  She previously served as the Director of Marketing & Enrollment at St. Ann School in Pilsen and spent the first 13 years of her career in Hispanic marketing.  In her role as Scholarship Manager, she provides assistance to schools and families seeking financial aid. 

Adrienne holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Chicago and co-chairs the finance council at her home parish of St. Paul Church in Pilsen.  She is a proud Catholic school parent of four children, currently attending St. Ann School. 

Dr. Walthers was the principal of St. Christopher School in Midlothian before joining the Office of Catholic Schools in the summer of 2022. Dr. Walthers initiated improvements during her time at St. Christopher including securing funding for Chromebooks and learning tablets, helped the school become a “Preschool for All” provider and participating in the i-Ready pilot program. 

Dr. Walthers holds a bachelor of arts in elementary education from Trinity Christian College, a master of arts in education from Governor State University, and a doctor of education in Educational Leadership from Trident International University. She also has an education specialist degree with a concentration on educational leadership from Liberty University. She is currently an adjunct professor at Olivet Nazarene University and a clinical supervisor at Western Governors University for teacher candidates.

Kelly brings over 20 years of experience in analytics to the Office of Catholic Schools. Prior to joining the Archdiocese, Kelly led the Insights team at a large data-driven agency, designing analytics solutions for a variety of unique clients where she used data to uncover insights and identify opportunities for continued optimization. When she's not painting a story with data, Kelly enjoys painting with watercolors and acrylics.

Kelly attended Catholic schools throughout her education, including earning her Bachelor of Science in Commerce from DePaul University. After spending time in Dallas and Denver, Kelly is happy to be back in Chicago and looks forward to getting involved in her local parish.

Miriam has served a number of roles within the Office of Catholic Schools over the years. In her current role of Director of International Student Program, Miriam promotes our Catholic schools to families worldwide and supports Archdiocesan schools with the complex requirements when admitting international students. Miriam also provides operations consulting to OCS administration, is a past member of the Legislative Advisory Council and co-authored the Fiscal Management Handbook for Non-Public Schools.

Miriam received her Master of Project Management degree from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. She is a Kellogg Executive Scholar and holds the Executive Certificate of Professional Achievement in Non-Profit Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Miriam also received the St. Sabina Academy Humanitarian Award, is fluent in five languages and enjoys spending time with her grown daughter, grandson and granddaughter.

A native of the Southwest, Katherine joined the Office of Catholic Schools in 2018. She brings a wealth of administrative and operational experience after serving 20 years in public service at the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and City of Chicago.

From 1997 to 2005 Katherine held the position of Operations Manager for Bowen High School, assistant to the Comptroller in the finance division of CPS, Director of Administration for the Office of Professional Development and Director of Administration for the Office of Accountability. 

From 2006 to 2018 Katherine served as senior budget analyst in the public safety division of the City of Chicago Budget Office, later holding the Director of Administration position for the Independent Police Review Authority and culminating with Director of Human Resources for the City’s Department of Public Health.

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Albuquerque and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.  Katherine is an active member of Holy Name Cathedral Parish, once serving as co-chair of the Evangelization and Spiritual Life Commission and chair of the Liturgy Council.

Steve joined the Office of Catholic Schools in 2023 as a Regional Director and High School Liaison after 13 years at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, where he served for 9 years as principal and as an English and Social Studies teacher. Before that, he taught at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in East Los Angeles through the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE Program). In 2015, he was honored with the Michael Pressley Award for Excellence in Catholic Education.

Steve holds three degrees from the University of Notre Dame - a Bachelor's in English and American Studies, a Master's in Education, and a Master's in Educational Administration.

Janice began her work with the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1999 and joined the Office of Catholic Schools in 2005. She currently supports the Deputy Superintendent of School Support and the School Support Team. Her duties vary from the start of the school year with ISBE Recognition to the end the year with recognizing school employees who reach a milestone or are retiring. In between, she works on various special projects.

One of Janice’s favorite projects was when she was the liaison to assist with a Professional development Day for our Catholic school teachers, where we gathered at the UIC Pavilion. Mass was presented by Cardinal George and we had a wonderful keynote speaker. At the time, she was fairly new to OCS but was excited the event went well. And, most importantly, that our teachers enjoyed their day!

Marcela has been with the Office of Catholic Schools since October of 1997.  She currently supports the Director of Formation Leadership and the Director of Catholic Mission and Culture with various projects and events.

Marcella is also involved with her parish, Our Lady of the Heights in Chicago Heights.