Office of Catholic Schools
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Dr. Jim Rigg is the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Dr. Rigg began his role in Chicago in October of 2015, having previously served as Director of Educational Services and Superintendent in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. During his time in Cincinnati, Dr. Rigg initiated the first-ever vision and strategic plan for Catholic education. Entitled “Lighting the Way”, this plan has enhanced academic and religious quality, bolstered marketing and financial structures, and provided new levels of support, including a $130 million capital campaign with $65 million allocated for Catholic schools. Prior to joining the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, he worked as a Catholic school Assistant Superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and teacher in the dioceses of Colorado Springs and Memphis.
Dr. Rigg is a graduate of the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Service Through Teaching Program. He holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Notre Dame and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. He has published numerous articles of Catholic education and evangelization. His four children attend Catholic schools.
Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Dr. Mary Kearney is the Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago and has served in this role since 2011. As Associate Superintendent, Dr. Kearney successfully facilitated the Office of Catholic Schools and its more than 200 schools through the AdvancED systems accreditation process. All Archdiocesan schools were successfully accredited in June 2015. Dr. Kearney also initiated the system-wide use of data to support and guide school improvement efforts across the Archdiocese. These efforts include the participation of all Archdiocesan schools in the AdvancED continuous improvement process and in the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Data-Wise program. In 2012, Dr. Kearney initiated, designed and continues to implement a Leadership Academy for Archdiocesan educators.
Prior to her role as Associate Superintendent, Dr. Kearney was the Dean of Academics at Loyola Academy where she was a member of the President’s Leadership team for the school. Dr. Kearney has more than 35 years of education experience working as a teacher, assistant principal, dean of students, division leader, among other positions. Dr. Kearney holds a Master’s of Education degree in Administration and Supervision, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Loyola University, Chicago. She also completed a program at the Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business is a Kellogg Executive Scholar. Additionally, Dr. Kearney has completed several programs through Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, including Data-Wise, Instructional Rounds and Leadership: An Evolving Vision.
Chief Operating Officer
Thomas (Tom) McGrath is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago and has served in this role since 2013. As COO, Tom works in conjunction with the Archdiocesan School Board, local and central leaders of the Presbyterate and across most central Archdiocesan agencies. Tom’s primary responsibilities include executing the Catholic School's Strategic Plan to improve the vitality of Catholic schools through improved school management and operations, through the enhanced leadership of the Office of Catholic Schools, and through the strategic deployment of external funding. Prior to joining the Archdiocese, Tom served for nearly seven years as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Chicago International Charter School, which operated sixteen schools, serving over 9,000 K-12 students in Chicago and Rockford. Previously, in the private sector, Tom gained over nine years of management and economic consulting experience primarily with Deloitte Consulting, with the majority of engagements in the Energy sector, but also including engagements in education, financial services, telecommunications, consumer business and healthcare/life sciences industries.
Tom holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago.
Director of Communications and Marketing
Anne Maselli is the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. In her position, Anne develops and implements the communications and marketing strategies, both internally and externally, in support of Archdiocesan Catholic schools. Anne has more than 15 years of communications, marketing and public relations experience.
Prior to joining the Archdiocese of Chicago, Anne was a Vice President at Edelman, a leading global communications firm, where she worked with a variety of clients, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AbbVie, Dignity Health and Astellas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., among others. Throughout her communications career, Anne has also worked at Golin, Fleishman-Hillard and Burson-Marsteller supporting a variety of clients and leading different global and local initiatives. Anne graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and business.
Director of Evangelization and Catholic Identity
Robert Rabe has served the Church in a variety of capacities, including mission and catechetical presentations, diaconal and lay formation instruction, and as author and editor of theological resources for both adults and youth. He holds a Master of Divinity from Saint John’s School of Theology. Robert possesses a solid background in scriptural interpretation and hagiography. His publications, among others, include: The Bible: The Living Word of God; The Year of Grace 2012; Companion to the Calendar (2nd Edition); and Sourcebook for Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays 2014. Contributing to Robert’s faith formation and educational expertise, he also holds a Master of Education in Catholic School Administration and Supervision (PK-12) from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Currently, Robert is working on a Doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. His dissertation is focused on the intersection of learning theory and evangelization in diverse parish and school settings.
Before joining the Office of Catholic Schools, Robert was the Chair of the Theology and Faith Formation Department at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago. He has been honored to receive The Catherine McAuley Award and Mother McAuley Heart of the School Award.
Regional Director for Vicariate I Schools
Dr. Merry Quinn joined the Office of Catholic Schools in July 2014. Dr. Quinn has more than 20 years of education experience. Prior to joining OCS, she was the assistant superintendent in Community High School District 117. Her career has included roles in both the Archdiocese of Chicago and public education as a high school teacher, counselor, director of student services and assistant principal. Dr. Quinn currently serves on her district's library board and volunteers as a mentor at the College of Lake County.
Dr. Quinn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, a Master’s of Education degree in Administrative Leadership and a Doctorate in Administration/Educational Leadership. In addition she has a certification in the Danielson Group Framework for Teaching Proficiency.
Regional Director for Vicariate II Schools
Before joining the Office of Catholic Schools in July 2016, Lorelei Bobroff was the principal of St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, she was also previously a teacher at Ascension School in Oak Park. Lorelei has taught second grade, as well as junior high language arts and religion.
Lorelei has attended Bearing Witness Holocaust Studies programs in Washington, D.C. and Israel. Prior to her role as Regional Director, she served on several committees for the Office of Catholic Schools, including a committee that developed a Standard Based Report Card System. Lorelei also implemented service and curriculum projects with St. Paul of the Cross School that involved working with other schools in the Archdiocese and the Field Museum in Chicago. Lorelei holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Loyola University, Chicago and a Master’s of Education from Dominican University. She also has an Administrative License from the Illinois Department of Public Education.
Regional Director for Vicariate III Schools
Therese Craig has more than 21 years of experience in the educational field. Therese began her role as the Regional Director for Vicariate III Catholic schools in July 2015. Prior to joining the Archdiocese, Therese was the principal of St. Luke Parish School in River Forest. Throughout her career, she has been a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, director of student services and assistant principal.
Therese holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Loras College and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Aurora University.
Regional Director for Vicariate IV Schools
Dr. Kari King has more than 30 years of experience in the educational field. Dr. King began her role as Regional Director for Vicariate IV schools in July 2015. Prior to joining the Archdiocese, Dr. King was on the faculty at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the education and communication departments. Throughout her career, Dr. King was a teacher, dean of students, director of discipline, assistant principal for personnel and principal.
Dr. King holds a Master’s from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago and a Ph.D. from Loyola University, Chicago.
Regional Director for Vicariate V 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.
Regional Director for Vicariate VI Schools
Dr. Bridget de la Peña has worked in Archdiocese of Chicago elementary schools for 15 years as both a teacher and administrator. She previously taught at various schools in Chicago, including Children of Peace Holy Family Campus, St. James School, and St. Michael the Archangel School. She also taught summer school at St. Ignatius College Prep for eight years. She served as principal of St. Michael the Archangel for five years before joining the Office of Catholic Schools. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her hard work and dedication which has earned her the South Chicago Education of the Year Award (2009), Croghan Teachers’ Award Finalist (2013), Polk Bros. Leadership Incentive Award (2014) and Stone Foundation Fellowship for Leadership in Early Childhood Education (2012, 2013, 2014).
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.
Regional Director for Turnaround Schools in Vicariate I - IV
Hedi Belkaoui joined the Office of Catholic Schools in January 2017 as the Regional Director for Turnaround Schools in Vicariates I – IV. Prior to joining the Archdiocese, he was the first male principal of Queen of Peace High School. Hedi has a diverse teaching and administration experience. He previously taught at Morton West High School in Berwyn and Providence St. Mel in Chicago and was the Academic Dean for Providence Englewood Charter School in Chicago for three years. Following his time at Providence Englewood Charter School, he traveled to Cambodia to become the Director at Jay Pritzker Academy and then traveled to Philadelphia to serve as the Founding School Director for Young Scholars Kenderton Charter School.
Hedi has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Dominican University. During his time at Dominican, he was a member of the honors program, student trustee, Mulroy Award Winner 2004 and 2014 Mazzuchelli Model Award for Outstanding Alumni. He was named a Golden Apple Foundation Scholar Class of 2000. He went on to be a Golden Apple Staff Liaison where he mentored and conducted seminars for college students who participated in the Golden Apple Scholars Program for teaching training.
Hedi is currently working on his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Loyola University.
Regional Director for Turnaround Schools in Vicariate V and VI Schools
Prior to joining the Office of Catholic Schools, Dr. Megan Stanton-Anderson was the principal of Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts (AACA) in Chicago. When Dr. Stanton-Anderson began leading AACA, it was fledging school with an enrollment of 221 students. It is now a thriving school of nearly 500 students. Prior her work at AACA, Dr. Stanton-Anderson lived and worked in Long Beach, California where she held many different positions in Long Beach Unified School District
Dr. Stanton-Anderson received a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She received her Masters of Education from California State University- Long Beach and earned her Doctorate in Educational Administration from a joint doctoral program at UC-Irvine and UCLA.
Regional Director of Secondary Schools and Board Development
Dr. Maria Hawk’s educational career began teaching second grade at Mater Christi Catholic School in North Riverside. She also taught at St. Mary of the Woods School in Chicago and St. Mary School in Riverside. She has been a principal at St. Gall School in Chicago, Incarnation School and Resurrection College Prep High School in Chicago.
Dr. Hawk received a Bachelor’s degree with a Marketing major from University of Illinois at Chicago. She has also received a Master of Arts in Teaching from National-Louis University, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Dominican University and a Doctor of Education Degree from Loyola University Chicago.
Director of Instructional Technology
Prior to joining the Office of Catholic Schools as the Director of Instructional Technology, Theresa Allen was the technology teacher and coordinator for the Cathedral of St. Raymond School in Joliet for 15 years working with teachers, students and parents with technology integration. She was involved with several online communities fostering student digital citizenship and collaboration. She is always passionate about connecting, communicating and collaborating with students and educators around the world.
Theresa received her Bachelor’s degree from Loras College and Master’s of Education degree from Lewis University in Instructional Technology. She was the DeICE (Dedicated Illinois Computing Educators) president from 2012-2015. In 2013, she received the Great Teacher award of Joliet and in 2011 she received the honor of the first Joliet Diocese Technology Teacher of the Year.
Director of Inclusive Technology
Judy Doyle has spent over 30 years in public school education before joining the Office of Catholic School in 2013 to support inclusion efforts as the Director of Inclusive Technology. Judy previously worked as an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) teacher at St. Ailbe School, St. Elizabeth School, Immaculate Conception School (S. Exchange), St. Jerome School and Visitation School. She previously had been a special education teacher, director of special education, and a principal. These positions have provided her wisdom and experiences that allow her to provide hands-on consultation to teachers, parents, and Catholic School principals.
Judy has a Bachelor’s in Special Education from Illinois State University and a Master’s in Educational Administration from St. Xavier University. In addition to her degrees, she holds a Professional Educator License endorsed in General Administration, General Supervisory, Special Education Supervisory, Elementary Education, Learning Behavior Specialist, Mental Impairment and Social/Emotional Disorders.
Director of Early Childhood Education
Julie Ramski has been the Director of Early Childhood Education for the Office of Catholic Schools for almost two decades. She previously was a teacher and assistant principal at Santa Lucia School in Chicago. Julie presents at various trainings throughout the year for Catholic schools’ early childhood teachers and at national conferences. She previously was a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) validator. She is trained to be an AdvancED Lead Evaluator. She works with city and state agencies, private foundations, universities, and organizations to bring information, resources and professional development to our early childhood programs. She is responsible for implementing initiatives such as Preschool for All. She currently serves on the Mayor’s Early Learning Executive Council.
Julie holds a Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois in Chicago and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Director of School Improvement and Accreditation
School Personnel Services Manager
Sr. Margaret Farley, CND has worked as a Catholic school educator in New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Illinois. She has worked as a teacher, Reading Specialist and an elementary school principal. Sr. Margaret has served in the Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago for several decades. For the past seventeen years, she has worked in School Personnel Services.
Sr. Margaret holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, a Master’s degree from the University of Dayton Ohio and another Master’s degree from Loyola University, Chicago.
Wellness and Prevention Coordinator and International Student Support Coordinator
Director of Enrollment Marketing and Enrollment Marketing Manager for Vicariate I
Kurt Lewis is the Director of Enrollment Marketing for the Office of Catholic Schools (OCS). Prior to joining the Archdiocese, Kurt spent five years as the Director of Marketing at St. Pius V School in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. He has a wealth of experience in non-profit marketing along with a passion for Catholic education. He has worked in a variety of roles in Chicago non-profit organizations for the last 15 years. He has been an after school program director, a political organizer, a director of development and the director of a gang violence intervention program.
Kurt is a relatively new Catholic having been baptized in 2009. Since then he has dedicated his life to the Church by working for the Archdiocese, teaching religious education, and attending and regularly volunteering at his home parish, St. John Berchmans in Logan Square. Kurt holds a Bachelor’s degree in theater, he trained at Chicago's famed Second City and is a sketch comedy writer and performer in his spare time.
Enrollment Marketing Manager for Vicariates IV and V and Associate Director of Hispanic Outreach Marketing
Legislative Action Coordinator and Family and School Association Consultant
Administrative Assistant to Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools
