Two Community Consolidated School District 89 employees earned the “89 Empowers Award” for their generous and extraordinary under-the-radar work that makes the district an outstanding place to learn.
Briar Glen preschool teacher Chris Gillis was named the 89 Empowers recipient for certified staff. Park View Elementary administrative assistant Stephanie Mullany was named the 89 Empowers recipient for support staff.
The 89 Empowers Award honors those who embody the district’s mission to empower students, staff, and families to reach their full potential. All district employees are eligible to be nominated.
Briar Glen preschool teacher Chris Gillis
Chris Gillis has taught at Arbor View and Briar Glen since she started at District 89 in 2006.
For many people in our district, you can’t think of preschool without thinking of “Miss Chris”. Every day, her classroom is full of excitement. For most of the students in her class, this is their first time being in school. Some start the year in tears, but they finish the school year as young learners who love school.
They learn letters, numbers, days of the week, and all the other basics. But they also learn about red blood cells, build leprechaun traps, and study the inside of a pumpkin.
“Miss Chris has what I like to call ‘preschool magic’,” one co-worker said. “She engages her students in ways others do not. Her classroom is a place where young learners feel safe, confident, and excited to grow.”
Gillis welcomes families in with special mom’s breakfasts, fashion shows, and dad’s nights. She calls parents at night, stops by little league games, and builds a forest in the hallway to make an event feel more special.
One co-worker said: “Whether it’s coaching a parent on behavioral supports through afterschool meetings and home visits, helping a coworker build a table that got delivered to her room, or spraying a wasp nest in the shed that's near the kids' play equipment, she is doing it all.”
Gillis, who is retiring this year, is also a strong and dedicated leader for the preschool team. One teacher said she “is a warm, bright light that has been shining on many people’s lives for years.”
“She is someone you can always count on,” a co-worker wrote. “I can speak for our whole preschool team when I say that her presence is truly cherished. If you know Chris, you know she is extraordinary in every way.”
Park View administrative assistant Stephanie Mullany
Park View administrative assistant Stephanie Mullany is a welcoming presence, a helpful friend, and a relentless advocate for her school.
Mullany has worked at Park View since 2007, and according to staff members, she is the one who keeps the school “going and flowing”.
Mullany’s co-workers say she will do anything to make sure students and staff members have the best day possible. She keeps track of hundreds of students and dozens of staff members, ensuring they always have what they need. That might include delivering a forgotten lunch to a student, clearing a car out of the parking lane at arrival, listening to a teacher who needs a sounding board, or sharing a stuffed animal with a student who is having a tough time coming to school that day.
She takes care of all the little things that make a big difference. A co-worker said Stephanie makes Park View feel like a community.
In her nomination, a staff member wrote: “Stephanie's hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. She goes above and beyond what is expected. She works tirelessly to ensure Park View is a safe, fun, and inclusive place to learn and grow.”
89 Empowers nominees
Asma Aamir, Briar Glen: "Asma also has a wonderful way of connecting with the children through play."
Morgan Aiello, Arbor View: "While most people are content meeting the requirements of their role, Morgan consistently goes above and beyond, serving as a steady and dependable pillar of strength for our students, staff, and the entire community."
Rochelle Agbohlah, Park View: "She goes above and beyond for her students, and her compassion knows no bounds."
John Batiste, Glen Crest: "Whether it’s through a personalized handshake that students eagerly seek out or a difficult conversation handled with care and respect, John ensures that every interaction leaves students feeling seen, understood, and more confident."
Leslie Bauer, Glen Crest: "She is incredibly knowledgeable and always knows exactly what needs to be done."
Aimee Bostrand, Briar Glen: "She gives her best each and every day at Briar Glen, not for recognition, but simply because she cares deeply about her students and her community."
Kristen Brach, Briar Glen: "She has earned her title as 'Master Organizer' by organizing tools/learning materials in a way that's easy for students (and staff) to navigate independently."
Diane Bugajsky, Glen Crest: "When tasked with a project, Diane doesn't just follow directions—she elevates them, consistently going above and beyond."
Briana Cadigan, Briar Glen: "No matter what the situation, she always has a smile on her face."
Nicole Cannizzo, Glen Crest: "She has always been a highly motivated and creative teacher, but this year Nicole has gone above and beyond many times."
Karyn Cantlin, Briar Glen: "She embodies the spirit of our school community through her unwavering kindness and the deep respect she shows to every student she encounters."
Jessie Commo, Westfield: "Jessie’s positive attitude is contagious; she approaches each day with optimism and a focus on the bright side, uplifting both students and colleagues alike."
Tiffany Crawford, Park View: "You can always count on her to be there and to help you with anything."
Courtney Czerwinski, district office: "Courtney seems to do it all! She is always happy, friendly, and helpful."
Alaina Dettlo, Westfield: "She is the first person to volunteer her time and help whenever asked, and even though I know her to-do list is a mile long, she is so present and intentional."
Mitch Dubinsky, Briar Glen: "Mitch has built strong relationships with students, families, and the community, and he makes everyone feel welcome."
Brittany Edwards, Briar Glen: "She helps students to find the best in themselves and ensures the students she works with are successful and happy."
Briana Garcia, Briar Glen: "Through small, thoughtful gestures and kind words, she makes others feel seen and supported."
Stacy Gemelli, Glen Crest: "There isn't a student at the school that Stacy would not help. She is thoughtful, reliable, dependable, and kind."
Kiley Greco, Park View: "Your work goes beyond teaching: you bring confidence, hope, and joy to each of your students."
Elsa Hagedorn, Glen Crest: "She is flexible, kind, and hard-working."
Jackie Hanson, Park View: "She is always willing to help anyone with any task, no matter how big, and never seeks recognition."
Nathalie Hanzel, Glen Crest: "She brings a great positive and fun energy to the building!"
Tonia Hardtke, district: "Her commitment, generosity, and advocacy make our school district a more inclusive and supportive place."
Monica Herrera, Park View: "She comes with a positive attitude each day and is always helping others."
Tara Janney, Glen Crest: "She handles every task with a generous spirit and a positive attitude that lifts the entire building."
Hannah Julien, Briar Glen: "Hannah is dedicated, positive, and always willing to help those around her."
Kristin Kazonovitz, Glen Crest: "Kaz is so great, helpful, supportive, and collaborative. She always has a positive attitude and is fun to be around."
Rana Khan, Glen Crest: "She is a dynamic teacher with ideas that will only further push the students to become independent and succeed in adulthood."
Heba Khourshid, Arbor View: "Heba is the ray of sunshine that I look forward to seeing each day!"
Jill Kingsfield, district: "Throughout every initiative and challenge, Dr. Kingsfield has consistently led with positivity, compassion, and a deep commitment to students and staff members."
Sam Koppitz, Glen Crest: "He has a way of making music come to life for his students. Sam’s positive attitude and enthusiasm are contagious."
Katie LaDuca, Arbor View: "Katie LaDuca embodies kindness, compassion, and creativity in her role as resource teacher."
Janell Larson, Glen Crest: "Janell is always the first to reach out and set up opportunities to advocate for her students while making sure teachers are aware of what is going on so we can best support our kids."
Nicole Lennie, Glen Crest: "She is always willing to lend a helping hand and collaborate with her teammates."
Rebecca Luedtke, Glen Crest: "Rebecca is an enthusiastic collaborator and an expert in her field!"
Aferdito Maho, Glen Crest: "You will never find Mrs. Maho acting angry or unkind in any situation throughout the day."
Theresa McCluskey, Briar Glen: "Theresa possesses a rare gift for relating to every student in the class, regardless of their individual needs or communication styles."
Daniela Meija, Glen Crest: "Her empathy for her school families and dedication to helping them be successful is inspiring."
Cherie Michelon, Briar Glen: "She has a genuine heart, and it shows when she interacts with her students."
Salwa Mohammed, Park View: "She is a hard worker and does whatever anyone tells her to do -- and does it without complaint."
Maggie Moran, Glen Crest: "Maggie always has a smile on her face and is constantly ready to support others (including me), lend a listening ear, and go above and beyond for both her students and her co-workers."
Diane Nitz, Arbor View: "Diane is truly everyone’s biggest cheerleader - students and staff - and she notices the little things that others might miss."
Beth Obremski, Glen Crest: "Beth is an enthusiastic collaborator and an expert in her field!"
Rose O'Connell, Glen Crest: "She is collaborative, flexible, and always ready to jump in and help students."
Mark Odell, Glen Crest: "Mark is a go-to trusted adult for so many students (and staff) in our building."
Linda Papanikolla, Glen Crest: "To Linda, student success isn’t just a goal; it’s a personal mission."
Kimberly Percoco, Westfield: "Kim is incredibly generous with her time, always providing valuable resources and help to others, including myself."
Katie Picicco, Glen Crest: "Katie is one of those teachers and co-workers you know you will always be thankful to have in your life."
Elizabeth Daily Pingel, Arbor View: "She spent hours and hours behind the scenes creating organizational tools, folders, and helpful ways to house all the routines, checklists, and demands of the EL teacher role."
Maddy Potempa, Glen Crest: "She comes to school each day with a smile on her face, a positive attitude, and a willingness to help in any way she can."
Julie Ramirez, Glen Crest: "She is kind, and I've enjoyed getting to work with her!"
Lisa Riordan, Park View: "Her work has not only enhanced student experiences but also inspired those around her."
Jessica Romanelli, Glen Crest: "Jess is constantly innovating in her classroom, finding new and engaging ways to inspire students and make learning meaningful."
Jackie Sabani, Glen Crest: "She is always willing to help her fellow coworkers problem solve, be a listening ear, and an advocate for her students."
Betsy Salmen, Westfield: "Betsy is incredibly proactive and often anticipates needs before they are even expressed."
Lindsay Schaffnit, Glen Crest: "Lindsay is an amazing collaborator, advocate, problem solver, and cheerleader for her department, students, and families."
Daenon Scobee, Glen Crest: "She answers a million questions a week, while juggling a million tasks, and does so with a smile on her face."
Meghan Sedlacek, Glen Crest: "As a team leader for the 8th grade, she serves not only as an organizer, but as a steady, calming presence who fosters trust and positivity among both colleagues and students."
Monica Shekar, Glen Crest: "Math is a tough subject, but she knows how to facilitate it, how to break down complex concepts into simple ones."
Sammy Smith, Glen Crest: "She manages so many different things simultaneously at Glen Crest and does so with a great attitude."
Ashley Soukup, Westfield: "She advocates for her students and consistently goes the extra mile to ensure they feel confident, capable, and valued."
Julia Spencer, Briar Glen: "What stands out most is how intentionally she builds confidence in her students."
Erin Spino, Westfield: "She is highly organized, well-prepared, and proactive, always going above and beyond to ensure tasks are completed thoughtfully and effectively."
Asma Sultana, Park View: "The students' eagerness to learn, even when it was tough, shows what a positive impact Asma has made on them."
Kirsten Tauchen, Briar Glen: "She is warm, caring, and she forms connections with students who really need it."
Emily Waghorne, Briar Glen: "She takes time to listen, offer thoughtful guidance, and provide encouragement tailored to each student’s needs."
Kim Wankel, Arbor View: "She is a bright light when we need it, and the students adore her!"
Vicki White, Briar Glen: "Beyond the classroom, she supports programs such as Watch D.O.G.S. and organizes the yearly Career Cafe."
Adam Wolf, Glen Crest: "He consistently makes himself available to provide thoughtful guidance and meaningful support, demonstrating a strong commitment to educator growth and student success."
Allie Wrodarczyk, Westfield: "Allie’s willingness to adjust and collaborate helps create a positive classroom where every student can succeed."