Just Announced: Collegiate Model Rhetoric Program for 2024-2025 school year! Now enrolling for 9th grade!

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Faculty

A Community of Professionals United in Purpose

Outstanding Teachers, Proven Methods

Our faculty and staff are an integral part of creating a lifelong love of learning in our students. Each member of our Covenant team is uniquely gifted and equipped to enhance your child’s experience at Covenant.

Administration

Tom Stoner

Head of School

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Sarah Burlingame

Interim Grammar School Principal

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Katrina Combs

Upper School Dean

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Tom Stoner

Head of School

Dr. Stoner graduated from Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois) with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Hamilton, Massachusetts) and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Development from Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts). Dr. Stoner joined Covenant in 2017.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Dr. Stoner
I love being a part of the Covenant community because of the clarity of our mission and identity and our strategic vision to be the best expression of who we are in the years to come.

Sarah Burlingame

Interim Grammar School Principal

Mrs. Burlingame graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Mrs. Burlingame first joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Burlingame...
I am delighted to be a part of the Covenant community. Covenant’s devoted faculty, inquisitive students, vibrant curriculum, and grace-filled atmosphere make it a truly exceptional place. It is an honor and joy to participate in Covenant’s mission to share Christ’s love and to celebrate His creation through joyful, humble study of His Word and world.

Katrina Combs

Upper School Dean

Mrs. Combs graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and in history. She went on to earn her Master of Arts from Olivet Nazarene University in a Great Books-style program (philosophy of history emphasis). Mrs. Combs joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Combs…
"I am privileged to do the best "work" in the world: I get to spend my days around a table reading widely and thinking deeply with the most passionate, inquisitive young minds. Training these young people to communicate their own responses to a text is a tremendous, but desperately important, task. To do this kind of work with like-minded colleagues, in a supportive community of grace, never ceases to excite me!"

Staff

Carrie Santucci

Office Manager

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Katherine Salinas

Front Desk Manager

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Angela Colvin

Director of Communications

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Veronica Sandino

Business Manager

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Camay Phinney

After School Care

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Carrie Santucci

Office Manager

Mrs. Santucci graduated from North Central College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. Mrs. Santucci joined Covenant in 2021.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Santucci...
My love for Covenant runs deep as I witness God's continuous provision in our community. I'm delighted to support the ongoing daily operations of the school. It is my prayer today, and all days, for children to know they are precious to God.

Katherine Salinas

Front Desk Manager

Mrs. Salinas graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelors in Music Education and taught overseas in Honduras, downtown Chicago in magnet schools and in South Florida at a private Christian school. Mrs. Salinas joined Covenant in 2021.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Salinas...
Covenant captured our hearts when our oldest daughter started Kindergarten. We deeply appreciated the commitment to Christ first, standard of excellence in education and commitment to fostering a beautiful community. While those words are easy to say, we saw them acted out every day with our children and even with us. We are so thankful for a place that nurtures and educates our children while working with us parents to point our children to Christ. To Him be the glory.

Angela Colvin

Director of Communications

Mrs. Colvin graduated from North Park University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Mrs. Colvin joined Covenant in 2022.

Email:
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Veronica Sandino

Business Manager

Mrs. Sandino holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from DePaul University’s College of Commerce in Chicago. She has worked for years as a financial analyst, assistant controller, and senior accountant for companies such as Nabisco, Wrigley, and Mondelez International as well as for the Aurora Township.

Email:
[email protected]

Camay Phinney

After School Care

Mrs. Phinney graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing. Mrs. Phinney joined Covenant in 2013.

A Word from Mrs. Phinney…
It is my pleasure to help make Covenant more convenient for families through caring for students before and after school. Investing in the children’s play, relationships, and homework time is very rewarding as I see them grow spiritually, physically and intellectually through their years in a classical Christian community.

Faculty

Debra Soehren

Kindergarten

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Kimberly Sceggel

Second Grade

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Ana Stevenson

Third Grade

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Bonnie Wild

Fourth Grade

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Hannah Karsner

Third & Fourth Grade Latin

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Sarah Burlingame

5th/6th-Grade Humanities

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Katrina Combs

Logic School Humanities

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Heather Reyes

Logic School Math & Student Life

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Dafne Pluhar

Logic & Rhetoric School Bible

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Bob Locascio

Logic School Physical Sciences & Computer Skills

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Jenn Meisenheimer

Logic School Life Science

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Zhenyi Liu

Math Club & Geometry

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Jacob Andrews

Logic School Latin & Logic

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Debra Soehren

Kindergarten

Debra Soehren - Kindergarten
Mrs. Soehren graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management with a minor in Economics. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity International University. Mrs. Soehren joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Soehren...
Covenant has been an immeasurable blessing to me every day, from the enthusiasm and respect of the students to the encouragement from parents to the camaraderie and support of fellow staff. I am challenged and privileged to be able to inspire and witness the love, joy, and excitement for learning in our students. They demonstrate a wonder and an amazement for all our loving God has created!

Cassandra Herrera

First Grade

Mrs. Herrera graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. She went on to earn a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in ESL/BIL (Spanish) Education. Mrs. Herrera joined Covenant in 2014.

Email:
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A Word from Mrs. Herrera…
The best part about working at Covenant is that I am a part of a caring, grace-filled community. I have come to feel that it is more like being part of a family. My fellow staff members, faculty, administrators, students, and parents have supported me and encouraged me through every aspect of life. Covenant is truly a place where one can experience the body of Christ. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this community. Teaching in a classical and Christian environment is such a delight! In my classroom, it is my goal to help students see the big picture of how everything in God’s creation fits together. Our first graders learn about geography, history, and science, along with many other subject areas, and then we spend the whole year looking for ways they are all interconnected.

Kimberly Sceggel

Second Grade

Mrs. Sceggel graduated from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and went on to earn a Master of Education in Integrated Curriculum and Instruction from Covenant College. Mrs. Sceggel joined Covenant in 2012.

Email:
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A Word from Mrs. Sceggel…
It's truly a delight to teach at Covenant where depth, integration, growth, and grace are valued. As my students gain knowledge and skills, our rich curriculum lends itself to discussing big ideas and making connections between prior knowledge and new ideas as well as between subjects. The second graders eagerly explore God’s creation and integrate biblical truths with their learning. I enjoy expanding my knowledge of botany, the Bible, ancient history, and teaching methods that increase student engagement and learning. Here at Covenant, learning takes place in an atmosphere of humility and grace which mirrors God’s grace and love toward us, and I am thankful to be a part of this special place.

Ana Stevenson

Third Grade

Mrs. Stevenson graduated from Wheaton College in 2020 with an Elementary Education degree. For the past 3 years she’s been a missionary teacher in Bogota, Colombia teaching 4th grade. Mrs. Stevenson joined Covenant in 2023.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Stevenson…
As a child, I was classically homeschooled from K-12th grade, and I also attended a classical co-school in Wheaton. I’m excited for this new opportunity to teach classically. I love reading and learning about history, and I am looking forward to exploring amazing stories with my students. Third grade is an important year for students as they develop in maturity and are capable of handling more rigorous work. I look forward to working alongside them as they grow in their God-given abilities and use them to bring glory to God. I love the unique creativity that each student brings into our classroom community, and I hope they will grow in confidence as they use their gifts to serve others with grace and humility.

Bonnie Wild

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Wild graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education. Mrs. Wild joined Covenant in 2024.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Wild…
It is such a privilege to be a teacher and join with parents to help their children grow spiritually and academically. It is a joy to be with the teachers and staff at Covenant Classical because they genuinely care for every student and work to inspire each one to marvel at God’s goodness, beauty, and truth. My passion is to share the love of Christ with each student and point them to Jesus. I love interacting with them and building relationships that they will remember for a long time. I aim to provide a safe, caring, Christ-centered learning environment where students can flourish and further understand the world around them and how God made them unique and with purpose.

Hannah Karsner

Third & Fourth Grade Latin

Mrs. Karsner is a graduate of Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Intercultural Studies and TESOL. Mrs. Karsner joined Covenant in 2018.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Karsner…
I am thrilled to be a member of a team whose common goal is to take part in the process of opening students’ eyes to the wonder of God's love and His creation. Throughout our days, we think critically about the materials we are covering. Our class is constantly finding connections between our topics of study. Ultimately, we seek to apply our faith to the work and learning we do. We work hard for the glory of God and reflect in amazement at all He's done and at His love for us.

Sarah Burlingame

5th/6th-Grade Humanities

Mrs. Burlingame graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Mrs. Burlingame first joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Burlingame...
I am delighted to be a part of the Covenant community. Covenant’s devoted faculty, inquisitive students, vibrant curriculum, and grace-filled atmosphere make it a truly exceptional place. It is an honor and joy to participate in Covenant’s mission to share Christ’s love and to celebrate His creation through joyful, humble study of His Word and world.

Katrina Combs

Logic School Humanities

Mrs. Combs graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and in history. She went on to earn her Master of Arts from Olivet Nazarene University in a Great Books-style program (philosophy of history emphasis). Mrs. Combs joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Combs…
"I am privileged to do the best "work" in the world: I get to spend my days around a table reading widely and thinking deeply with the most passionate, inquisitive young minds. Training these young people to communicate their own responses to a text is a tremendous, but desperately important, task. To do this kind of work with like-minded colleagues, in a supportive community of grace, never ceases to excite me!"

Heather Reyes

Logic School Math & Student Life

Mrs. Reyes graduated with an undergraduate degree from North Central College in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Mathematics Teacher Leadership from Aurora University. Mrs. Reyes joined Covenant in 2019.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Reyes...
I'm someone who was already a classically minded math teacher; I just didn't know it. Math was always the subject that I wrestled with the most as a student, because I am a deep, conceptual thinker and procedures without meaning simply don't stick in my mind. Coming to understand that about myself shaped me into a math teacher who loves to explain how and why things work, which is exactly what classical mathematics education does. I have a deep passion for working with middle-grade students; it's such an important and challenging developmental stage, when high-quality teachers and mentors are critically important to shaping the emerging young adult self. Teaching Logic School math at Covenant allows me to express my passion for both conceptual mathematics and teaching young adolescents, while openly expressing my faith and engaging in the spiritual direction and mentoring that I wish I'd had access to when I was that age.

Dafne Pluhar

Logic & Rhetoric School Bible

Miss Pluhar graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor degree in Communication as well as a Bachelor degree in Bible & Theology. Miss Pluhar joined Covenant in 2024.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Miss Pluhar
It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to teach at Covenant Classical School where I am allowed to integrate my faith with the pursuit of academic excellence in a way that profoundly shapes students' intellectual and moral development. Through the Logic School and Rhetoric School Bible classes, students will get to explore the truth in God’s scripture, along with making sense of the deep relevance that it has to their personal lives. I am passionate about helping students understand the Bible in a way that is accessible and encouraging to them, and communicates the truth of God’s grace. Being part of a community that prioritizes both spiritual and intellectual formation enriches my teaching experience and fulfills my commitment to educate young minds in a manner that is above all glorifying God.

Bob Locascio

Logic School Physical Sciences & Computer Skills

Mr. Locascio received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and spent the first three decades of his career in the telecommunications tech industry working for Motorola, Agilent, and other companies across the U.S. and abroad. He then transitioned to helping create a non-profit Christian Ministry facilitating emotional wellness called The Crucible Project. Bob used his background in engineering to help develop the technology platform for the ministry while also serving as a frequent retreat leader. In addition to men’s ministry, he has taught in children’s ministry at several churches for the past 35 years. His wife, Christine, is the chair of the English department at Wheaton College, so they are deeply immersed in the mission of Christian schooling.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mr. Locascio…
"I am excited to engage with Covenant students around the sciences. I've been a STEM "nerd" as long as I can remember, and I hope to pass on that love for the sciences to my students. The Bible tells us that we can clearly see God's divine nature in His creation, and I'm looking forward to helping students see our God as we study."

Jenn Meisenheimer

Logic School Life Science

Bio coming soon!

Zhenyi Liu

Math Club & Geometry

Dr. Zhenyi Liu holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics with a specialization in Geometric Topology. In addition to her role at Covenant, she serves as a faculty member in the math department at a college. Dr. Liu joined Covenant in 2023.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Dr. Zhenyi Liu…
I truly enjoy teaching at Covenant, where the atmosphere is exceptionally warm and welcoming. The environment is kind and supportive, creating a space where students are encouraged to learn and grow. In this nurturing, grace-filled setting, each day presents a new opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a child's life. As a math teacher, I often remind my students that "Math ability is not something you're born with but something you develop through consistent effort." The most rewarding part of my role is witnessing the transformation that occurs when we share our knowledge and enthusiasm, helping ignite a love for learning in our students and guiding them toward their greatest potential.

Jacob Andrews

Logic School Latin & Logic

Dr. Andrews attended a classical school in Chicago and graduated with high honors from Loyola University in Chicago with a B.A. in Latin and Philosophy. He went on to receive a Master of Arts in the History of Philosophy from Marquette University (Wisconsin), and a Master of Philosophy in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), and a Ph.D. in Medieval Philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago. Dr. Andrews joined Covenant in 2020.

Email:
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A Word from Dr. Andrews...
I believe that the Latin language offers an educator the perfect opportunity to instill the values of truth, goodness, and beauty. First, learning a classical language allows students to learn the structure of human language and thought in general. Second, the discipline involved in learning Latin develops moral and intellectual virtue. Third, the Latin language is simply beautiful, from Virgil’s webs of grammatical agreement to Augustine’s wide-eyed wonder to Aquinas’ crystal clarity; I love to share that beauty with anyone who is willing to go on the journey with me. Finally, the Latin language, in its evolution from the language of high pagan culture to the premier vehicle of theology and devotion in the West, exemplified the Apostle’s injunction to take every thought captive to Christ.

Stephanie Eickholt

Music

Mrs. Eickholt teaches all general music classes K-4 and electives classes grades 5-9, including marimba ensemble and choir. Stephanie received a B.S. with a major in Music Education and a minor in voice from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Her professional experience includes teaching general music classes for grades K-6 for 7 years in Indiana and she has also taught music classes for pre-school children and their parents for 4 additional years through an organization called Music Together. Her professional credentials include certification in Orff Schulwerk and Music Together. Mrs. Eickholt joined Covenant in 2024.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Eickholt...
I am thrilled to be a part of this school community and help our students become confident music makers. It is a joy for me to watch students grow in their musical abilities and take ownership of their learning. We have a lot of fun in the music room together!

Thurston Stevenson

Drama

Mr. Stevenson graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Comedy Writing and Performance. He is a second year teacher and has a passion for using drama to teach practical skills for life and teaching how to use your gifts and abilities to serve others and bring glory to God. Mr. Stevenson joined Covenant in 2023.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mr. Stevenson...
"I am very excited and a little nervous (nerves aren't a bad thing, we'll learn more about that in class) to be your drama teacher this year! We will look at God's original intentions for the world of acting and drama. We will also cultivate a safe, challenging space to grow in trust and take risks. Come ready to have fun!"

Elizabeth Fuzak

Art

Mrs. Fuzak graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Mrs. Fuzak joined Covenant in 2012.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Fuzak…
The Covenant community is like family! It’s such a blessing to be able to partner with parents in their child’s education, and I feel privileged to work with such God-honoring coworkers who are passionate about sharing their gifts with others. As an Art teacher, it is very rewarding for me to be able to help children grow in their relationship with Jesus while taking their skills to new levels.

Board of Trustees

Joshua Fogarty

Member

Josh Fogarty is a Nurse Anesthetist at Loretto Hospital in Chicago IL. He received his Master's Degree in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Pennsylvania. Josh lives in Aurora, IL, with his wife, Yetunde, and their four children, Elijah, Jonah, Elianna, and Selah-Rose.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Joshua Fogarty
Our family is very thankful for Covenant and its community. We couldn’t have found a school that does a better job trying to mesh academics with theology, spiritual growth, and character formation. It’s a great place and we love being a part of it!

D’Andrae Larry

Treasurer

Bio coming soon!

Lindsay Tully

Secretary

Lindsay is a dedicated board member whose background in marketing, publicity, writing, and editing brings a wealth of experience to our school. She actively helps lead the women’s ministry at Hope Fellowship.

As a mother of three—Talia (11, 6th grade), Hudson (8, 3rd grade), and Brooks (6, 1st grade)—Lindsay is deeply committed to supporting her children’s educational journeys and fostering a nurturing environment for their growth.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring local forest preserves with her family.

Angela Castaldo

Vice Chairperson

Angela Castaldo is an educator and pastor's wife at New Covenant Church in Naperville. She earned her BA from Moody Bible Institute in Bible and Theology. She lives in Naperville, IL with her husband Chris and their five children, Luke, Philip, Simeon, Aliza, and Malachi.

Email:
[email protected]

David Yang

Chairperson

Dr. David Yang, an interventional cardiologist, serves as Board Chairperson. He is a father of two young children, Yuna (7) and Judah (5), and attends New Covenant Church in Naperville. In his spare time, David enjoys playing basketball and watching superhero movies.

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