Faculty and Staff
Principal Mrs. Mary Jo Sarff
Western Illinois University
B. S., Elementary Education
St. Xavier University
M.S., Teaching & Leadership
Bradley University
Administration Certification
Mrs. Brigette Sullivan
School Secretary
schoolsecretary@stjosephschoolpekin.com
Mrs. Colette Willoughby
Marketing/Development Director
cwilloughby@stjosephschoolpekin.com
Mrs. Debbie Bruner
Kindergarten Teacher
Northern Illinois University
B.S., Elementary Education K-9
B.S., Special Education K-12
Mrs. Tracie McConnell
First Grade Teacher
Illinois State University
B.S., Early Childhood Education
Illinois Central College
Associate’s Degree, Education
Miss Debbie Oberle
Second Grade Teacher
Marycrest College
B.A., Elementary Education K-9, English, Social Science
Bradley University
M.A., Elementary Education K-9
Mrs. Amanda Crouch
Third Grade Teacher
Illinois State University
B.S. Elementary Education, Social Science and Language Arts
American College of Education
M.S., Curriculum & Instruction
Mrs. Susan Coyer
Fourth Grade Teacher
Illinois State University
B.S., Elementary Education K-9, Social Science Middle School
Illinois State University
B.S., Sociology
Mrs. Natalie Wendelin
Fifth Grade Teacher
Illinois State University
B.S., Arts in Education
St. Xavier University
Master of Teaching
nwendelin@stjosephschoolpekin.com
Mrs. Kathy Radovich
6th grade Teacher and 7th/8th grade Science Teacher
kradovich@stjosephschoolpekin.com
Miss Joan Moore 
Seventh/Eigth grade Teacher, Sixth grade Religion Teacher
Marycrest College
B.A., Elementary Education K-9, English – Reading Specialization – Social Studies
Western Illinois University
M.S., Educational Administration K-12

Mrs. Mary Smith
Resource Teacher
Illinois State University
B.S., Special Education K-12, Elementary K-9 teaching
Mrs. Kelly Walenta
P.E. Teacher
kwalenta@stjosephschoolpekin.com
Mrs. Wendy Strauss
Music Teacher
wstrauss@stjosephschoolpekin.com
Sister Victoria Maria Morell Sitjar
Apostolic Sisters of St. John
Spanish Teacher
sr.victoriamaria@stjean.com

Mrs. Cora Smith
Support Staff
Illinois Central College
Applied Science Associate’s, Child Development

Mrs. Jamie Blanchard
3/4 year old Preschool Teacher/Support Staff

Mrs. Christine Bresnahan
Preschool Aide
Methodist School of Nursing
Registered Nurse Diploma
Illinois Central College
General Education

Mrs. Kara Hinkle
4/5 year old Preschool Teacher
Illinois State University
B.S. Elementary Education, Social Science and Art
Illinois Central College
B.A., Science and Art

Mrs. Lori Mahr
Preschool Aide
Mrs. Toni Burks

Mr. Bob Small
Custodian
blsmall@stjosephschoolpekin.com