Faculty
Laura Barger – K-2 Homeroom
B.A., Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
M.S. in Written Communications, National Louis University
M.S. in Written Communications, National Louis University
Read Laura's bio
I became a full-time teacher in the GNCS system in 1988 and have been teaching kindergarten or a combination of kindergarten, first grade, and second grade ever since. One of my great joys is building relationships with the five-to-eight-year-olds who learn and grown under our care each year. In 2000 I received my Master’s degree in Written Communication from National Louis University. Providence led me to work at the GNCS where two of my loves – writing and teaching – go hand in hand.
Sarah Berto – K-2 Homeroom, Head Teacher for Early Education
B.S. in Education, Edgewood College of Education
Read Sarah's bio
I have been teaching for 23 years. I received my BSC teacher’s degree in South Africa (where I was born) and taught three, four and five year olds for six years in a preschool, after which I taught combined classes of first, second and third graders for seven years. In 1998 my husband and our three small children moved to Glenview where I have since taught at the GNCS. I am inspired to teach beyond the written word, enriching the children and unlocking their creativity.
Rev. Peter Buss, Jr., Pastor – School Pastor, 3rd and 4th Hebrew, 5th and 6th Greek, 5th and 6th Religion
B.A. in Classical Studies from Davidson College; MA in Divinity from the Academy of the New Church Theological School; MBA from the University of Notre Dame
Read Peter's bio
I have been at the Glenview New Church and Schools since 1996, serving for the first six years as Assistant Pastor and the rest as Head Pastor. I’ve had the opportunity to teach Religion classes all those years. Before coming to Glenview, I served in a congregation and school in the Washington D.C. area for three years.
I greatly enjoy the interactions I have with students on a day to day basis. The thing I like most about teaching in the Glenview New Church School is the opportunity to have a good time with students talking about some pretty important stuff. It’s not just the classroom experience, but the whole range of interactions, from saying hi in the morning, having chapel together, getting down to work together, and visiting in the hallways. This is a place where relationships are built and time is invested in the welfare of each student. That’s a culture in which I thrive.
I greatly enjoy the interactions I have with students on a day to day basis. The thing I like most about teaching in the Glenview New Church School is the opportunity to have a good time with students talking about some pretty important stuff. It’s not just the classroom experience, but the whole range of interactions, from saying hi in the morning, having chapel together, getting down to work together, and visiting in the hallways. This is a place where relationships are built and time is invested in the welfare of each student. That’s a culture in which I thrive.
Jacquie Chapman – Teaching Assistant
B.A. in Social Work, University of Wisconsin
Read Jacquie's bio
I have taught in various capacities at the Glenview New Church Schools since 1998 including Junior Preschool Teacher, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant and school-wide substitute. I have also taught many years of Sunday School as well as an adult ESL/ELL program at Oakton Community College.
Cindy Edmonds – 3rd through 6th Social Studies
B.S. in Education, Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Read Cindy's bio
I made the decision to become a teacher at the ripe old age of eight when my dear second grade teacher suddenly became very ill during reading circle and had to leave the room. She stood up, handed me the teacher’s manual and left the room. Never wavering, I looked forward to the day when I would teach for real. This happened in 1975 and continues to this day. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to reach out to so many amazing children in so many ways.
Mackenzie Reynolds – Admissions Director
B.F.A. in Advertising Art Direction, Columbia College Chicago
Read Mackenzie's bio
Coming soon!
Emily Horigan – 7th and 8th Homeroom (7 and 8 LA, 4-8 Math)
B.A. in Mathematics, Eastern Illinois University
Read Emily's bio
While attending the Glenview New Church Schools as a student, I admired my teachers and I wanted the opportunity to one day make school as meaningful for my students as they did for me. During my time at Eastern Illinois University, I tutored peers in mathematics and began learning how to teach. Since joining the GNCS as a teacher in 2009, I have had the chance to help students become lifelong thinkers and learners in order to help them continue to work towards being a person they are proud to be.
Sue Lee – After Care
Read Sue's bio
I worked as a preschool aid and lunch supervisor at the GNCS from 2000 to 2006. I have directed the After Care program since 2007. Working around and with children is a lifelong passion of mine as I previously was a nanny to a family of ten children for just over ten years. As a third generation graduate of the GNCS, I am proud to work in an atmosphere I truly love.
Deb Lehne –K-6 Library Resource Center, 1-5 Language Arts Support
B.A. in Secondary Education, University of Michigan, cum laude; certification in history and psychology;
M.A. in Education (major in Reading and minor in English), University of Michigan
M.A. in Education (major in Reading and minor in English), University of Michigan
Read Deb's bio
I began at the Glenview New Church Schools in 2001 but have taught in a variety of settings including high schools, adult education classes, and elementary education throughout my over 20 year teaching career. I have a strong interest in reading and literature which is reflected in the curriculum I teach to the blended third and fourth grade classes. My love of nature is also in evidence in the many outdoor activities my students do throughout the school year. I endeavor to implant a sense of excitement and delight in learning, paving the path for my students to be lifelong learners.
Jennifer Overeem – PK-8 Art, 1-4 Handwriting, K-4 PE, 7th and 8th Drama and Speech
B.A., Columbia College in Chicago; member of the National Art Educators Association
Read Jennifer's bio
Since I began teaching formal art classes at the GNCS in 1992, I have focused on helping students discover their creative spirit and connect art to their other studies. Skill development and exposure to different materials and ideas are the means by which the students build an understanding and enjoyment in making art. I challenge my students to push themselves outside of their comfort zones and to see the things around them from new perspectives. Currently, I am working towards an advanced art education degree.
Phil Parker – 7/8 History, 5-8 Science, 5-8 PE, Head Teacher for Upper School
B.S. in Education, Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Read Phil's bio
As it came time for me to choose a career path, I thought back to my seventh grade teacher and realized what a huge, positive impact he made on my life. As an upper grades teacher at the GNCS since 1995, I have been able to do the same. Each day I am committed to making that positive difference in all of my students’ lives by discussing religion, reflecting with them on their choices, talking about morality, and many others. I am grateful that the Lord has blessed me with an ability to have these conversations.
Rev. Mark Pendleton – 3rd & 4th and 7th & 8th Religion
B.S. in Physical Therapy, Temple University
Masters of Divinity (MDiv.) from the Academy of the New Church Theological School
Masters of Divinity (MDiv.) from the Academy of the New Church Theological School
Read Mark's bio
I have been the Assistant Pastor at the Glenview New Church and Schools since 2002. Before coming to Glenview, I was pastor of the New Church of Phoenix for four years, Associate Pastor of the Oak Arbor Church in Rochester, Michigan for four years, and Associate Pastor of the Caryndale New Church in Kitchener, Ontario for three years. My greatest pleasures in teaching religion are in fostering healthy teacher-student relationships, helping students learn stories from the Old and New Testaments with affection and delight, helping students learn to think from religious principles, and seeing students grow in their relationships with one another and with the Lord. It is also my pleasure to be a part of a larger faculty of educators that works with care and diligence to set a safe and loving context in which students can learn and grow, both spiritually and naturally.
Rachel Pennie – Administrative Support
Read Rachel's bio
I have been the GNCS Secretary since 2008. While I support the entire faculty and staff with various tasks, the best part of my day is welcoming the students into the school each morning.
Emma Rentas – Before Care, Preschool Aide, Spanish Exposure (Pre-2nd Grade)
Certified in Montessori Early Education
Read Emma's bio
I have had the honor of working in the Glenview New Church Preschool since 2007. I began as a floating aide for the three different preschool classes, but for the last two years I have been an aide solely for the Junior Preschool class. Additionally, I teach Spanish exposure to the Kindergarten through second grade students. I love working side-by-side a great staff and working with children of different cultures has been a real pleasure!
Rebekah Russell – 3-4 Homeroom, Head of Curriculum Development, Head of Teacher Support
B.S. in Special Education, Bloomsburg University
M.Ed. in Family Studies, Loyola University
M.Ed. in Family Studies, Loyola University
Read Rebekah's bio
While I currently teach fifth and sixth grades and assist the Director with various administrative duties, I have taught various combinations of third through sixth grades at the GNCS since 1991. Additionally, I was co-principal then principal of the school from 1996 to 2004. I love to bring learning to life for my students by using their innate creativity to support both the academic and life lessons presented to them each day. I am particularly interested in family systems and their impact on children. The opportunity to work with the Lord to touch the hearts and minds of my students for good each day is something I love.
Bonny Scheer – 3rd through 8th Music
B.A. in Music Education, Indiana University; M.A. in Music Education, VanderCook College of Music
Read Bonny's bio
I have a Master’s Degree in Music Education and studied at Indiana University and VanderCook College of Music. I also specialize in the Orff-Schulwerk method of music education and teach private violin and viola lessons. Something I love about teaching at the Glenview New Church Schools is the way that charity is evident in everyone, from the faculty to the staff to the students. The atmosphere here is one of a family, which is a rare thing in schools today. I feel very lucky to teach here.
Kara Smith – All-Day Preschool
B.S. in Biology, Northeastern University; Certified in Early Childhood Education
Read Kara's bio
Since 2007 I have been affectionately known as Miss Kara to the children I teach in the Junior Preschool program here at the GNCS. My undergrad is in biology and I earned my Early Childhood Education certificate in 2009. As a child I attended the Glenview New Church Schools and it is fulfilling to be a teacher here now because I get to instill the same principles I was once taught. Teaching also gives me the opportunity to use my creativity in art, projects, and games to teach the children. I love that every day is different especially with kids of the preschool age.
Erik Synnestvedt – Director of Schools
B.S. in Biology and in Chemistry, Bryn Athyn College
Read Erik's bio
After studying engineering and philosophy at Penn State and Temple University in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I returned to college in 1997 and earned degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Bryn Athyn College. With that training, I helped start a waste management company on the east coast. In 2002 I was invited by the Midwest hospital community to start my own company here in Chicago and moved to Glenview. Since 2004, first as a board member and then as a paid consultant in business development, I have enjoyed studying educational history and direction, networking with area principals and superintendents, and helping the school reorganize under the direction of an academic board. I have always had a strong commitment and love for the New Church teachings as well as to education. For years I have tutored students, taught classes, and chaperoned youth trips and service projects. Recently, I attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Future of Learning Institute and have found great camaraderie and support for our efforts to grow. In 2008 I closed my company and dedicated my full energy to helping GNCS grow and was appointed Director of Schools in 2009. Currently, I am a member of the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curricular Development and a member of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Principals’ Center. I am thrilled to be able to bring my entrepreneurial background and deep affection for learning to benefit this school. I am very proud of the faculty and staff for the work they do and I’m honored to be leading this school and serving this community.
Judy Teel – Director of Church and School Operations
Read Judy's bio
I have performed an assortment of duties since joining the GNCS in 2005. Currently, as Director of Church and School Operations, some of my responsibilities include ensuring all facilities and maintenance needs are met as well as all scheduling requests of building rentals are fulfilled. Not only do the Kindergarten kids make me laugh on a daily basis, but it is rewarding to work in an atmosphere where teamwork, camaraderie, and dedication are high priorities.