Oak Lawn Community High School is happy to welcome 13 new members to its staff for the 2023-24 school year.
Joshua Beilanski earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. Xavier University and his master’s degree from Concordia University. He has taught high school math and computer science for six years. Joshua is the defensive line coach of our Spartan football team and he would like to see the football program compete in the playoffs. He wants all of his students to experience success in their own way and he wants to get to know as many people as he can. Joshua said, “I am very excited to start my time at Oak Lawn. My parents and grandparents attended Oak Lawn high school and I would have attended as well had we not moved. Oak Lawn has been a part of my family and I can finally say that I get to have the OL experience too!”
Erin Dempsey, a 1994 Oak Lawn Community High School graduate, joins the special education department. Erin earned her bachelor’s degree from Benedictine University and her master’s degree from Olivet University. Erin has coached both girls basketball and softball at OLCHS over the years. She said, “I firmly believe in the saying Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan. It rings true here as so many of our students have come back to teach and coach here. It's awesome to see what an impact our high school career has had on each of us, drawing us back to help students succeed and be proud of their school.” Erin is married with two children, Danielle and Jack, who both attend Oak Lawn Community High School.
Rosendo Gutierrez, Jr., teaches the new ACHIEVE class. Rosendo earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Informations Systems and his master’s degree in Education from Benedictine University. He is married with two young girls. Rosendo said, “I hope to make leaders and successful people out of the students at Oak Lawn. My goal is to inspire my students to truly be their best selves, and create change in the world.” Rosendo is a huge Bears fan.
Jeanelle Hughes joins the business department. Jeanelle has one daughter and one son. Jeanelle has her bachelor’s degree in CSU business educations and master’s degrees in ACR educational leadership and ACE curriculum and instruction. Jeanelle has coached girls track, cross country, and dance. She hopes to grow professionally and get involved in extracurriculars.
Nicole Kachiroubas joins the Special Education department. Nicole has her bachelor’s degree in theater from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in special education from Chicago State University, and a master’s degree in Leadership in Special Education from Concordia University. Nicole has one teenager, one snuggly pitbull, and one frisky cat. Nicole will assistant coach the girls junior varsity bowling team. Nicole said, “Having spent the last seven years at a middle school, I am most excited about working with the high school population again. I'm also excited to be making an impact in a community close to home.”
Kyle Kuzur, a 2014 Oak Lawn Community High School graduate, joins the Special Education department and football coaching staff in addition to sponsoring the Competitive Gaming club. Kyle is married with three children. For the past nine years, Kyle has served in the United States Marine Corps. Kyle has his associate’s degree in arts from Joliet Junior College, a bachelor’s degree in science and health from Eastern Illinois University, and is currently working towards his master’s degree in special education from Dominican University. Kyle said, “The thing that I am most excited about coming into OLCHS is having the ability to make an impact on my students' lives. I truly believe that my purpose is to help my students live rewarding choice-filled lives. It motivates me every day knowing that I have the opportunity to get my students excited about learning and to grow as individuals.”
Dylan LeBlanc joins the social studies department. Dylan has a bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago and earned both his master’s degree and Ph.D in history from Notre Dame University. Dylan said, “I'm passionate about civics education so I'm excited to join and contribute to a team delivering a rigorous curriculum in that area. I'm hoping to also expand our dual credit program with Moraine Valley Community College, building on my experience teaching history at the college level.”
Scott Miller joins the physical education department. Scott has his bachelor’s degree in sport, health and leisure studies and a minor in sociology from the University of Iowa as well as bachelor of science in kinesiology and physical education from Northern Illinois University. Scott coaches football and will coach boys track and field. Scott said, “My hope and goal is to become a valuable member of the Oak Lawn H.S. teaching community and to build strong classroom relationships with all of my students.”
Kathleen Miller joins the English department after supervising the Behavior Intervention room for two years. Kathleen also student taught at Oak Lawn Community High School and was awarded the Most Outstanding English Educator at St. Xavier University. Kathleen earned her bachelor's degree in English/Secondary Education from Saint Xavier University and her master's in reading from the University of St. Francis. Kathleen will continue to coach the girls varsity volleyball team. She said, “I am most excited to continue building relationships with our students, staff and community members. OLCHS offers a supportive and encouraging environment to everyone, and it is a privilege to work alongside and learn from phenomenal educators who care deeply about our students.”
Zachary Russell is the Behavior Room Intervention supervisor and the head coach of the sophomore football team. Zachary earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and LBS1 from the University of St. Francis. Zachary said, “I hope to be as influential as some educators that I had when I was younger and ultimately, helped me make the decision to go into education. I want students to be excited to come to class every day with a smile on their face.”
Kate Stanton joins the English department. Her grandmother, Mrs. Gallagher, was a substitute teacher at Oak Lawn Community High School during the 1960s. Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University with a theater education license addition and earned her masters in Curriculum and Instruction (ESL & LBS1) from National Louis University. Kate coaches speech and said, “ I love the community! I felt an instant connection with the community here. It is evident that this is a very special place as I've been getting to know the OLCHS staff, students, and families.”
Teresa Victores joins the world language department. Teresa grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has two boys. Teresa has two master's degrees: M.Ed from National Louis University and a master’s degree for Spanish teachers from Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, Spain. She said, “My goal is to motivate all my students to become bilingual and be successful in their life.”
Kails Vopelak, a 2018 Oak lawn Community High school graduate and former volleyball and softball athlete, joins the physical education department. Kails earned her degree in kinesiology at the University of Illinois as well his physical education license and an endorsement in health. While at the University of Illinois Kails worked as an athletic training aide for the Illini football program. Kails is the junior varsity girls volleyball coach. Kails said, “I hope to be able to help every student that I teach find a physical activity that they enjoy and can do into the future past their time here at Oak Lawn.”
Oak Lawn Community High School is proud of this class of new staff members!