Our Classroom Team

Miss Liz- Classroom Teacher

Hi and welcome to Room 1003! My name is Liz Foley and I am thrilled to be learning with you and your child this school year. This will be my eleventh year at Romona School and my 22nd year as an early childhood learning behavior specialist. In addition to my passion for learning and teaching, I also love practicing yoga, hiking, being outdoors, and spending as much time as I can with family and friends. I live in Chicago with my husband, two year old son and dog.

As a teacher, I believe in creating and facilitating a warm and interesting classroom environment that sparks curiosity and promotes holistic development and learning. I believe in the importance of high expectations for all children in order to help them achieve to the best of their abilities. Developmentally appropriate activities and learning are carefully planned and facilitated through intentional teaching, balanced by embracing the spontaneity of the moment and being led by children's curiosity and interests. I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to educating young children. I view every child as strong, capable, independent, curious, and full of imagination. In our classroom, we empower children to think, question, investigate, explore, and help navigate the journey of learning.

Miss Stephanie- Speech-Language Pathologist

I received my master’s degree in speech and language pathology from Northwestern in 2012. I have been a part of the LEEP team since 2019. Prior to working in District 39, I spent time working in a pediatric clinic and a therapeutic day school. I have a passion for supporting kids and families in learning to play and playing to learn. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family at the zoo, one of Chicago’s many farmers markets, or just in the back yard with my two children and black lab.

Miss Linnea- Occupational Therapist

Miss Ellen- Paraprofessional

This is my 15th year as a paraprofessional in District 39, my 9th in the Early Childhood program at Romona. I have three children who attended Romona so I have really been involved here for many years. I am a proud graduate of Butler University. In my free time, I like to garden, walk, bake and spend time with my family especially my 2 year old grandson and my yellow labrador retriever, Hank!

Miss Joanna- Paraprofessional

Hello, my name is Joanna. This will be my 7^th year working at Romona as a paraprofessional. I have a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to working at District 39, I was an assistant teacher/head teacher at a Montessori school for 12 years. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 14-year-old daughter; we like going to sporting events, music concerts, and spending time with friends and family.