Who We Are

Mara Battaglia, LCSW - 8th Grade

This is Mrs. Battaglia’s 20th year at Highland, having previously worked at the High School level for 5 years. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa and her Masters Degree in Social Work from Loyola University. Mrs. Battaglia enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their two sons, Jake and Zack. In her free time she enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends. You can contact her at mbattaglia@d70schools.org or 847-362-9020 x4124.

Marissa Farley, MSW - 7th Grade

Ms. Farley is excited to start her eighth year at HMS working with 7th grade. She graduated from DePaul with a B.A. in Psychology. Ms. Farley completed her Masters Degree in School Social Work from UIC School of Social Work. In her spare time Ms. Farley enjoys being outdoors, playing with her dog, Dobby, and reading. She can be reached at mfarley@d70schools.org or 847-362-9020 x4125.

Carrie Ross, LCSW - 6th Grade

This is Mrs. Ross's sixth year at Highland, having previously worked as a social worker in both public and private schools for 4 years. She earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Florida and her Masters Degree in Social Work from Florida State University. Mrs. Ross loves spending time with her husband Ricky, her three year old daughter Lainey, and her newborn daughter, Peyton. She spends many of her summers working at an overnight camp in Wisconsin and in her free time enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with friends. She is looking forward to another great year at Highland. You can contact her at cross@d70schools.org or 847-362-9020 x4126.