Meet the Teachers and Contact Info

Hi!  I have been at LMS since 2016 and I am one of the 8th grade math teachers.  I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and my master’s degree from Walden University.  In my free time, I love to hang out with friends and family as well as my two dogs.  I enjoy most sports and have really started getting into the English Premier League.  I coach boy’s and girl’s Soccer and boy’s softball here at Lincoln.  Outside of school I love to travel, experience new things, bike ride, and eat any different type of food.

Hi! My name is Hailey Kauling and I am the resource teacher for 8th grade. I graduated from Western Illinois University in 2020 and I am currently getting my masters degree in ESL. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, playing volleyball, working out, and cooking. I also coach boys volleyball at Lincoln. I am looking forward to a great year!!

Hi!  My name is Alina Ortega and I am starting my 21st year of teaching.  This will be the start of my 18th year here at Lincoln Middle School!  I earned my Bachelor’s from Knox College in Galesburg, IL and earned my Master’s in Reading Instruction from Dominican University.  When I am not teaching, I volunteer with a rescue group and so far I have fostered nearly 100 dogs and helped them find their furever homes!  I am the proud momma to 7 dogs and two cats.  In my free time I love reading, playing with my dogs and spending time with family, especially my 3 nephews.  

Hi! My name is Nikki Schwartz and I teach 8th grade science. This is my 5th year here at Lincoln. I graduated from Elmhurst College with my Bachelor’s degree in Education. In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends & family. My favorite artist is Taylor Swift and I’ve seen her four times in concert. My favorite tv shows are The Vampire Diaries and The 100. I can’t wait to meet all of you & have a great year together! 

Hello,  I am one of the 8th grade science teachers. I have been working at Lincoln Middle School since 2006.  I received my Bachelor’s degree in teaching from Augustana College and my Master’s degree from National Louis University.  In my free time I really enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to a great year together!

Hi!  This is my 8th year teaching and 2nd year at LMS.  This year I will be teaching 8th grade math.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management and a Masters degree in education.  I grew up in Schiller Park and attended LMS.  When I have  free time I enjoy spending time with family, or going out for a run.  I am looking forward to a fun and exciting school year!  

Hello, I have been teaching at Lincoln Middle School since 2005. I graduated from Rosary College with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Dominican University with a Master’s Degree in Reading. I am also the sponsor for Lincoln Leaders. Some of my favorite things are my family, traveling, a good book, dancing, going to the movies, and Christmas! I look forward to an exciting and successful year!  

Hi! My name is Denise Williams and I teach Humanities. I have been working in the district since 2006. I received my Bachelor’s degree in teaching from Northeastern Illinois University and my Master’s degree from National Louis University. In my free time I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking and gardening. I also love to  spend time with my friends and family, especially my dog Georgia. 

Hello, my name is Andrew Younger and I teach 8th grade Humanities at Lincoln Middle School. I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan in 2017 with a degree in English and History and swam throughout my four years there. This will be my second year at Lincoln and I am looking forward to another great year. I am also the sponsor of Game Club. Some of my favorite things include Halloween, going to a movie, playing board games with friends, and spending time with friends and loved ones. I cannot wait to meet you all!