Ms. Bertz is thrilled to be teaching her thirteenth year of first grade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from St. Norbert College, a Masters in Special Education, LBS1 and EL Endorsement from Concordia University. She is passionate about creating a learning experience for her students that is welcoming, safe to make mistakes, and engaging. What is one of the most important expectations in her classroom? To have fun learning! Ms. Bertz is excited for her eighth year teaching first grade at Romona. When Ms. Bertz isn't teaching she loves to read, listen to music, spend time outside, and with her family and friends.

Mrs. Candela is so excited to begin the new school year and support your child through all the amazing growth that happens in first grade! This is Mrs. Candela's 15th year teaching. Mrs. Candela has a Master’s Degree from DePaul University in Language, Literacy, and Specialized Instruction and a Bachelor’s Degree from Augustana College in Elementary Education with endorsements in Mathematics and English as a Second Language. Over the course of her career, Mrs. Candela has taught 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 8th grade and was a Learning Behavior Specialist in K/1. Mrs. Candela also loves spending time with her family, doing yoga, running, and playing games. She is looking forward to a wonderful year at Romona!

Mrs. Carpenter (formerly known as Miss Pilotte) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in reading from Purdue University (Boiler Up!), as well as a Master of Arts in Differentiated Instruction from Concordia University – Chicago. This will be her tenth year of teaching. Mrs. Carpenter is passionate about creating a welcoming and safe learning environment, providing learning experiences that are engaging and empowering for each individual learner, and making the class feel like family. 

Outside of teaching, Mrs. Carpenter loves spending time with her friends and family, designing and crafting, reading, exploring her neighborhood in Chicago, and taking her dog Wally on walks by the lake. From sports to restaurants to hobbies, she is always up for trying new things. Over the summer, she got married and traveled to Hawaii!

Mrs. Carpenter is beyond excited for the fun, learning, and adventures that are in store for her and her first graders this year!

Miss Louis will be starting her fourth year at Romona and eighth year of teaching. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). She also holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida International University. This is Miss Louis' final year as Miss Louis before she gets married at the end of 2025! 

Outside of school, Miss Louis, her fiance, and their dog love to travel, bake, and explore different restaurants in Chicago where they live!  Miss Louis cannot wait to meet her incoming 1st graders! Welcome Legends!