Mrs. Kukankos has been a dedicated member of the Wilmette teaching community for the past 13 years. Before joining Wilmette District 39, she taught in the city of Chicago, where she developed a strong foundation in meeting the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students. She began her career in District 39 as a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS) at Highcrest Middle School before becoming part of the Romona community. Throughout her career, Mrs. Kukankos has taught students from kindergarten through sixth grade, but has landed in her favorite spot, third grade.  Mrs. Kukankos earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and her master's degree in Special Education from DePaul University. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she remains a devoted Green Bay Packers fan.

Mrs. Kukankos lives in Evanston with her husband, their three children, and their energetic dog. Their twins, Hannah and Tommy, will be entering fifth grade this fall, while their younger brother Eddy will also be a third grader this year.  Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Kukankos enjoys gardening, reading a good book, and spending time on the soccer fields and dance studio with her family. Mrs. Kukankos looks forward to collaborating with families for another wonderful year of learning at Romona!

Ms. Pampush is very excited to begin the new school year and meet her new third grade students. Before coming to Wilmette, she taught in Mentor, Ohio, and Chicago. This is her 19th year teaching at Romona. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Cincinnati in Sociology, a Master's Degree from Cleveland State University in Education, and has been National Board Certified. 

Ms. Pampush lives in the city, close to the Shedd Aquarium, and loves to walk on Lake Shore Drive's bike path with her dog, Crosley.  Ms. Pampush is the president of a private school in Uganda.  She travels there every summer to coach teachers on how to incorporate critical thinking into their curriculum. 

This is Mrs. Pastuovic's eleventh year at Romona Elementary School! She received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her Master's Degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Behavior Intervention and Curriculum Adaptation. Mrs. Pastuovic absolutely loves co-teaching 3rd grade with Mrs. Kukankos and their amazing team! They have so much fun together and with their students. Mrs. Pastuovic is looking forward to another great year in 3rd grade.

Mrs. Resis has worked as a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS) and as a second grade classroom teacher for District 39 for 17 years, and this will be her seventh year at Romona Elementary School. Mrs. Resis earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education at Michigan State University. Go Green! She lives in Wilmette with her two children, Harry and Gordie, and husband, Eric. Harry is 17 and a senior and Gordie is 15 and a sophomore at New Trier. She enjoys watching her boys play sports, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family, especially at Torch Lake in Michigan.

Mrs. Simpson is thrilled to begin her 9th year of teaching at Romona. Prior to coming to Wilmette, she taught for two years as a first-grade teacher in Antioch, and one year as a full-day kindergarten teacher in North Chicago. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement from Indiana University, has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and has a Master's Degree in Educational Technology. In her free time, Mrs. Simpson loves to spend time with her family, play with her dogs, travel, and craft. Mrs. Simpson cannot wait to meet her new third graders! 

 Ms Tiotis is excited to begin her 28th year at Romona Elementary School. During her time at Romona she has been a Learning Behavioral Specialist and Third Grade teacher. Prior to Romona she taught for three years in Chicago. Her work as an educator began with teaching history and ELA to seventh and eighth graders before becoming a fourth grade teacher. Her favorite grade to teach will always be Third Grade! Ms Tiotis got her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois in Elementary Education. Her endorsements were in social sciences. Her Master’s Degree is from Northeastern Illinois University, specializing in Special Education. Ms Tiotis loves to go hiking every weekend, read, cook, travel, and spend time with her family and friends. She's looking forward to another amazing year at Romona!