Ms. Elliott  is celebrating her 16th year at Romona and her 22nd year in the teaching profession. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature and Communication Studies from the University of Kansas. Driven by a passion for serving children, she transitioned careers and earned her Master of Science in Education through the Kansas City Teaching Fellows program. In 2012, she attained National Board Teacher Certification, underscoring her dedication to educational excellence. She spent nine years teaching first grade and one year as a reading intervention specialist before finding her current niche in fourth grade education.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Elliott enjoys outdoor activities, reading, traveling, and cherishing moments with her friends and family. She resides in Glenview with her two children, who are in 6th and 12th grade.

Mrs. Himes is excited to start her first year at Romona Elementary as a fourth grade teacher! Mrs. Himes earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. After starting her family, she decided to go back to school to pursue a Masters of Elementary Education from National Louis University. She has worked as an Advanced Learning Specialist at Westgate Elementary in Arlington Heights.

Outside of school, Mrs. Himes enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and three children, Greyson, Avery and Quinn. 

Mrs. Kluck is thrilled to be back for her 6th year as a Mustang! Prior to teaching at Romona, Mrs. Kluck taught fourth grade in Minnesota for three years (you-betcha). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a focus in mathematics from the University of Minnesota. She holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota. Go Gophers! 

Outside of school, Mrs. Kluck loves to travel, read, and try out new restaurants. Mrs. K lives in Chicago with her husband and their daughter, Nora. She cannot wait to meet her new crew of fourth graders and start their exciting last year as Romona Mustangs. Welcome to the Koop!

Mrs. Leverenz is excited to be back teaching for her second year in 4th grade at Romona!  She grew up in Minnesota and earned her undergraduate degree in Art History from the University of Michigan. GO BLUE!   Mrs. Leverenz received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from DePaul University and then taught 6th grade at Highcrest Middle School.  

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Leverenz enjoys playing all racquet sports, golfing, reading and traveling, especially to the US National Parks.  She lives in Northbrook with her husband and three kids, Kate, Will and Anne and dog Rosie.  She loves watching her kids play lacrosse, play soccer and dance!  Mrs. Leverenz can't wait to meet her 4th graders!

Ms. Martyn received her undergraduate degree as a Spartan from Michigan State University in Special Education and Elementary Education. She went on to receive a Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist from DePaul University. During that time, she also worked for Wilmette Junior High. After teaching at an International School in Switzerland for a few years, she moved back to Illinois and taught in Burr Ridge. Ms. Martyn is so excited to be back “home” in District 39. She is looking forward to working with students at Romona! In her off time, Ms. Martyn enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and playing with her 12 and 14 year old children. 

While this is Ms. Pemberton’s eleventh year teaching at Romona, her Mustang experience began as a student at Romona Elementary in second grade. After graduating from New Trier High School in 2008, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and French Language Studies at Indiana State University in 2013. Soon after she moved to France to teach English in the French public school system for a year. Ms. Pemberton also completed her Master’s Degree in Literacy Education from Northeastern Illinois University in 2020.

Outside of school, Ms. Pemberton enjoys traveling, photography, bike riding, and baking. She enjoys living with her cats, Sylvie and Silas, in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. Ms. Pemberton is truly looking forward to meeting her new fourth graders!