Cindie Anderson has proudly served as a Paraprofessional at Romona Elementary School since February 2018. She is passionate about supporting students and being part of the Romona school community.  Outside of school, she enjoys getting lost in a good book, exploring the arts, seeking out new creative experiences, and traveling to new places. She especially treasures time spent with her family and friends. Cindie is excited for the 2026–2027 school year and looks forward to helping students learn, grow, and succeed.

Selma Besic is a paraprofessional at Romona. This is her fourth year at Romona. In her free time she enjoys traveling with her family, and trying new foods. She is passionate about helping others and can’t wait for what the 2026-2027 school year brings! 

Natthaya is excited to begin her first year as a paraprofessional at Romona, and looks forward to being able to help the students learn.  

In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her husband and son, spending time outside, going to the pool, and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys traveling and cooking.

Mrs. Hammond has been at Romona since 2001. She loves watching the children learn, accomplishing new strategies, and strengths. She has been married to her best friend, David, for 38 years. Together they have raised three amazing young men that they are very proud of! Mrs. Hammond enjoys listening to books, gardening, board games, taking rides on her recumbent Catrike and spending time with her 4 grandchildren. She treasures the time she gets to spend with family and friends. 

Jessica Hill has been a kindergarten paraprofessional at Romona Elementary since 2023. She takes great pride in watching how children build on their strengths, accomplish new goals and have fun with learning. In her chill time, Jessica enjoys singing, dancing, relaxing, and most importantly spending time with her family. 

Ms. Rosa is excited to begin her fourth year at Romona Elementary School. She worked as an associate teacher for early childhood and pre-K for the past 9 years. She received a bachelor's degree of Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University and ECE Credentials.

Ms. Rosa has a wonderful husband and a daughter, Yuna, 13 years old. She loves to travel, go road trips, do activities, and go watch musicals with her family. When she spends time alone, she enjoys listening to music and watching drama/movies.

Ms. Kay is excited for another year at Romona as a kindergarten paraprofessional! Previously, she taught second grade in Park Ridge. She obtained her BS.Ed. from The Ohio State University in 2024 and recently began working on her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with specializations in ESL and reading/literacy. During the summer, Ms. Kay works at Banner Day Camp on the leadership team. She has been there for eight summers! In her free time, you will find Ms. Kay spending time with her friends, family, and dog Teddy. 

Huma is thrilled to begin her second year as a paraprofessional at Romona School. With experience working with kids since she was 16, she has developed a deep passion for fostering positive connections and nurturing students’ unique strengths. Huma is committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where each student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Known for her patience, creativity, and adaptability, Huma believes in meeting each child where they are, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a natural curiosity about the world around them.

In addition to her dedication at Romona, Huma is currently in the process of pursuing her bachelor’s degree, furthering her commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning. She is the only girl in a family with three older brothers and has always been very close to her mom, whom she looks up to and considers her best friend. Outside of school, Huma enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and trying out new things. Whether she’s in the classroom or outdoors, Huma brings enthusiasm, compassion, and a genuine joy for learning to every aspect of her life.

Kerri Mason has a degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Reading. She taught Kindergarten and 1stgrade in Libertyville for ten years. She and her husband, Steve, have raised two amazing children. Luke is now serving as a Marine and Bea is in college studying to be a teacher. Kerri worked at Romona as a paraprofessional in special education for three years and also taught half day Kindergarten for one year. She is excited to be back at Romona working as a para in Kindergarten and enjoying her evenings with her husband as they get used to their empty nest.

Mrs. Mayer is a long time Romona Paraprofessional who has enjoyed many different roles encompassing all grade levels.  Mrs. Mayer and her husband Sean raised their family in East Glenview where they still reside. They have two adult children, Caitlin and Dylan.  Mrs. Mayer enjoys walking her two dogs, Elly and Bo, through the woods near her home, going to the dog beach or taking long road trips. She loves watching her son play college baseball on the East coast and is excited to spend time with her daughter who lives and works in Chicago. Anytime she can meet friends and family to catch up, she jumps at the opportunity. Mrs. Mayer continues to develop close working relationships with staff and students and loves running into past and present students.

I am excited for my 3rd year at Romona Elementary as a Paraprofessional in the comprehensive needs program. I grew up in Kansas where I attended the University of Kansas and studied Business Administration. After many years in the hospitality and sales industries, I am happy to be doing what I enjoy most, working with children.

Over the years, I have worked at Head Start, Stretch-N-Grow, coached numerous sports teams and served as the Coordinator of After School and Summer Camp programs at JCYS in Chicago. I am married with two daughters, ages 12 and 14. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, bowling, fishing and rooting on all of my favorite sports teams. I look forward to meeting all of our new Mustangs and having another great year at Romona!

This is Ms. Palmer's 18th year in District 39, and 11th in the Reading Program at Romona. She earned her Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education from National Louis University. Ms. Palmer is a lifelong resident of Wilmette and is an alumni of District 39, as are her three children. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, walking, reading, and hanging out with her family.  She is one of the crossing guards at Romona.  Ms. Palmer is looking forward to a great year!

Ms. Philidor is very excited to be continuing her role as a Building Paraprofessional! She has a BA in Wellness with an emphasis in Speech Pathology & Audiology and a certificate in Leadership. She is a licensed SLP-A. With a total of six years experience working in education and four years in birth work, Ms. Philidor has found various ways to serve others and explore her many passions through her work. Some of her hobbies include reading, dancing, singing and prioritizing self care. Ms. Philidor is a mom to a beautiful, energetic six year old boy who keeps her on her toes at all times. She hopes to go back to school in the near future to pursue a Masters in Social Work.

Cathy Stevens is beginning her tenth year at Romona. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Art degree in Elementary Education. Cathy grew up in Wilmette and attended McKenzie when Miss McKenzie was the principal!