Cindie Anderson is a Paraprofessional at Romona Elementary School since February of 2018. She lives with her two darling children and a Labrador Mix. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is excited for the 2025-2026 school year.
Selma Besic is a paraprofessional at Romona. She is on her third 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 2025-2026 school year brings!
Email: dorek@wilmette39.org
I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and my Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) Endorsement from National Louis University. This is my second year here at Romona Elementary as a Special Education Paraprofessional. My journey working with young children began when I was fifteen years old, I was a kindergarten summer camp counselor for 8 years, during some of those years I went to College of Lake County (CLC) graduating 2015, with an associates degree in applied science majoring in Early Childhood Education. Throughout the next five years I have worked in several childcare centers in a variety of roles. Some of my highlights include Lead Toddler and Lead Preschool Teacher. In 2021 I decided to go back to school and I recently graduated in June of this year! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, taking long walks, traveling, baking, and playing video games.
I cannot wait to help change students' lives one step at a time! One of the best things about being a teacher is seeing each individual student shine in their own unique way and being the best version of themselves.
Email: englandj@wilmette39.org
Mrs. England is excited to begin her third year at Romona school. She is married with 3 teenage children, her oldest is a United States Marine. Mrs. England loves her 2 dogs, Barley and Zinger. Her favorite pastime is watching her kids play sports and cheering them on.
This will be Mrs. Gutierrez's eleventh year as a paraprofessional in the early childhood program where she is better known as "Ms. Gail." Everyday is an adventure as she spends her time getting to know each of the children in the classroom, learning what makes them all unique! Her own children have grown into wonderful adults, her daughter is an art teacher in Naperville, and her son works in Chicago. Her husband is part-time retired. Mrs. Gutierrez likes to eat healthy, exercise, garden, travel and enjoy life!
Lauren, an Evanston native, has extensive experience working with children, starting from middle school when she volunteered at Park School and continued through college summers. She holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Advertising from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Lauren is passionate about creativity, helping others, and serving the community. She loves being part of the Romona team and aspires to become a published children's book author. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, writing, cooking, biking, and exploring new coffee shops.
Mrs. Hammond has been at Romona for many years. She loves watching the children learn, accomplishing new strategies, and strengths. She has been married to her best friend, David, for 37: 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 likes to get outside and play yard games in the cool of the evening before it gets too buggy. 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. Jessica has 2 children; a 20 year old son Christopher who attends Harper College and a 3 year old daughter Jade who loves looking at books, playing with toys, singing and watching television. Jessica enjoys singing, dancing, relaxing, and most importantly spending time with her family.
Ms. Rosa is excited to begin her third year at Romona Elementary School. She worked as an associate teacher for early childhood and pre-K for the past 8 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, 12 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 to join Romona as a kindergarten paraprofessional! Last year, 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.
Email: khatoonh@wilmette39.org
Huma is thrilled to begin her first 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.
Mr. Krebs studied history at the University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign. During his days off, he enjoys reading, visiting museums, and playing board games with friends and family. This school year will be his fifth here at Romona.
Email: markosa@wilmette39.org
This is Ms. Markos’ 11th year working at Romona in the Early Childhood Connecting Kids Program. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Loyola University and a Masters in Education from Roosevelt University. She also has a Middle School Endorsement attached to her teaching license.
Ms. Markos lives in Lake Forest. She is married and has two beautiful daughters. She and her husband own Stanley's Grill in Chicago, a restaurant that serves delicious dishes. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family.
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 Romona's building paraprofessional beginning her twelfth year teaching at Romona Elementary. 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 running or walking her two Coonhound dogs, Elly and Bo, through the woods near her home or going to the dog beach. She loves watching her son play college baseball in New York City and is excited to see where her recent graduate’s career leads her in Colorado. 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 to be joining the staff at Romona Elementary as a Paraprofessional. 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 return to 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. I am married with two daughters, ages 11 and 13. 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 Mustangs and having a great year at Romona!
Ms. Philidor is excited for her second year as Romona's Building Paraprofessional! She has a BA in Wellness with an emphasis in Speech Pathology & Audiology and recently obtained her SLP-A license. 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 five 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 Speech Pathology or School Counseling.
Email: sinclais@wilmette39.org
Sunday Sinclair, grew up on the south side of Chicago and now lives in Evanston. She has worked in childcare for five years and is going on her fifth year at Romona. She loves playing games with her students and reading good books in her free time.
Email: singhs@wilmette39.org
847-512-6410
Mrs. Singh is excited for another year of fun in the Romona Learning Commons! When she's not surrounded by books, Mrs. Singh loves exploring nature, going to concerts, vintage shopping, and having fun with her family, friends, and pet bunny. She can't wait to see what books Mustangs check out this year
Cathy Stevens is beginning her ninth 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!
Email: vegaj@wilmette39.org
Ms. Vega has worked at Romona for nine years and each year is better than the last. She loves learning from the students and helping them along the way on their educational journey.