MEET THE STAFF

Father Ron Neitzke

Pastor

Born in South Chicago and the youngest of 4 children, Father Ron was named Pastor of Saint Mary Magdalene Parish in July 2000. He was ordained at Saint Raymond Cathedral in 1989 and has served at St. Jude's in Joliet, IL, St. Isaac Jogues in Hinsdale, IL, and at St. Liborius in Steger prior to coming to St. Mary Magdalene. Serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserves as a Naval Chaplain since 1996, Father Ron served with the United States Marine Corp 6th Engineering Support Battalion during “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Iraq. Among his many awards and achievements, Father Ron has earned four Navy Achievement medals, a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service medal, and a Naval Reserve Sea Ribbon.

Fr. Richard McGrath 

Principal

Susan O'Brien

Pastoral Assistant

My husband Mike and I along with our two sons reside in the Joliet area where I was born and raised. I have studied at American Intercontinental University, Joliet Junior College as well as DePaul University and recently received my Associates Degree in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University.  I currently serve as the  Pastoral Assistant and Director of Religious Education. I also teach computers to our day school children with our Pastor, Fr. Ron.

I'm new to the St. Mary Magdalene staff and am enjoying working with the staff, students and families here. I attended Valparaiso University and earned my Bachelor Social Work Degree where I had internships working with children and adolescents. Upon graduation in 1995, I began working with seniors. I was a Social Service Director in a nursing home, then I became an Assistant Administrator in a senior housing building for Catholic Charities. I feel fortunate to be a part of St. Mary Magdalene School because I get to see children grow in their faith while receiving their education and because I get to know them all personally since it is a smaller school.

Hi!  My name is Mary Organ, Ms. Mary.  I am excited about working at St. Mary Magdalene's Early Learning Center.  I have worked in in the educational field for 20 plus years in a variety of settings.  I have a bachelor degree plus 30 hours in education coursework with a teaching certificate in K-9.  My philosophy of education is to inspire my students to be lifelong learners.  I wish to instill the fact that learning is fun.

I am a single mom of four children ranging from 6 to 18.  I live in Mokena where I am devoted to my church choir.  In my spare time I enjoy scrap booking and making jewelry.  I feel very blessed to  have the opportunity to work with your children.  God Bless.

Rose Hatala

Pre_School Aide

 

Patricia Schafer

1st Grade

I am very pleased to be with St. Mary Magdalene School teaching first grade. Over the past four years, I have been the Art teacher at Our Lady of Peace in Darien, IL and taught kindergarten through eighth grade. I had some six hundred children per week and planned a varied curriculum, which entailed several levels of skill and ability. I had wonderful students and truly enjoyed what I did, and I will miss them. When I was asked to join St. Mary Magdalene, I felt that this was a very special opportunity to have a first grade class, and to be a part of a new staff, which I believe to be fill of enthusiasm and talent. I received my BFA at Southern Illinois University and my teaching certificate at Concordia University in River Forest. As a mother, I have always been involved with children and love teaching them. Being a teacher has allowed me to do what I love, preparing children for the future. My diversified background has given me many opportunities to work with many different types of people and situations. Overall, I feel teaching is the prefect career for me, and I’m looking forward to working with your children this coming school year.

Lisa Baytala

2nd Grade

My name is Mrs. Lisa Baytala. I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University.  I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I have been a teacher for over 30 years. I have taught both in private and public schools. I have taught pre-school, kindergarten and at the primary and intermediate grade levels.  This is my fifth year at St. Mary Magdalene and I couldn't be any happier.

I have been married to my husband, Gordon for over 30 years. I have two sons, Eric, and Matthew.

My philosophy of education is that every child can learn, but not necessarily at the same time or in the same way. I believe a teacher needs to adapt her teaching style according to the individual needs of the student.

My professional goals this year are to prepare my 2nd Grade students well for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. I also hope to encourage and motivate both grade level students so that their self-esteem rises to the top.  I also will encourage my students to read for pleasure.

Some of my hobbies are reading, cross-stitch, walking along Lake Michigan, swimming, exercising, and attending White Sox baseball games.

April Hartsfield

3rd Grade

Vice-Principal

I grew up in Plainfield during the time when cows outnumbered the people.  My family was a lively one consisting of 12 children, we me as the caboose.  I attended grade school at St. Mary Nativity and moved on to Plainfield High School.  Northern Illinois University was where I earned my bachelors and I earned my Masters Degree at Governor's State.

I have been married for over 11 years and have two children 10 and 6 years of age.  We now live outside of Mazon on a once working farm.  Since I kill house plants, we decided farming wasn't a good choice.  Teaching was my thing.

I have been teaching now for over 12 years, wearing many different hats.  I have been a Director for a preschool for four years; taught at-risk pre-kindergarten for 2 more years; then moved onto elementary education.  This is my fourth year at St. Mary Magdalene and I am enjoying every minute.

Karleen Nalepka

 6/7 Grade Aide

Vice-Principal

This is my 7th year at St. Mary Magdalene teaching Junior High school with a 7th grade homeroom. I along with Mrs. Ruettier co sponsor Student Council. I attended the University of St. Francis and graduated in 1999 with a Bachelors Degree in History with secondary education certification. I live in the Joliet area with my husband. My hobbies are coaching junior high school softball, reading and dancing like the six flags guy!

Mary Kay Ruettiger

7th Grade

My name is Mary Kay Ruettiger.  I earned my bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University.  I have taught 4th grade, junior high math, and substituted in kindergarten through the high school level.  I started at St. Mary Magdalene last February with the 6th grade so I am excited to be teaching them again in 7th grade.  I along with Mrs. Darguzis have the 7th grade homeroom.  Mrs. Darguzis teaches in the morning and I teach in the afternoon.  In the afternoon I teach 7th grade Social Studies, 6th grade Science, and 7th grade Religion.  I believe in helping the students be lifelong learners and to always try their best at whatever they do.  My husband Mark and I live in New Lenox along with our four children ranging in age from seven to thirteen.

 

Joy Lewandowski

8th Grade

My name is Mrs. Joy Bettenhausen-Lewandowski and I have been teaching junior high school here at St. Mary Magdalene School since 2002. I have teaching experience in 4th grade, kindergarten and early childhood.

I believe that learning should be fun and engaging. Having students "DO" and experience through their senses make leaning easier. I believe that all children should meet and exceed their potential.

In my free time, I enjoy going to the zoo, museums and seeing popular Chicago area sites with my daughter Joie and my husband Brian. I also enjoy Reebok-Step aerobics which help keep my energy high for the school year.

Caroline Smith

Gym

I am married to Shane Smith.  We have 4 children.  I attended Tennessee Tech University for college where I played volleyball.  In high school I went to Providence Catholic, and in grade school I attended St. Mary Magdalene.  This is my 4th year at St. Mary Magdalene.  I enjoy coaching volleyball.