OUR PRESCHOOL TEACHERS
MRS. JENNIFER GALLIEN
Preschool Director
Toddler Playgroup
I am blessed beyond measure to have been given the opportunity to serve as Preschool Director for St. Thomas the Apostle Little Saints Preschool. The 2020-2021 school year will begin my fIfth year serving as Little Saints Preschool Director. I am truly honored to be part of the education team here at St. Thomas the Apostle School.
I hold Bachelor of Arts degrees in Education from Eastern Illinois University and Northeastern Illinois University. I obtained a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.
Prior to serving as Preschool Director for Little Saints Preschool, I have experience as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, 3rd grade, 4th grade, Reading Readiness, Bilingual Education and Title 1 Reading/Math Kindergarten-5th Grade.
I have a strong passion for children and educational issues. I have spent much time working within the classroom, as well as with outside organizations to benefit the well-being of children. As an avid public speaker, I have done motivational speaking for Rainbows for All Children: Grief Support for Children, Kids HOPE, International and Generosity: Cary Grove Neighborhood Life.
In addition to educational causes, I have a true love for my Faith and Family. One of my greatest joys is spending time with my husband Ryan and our children Benjamin (2019 graduate of St. Thomas the Apostle School and Sophie (2020 graduate of St. Thomas the Apostle School).
I love God's beautiful creatures and happily share our home with two magnificent dogs, Sarah and Sally. Along with spending time with my family, I enjoy cooking, baking, scrapbooking, coaching competitive poms and cheering my children on in dance, Boy Scouts, basketball, golf and lacrosse. I am both privileged and honored to serve as the Director for St. Thomas the Apostle Little Saints Preschool.
MRS. JENN KURZEJA
Three Year Olds
Three/Four Year Olds Blend
This will be my second year teaching at St. Thomas the Apostle Little Saints Preschool. I studied Elementary Education K-8th at Illinois State University. In addition, I have ten years of prior experience working within the realm of Early Childhood Education. I am super excited to be teaching preschool aged children within the classroom setting. I truly love working with this age group. Seeing them grow into strong, confident and kind individuals is one of God’s greatest gifts. I truly feel blessed to be a part of St. Thomas the Apostle School family. When I am not teaching in the classroom, I can be found enjoying time with my family. I live in Algonquin with my husband Ken, two wonderful children Kennedi and Cody, and our new puppy Zoey. Kennedi is a 6th grader and Cody is a 4th grader here at St. Thomas the Apostle School. Some of my favorite activities are family movie night, playing with our new puppy, or reading.
MRS. JERRILYN MAZURK
Four Year Olds
This is my eleventh year as a teacher with St. Thomas Catholic School and Little Saints Preschool. I have been in Early Childhood Education for 28 years, including being a director and owner of my own preschool. I am a firm believer of continuing education and have received my Illinois Director Credential. I hope to facilitate a classroom environment that encourages creativity, hands on experiences, self-confidence and a joy for learning, with God as the center of all that we do. It is my goal to maintain open communication with all of our parents and families. I reside in Crystal Lake with my husband, and I am the proud mother of three grown children, a daughter in-law, a son-in -law and four beautiful grandchildren. I have a passion for creativity, so if I am not making fun school activities, or finding new decorating ideas, you will find me Quilting!
MRS. SHERRI SIMMS
Four Year Olds
I am truly blessed to be part of the St. Thomas Little Saints Preschool family. This is my fourteenth year at St. Thomas School. I have been with the preschool department since we proudly began in 2008. I have 21 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. I am especially passionate about phonics and early literacy. Growing up, I was blessed to call Crystal Lake my hometown. My husband Brian and I have been married for 32 years. We have three wonderful boys, Kyle 27, Bradley 24, and Jacob 14. In addition, I am the grandmother to a beautiful five-year-old granddaughter, Adilynn. We are proud members of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. Our son Jacob graduated from St. Thomas School in the spring and is now a freshman at Prairie Ridge High School. I am really excited for another wonderful year at St. Thomas Little Saints Preschool. God Bless!!!!