Our Staff

Stan Rea

Principal

Mr. Stan Rea has deep community roots and faith-driven leadership. Mr. Rea brings over 35 years of business experience, an MBA from Loyola University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Transformational Leadership. He also teaches Bible classes and chairs the Deacon Board at First Baptist Church. A former substitute teacher across Valley View District and the father of two Christian College graduates. Mr. Rea's blend of educational insight and spiritual maturity will guide our school forward with excellence.

Julie Hamrin

Office Manager

Mrs. Julie Hamrin has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from DePaul University, as well as an associate degree in Nursing from the College of DuPage. Prior to her 15-year career as a registered nurse, Mrs. Hamrin worked for 10 years in a corporate office in an administrative role. She believes God has used these two careers to prepare her for her position as Office Manager at Downers Grove Christian School. She is also an alumnus of Downers Grove Christian School, and she is thankful that her son currently attends here as well.

Mrs. Hamrin’s favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Stephanie Vander Wal

Office Assistant

Paula Anderson

Jr. High Department Chair and Reading/Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Anderson began her education at Moody Bible Institute, studying Christian Education.  She then received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University in 1990.  Mrs. Anderson has over 15 years of Christian school teaching experience at the junior high, preschool, and 5th grade levels.  She considers it a great privilege to be in the classroom each day, leading and guiding her students.  A bible verse that is a good reminder in her Christian walk is Jonah 2:8, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”

Heather Braden

Junior High Math & Science

Mrs. Heather Braden began studying Elementary Education with a minor in Missions at Tennessee Temple University. She transferred to Moody Bible Institute and received her BA Degree in Elementary Education in 2009. At the age of 13 she felt called to serve the Lord. Mrs. Braden spent 13 years serving as a missionary in Honduras. She has had a God-instilled passion and love for teaching since she was a child. She is passionate about helping her students grow as life-long learners! Mrs. Braden recently moved to Illinois with her husband and their two children. She loves to read, explore new places, play board/card games, and spend time outside especially in the fall. Her favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. "

Johnny Elliott

Junior High Bible Teacher

Pastor Johnny Elliott, Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church since 2020, will teach Bible to our Junior High students. He holds a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Bachelor in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University. Johnny and his wife Hannah are parents of three children. Passionate about discipleship, he partners with families to cultivate a biblical worldview, academic excellence, and deep understanding of God's character in the youngest generation of followers.

Emily Girgis

Junior High Teacher

Ms. Emily Girgis has joined the JV 7th-8th grade team bringing rigorous middle school expertise and a heart for student formation. With a master's in teaching from National Louis University, she specializes in humanities instruction and project-based learning. Emily has served on school leadership teams and as a cross‑country coach. Known for differentiated instruction and collaborative leadership, she is committed to developing the whole student, academically, emotionally, and spiritually at DGCS.

Mary Macak

Preschool 2 Teacher

Mrs. Macak has her degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. Working with children has been something she has enjoyed from a young age. She is an alumni of Downers Grove Christian school and feels extremely blessed that she was able to attend here preschool-8th grade. She is so thankful that her 2 children get to experience that as well. She is looking forward to serving at Downers Grove Christian school and being a part of the mission to provide a distinctly Christian education. One of her favorite verses is Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Barb Kennedy

Support Staff

Mrs. Kennedy graduated from College of DuPage with an A.A.S. in Early Childhood and holds a certificate in Child Development. She has 28 years of experience teaching preschool and kindergarten. She is currently the Children’s Ministry Director at her home church. She is also a wife and mother. When she is not working at Downers Grove Christian School, Mrs. Kennedy loves to spend time with her family. Her daughter keeps her busy with soccer, basketball, tap and horseback riding lessons! As a family they love to spend time outdoors as much as possible. The Brookfield Zoo is one of their favorite places to visit. She also enjoys photography, card making and bike riding when time allows. A special note from Mrs. Kennedy: I love fostering independence in children and helping them learn how to problem solve with their peers. I enjoy seeing the spark in children’s eyes when a new concept is learned and that I am able to teach the love of Jesus to the next generation of leaders! My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jenny Kusreau

Lead teacher Preschool 3

Mrs. Kusreau has her certificate in Early Childhood Education from College of DuPage. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to work with young children. Before coming to Downers Grove Christian School, Mrs. Kusreau had a DCFS licensed home daycare for almost 20 years. She is also on the Children’s Ministry Leadership team at her church and has been involved with the nursery, preschool, and elementary ages. She finds such joy in watching a child make a discovery for the first time and loves having a hand in introducing preschoolers to the love of Jesus. Downers Grove Christian School has been like extended family to Mrs. Kusreau since her own children started attending in 2016 and she is very excited to be a part of the staff of the Downers Grove Christian School family. In her spare time she loves to go on family walks and explore the outdoors with her husband and three children. She also loves all things natural, vegetable gardens, and sitting on the beach. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”, because she has seen in her own life, time and time again, that when she trusts in God, His will is perfect. Mrs. Kusreau enjoys sharing the love of Jesus with our youngest students!

Jennifer Haywood

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

A graduate of Western Illinois University, Miss Haywood has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She has spent the past 20 years teaching students of all ages, including her favorite: four-year-old preschool. Miss Haywood enjoys reading and shares this passion with her students in hopes that they, too, will become strong readers. In addition to reading, Miss Haywood likes to scrapbook, sew, and do puzzles. One of her favorite Bible verses is Lamentations 3:24—“‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Miss Haywood is pleased to be a part of Downers Grove Christian School and looks forward to preparing her students to become life-long learners.

Sharon Nese

Pre-Kindergarten Aide

Mrs. Nese’s ministry at Downers Grove Christian School began over 25 years ago as the student lunchroom supervisor.   She joined our preschool staff 1999. Over the years, she has enjoyed helping in the school office, serving as the Resource teacher, and she also currently oversees the Creative Arts Team. A special note from Mrs. Nese: I have been blessed to be a part of our preschool program for the last 20 years. I am privileged to minister alongside a wonderful staff and great parents as we all work together to “train up a child in the way they should go”.  My three children attended Downers Grove Christian School preschool through eighth grade and had a wonderful education that prepared them for high school and beyond. I love spending time with my family hiking, biking and I enjoy sports. Some of my favorite Bible verses are Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Kristen Alvarado

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Kristen Alvarado graduated from North Central College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and with a minor in reading. She has prior teaching experience from Pre-Kindergarten through second grade. At the age of four, she felt called to become a teacher.  She has continued to develop a greater passion for it! Mrs. Alvarado is married and has three children. She loves to read, run, go blueberry picking and spend time at the beach with her family. Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 15:13 “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Rachel Carrero

Support Staff

Mrs. Carrero’s first experience with DGCS was in 2020 when she enrolled her son and daughter at the school during the pandemic. She immediately admired the passion and dedication the staff had for both teaching and Jesus. This initial experience was what planted the seed to one day be on both sides of the school doors as a parent and on staff. Mrs. Carrero answered the call to join DGCS in 2023 as an aide! It was a year of joy and incredible blessings to be with God’s children each day and teaching them about the love of Jesus. Mrs. Carrero also serves on the Children’s Christian Education committee at First Baptist of Downers Grove. When not at church or the school Mrs. Carrero loves reading, traveling to Puerto Rico to visit her husband’s family, playing the piano and cello, gardening, and board/card games. Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 13:8- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Christ is King!

Hannah Coddington

1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Coddington has had her heart set on being a teacher since she was in Second Grade! She graduated from Colorado Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with specializations in Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Biblical Studies. She has taught in Colorado for the past 4 years. Mrs. Coddington is passionate about helping students grow into a life-long love of learning!

Mrs. Coddington recently moved back to Illinois with her husband and their dog, Roscoe. She loves quality time with family, reading, finding new Cricut crafts, and spending time outdoors!

Mrs. Coddington's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever."

Sue Hravatic

2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Sue Hravatic has a passion for teaching! She knew from the age of seven that she wanted to be a teacher, and she has lived out that dream for over twenty-five years of teaching elementary school, fifteen of those years as a missionary teacher in Nairobi, Kenya. Mrs. Hravatic completed her undergraduate work at Alma College in Michigan with a BA in elementary education. She received her master’s degree in language arts from Eastern Michigan University. Mrs. Hravatic has three grown children and one son-in-law. She loves to take walks, ride bikes, swim and read a good book! One of her favorite Scripture passages is Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

James Lekas

3rd Grade Teacher

Mr. James Lekas has prior experience as a lead instructor at IDEA Public Schools, he brings strong classroom management and a passion for Christ‑centered education. Once a skeptic, James now leads virtual Bible studies, fluent in English, French, and Greek. A private tutor and classical cellist since age four, he offers both pastoral insight and cultural enrichment to our elementary community.

Jon Hravatic

4th Grade Teacher

Mr. Jon Hravatic earned his BA degree from the University of Michigan and a MA degree from Eastern Michigan University. He has served in Christian schools for over thirty years. He taught fifteen of those years as a missionary teacher in Nairobi, Kenya. He delights to see his students thoroughly understand the basics and beyond of each subject that they are learning. He is looking forward to joining the staff and serving the families of Downers Grove Christian School. Mr. Hravatic’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 86:11: “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.”

Jaclyn Crusor

5th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Jaclyn Crusor is thrilled to be joining the DGCS team by teaching 5th grade this school year at Downers Grove Christian School. Mrs. Crusor earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Maranatha Baptist University and a Master of Education in Curriculum from Bob Jones University and an Educational Specialist Degree (doctoral) in Educational Leadership, from Liberty University.

As a product of Christian education herself, Mrs. Crusor is incredibly passionate about teaching all subjects with rigor and through the lens of a Biblical Worldview. With 17 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Crusor has taught all grades Pre-K through 8th grade, with the exception of 2nd grade. Mrs. Crusor has taught both public and Christan school, and she enjoys touching young lives, having fun with her students, and fostering a lifelong love for learning. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Crusor enjoys spending time with her husband, and two sweet boys, age 6 and 2. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and shopping!

Her Life Verses are: Micah 6:8(ESV) "He has shown you O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" and Jude 22(KJV) "and of some, have compassion, making a difference:"

Jennifer Guo

Teacher's aide

Esther Norton

Music Teacher and Band Director

Ms. Norton has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Oral Roberts University. She has a passion for music and sharing it with others. Ms. Norton’s favorite verse is Matthew 10:29-31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Jake Wesemann

Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Jake Wesemann is a familiar face from previous coaching and substitute teaching roles at DGCS. An Army veteran and father of five, he is pursuing a Physical Education degree at Northern Illinois University with specialized training in kinesiology. Jake led our girls' volleyball team to a championship and currently serves as Youth Pastor at Hope Church in La Grange. With his athletic expertise, ministry background, and passion for students, Mr. Wesemann is a perfect fit for our wellness program.

Jacqueline Kern

Academic Support

Mrs. Kern has her B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and M.S. in Special Education from Governors State University. She has taught kindergarten thru sixth grades, including general and special education classes during the past twenty years. She feels it is a blessing to teach at a Christian school and see students not only grow academically, but spiritually in their relationship with the Lord. She believes all children are precious, valuable, capable to succeed, and become all that God created them to be.

Some of her favorite Bible verses that have been especially meaningful are in Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Nicole Mattson

Art Teacher

Mrs. Mattson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Retail Management and Marketing with a minor in Visual Display in Chicago from Ray College of Design. She loves inspiring students to bring out their creative side and using their gifts to create art. Mrs. Mattson is a mother of two and enjoys baking, crafting, and sewing. Her favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Lauren Gonzalez

Computer Teacher

Mrs. Gonzalez has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Political science from Aurora University . After almost 15 years of training and teaching technology in corporate and community settings, she is honored to be able to teach what she has learned to the next generation. Mrs. Gonzalez is passionate about teaching students about using technology in a safe and responsible way.

Mrs. Gonzalez has served on several church ministries , including children Sunday school, worship team, and was on the church plant team, for a church in Aurora. In her free time, she enjoys, cooking and baking bread, and going on adventures with her husband and daughter, usually in nature, camping and hiking.

Life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and future.