Let us introduce you to some of our faculty:

Miss Wilharm:  New to our faculty this year is Jenna Wilharm teaching our Kindergarten class at Valeo Academy. Jenna’s passion for teaching began early in life when she taught her younger brother to read: "I loved being a part of that 'aha!' moment when the lightbulb went off and it 'clicked'." She formally pursued her passion for learning and teaching at Western Illinois University - where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education & Language Arts - and Wheaton College, where she earned her Master's degree in Christian Formation and Ministry. Miss Wilharm brings many years of tutoring and teaching experience to Valeo Academy, having successfully taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, 5th/6th, and 6th/7th-grade classrooms.  To her students, she endeavors to impart the love of God, love for oneself and others, love of learning, and love for truth and discovery.  In her free time, Jenna loves to write, read and pray "with music, fuzzy blankets, and coffee or tea!" 

Mrs. Bennett:  Nicole Bennet is certainly no stranger to Valeo Academy.  After several years of assisting in the Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms, substitute teaching in all grade levels, and teaching the first grade class from February-May, 2009, Nicole Bennett returns to Valeo Academy this year as the full time First Grade teacher.   In addition to having taught Preschool and Kindergarten previously, Mrs. Bennett brings her formal training to Valeo as well.  She holds an Associates Degree from Harper College in Early Childhood Education & Marketing, and she is currently completing her Bachelor's deree at Depaul University.  Mrs. Bennett looks forward to bringing her gift of teaching/training and her passion for learning to her students at Valeo Academy.  When she's not teaching, she enjoys eating and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Her:  Mao Her returns for her third year to the faculty of Valeo Academy as the Second Grade teacher.  After receiving her degree in Elementary Education from Bethel University, Mrs. Her began her career teaching third grade, and over the past few years, expanded her experience to include Kindergarten and Pre-school.  Mrs. Her continues to enjoy the "aha!" moments when the students finally understand a concept.  She is excited to be teaching in a Christian environment and loves the opportunity to share her faith and the love of God with her students.  In addition, Mrs. Her enjoys the outdoors and camping with her family, and loves to share the wonder and beauty of God's creation with her students.

Miss Swanson:  Nicole Swanson retunrs for her second year at Valeo Academy as the Third and Fourth Grade teacher. She recently graduated from Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa with an Elementary Education degree,  as well as a Bible degree and reading endorsement.  Miss Swanson believes God placed the desire to teach in her heart at just 6 years old, when she began playing school and library with her sister.  Her exposure to teaching continued in high school as she assisted in an elementary classroom, volunteered with Awana and Vacation Bible school, and led students as a camp counselor.  Some of her favorite things include scrap-booking, taking walks, and spending time with family and friends.  Miss Swanson enjoys teaming with with parents in educating their children and helping students become all that they can be. 

Mrs. Kennedy:  Susan Kennedy returns to Valeo Academy this year as the Fifth and Sixth Grade teacher.  It was in 6^th grade when she realized that she wanted to live her life helping others improve their own.  With this desire as her motivation, she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, concentrating in Counseling and Human Services at the university of Wisconsin-Stout.  Her passion for teaching was discovered as she honored God’s call to home-teach her own children using the Principle Approach method, after which she earned a Master’s Degree in Education and Teaching from National-Louis University.  She believes her background in counseling and education is a perfect blend for teaching children entering the middle school years.  In addition to teaching, Mrs. Kennedy is a life-long learner who enjoys cultivating the love of learning in her students, singing songs of praise to the Lord, Physical fitness and wellness, and spending time with her family and friends.  Mrs. Kennedy enjoys a full life of serving God with her husband, children, and church family at Life Changers International Church.

Miss Steed:  Kristen Steed joins the staff of Valeo Academy this year to teach the Junior Prep (7^th/8^th grades) class.  With a Master’s in Teaching from National Louis University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business, Miss Steed brings a wealth of knowledge to Valeo Academy.  Through a lifelong desire to teach, and her experience substitute teaching and tutoring, Miss Steed has found that she loves connecting with and inspiring her students: “I want to be an encouragement and positive influence in the lives of my students.”  At Valeo Academy, she looks forward to getting to know each of her students and a school year in which she learns right alongside them.  In her spare time, Miss Steed enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, a good book, and spending time with friends and family.  

Miss Gillogly:  After having taught the Prep School at Valeo Academy for 5 years, Miss Gillogly continues as a founding leaders of Valeo Academy's High School program. Her passion to study the Bible and law led her to Oral Roberts University, where she graduated Suma Cum Laude in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Theology and a minor in Government. Since Valeo Academy's beginning, she has been involved in teaching the middle and high school students in the Preparatory School. Besides having a love for great literature, Miss Gillogly also enjoys writing, laughing, anything outdoors, missions, and deep dish spinach pizza! As a teacher, she desires to help students encounter and know God through study of His Word, His creation, history, and through their own individuality! She is excited to be a part of Valeo Academy and is looking forward to a great 2009-2010 school year. 

Mr. Buenik:  With an extensive educational background, Mr. Buenik returns to Valeo Academy for the 2009-2010 school year to Valeo Academy's High School.  After having put his degrees in Business Finance and an MBA in Information Systems to good use in the corporate world for several years, Mr. Buenik turned to his passion for teaching and began earning his Master's degree in Education.  With a strong athletic background that includes personal training, Mr. Buenik enjoys outdoor sports such as snow skiing, beach volleyball, and running.  Having worked with children while volunteering in Vacation Bible Camp, Mr. Buenik looks forward to teaching with Valeo Academy and imparting his excitement as a life-long learner to the students of Valeo Academy.