SCHOOL FACULTY
PRINCIPAL
APRIL GREER
She/Her/Hers
My name is April Greer and I am excited to join the Old St. Mary’s School and Church family where I was drawn to the warm and welcoming community, but most importantly, I was drawn to the school mission and diversity statement. I hail from the south side of Chicago, a graduate of St. Margaret of Scotland Elementary School and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. I am a UIUC alum and hold a BA in Economics. After undergrad, I began work as a substitute teacher which re-ignited my passion for education. I received my MA and MEd from Saint Xavier University and Loyola University respectively. I punctuate my school career with my last year as a PhD student in Educational Leadership at DePaul University.
I have spent 30 years as an educator with a variety of unique educational opportunities ranging from homeschooling to interim principal, but my most memorable years started with the Academy of St Benedict the African and have recently concluded with a three year stay at DePaul College Prep as Dean of Students to over 900 young adults. I am a nationally trained SEED leader and I am passionate about diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. Faith, respect, and justice are the center of my being. Now, I begin a new chapter with our wonderful community where I look forward to an eventful school year of serving as Principal Greer or Ms. April. I am honored to be uKnighted with the Old St. Mary’s community and immersed in a world where I am helping to prepare future leaders to be productive, responsible, and impactful members of the world community. I invite you to join me for monthly Principal Chats in the upcoming months where you will learn more about me and inversely, I hope to learn more about you and your family. Warm regards, April Greer
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
ANDREW RAMKER
He/Him/His
My name is Andrew Ramker, and I go by Mr. Ramker or Coach Ramker to many of our students and families. I have worked here at Old St. Mary's since 2015. I've taught PE almost all of that time, in addition to serving as the Athletic Director for most of those years. I'm excited to continue my job of providing our students with a safe environment to learn and grow both in the classroom and outside of it. I feel very fortunate to be able to share my passion for athletics with our students. I am a proud Indiana University alum and was born and raised a Hoosier just over the state line in Hammond, IN. I love all sports but really enjoy spending time on the golf course or watching the Bears and Hoosiers play. I look forward to meeting everyone soon!
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Elizabeth Duff-Russo
She/Her/Hers
My name is Ms. Duff-Russo and this is my eight year at Old St. Mary's, my second as assistant principal. I hold a BA in elementary education and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Boston College. Last spring, alongside five of my colleagues here at OSM, I earned my MA in educational leadership with a Catholic principal endorsement from DePaul University. I began my career as a part of Boston College's Urban Catholic Teacher Corps teaching second and third grade at a Catholic school in Boston. Although I loved Boston for the six years I was there, I was thrilled to return home to Chicago and work just two miles from my high school alma mater, St. Ignatius. Before moving into my role as assistant principal of curriculum, I taught fifth, sixth, and eighth grade here at Old St. Mary's. I am passionate about our commitment to Catholic identity and its intersection with diversity, equity, and inclusion. My role is to work alongside teachers as we look critically at our curriculum and instruction, leveraging our expertise and collaboration to form students who "lead through faith, grow in knowledge, and serve with love." I look forward to a terrific year working in tandem with students, families, and staff as we live into this mission!
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Shannon Carsello
She/Her/Hers
I've been with Old St. Mary's for the past 4 years, both as consultant and now as the Finance Director. I have worked in the Archdiocese of Chicago at various churches and schools for the past 20 years. I was born and raised in Chicago, attending both Catholic Elementary and High Schools in the city. I hold a BS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois - Champaign.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
&
EXTENDED DAY COORDINATOR
Stephanie Hagerman
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Stephanie Hagerman. I have worked in education for over 20 years as a tutor, a 6th grade homeroom teacher, a 6th-9th grade math teacher, and most recently, a school Administrative Assistant. I also enjoy singing, and writing faith-based plays and short stories. I love serving people and serving God with any and every gift He has given me. I will strive to ensure that Old St. Mary's School is a positive, receptive, and fertile place for young minds and for all who enter these doors. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this blessed school family.
ENROLLMENT DIRECTOR
Abbey Laird
She/Her/Hers
My name is Abbey Laird and I go by Miss Laird to our students. I started at Old St. Mary's the 21-22 school year as the Enrollment Director; you'll frequently see me in the front office or roaming the school on family tours. I'm originally from Seattle and now live in Logan Square with my cat, Clementine. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2021 with a dual degree in English & Creative Writing and Cinema. I love working with our students and getting to know our families, both old and new. Go Knights!
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
Vidal Tapia
He/Him/His
Hello! My name is Vidal. I go by Mr. Tapia to the students. My pronouns are He/Him. I've been at Old St. Mary's since 2021. I work as the Director of Technology. You can find my office / studio on the 3rd floor!
If you need any guidance or assistance on any technological issue, I am your guy!
I've been in Chicago all my life, I attended Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and studied Cinema Arts and Science at Columbia College Chicago.
I love creativity and being involved in the arts. I hope to inspire people in the projects I create, and bring interest to the art form of filmmaking and photography to the students. Cheers!
DIGTIAL COORDINATOR
Brantley Roden
He/Him/His
As the Digital Coordinator and a parent at OSM, I am dedicated to helping the school's students and staff work through any and all high-tech troubles. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I am a Graphic Designer by trade, but I have continued to fulfill my calling to progress the education and technological advancement of OSM.
BUILDING MANAGER
Lourdes Cisneros
She/Her/Hers
Hi, My name is Maria L and I go by Ms. Lourdes. My pronouns are She/Her. I've been at Old St. Mary's since 2010. I'm responsible for the facilities operations and maintenance, but most importantly for keeping a safe and healthy environment for the students and staff
ARCHDIOCESE ONSITE ADMINISTRATOR
Patti Murphy
She/Her/Hers
My name is Patti Murphy. I am the Archdioceses Onsite Administrator for the Old St. Mary's Campus. I assist in coordinating all events for the church and the school. I work closely with Administration and the Family & School associations.