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Elizabeth Leszewicz

Hello! My name is Liz Leszewicz, and I am proud to serve as a Learning Resource Specialist here at Hilltop. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University.

Since joining Hilltop in 2019, I’ve been grateful to be part of such a wonderful and supportive school community. I live in McHenry with my husband and our two children. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, playing tennis, and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

I’m looking forward to another fantastic school year!

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Special Education Instruct and Resource

Melissa Blomquist

Hello! My name is Melissa Blomquist, and I am proud to be a Special Education teacher here at Hilltop. I’ve been teaching since 1998, and throughout the years, I’ve remained passionate about helping every child reach their true potential. I firmly believe that with the right tools, support, respect, and encouragement, every student can thrive.

I hold a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University and a master's degree in Reading from Olivet Nazarene University. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending quality time with my three wonderful children. I also love walking, exercising, and getting lost in a good book.

 

Teaching is more than a job—it's a calling—and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my students.

Jen Finch

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Jen Finch

Hello! My name is Jen Finch and I am a Learning Resource Specialist. I began my teaching career way back in 1997 after graduating from Iowa State University (Go Cyclones)! After teaching in the classroom for many years, I made the change to special education. Over the years I've worked at Edgebrook, Landmark, and Valley View, and now I'm a Hilltop Hawk! I live in McHenry with my husband, my two daughters (ages 22and 16), our dog Jorgie, and our cat Jaspurr. I'm excited to work with all of my new students this year!

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Jenny Mihevc

Hello!  My name is Jenny Mihevc and I am a Learning Resource Specialist here at Hilltop.  I have had a number of different roles during my many years in education which include teaching kindergarten, co-teaching in the dual language program, and leading our school's Social Emotional Learning Team.  I live in McHenry with my husband and 3 children.  I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Monmouth College and my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois. My husband and I both grew up in McHenry and my parents, my in-laws, my brother, and my oldest son are all teachers.  It's safe to say that teaching is in my blood.  I feel fortunate to do what I love each day and I strive to make a difference in the lives of my students.

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Cheryl Winkelmann

Hello! My name is Cheryl Winkelmann and I am a part-time School Counselor.  I have a bachelor's degree from NIU and a Master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University.  I live in Cary with my husband, a retired Cary deputy police chief, and our two teenagers who attend CGHS.  I enjoy photography, video-editing/filmmaking, screenwriting, watching movies and going to concerts - especially if it's an 80s band!
 
I'm also very passionate about helping students gain skills that they can use to help them become successful in life.  Being in this profession is a privilege, and one that I do not take lightly!  I began working in District 15 at Landmark in 2017, then transferred to Valley View in 2023 and now I'm at Hilltop!  Working in three different buildings has made me realize that D15 is a special place with so many WONDERFUL educators who are always willing to do what it takes to help students succeed.   

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Amanda Schmitt

My name is Amanda Schmitt and I have been a school social worker in District 15 since 2013. I graduated with my Bachelors in Social Work from Illinois State University and my Masters in Social Work from Aurora University. I grew up in McHenry and attended District 15 schools as a child. I love living in McHenry with my husband and 3 children. We enjoy hiking, traveling to national/state parks and reading stories together. 

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Tina Orr

Hi, I am the school psychologist at Hilltop. I have had the pleasure of being a school psychologist for 13 years. Prior to that I was a third grade teacher and I took some time at home to raise my four - now grown - children. I enjoy spending time with family, including my three grandchildren, taking walks, and traveling.

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Nancy Brodson

My name is Nancy Brodson, and I have been a Speech Pathologist at Hilltop since 2011.  I received both my Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!).  I live in Deer Park with my husband and my dog, Rose.  I love reading, crocheting, and watching the wildlife in my yard.

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Gail Mehnert

I started at McHenry District 15  in 2013.  I graduated from Northwestern University with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy in 1993. I love Pinterest, and spending time with my husband, and six children.

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Allyson Loris

Hi! My name is Allyson Loris, I am an Occupational Therapist here in District 15! After I received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2017, I completed my clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Midwestern University in 2020. Through this time, I have worked with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including early intervention, home health, outpatient clinics, schools and hospitals. I am dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that helps students with diverse needs to thrive and grow!