Traci Bionda

My name is Traci Bionda. I've been at Hilltop since 2007. I started as a Reading Assistant, and am now an SSA. I am married and have 3 children ages 22,20, and 15. 2 of my children are away at college, so I especially love when they're home and we are all together!

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Courtney DeRisi

I started at Hilltop in 2022. I enjoy working with the students so much I have decided to go back to school to pursue my teaching degree. I live in Wonder Lake with my husband, our 3 daughters, our 2 dogs, Coco and Pickles, our newly added goldfish, Baked, Fried and Sushi, and hermit crab, Artichoke. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and being a Girl Scout leader.

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Brenda Gerstad

My name is Brenda Gerstad. I am a paraprofessional at Hilltop. I enjoy working with the students to help them achieve their goals, and celebrate their accomplishments. I live in McHenry with my husband, three children and two dogs. My family enjoys volunteering, participating in soccer, playing games, watching movies and cooking together.

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Joan Lichter

I have been working here at Hilltop since 2015. I work supporting students in various classrooms/programs across all grade levels. I really enjoy connecting with kids to encourage them to learn and grow at their own pace and in their own way. Prior to Hilltop, I was a stay-at-home mom and before that I held positions in corporate finance for several large companies. I am the proud mom of two sons who I love hanging out with. My other interests include reading mystery books, hiking, spending time with family & friends, baking and eating anything chocolate!

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Maria Veaz Morales

My name is Maria I. Veaz. I am working as a Bilingual Paraprofessional at Hilltop Elementary. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Biology from University of Puerto Rico and received a Master's of Arts in Teaching from Aurora University. I have been teaching for 30+years and have been able to work with ESL and Bilingual students of all ages in Puerto Rico and the United States.During all these years I have balanced my life, time and energy working with students as a teacher, tutor, during before and after school programs and now, as a Bilingual Paraprofessional.

I am grateful for working at Hilltop Elementary as a Bilingual Paraprofessional. It has been new, but a rewarding, enriching and an awesome learning experience for me. I am honored having chosen Education as my vocation especially because I know that I can positively impact students' lives and I can help them lead their path of their future.

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Kaila Kozich

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Suzanne Treptow

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Susan O'Brien

I started working with District 15 in 2007 as a Teaching Assistant. Because I only worked half days for the first few years, I have had the opportunity to work in four of the the five elementary schools!

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Cindy Flanagan

I have been at School District 15 for over 11 years. For the past six years I have been a teacher's assistant in the Structured Education Setting classroom. It is so rewarding to be able to help the students learn and watch their growth.

I am married and I have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I enjoy swimming, boating, baking, and making gift baskets.