St. mark's Day School team


Staff & Leadership

  • Carrie Bender & Susan Dilsaver

    Tiny Tots & 2s Teachers

    Carrie has been in the early childhood field for roughly 32 years! Over the course of her 32 years in early childhood, she has been both a teacher & director! She holds an Associate’s Degree in General Education with a certificate in Early Education, both from McHenry County College. She is a State & NCLB-certified Paraprofessional through the Illinois State Board of Education. Through Gateways to Opportunity, she also holds a Certificate of Completion in Child Care Administration & a Level 4 ECE Credential. As both an educator & a mom, Carrie believes that learning takes place in a fun, loving, safe, & nurturing environment that fosters play-based learning. Her & her husband, Jim, have two amazing children, Jess & Connor (both who have graduated from college). Outside of the classroom, Carrie loves yoga, reading, being outdoors, crafting, & spending time with family & friends!


    Susan has been teaching Sunday School at St. Mark’s for over 30 years. In fact, some of our current parents at St. Marks had her as their Sunday School teacher, which to this day they share very fond memories of her as their teacher. Susan also gives the monthly message during Chapel Time to the entire school & brings several years of Early Childhood teaching as a certified teacher. Susan has been serving as an active member of the ministry at St. Mark’s Church for many years & is St. Mark’s Junior Vestry Warden. Her comforting presence & love for teaching young learners is a gift that we are so lucky to have here at St. Marks.


  • Kathi Slatter & Sara Morrell

    3s Teachers

    Kathi has been teaching at St. Mark's for 14+ years. She grew up in Park Ridge & attended Maine South High School. Kathi graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison & earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University. She has four children all graduates from BHS & enjoys skiing with all of them! 


    Sara has been teaching at St. Mark's for over seven years, but her adventure here began as a parent & later as a substitute teacher. We just couldn't let her go! Sara has BA in Marketing & Advertising from Columbia University, & an MA in Integrated Marketing Communications, so she is well-versed in helping families from both the classroom & office at St. Mark's. She is well-qualified with early childhood certification from DCFS. Sara embraces the philosophy of St. Mark's as she supports children in their journey to learn, explore, & discover through play, music, art, and lots of movement! Outside of school, Sara enjoys spending time with her family & attending her son's hockey games!



  • Meg Jorgensen

    Pre-K  (4s) 

    Meg has been sharing her passion for education with children for over 16+ years. Meg has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Michigan State University (GO GREEN!) & joined St. Mark's in 2020. Meg is a caring, compassionate teacher who meets each child where they are at. Not only is Meg a nurturing teacher, but her love for her preschool students is so evident in the way she leads with patience, kindness, & warmth. Outside of school, Meg enjoys traveling, gardening, & spending time with her three children & seven grandchildren. Meg & her husband of 40 years, Mark, live in North Barrington with their two dogs, Ollie & Shuggie. 

  • Kathi Slatter & Sara Morrell

    Kathi Slatter - Director
    After sixteen wonderful years teaching at St. Mark's & 4 magical years as a St. Mark’s parent, I'm honored to step into this new role while continuing to guide our curious, joyful three-year-olds in the classroom. With a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education & qualifications for a Preschool Director, I will be focusing on staffing & parent communication. St. Mark's is truly a second home to me, & I'm excited to serve the school in this new capacity while staying close to the children who inspire me every day!

    Sara Morrell - Day to Day Operations
    St. Mark's has been my teaching home for the past seven years. Prior to those years, I was a St. Mark's parent for 2 years. It has been a joy to grow alongside our students & programs-especially through the development of our after-school enrichment offerings.  Within our Leadership Team, I will be supporting the day-to-day operations of the school office while continuing to teach.My heart is in the classroom, & I am grateful to be able to blend that passion with the opportunity to help lead our community forward!

    With gratitude & enthusiasm,
    Kathi Slatter (kslatter@mydayschool.org)
    Sara Morrell (smorrell@mydayschool.org)

  • Carol Kenneally

    Music Teacher & Pre-K 4s Assistant Teacher

    Music_Mondays.png

    Ms. Carol has been encouraging & developing preschooler's natural love of music & movement in the Chicago area since 1998. Children enjoy learning basic music skills & exercise their fine/gross motor skills in her classes. Students also practice self expression & social skills, as they engage with Ms. Carol's guitar & age appropriate props/instruments, & different styles of music! Carol & her husband are empty nesters now & enjoy 'glamping' as much as possible! 

  • Kelly Mertel

    GYM Kids Teacher

    Gym_Kids.png

    Coach Kelly has been working with children both in the

    classroom & as a coach for over 10 years - which led her to start Gym

    Kids Enrichment! Coach Kelly's approach to teaching is through interactive games, different sport skills, stretching/yoga, music, & more! No matter what she has planned for the week, it is always fun & age appropriate for the students she is leading. Our little athletes adore Coach Kelly - she is truly the kindest, most energetic & upbeat physical educational instructor out there! Kelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & a Master’s degree in HR Management. Kelly lives in Crystal Lake with her husband & three children.