St. Mark's Team

The staff and leadership at St. Mark's Day School is a loving and nurturing team whose sole focus is the best interest of children. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and email our office.


You can contact the St. Mark's Day School office at office.dayschool@gmail.com.

Staff & Leadership

  • Heather Taylor

    Tiny Tots & Twos Assistant Teacher

    Heather is a graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York with 15 years of childcare experience. She is an enthusiastic, nurturing educator who is eager to contribute to St. Mark's mission of fostering an engaging and safe learning environment. With certification in early childhood and as a mother of three, Heather understands the importance of creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore, learn, and express themselves freely. Her teaching philosophy is centered around fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere where every child can thrive. Outside of school, Heather enjoys attending her children's athletic events, baking delicious treats, running to stay active, and diving into mystery thriller books.


  • Kathi Slatter

    3s Teacher

    Kathi has been teaching at St. Mark's for 13+ years. She grew up in Park Ridge and attended Maine South High School. Kathi graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison and earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University. She has four children in District 220 schools and enjoys skiing with all of them!

  • Sara Morrell

    3s Teacher

    Sara has been teaching at St. Mark's for four years, but her adventure here began as a parent and later as a substitute teacher. We just couldn't let her go! Sara has  BA in Marketing and Advertising from Columbia University, and an MA in Integrated Marketing Communications, so she is well-versed in helping to spread the good work we do 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, and discover through play, music, art, and lots of movement! 

  • Meg Jorgensen

    PK Teacher

    Meg Jorgensen has been sharing her passion for education with children for over 15 years. Meg has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Michigan State University (GO GREEN!) and joined St. Mark's in 2020. Meg enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her three children and seven grandchildren. Meg and her husband of 40 years, Mark, live in North Barrington with their two dogs, Ollie and Shuggie. 

  • Carol Kenneally

    Music Teacher

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

  • Kelly Mertel

    GYM Kids Teacher

    Kelly Mertel (Coach Kelly) has been working with children both in the

    classroom and as a coach for over 9 years which led her to start Gym

    Kids Enrichment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a

    Master’s degree in HR Management. She lives in Crystal Lake with her

    husband and three children. Coach Kelly loves working with children!