| Welcome to our New Harper Staff Members! |
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Robby Binder - PE Teacher
I live in Arlington Heights with my wife Katie and dog Ivy. This is my 9th year teaching, all in the Chicagoland area. I went to undergrad at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where I studied Physical Education, wrestled and went fishing at every opportunity. My family lives in the area and we get together often. I am always available to talk fishing, hunting or sports, but will need picture verification for those "fishy stories". Looking forward to joining the Dolphin Pod!
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Lucie de Kock - Spanish Teacher
I was born in Canada but come from a multicultural and multilingual family. I grew up speaking English, French, and Spanish at home. I went to McGill University and DePaul University and have been teaching for 13 years. I have taught both French and Spanish in North Shore area schools. I live in Northbrook with my husband, Warwick, and my 11-month old daughter, Emma. I enjoy Burn Boot Camp, tennis, hiking, concerts, traveling, good food, and spending time with my family. I look forward to meeting everyone at Harper!
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Lindsay Shea - Instructional Coach
I'm delighted to be joining the Harper team. I've been in the education field for 21 years, most recently as a third-grade teacher at Central. My prior experience includes teaching 5th and 6th grade, as well as program management. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes my husband, two sons (ages 9 and 10), and our rescue dog. We live in Evanston, and you can often find us at the Evanston Dog Beach or playing sports. I'm passionate about education and look forward to working with our Harper Dolphins as an instructional coach! |
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Katie Coats-Majko - Special Education Coordinator
Katie comes to Harper Elementary with a decade of experience serving general and special education programs. She is trained as a nationally certified school psychologist and has held unique roles, such as her previous role as an intervention specialist in a therapeutic day school program. Katie has a Masters of Education and an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology, and she considers herself a lifelong learner. She is passionate about all students' academic and social-emotional learning and growth while adhering to equitable practices that guide all learners into successful and meaningful lives. Outside of the schoolhouse, Katie is a voracious reader, enjoys crafting, and a good cup of coffee. She is incredibly excited to begin at Harper Elementary and get to know students and their families! |
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Jaclyn Kostrzewski - Behavior Specialist
I am thrilled to join the Harper community this year as a behavior specialist. With 8 years of experience as a special education teacher, I have taught in both Colorado and Illinois. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from the University of Dayton in 2016 and recently completed my Master's Degree in Special Education, with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis, from the University of Colorado in May 2023. Born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, I enjoy cooking, traveling, sailing, and exploring new restaurants with my husband in my free time. I look forward to meeting everyone and contributing to the Harper community!
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Becky Kapuscik - Kindergarten Paraprofessional
I live in Park Ridge with my partner, Christina. I have three adult children (30, 27, and 21) who all live in Illinois. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. For the past thirteen years, I’ve been working in assisted living communities as an Activity Director. I decided I wanted to get back to working with children and am very happy to be a new addition at Harper! I enjoy traveling, eating good food, and going to the theater. I am very creative - I especially love bulletin boards - and look forward to using that skill in the classroom this year.
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Casey Brandt- Kindergarten Teacher
After living in almost every neighborhood in Chicago, I finally made my home on the lakefront in the Gold Coast neighborhood. I received my masters in Early Childhood Education from DePaul University and spent the last 17 years as a Chicago Public School teacher. During the summer of 2024, I was one of 16 teachers from across the US selected for a Fulbright Seminar Abroad in Finland. While in Finland, I was able to learn more about how culture and infrastructure contribute to it being the “happiest country in the world”.
When I am not teaching, you can find me enjoying Chicago sports (Go Bears!), baking, reading, or enjoying the lakefront!
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