Meet the Staff
The staff at Chicago Park School is made up of caring, open-minded, and committed individuals. We have a long history, shaped by dedicated people enriching the minds of future generations.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”
– Benjamin Franklin
A Word From Our Principal
Learning is Fun.
So is Teaching!
Katie Kohler
Superintendent/Principal
Email: Mrs. Kohler
Phone: Ext. 202
Why Chicago Park: I think Chicago Park is the best! It makes me happy to come to work everyday!
Where you grew up: Grass Valley
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Camping, gardening, traveling, and cooking
Favorite food: Pizza
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Lake Tahoe because it is so beautiful and there is so much to do up there
Jenna Kross
1st Grade Teacher
Phone: Ext. 205
Why Chicago Park: I love the Chicago Park community! It is my alma mater and it has been so special to return as a teacher.
Where you grew up: Chicago Park
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Gardening, crafting, hiking, cooking and organizing.
Favorite food: Tacos
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: I want to explore the rainforests in Costa Rica.
Audra Delany
4th Grade Teacher
Email: Mrs. Delany
Phone: Ext. 214
Why Chicago Park: I have chosen to teach at Chicago Park because it embodies what I think school should be. Chicago Park is very much like Ophir School where I went to school growing up. It is a small, country, K-8 with small classes and an old fashioned feel. People here are warm, welcoming and appreciative of hard work. Chicago Park is my happy place!
Where you grew up: I am originally from the foothills (Ophir) and I went Placer High School.
Education: BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz, CLAD Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State
When I’m not teaching, I love to read, cook, and spend time with my family. I also love mowing the lawn (I know, weird!).
My favorite food is a burrito.
I would like to visit a small island in the Bahamas called Spanish Wells for a vacation. It looks how I imagine an island paradise would look.
Bonnie Bellefontaine
2nd Grade Teacher
Email: Mrs. Bellefontaine
Phone Ext: 208
Why Chicago Park: I love Chicago Park School’s strong sense of community and that it is located in the beautiful countryside!
Where you grew up: Colfax, CA
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: In my free time I enjoy anything outdoorsy! Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, boating, biking and traveling are among my favorite activities.
Favorite food: Any type of seafood!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Alaska’s amazing scenery and wildlife definitely make it a place that I would love to visit someday.
Dana Winquest
Administrative Secretary
Email: Mrs. Winquest
Phone: Ext. 215
Why Chicago Park: I love kids and the Chicago Park School Community
Where you grew up: Chicago Park. Yep, I attended Chicago Park School
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Hiking, reading, spending time with family, roller coasters, volunteer work
Favorite food: Indian and other spicy foods
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Africa. To volunteer and they have really cool animals!
Holly Lutkemuller
TK/K Teacher
I chose Chicago Park because it is in the community that I love! I love CPS because of the strong community, the beautiful setting and the supportive staff. Everyone works together to ensure the success and well-being of everyone at school.
Where you grew up: Meadow Vista, CA
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy long backpacking trips with no cell service, yoga, hiking, skiing and spending time with my family and friends.
Favorite food: Sushi
If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be Japan. I am so fascinated by the Japanese culture and would love to ski in Hokkaido!
Bob Schmitt
Maintenance
Why Chicago Park: The kids, the grounds, the teachers and the administrators
Where you grew up: Marin County
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Hiking, traveling with wife, and dogs.
Favorite food: Chips, hamburgers, banana ice cream
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Australia because I want to pick up their accent mate!
Lindsay Martinez
3rd Grade Teacher
Phone Ext: 209
Amy Chizek
William Omer
Academy Teacher
Robin Johnston
Special Education Director
Michelle Stroud
Academy Teacher
Why Chicago Park: I chose to teach at Chicago Park because of the small, community atmosphere. My oldest daughter graduated 8th grade from here in 2020 and the school made it so special. My other two daughters attend Chicago Park School as well and love the small class sizes and access to a garden class.
Where you grew up: I was born in Bremerton, WA and spent a few years there but lived in Mississippi, Virginia, and by middle school ended up at Chicago Park School. I was only here for a short time and went to many other schools in the area while eventually settling in Alta Sierra.
Education: BA in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Music and minor in Religion from Vanguard University in 1999. I just finished my Master of Arts in Teaching from William Jessup University in 2022.
When I’m not teaching, my favorite things to do are hiking, traveling, having fun with my family, baking, biking, gardening and taking photos.
My favorite food is tortellini with white sauce.
I have visited 38 states and 11 countries. I love traveling to new places with my family. Some of my favorite places to visit are Venice, Italy and Glen Arbor, MI.