Staff
Who We AreThe 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.
Our Staff
Meet the staff
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!
Ashlee Price
Second Grade Teacher, Teacher Mentor, Curriculum and Instructional Specialist
Email: Mrs. Price
Phone: Ext. 208
Why Chicago Park: I first fell in love with Chicago Park School in 2007 when my oldest daughter and I moved out to grass Valley. We chose Chicago Park School as our home because we love that small school feeling, small class size sizes, beautiful setting, and the rich classroom experiences the teachers and staff provide. We look at Chicago Park School and staff as an extension of our family.
Where you grew up: Texas and Hawaii
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: The list is extensive but if it has to do with nature or the outdoors I’m there! My favorites are Reading, Running, Hiking, Cooking, and all things music!
Favorite food: Its so hard to choose but if I had to pick one or two it would have to be pizza and tacos.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: I would want to travel to Spain as that is where my oldest child currently resides and I miss her like crazy!
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!
Holly Lutkemuller
Holly TK/Kinder Teacher
Email: Mrs. Lutkemuller
Phone: Ext. 206
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.
I grew up in 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 is 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!
Sarah Lindblom
P.E. Coach for TK-5th grade
Why Chicago Park: With a small community, small actions of positivity can bring huge reactions of growth.
Where you grew up: I was a military brat: born in Puerto Rico, with family in Texas, and moved to Louisiana, Maryland, Southern California, and lastly Petaluma,California.
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: I enjoy an active lifestyle: weight lifting, dirt bike riding, hiking, camping, fishing... basically anything that could potentially make me smell or involve dirt.
Favorite food: Hands down, Pizza. I’m kinda a health nut, but I still know how to enjoy life.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: If there was a destination that could guarantee my entire family could attend- both mine and my husband’s side- I’d go in a heartbeat. Family is everything.
Andy Brooding
5th Grade Teacher / Basketball Coach
Email: Mr. Brooding
Phone: Ext. 213
Why Chicago Park: I love how connected the community is at Chicago Park. The students, families, and staff make this school amazing!
Where you grew up: My family moved to Grass Valley from Fairfield when I was just two years old. I have grown up in Grass Valley and I went through the Pleasant Ridge School District as a child. I can't imagine myself leaving Nevada County.
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: I love playing bass in my band Elevation, playing basketball, and taking care of my tree frog.
Favorite food: Italian and Mexican food are my two favorites.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: I would like to visit Sweden. My family immigrated from Sweden and I would love to experience the country firsthand.
Lisa O’Sullivan
RSP Classroom Aide & Yard Duty
Why Chicago Park: my kids grew up at Chicago Park School and we’ve always enjoyed the small, rural environment. It is a tight-knit community and everyone cares for one another.
Where you grew up: I grew up in West Los Angeles, I lived walking-distance from my elementary school and a short bus ride from the beach, I went to Venice High School where the original movie Grease was filmed, I learned how to navigate LA freeways and traffic, but I’m glad I don’t have to deal with it anymore!
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: I love to read, I enjoy crafting, I try to get to as many spin classes as I can, and baking is a big stress reliever.
Favorite food: Dark chocolate
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Mr. O’Sullivan and I have always talked about going to Ireland. I want to see all the green, rolling hills in the countryside. When we travel, we enjoy going to smaller towns rather than large cities.
Katie Kohler
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
Academy Science, 6th Grade Homeroom
Email: Mrs. Kross
Phone: Ext. 217
Why Chicago Park: I really appreciate the supportive community at Chicago Park School and I like the focus on interactive hands-on learning. I am Chicago Park alumni and I really enjoyed my time at the school as a student. When I decided to focus my career on education, it was my goal to return to Chicago Park as a teacher.
Where you grew up: Chicago Park
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Crafting, Cooking, Gardening and Hiking
Favorite food: Sushi
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: I would like to visit Scotland to hike and explore castles.
Amy Cimino
Academy ELA
Email: Mrs. Cimino
Phone: Ext. 211
Why Chicago Park: On my first visit to Chicago Park I loved the staff and students. The welcoming atmosphere and amazing students make this a perfect home for me!
Where you grew up: I grew up in Folsom having adventures on the bike trails and by the lake.
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: I love reading and hiking! My favorite place to read and hike is Yosemite National Park!
Favorite food: My guilty pleasure is German Chocolate Cake...love that caramel, coconut, walnut frosting!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: I would definitely go to Yosemite, specifically the crest on the top of Half Dome where the view of the Eastern Sierras stretch 360 degrees around you. It's magical!
Robin Fields
Instructional Aide
Why- I love the small community environment and staff.
Grew up- Imperial, Ca
Hobbies- My church, reading, volleyball
Food- soups & stews
Places- Goodness, I've traveled to so many places and countries. Greece, I suppose, just because i haven't been there yet.
Jen Scarbrough
Business Official
Email: Mrs. Scarbrough
Phone: Ext. 203
Why Chicago Park: Chicago Park is an amazing school with a team focused, collaborative and positive environment. I am lucky to be able to say that I enjoy going to work every morning!
Where you grew up: Esparto, CA
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: When I am not at work, I am almost always playing with my 3 year old daughter; going to the park, going for walks, taking her to lunch with Grandma! I also enjoy Jazzercise, spending time with friends, family and our cat, Tinkerbell (aka Stinky Tink).
Favorite food: Artichokes
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: To a remote Island hideaway!
Audra Delany
4th Grade Teacher
Email: Mrs. Delany
Phone: Ext. 214
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!
I am originally from the foothills (Ophir) and I went Placer High School.
Education (I know you didn't ask for it, but thought you might include it anyway): 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.
Learning is FuN.
So is Teaching!
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”
– Benjamin Franklin
A Word
From Our Principal
“I have always dreamed of being part of a small school with a strong sense of community. I guess dreams do come true.”
– Katie Kohler