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
Email: Mrs. Kross
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.
Ashlee Price
2nd 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!
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
Holly TK/Kinder 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!
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!
