Meet Our Team
-
Head of School / Humanities
Savannah Pankow
Savannah is a dedicated educator with a profound commitment to classical Catholic education and to forming the souls and minds of her students. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Mount Mary College and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Holy Apostles College, her academic journey has been marked by a passion for theological studies and a deep understanding of Catholic doctrine.
Savannah has touched the lives of countless students through her roles in various Catholic parishes and schools. From teaching in the RCIA program at St. Mary of the Hill Parish to leading religious education classes, Savannah has demonstrated her ability to inspire and guide students of all ages on their spiritual journeys.
In addition to her work in religious education, Savannah has also contributed to the academic growth of students through her tenure as a humanities teacher at St. Augustine School. Her expertise extends across multiple subjects, including history, literature, and theology, reflecting her dedication to providing a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
Savannah's leadership abilities are exemplified by her role as principal of St. Augustine School, where she led the institution through a period of transition and growth. Her experience in overseeing fundraising efforts, interviewing and hiring staff, and managing curriculum development highlights her strong organizational and management skills.
Furthermore, Savannah's commitment to ongoing professional development is evident in her pursuit of graduate coursework in classical education and Catholic school administration. Her dedication to staying abreast of current educational practices and her involvement in the WRISA accreditation process showcase her proactive approach to school leadership and administration.
-
Math & Science
Annika Konetzke
Annika's academic experience, highlighted by her Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, reflects her deep-seated commitment to understanding the intricacies of the natural world. From Molecular and Cellular Biology to Organic Chemistry, her coursework has provided a solid foundation upon which she continues to build her pedagogical expertise as a teacher.
Her dedication to nurturing young minds has been evident throughout her career. Most recently, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School, she not only taught Science and Math but also played a pivotal role in selecting a new science curriculum that harmoniously blends Christian principles with classical education. As a prior teacher at Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family in Lisle, IL, Annika's return to the Chesterton family brings with it a sense of camaraderie and shared dedication to the mission of classical education. Her time there has undoubtedly equipped her with invaluable insights and strategies of our distinctive educational approach that she will now bring to enrich the educational journey of our students.
Annika's journey transcends conventional academia, as evidenced by her time with the Missionaries of Charity, where she immersed herself in a life of service and contemplation. Her experiences as a FOCUS Missionary further underscore her holistic approach to education, where mentorship and spiritual growth are as integral as academic pursuits.
-
Latin, Music & Philosophy
Anna Lenshek
Anna's journey in education spans more than two decades, marked by diverse roles and profound contributions. Her dedication, extensive experience of classical education and expertise in Latin and music contribute to our vibrant academic community we cherish.
Her academic experience has given her a deep background in classical thought and education. She has a Master of Arts from The Catholic University of America, specializing in Aristotle's natural philosophy, provides her with a robust foundation in philosophical inquiry, building on her undergraduate education in the Great Books program of Thomas Aquinas College, which combines philosophy, theology, literature, and the classics of many other disciplines. She also holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Brock University in Ontario.
Notably, her tenure as Latin & English Teacher and Department Head at Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto stands as a testament to her commitment to classical education. During her time there, she taught a rigorous Latin curriculum and helped a large and enthusiastic contingent of students prepare for and compete in an annual Classics Conference celebrating Latin language, history, and culture. As an English teacher she strove to help students learn to read and enjoy the great books of our heritage, both through her own teaching and her leadership in curriculum development.
Anna has also taught in classical programs at other levels. She taught fourth grade at Annunciation Academy, a small classical school in Vienna, VA, where the curriculum included ancient mythology, history, Latin, and a music program centered on Gregorian chant. She has taught undergraduate philosophy at the Catholic University of America, in a program focused on the masterworks of the history of philosophy, and above all the works of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas.
Anna's intellectual curiosity extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her published writings in publications such as First Things and Inside Catholic, where she looks to literary works, including those of J. R. R. Tolkien and Sigrid Undset, to seek out the profound understanding of the human experience they offer at the intersection of faith and literature.
-
Art
Collin Konetzke
With a rich background in fine art and graphic design, coupled with ministry and youth formation, Collin brings a unique blend of skills and passion to our school. Collin's academic experience is highlighted by a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with emphasis in Graphic Design and Woodworking from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. His passion as an iconographer speaks to his dedication to the craft and his commitment to creating meaningful and spiritually enriching artwork.
Collin currently works as the Director of Talent and Culture at an e-commerce company in Sun Prairie. His leadership roles within various organizations demonstrate his prowess in managing budgets, timelines, and teams while identifying and nurturing talent. His tenure as a Missionary and Team Director with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students exemplifies his dedication to guiding and inspiring young individuals towards spiritual growth and personal development.
His passion for art, coupled with his unwavering dedication to ministry and youth development, align seamlessly with our philosophy and vision.