Leadership

a little about us..

Mary ReilingHead of School

Mary Reiling, a recognized leader in elementary and middle school education, became the Head of School of The Frances Xavier Warde School in July, 2006. Ms. Reiling came to Chicago after opening Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Alpharetta, Georgia. During her thirty-year career, she has taught middle school, written textbooks for Loyola University Press, and served as principal of St. Leo School in Fairfax, Virginia and of Gesu School in Cleveland, Ohio.

While at FXW, Ms. Reiling has spearheaded several key initiatives including, the co-teacher program for the primary grades, laptops for middle school students and key curricular improvements that have changed the direction of the academics at the school. Students take more foreign language classes (Spanish and French), get extensive language development in speaking, writing and literature, and take rigorous math and science classes. Her move to allow more student support through a well-funded resource department of school psychologists, resource teachers and a speech pathologist has allowed the entire school to be run like a gifted program. Students graduating from The Frances Xavier Warde School regularly get accepted at the leading high schools in the city.

 

Kate O’BrienK-3 Principal

Kate O’Brien began her career at FXW in January 1998 as a 4th grade assistant teacher. Over the years, she taught preschool, 1st and 2nd grade. September 2010 marked Kate’s first year as Principal of the OSP Campus. Kate earned a Masters Degree in Language and Literacy and was part of the Catholic Educators Co-hort Program at Loyola University, earning a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership. Kate thoroughly enjoys being an administrator working with teachers on the curriculum and partnering with the students and families to best meet the needs of their children.

 

Erin HornePreschool Principal

Erin Horne has worked at FXW since 1998, beginning as a 3rd grade classroom teacher. As she prepared for her 4th year at FXW, she was asked to assume more leadership responsibilities as the assistant principal. Erin earned her Masters in Educational Leadership through Concordia University and transitioned from assistant principal to principal in 2007. Erin is looking forward to continuing her work with the preschool teachers on curriculum and working with the children and parents to make the learning experience at FXW the best for every child.

 

Katie HustonGrades 4 & 5 Principal

Katie Huston became Principal of Grades 4 and 5 at FXW in August 2012.  To that position, she brought  over fifteen years of teaching and administrative experience.  After six years of teaching grades 3-5 at St. Andrew School in Chicago, Katie joined the FXW faculty in 2003.  She began her FXW career teaching 5^th Grade and later moved to 8^th Grade.  In 2010, she assumed the role of assistant principal at the HNC campus.  Katie completed her graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago, where she received a Masters in Instructional Leadership.  She thoroughly enjoys her work as an administrator at FXW, supporting teachers and students in reaching their full potential.

 

Lauren Casella6th, 7th & 8th Grades Principal

Lauren Casella graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA in 2003 earning a BA in Liberal Studies and a minor in Natural Science.  She began her teaching career at St. John of the Cross Parish School in Western Springs where she taught 4^th and 7^th grades.  In 2006, Lauren Casella came to The Frances Xavier Warde School to teach middle school language arts and social studies.  She spent five years teaching 8^th grade English at FXW.  In 2009, Mrs. Casella earned an MA in Educational Leadership from Loyola University Chicago.  She served as Assistant Principal for three years prior to accepting the role as Principal of grades 6^th – 8^th.

Lauren resides in Lincoln Park with her husband Matt and their son Connor.