School News

During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mandy BixmanShe is a science teacher at De La Salle since 2014. She teaches Environmental, Earth & Space, and Physical Sciences and coaches tennis for Girls (Fall) and Boys (Spring). Background and Journey to De La Salle“I grew up in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago, went to Stagg High School, and graduated from Saint Xavier University in 2013 with a degree in Biology Education and Environmental Sustainability. I worked at another high school and a grammar school before there was a Science opening at De. Now I get to teach my favorite subjects and coach my favorite sport!” What inspires you about De La Salle?“I am excited to pass on my love and knowledge of science to my students. I get to talk with them about preserving our environment on Earth, and about our explorations into space on a daily basis!” What Woman has been an inspiration to you?“Katherine…

During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mariann RonzioShe is the Business Office Manager at De La Salle and has been here since 1999. She describes her day-to-day as an opportunity to work with the “best of the best.” Ronzio adds that “when she began this journey 22 years ago, with the Business Office, my roll was Account Receivables. I was responsible for entering all money coming into the school. The primary source being tuition. Collecting tuition enabled me to become acquainted with many of our families and their students. Being able to work with and assist our DLS families has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. As the many years went by, my roll changed to Business Office Manager, primarily responsible for Account Payables. I continue to work with and assist our families, which is what I enjoy most!” Background and Journey to De La Salle“I'm a 1979 graduate of…

The Women of D: Alison Duffy During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Alison DuffyShe is a history teacher at De La Salle since 2019. She teaches all five sections of CP Freshmen World History. Background and Journey to De La SalleIn her own words, Duffy states that she “was first a music teacher for many years, as well as a French tutor. I taught English in public schools overseas for several years in Korea and France. Then I decided to switch to teaching history. I worked as a sub in CPS while I got my Master's degree, and now I'm at De La Salle!” What inspires you about De La Salle?“I love how the students here come from all different backgrounds, and I love how nice everyone is,” Duffy affirms. “It's the perfect place to help kids develop a nuanced understanding of the world we live in.” What Woman has been an inspiration to you?Virginia Hall.…

By: Nicole Beach, Mia Nunez, and Isella Perea

Celebrating Women's History Month by recognizing the great work of our female colleagues at De La Salle.

Competing against 48 schools in the ISBA Mock Trial State Invitational, De La Salle placed as a state finalist, finishing in the top eight in the state of Illinois.

Briana Steffenhagen PuliaGrade School:St. GabrielGraduation Year:2008After Graduating from De La Salle:Concordia University Chicago – Major: natural science, Minor: psychology, Dean’s List all 4 yr.Rush University College of Nursing – MSN, RNRush University College of Nursing – DNP, FNPCurrent Occupation:I was an inpatient oncology nurse for six years and currently I am a nurse practitioner at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I work in the outpatient oncology department and care for patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders.Why did you choose to attend De La Salle?I attended De La Salle because of its academic reputation, faith-based education, small classroom sizes with dedicated teachers, and strong athletic programs.Influential classes while at De La Salle:I wouldn’t say there was a specific class that led me to nursing particularly. I loved my Anatomy and Physiology class with Ms. (Colleen) Mills, but I was very torn on career paths as I entered college. I couldn’t decide between education or medicine. I loved being around children and was inspired by my teachers and the impact they have had on my life. However, when I started to have experiences caring for family members and working as a nursing assistant, I realized this is what I wanted to…

The Women of D: Mrs. Iris Gist-Cochran During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mrs. Gist-Cochran.She is the Director of Development in the Office of Advancement and has been at De La Salle since 2001. Her day-to-day activities vary greatly, however, her overall goal is to raise funds for the Meteors and for the school. Background and Journey to De La Salle“I have a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Non-Profit Management,” she says about her professional development and educational journey. “With more than 30 years of fundraising expertise, I was hired at De La Salle Institute nearly 20 years ago to help raise funds for the school. I love my job!” What inspires you about De La Salle?Ms. Gist-Cochran enjoys being a part of the De La Salle family and talks about how “it is very gratifying to know that the funds I help raise are directly helping the students at De La Salle. My…

The Women of D: Mrs. Carrie Contreras During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mrs. Contreras.She is the Dean of Language Arts and has been at De La Salle since August 2002. She teaches and oversees three departments including English, languages, and fine arts. In addition, she helps edit the yearbook and is a junior class co-moderator. Background and Journey to De La Salle“I taught English and theater in public schools before arriving at De La Salle 19 years ago,” she notes. “I decided to apply for a job here at De La Salle where I could still teach and also work with teachers to help them reach their goals while encouraging them to strive to be their best.” What inspires you about De La Salle?“I enjoy the diversity of our student body,” she described as part of her daily inspiration at De La Salle. “I am blessed to work closely with the teachers in my…

During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Ms. Monaco.She is an English and Journalism Teacher since 2019 and is a graduate from the Class of 2014. Background and Journey to De La SalleIn her own words, Ms. Monaco talks about teaching “always being a passion of mine. From a young age, I played ‘school’ with my friends, volunteered as a tutor for my peers and at an elementary school while I was in high school, and worked at a tutoring center throughout college.” She goes on to talk about her love “of being part of such a rewarding field that allows me to be part of further educating and guiding our nation’s future generations.” Additionally, she notes that she is continuously learning and growing from the guidance of her peers and students. What inspires you about De La Salle?“As my alma mater, I always hoped to be able to return to De La Salle. De…