The Administration, Faculty and Staff at Bridgeport Catholic Academy are dedicated to serving the needs of the students and their families and would be happy to assist you in any way we can! You may contact staff members directly or by contacting the school office (773) 376-6223.
Rev. James F. Hurlbert
Pastor
[email protected]
Father James Hurlbert is the oldest of seven children and grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and Chicago. He attended Catholic grade schools and Catholic High Schools (Loyola Academy in Wilmette and Brother Rice in Birmingham, MI). He graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1985 with degrees in Psychology and Philosophy. He studied for the priesthood at the University of St. Mary of the Lake- Mundelein Seminary and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1990. He concluded his studies in 1991, receiving a Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He served as associate pastor at St. Pascal in Chicago (1991-1996) and St. Anne in Barrington (1996-1999). He has served as pastor at St. Alphonsus in Chicago (2000-2012), Ascension in Oak Park (2015-202-), and Nativity of Our Lord and Saint Gabriel (2020-present). From 2013-2015 he served as chaplain at a home for orphans and at-risk children in Guatemala.
Pastor
[email protected]
Father James Hurlbert is the oldest of seven children and grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and Chicago. He attended Catholic grade schools and Catholic High Schools (Loyola Academy in Wilmette and Brother Rice in Birmingham, MI). He graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1985 with degrees in Psychology and Philosophy. He studied for the priesthood at the University of St. Mary of the Lake- Mundelein Seminary and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1990. He concluded his studies in 1991, receiving a Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He served as associate pastor at St. Pascal in Chicago (1991-1996) and St. Anne in Barrington (1996-1999). He has served as pastor at St. Alphonsus in Chicago (2000-2012), Ascension in Oak Park (2015-202-), and Nativity of Our Lord and Saint Gabriel (2020-present). From 2013-2015 he served as chaplain at a home for orphans and at-risk children in Guatemala.
Mrs. Kelly Brown
Principal
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Mrs. Brown has a B.A. from Purdue University, an M.ED. from Olivet Nazarene University, and is a graduate of Notre Dame Center for Transformational Leadership program. Previously, she was an administrator/principal at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School in Orland Hills. Mrs. Brown is an advocate for school choice and feels strongly about her life's work in Catholic education and strongly believes in its mission of creating disciples of Jesus Christ and productive members of society. She has two college age daughters who are pursuing their dreams in various medical fields. Mrs. Brown is very excited about the unique opportunity of growing and strengthening our two excellent schools.
Principal
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Mrs. Brown has a B.A. from Purdue University, an M.ED. from Olivet Nazarene University, and is a graduate of Notre Dame Center for Transformational Leadership program. Previously, she was an administrator/principal at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School in Orland Hills. Mrs. Brown is an advocate for school choice and feels strongly about her life's work in Catholic education and strongly believes in its mission of creating disciples of Jesus Christ and productive members of society. She has two college age daughters who are pursuing their dreams in various medical fields. Mrs. Brown is very excited about the unique opportunity of growing and strengthening our two excellent schools.
Mrs. Amanda Canino
Office Manager
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Mrs. Canino serves as the Office Manager at Bridgeport Catholic Academy. She oversees registration, tuition, fundraising, and marketing, and is a valuable resource for BCA parents, students, and staff. A proud BCA alumna herself, Mrs. Canino’s ties to the school run deep—her daughter is a BCA graduate and her son is a current student.
Office Manager
[email protected]
Mrs. Canino serves as the Office Manager at Bridgeport Catholic Academy. She oversees registration, tuition, fundraising, and marketing, and is a valuable resource for BCA parents, students, and staff. A proud BCA alumna herself, Mrs. Canino’s ties to the school run deep—her daughter is a BCA graduate and her son is a current student.
Mrs. Rebecca Marinopoulos
Office Secretary
[email protected]
Ms. Rebecca is the friendly face who greets students, families, and visitors in the front office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality from Western Illinois University and brings her strong background in organization and customer service to our school community. Ms. Rebecca enjoys being part of the BCA family not only as a staff member, but also as a parent—both of her children attend the school. She loves helping students and families feel welcome every day!
Office Secretary
[email protected]
Ms. Rebecca is the friendly face who greets students, families, and visitors in the front office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality from Western Illinois University and brings her strong background in organization and customer service to our school community. Ms. Rebecca enjoys being part of the BCA family not only as a staff member, but also as a parent—both of her children attend the school. She loves helping students and families feel welcome every day!
Early Childhood
Mrs. Tressa Fasula-Bermudez
Pre-K 3 Teacher
[email protected]
Miss Tressa was born and raised in Bridgeport and is a former BCA Bandit. She majored in Fine Arts at Arizona State University and is working toward an advanced degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children for over a decade and is a published children's book author. Miss Tressa is passionate about working with children and is so excited to join the BCA family.
Pre-K 3 Teacher
[email protected]
Miss Tressa was born and raised in Bridgeport and is a former BCA Bandit. She majored in Fine Arts at Arizona State University and is working toward an advanced degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children for over a decade and is a published children's book author. Miss Tressa is passionate about working with children and is so excited to join the BCA family.
Mrs. Patty Zeimys
Pre-K 3 Assistant
[email protected]
Miss Patty was born and raised in Bridgeport and has a lifelong connection to Nativity of Our Lord (now BCA). She is a proud alum of Nativity of Our Lord Grammar School and has been a parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church for over 50 years. Miss Patty has been married to Deacon Erik for many years, and together they raised their son, a BCA alum from the Class of 2020. She joined BCA in 2010 as a teacher’s aide and has been dedicated to supporting students and families with dedication and care.
Pre-K 3 Assistant
[email protected]
Miss Patty was born and raised in Bridgeport and has a lifelong connection to Nativity of Our Lord (now BCA). She is a proud alum of Nativity of Our Lord Grammar School and has been a parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church for over 50 years. Miss Patty has been married to Deacon Erik for many years, and together they raised their son, a BCA alum from the Class of 2020. She joined BCA in 2010 as a teacher’s aide and has been dedicated to supporting students and families with dedication and care.
Mrs. Kathy McKillop
Pre-K 4 Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. McKillop brings over 18 years of teaching experience, including 12 years in preschool education. Mrs. McKillop is a proud graduate of Mother McAuley High School, DePaul University, and St. Xavier University, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is deeply committed to the value of a Catholic education and is passionate about integrating the Catholic faith into her classroom. Mrs. McKillop lives in Mt. Greenwood with her husband and three children and is an active member of St. Christina Parish.
Pre-K 4 Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. McKillop brings over 18 years of teaching experience, including 12 years in preschool education. Mrs. McKillop is a proud graduate of Mother McAuley High School, DePaul University, and St. Xavier University, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is deeply committed to the value of a Catholic education and is passionate about integrating the Catholic faith into her classroom. Mrs. McKillop lives in Mt. Greenwood with her husband and three children and is an active member of St. Christina Parish.
Mrs. Sue Sheppard
Pre-K 4 Assistant
[email protected]
Mrs. Susie has been a dedicated Pre-4 teacher’s assistant for the past 19 years. She began her career in early childhood education at Santa Lucia in 2007 and joined Bridgeport Catholic Academy in 2019 after St. Lucy closed its doors. A lifelong Bridgeport resident, Mrs. Susie is proud to call the community both her hometown and current home. She is the mother of two adult children, both of whom are graduates of schools within the Archdiocese of Chicago..
Pre-K 4 Assistant
[email protected]
Mrs. Susie has been a dedicated Pre-4 teacher’s assistant for the past 19 years. She began her career in early childhood education at Santa Lucia in 2007 and joined Bridgeport Catholic Academy in 2019 after St. Lucy closed its doors. A lifelong Bridgeport resident, Mrs. Susie is proud to call the community both her hometown and current home. She is the mother of two adult children, both of whom are graduates of schools within the Archdiocese of Chicago..
Mrs. Jackie Lagoni
Kindergarten Teacher
[email protected]
Miss Jackie graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Unified Early Childhood Education and a Reading Endorsement from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Before coming to BCA, Miss Jackie was the Director and Kindergarten teacher at Children's Campus, Inc. Child Care Center for three years. For the last seventeen years, Miss Jackie has taught at BCA, first in Pre K 3 and as our Kindergarten teacher for the last 9 years. Miss Jackie has been nominated for two Golden Apple Teacher awards, and was awarded the Archdiocese of Chicago Heart of the School--Heart of Excellence Award in 2019.
Kindergarten Teacher
[email protected]
Miss Jackie graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Unified Early Childhood Education and a Reading Endorsement from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Before coming to BCA, Miss Jackie was the Director and Kindergarten teacher at Children's Campus, Inc. Child Care Center for three years. For the last seventeen years, Miss Jackie has taught at BCA, first in Pre K 3 and as our Kindergarten teacher for the last 9 years. Miss Jackie has been nominated for two Golden Apple Teacher awards, and was awarded the Archdiocese of Chicago Heart of the School--Heart of Excellence Award in 2019.
Primary Grades
Mrs. Mary Catherine LiFonti
1st Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Ms. Mary is proud to call Bridgeport Catholic Academy her lifelong home, having attended from Preschool through 8th grade before returning as both an aide and teacher. One of her own teachers during her time at the North Campus was Mrs. Grabowski, making her journey back to BCA even more meaningful. For more than 25 years, Ms. Mary also helped run the After-School Program alongside her mom, further deepening her ties to the school community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is now in her 8th year of teaching. Teaching at BCA has always been Ms. Mary's dream, and she is truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her.
1st Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Ms. Mary is proud to call Bridgeport Catholic Academy her lifelong home, having attended from Preschool through 8th grade before returning as both an aide and teacher. One of her own teachers during her time at the North Campus was Mrs. Grabowski, making her journey back to BCA even more meaningful. For more than 25 years, Ms. Mary also helped run the After-School Program alongside her mom, further deepening her ties to the school community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is now in her 8th year of teaching. Teaching at BCA has always been Ms. Mary's dream, and she is truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her.
Mrs. Lisa Grabowski
2nd Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. Grabowski graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from St. Xavier College in Chicago, Illinois. Before coming to Bridgeport Catholic Academy, she taught second grade at St. Ethelreda for one year. She then joined the Bridgeport community, where she served as Assistant Principal at the North Campus while also teaching second and fifth grade. When the North Campus closed, she moved to the South Campus, teaching a variety of grade levels including second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth. Throughout her career, she has continued teaching second grade, a role she loves tremendously. This past year, Mrs. Grabowski was honored at the BCA Gala for her years of dedication to education in the community. She was also nominated for the Archdiocese of Chicago Heart of the School Award. She is extremely proud to have been a part of the Bridgeport Catholic Academy community for so many years.
2nd Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. Grabowski graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from St. Xavier College in Chicago, Illinois. Before coming to Bridgeport Catholic Academy, she taught second grade at St. Ethelreda for one year. She then joined the Bridgeport community, where she served as Assistant Principal at the North Campus while also teaching second and fifth grade. When the North Campus closed, she moved to the South Campus, teaching a variety of grade levels including second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth. Throughout her career, she has continued teaching second grade, a role she loves tremendously. This past year, Mrs. Grabowski was honored at the BCA Gala for her years of dedication to education in the community. She was also nominated for the Archdiocese of Chicago Heart of the School Award. She is extremely proud to have been a part of the Bridgeport Catholic Academy community for so many years.
Ms. Sierra Kelly
3rd Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Ms. Kelly graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015 with a degree in Elementary Education. Over the years, she has taught 4th grade, middle school Social Studies, and now brings her passion for learning to 3rd grade at BCA. In the classroom, she loves fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys strolling through bookstores with a cup of coffee in hand and exploring new places.
3rd Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Ms. Kelly graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015 with a degree in Elementary Education. Over the years, she has taught 4th grade, middle school Social Studies, and now brings her passion for learning to 3rd grade at BCA. In the classroom, she loves fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys strolling through bookstores with a cup of coffee in hand and exploring new places.
Mrs. Bridget McCarthy
4th Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. McCarthy was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and went on to receive her Master’s in Early Childhood Development from DePaul University. Mrs. McCarthy taught first grade for several years before taking time off to raise her three boys. During that time, she remained actively involved in their Catholic school community serving as cross country coach, vice president of the PTO, and organizing school spirit wear. She is thrilled to be back in the classroom, teaching 4th and 5th-grade ELA.
4th Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. McCarthy was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and went on to receive her Master’s in Early Childhood Development from DePaul University. Mrs. McCarthy taught first grade for several years before taking time off to raise her three boys. During that time, she remained actively involved in their Catholic school community serving as cross country coach, vice president of the PTO, and organizing school spirit wear. She is thrilled to be back in the classroom, teaching 4th and 5th-grade ELA.
Mrs. Samantha Tracy-Cesar
5th Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. Cesar (aka Ms. Tracy) is originally from New York but calls Chicago her home. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Educational Leadership through the University of Notre Dame. She is also part of the Schreiber Assistant Principal Residency Program with Big Shoulders, furthering her leadership skills in Catholic education. Mrs. Cesar has been part of the Bridgeport Catholic Academy community since 2020, serving in both teaching and assistant principal roles.
5th Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. Cesar (aka Ms. Tracy) is originally from New York but calls Chicago her home. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Educational Leadership through the University of Notre Dame. She is also part of the Schreiber Assistant Principal Residency Program with Big Shoulders, furthering her leadership skills in Catholic education. Mrs. Cesar has been part of the Bridgeport Catholic Academy community since 2020, serving in both teaching and assistant principal roles.
Middle School
Ms. Megan Young
6th Grade Teacher - Middle School English Language Arts
[email protected]
Ms. Young is originally from Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a degree in Elementary Education and a K–8 Literacy endorsement. She taught 3rd grade in Des Moines for two years before moving to Chicago in 2023, where she joined BCA as a Title I teacher. This year, Ms. Young is excited to step into her new role as the 6th grade homeroom and middle school ELA teacher. She looks forward to inspiring a love of reading and writing while continuing to support students in building confidence and reaching their full potential. Outside of school, she enjoys exploring Chicago, trying out new coffee shops, and reading. Ms. Young is thrilled to continue growing with the BCA community and is eager for the year ahead!
6th Grade Teacher - Middle School English Language Arts
[email protected]
Ms. Young is originally from Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a degree in Elementary Education and a K–8 Literacy endorsement. She taught 3rd grade in Des Moines for two years before moving to Chicago in 2023, where she joined BCA as a Title I teacher. This year, Ms. Young is excited to step into her new role as the 6th grade homeroom and middle school ELA teacher. She looks forward to inspiring a love of reading and writing while continuing to support students in building confidence and reaching their full potential. Outside of school, she enjoys exploring Chicago, trying out new coffee shops, and reading. Ms. Young is thrilled to continue growing with the BCA community and is eager for the year ahead!
Mrs. Katherine Steinkraus
7th Grade Teacher - Middle School Math
[email protected]
Mrs. Steinkraus holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Endorsement from Northeastern Illinois University. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence and leadership. Mrs. Steinkraus began her teaching career at Bridgeport Catholic Academy in 2012 as a Title I Reading and Math Specialist, where she worked closely with students to strengthen their foundational skills. She later transitioned into a full-time 4th-grade teaching role, inspiring and supporting young learners across all core subjects. After taking a brief break to start her family, Katie was thrilled to return to BCA as a Middle School Math teacher. She is passionate about helping students build confidence in their math abilities and fostering a positive, growth-minded classroom environment.
7th Grade Teacher - Middle School Math
[email protected]
Mrs. Steinkraus holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Endorsement from Northeastern Illinois University. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence and leadership. Mrs. Steinkraus began her teaching career at Bridgeport Catholic Academy in 2012 as a Title I Reading and Math Specialist, where she worked closely with students to strengthen their foundational skills. She later transitioned into a full-time 4th-grade teaching role, inspiring and supporting young learners across all core subjects. After taking a brief break to start her family, Katie was thrilled to return to BCA as a Middle School Math teacher. She is passionate about helping students build confidence in their math abilities and fostering a positive, growth-minded classroom environment.
Mrs. Gina Geisert
8th Grade Teacher - Middle School Science
[email protected]
Mrs. Geisert graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Middle School Endorsement from Roosevelt University. Later returning to Roosevelt University where she received her Masters in Language and Literacy receiving her Type 10 certification as a reading specialist. For the last twenty five years, Ms. Geisert has been part of the Bridgeport Catholic Academy family. She has been nominated for three Golden Apple Teacher awards, and the Archdiocese of Chicago Heart of the School--Heart of Excellence Award.
8th Grade Teacher - Middle School Science
[email protected]
Mrs. Geisert graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Middle School Endorsement from Roosevelt University. Later returning to Roosevelt University where she received her Masters in Language and Literacy receiving her Type 10 certification as a reading specialist. For the last twenty five years, Ms. Geisert has been part of the Bridgeport Catholic Academy family. She has been nominated for three Golden Apple Teacher awards, and the Archdiocese of Chicago Heart of the School--Heart of Excellence Award.
Specials Teachers |
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Mrs. Mary Bell
Humanities Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. Mary Bell currently teaches Humanities at BCA. She is a DePaul University graduate with a B.M. in Music Therapy. She worked for a few years as a Music Therapist in Special Ed. She picked up remaining education courses at Chicago State and St. Xavier Universities and began teaching Kindergarten at Queen of Martyrs. She taught Kindergarten and music for 16 years at Q of M, Most Holy Redeemer and St. Christophers. After a long break, she returned to teaching seven years ago as the music teacher at BCA.
Humanities Teacher
[email protected]
Mrs. Mary Bell currently teaches Humanities at BCA. She is a DePaul University graduate with a B.M. in Music Therapy. She worked for a few years as a Music Therapist in Special Ed. She picked up remaining education courses at Chicago State and St. Xavier Universities and began teaching Kindergarten at Queen of Martyrs. She taught Kindergarten and music for 16 years at Q of M, Most Holy Redeemer and St. Christophers. After a long break, she returned to teaching seven years ago as the music teacher at BCA.
Mr. Kal Moy
Physical Education Teacher
[email protected]
Mr. Moy has been teaching Physical Education at BCA for the past 12 years. He holds a B.S. degree in Kinesiology from Southern Illinois University and has dedicated over 30 years to serving the Bridgeport and Canaryville communities through the Chicago Park District, where he ran sports classes and leagues for countless children. In 2025, he retired as Supervisor of McGuane Park. In addition to teaching, Mr. Moy has served as BCA’s Athletic Director for the past 10 years. His family has strong ties to the school—his daughter is a proud BCA alumna, and his son is currently a Bandit.
Physical Education Teacher
[email protected]
Mr. Moy has been teaching Physical Education at BCA for the past 12 years. He holds a B.S. degree in Kinesiology from Southern Illinois University and has dedicated over 30 years to serving the Bridgeport and Canaryville communities through the Chicago Park District, where he ran sports classes and leagues for countless children. In 2025, he retired as Supervisor of McGuane Park. In addition to teaching, Mr. Moy has served as BCA’s Athletic Director for the past 10 years. His family has strong ties to the school—his daughter is a proud BCA alumna, and his son is currently a Bandit.
School Staff |
Ms. Geena Cox
Aide
[email protected]
As the Title I teacher at BCA, Ms. Cox supports students in building strong academic foundations through small group instruction and personalized learning. With over ten years of experience working with children—as a preschool teacher, classroom assistant, private tutor, and nanny—she brings a well-rounded perspective on how students learn best.
Ms. Cox grew up in the northern suburbs and earned a degree in education from DePaul University. Before joining BCA, she taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Chicago Public Schools.
In her classroom, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. She works with students to set personalized goals, address individual needs, and regularly reflect on progress. She emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and encourages students to view mistakes as a valuable and necessary part of learning.
Aide
[email protected]
As the Title I teacher at BCA, Ms. Cox supports students in building strong academic foundations through small group instruction and personalized learning. With over ten years of experience working with children—as a preschool teacher, classroom assistant, private tutor, and nanny—she brings a well-rounded perspective on how students learn best.
Ms. Cox grew up in the northern suburbs and earned a degree in education from DePaul University. Before joining BCA, she taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Chicago Public Schools.
In her classroom, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. She works with students to set personalized goals, address individual needs, and regularly reflect on progress. She emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and encourages students to view mistakes as a valuable and necessary part of learning.
Mr. Tim Smith
Facilities Manager
Facilities Manager
Mrs. Kim Osowiec
Operations Director
Kim Osowiec is the Operations Director for Nativity of Our Lord & St. Gabriel Parish, St. Gabriel Catholic School and Bridgeport Catholic Academy. She has 20+ years of experience in Operations Management within the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Schools specifically. Prior to joining the Archdiocese she held positions in administrative management in a national Human Resource Consulting company as well as a retail operation in the Chicago Suburbs. Kim was born and raised in Chicago area and has raised her family here.
Operations Director
Kim Osowiec is the Operations Director for Nativity of Our Lord & St. Gabriel Parish, St. Gabriel Catholic School and Bridgeport Catholic Academy. She has 20+ years of experience in Operations Management within the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Schools specifically. Prior to joining the Archdiocese she held positions in administrative management in a national Human Resource Consulting company as well as a retail operation in the Chicago Suburbs. Kim was born and raised in Chicago area and has raised her family here.
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Bridgeport Catholic Academy
3700 S. Lowe Avenue Chicago, IL 60609 Directions Phone 773-376-6223 Fax 773-376-3864 |
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