School Administration
Rev. James F. Hurlbert
Pastor
jhurlbert@nativitystgabriel.org
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
jhurlbert@nativitystgabriel.org
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.
Ms. Kelly Bourrell
Director of Parish Schools
kbourrell@bcachicago.org
Ms. Bourrell begins her first year as Director of Parish Schools for Nativity of Our Lord and St. Gabriel Parish's Education Ministry. She 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. Ms. Bourrell 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. Ms. Bourrell is very excited about the unique opportunity of growing and strengthening our two excellent schools.
Director of Parish Schools
kbourrell@bcachicago.org
Ms. Bourrell begins her first year as Director of Parish Schools for Nativity of Our Lord and St. Gabriel Parish's Education Ministry. She 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. Ms. Bourrell 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. Ms. Bourrell is very excited about the unique opportunity of growing and strengthening our two excellent schools.
Mrs. Amanda Canino
Administrative Assistant
acanino@bcachicago.org
Mrs. Canino serves as the Office Manager for BCA. She handles all registration and tuition matters and is a great resource for BCA parents, students, and staff. Mrs. Canino has a strong history with BCA as she is a proud alumna and her her two children currently attend the school.
Administrative Assistant
acanino@bcachicago.org
Mrs. Canino serves as the Office Manager for BCA. She handles all registration and tuition matters and is a great resource for BCA parents, students, and staff. Mrs. Canino has a strong history with BCA as she is a proud alumna and her her two children currently attend the school.
Early Childhood
Mrs. Tressa Fasula-Bermudez
Pre-K 3 Teacher
tfasula@bcachicago.org
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
tfasula@bcachicago.org
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. Michaelina Hayes
Pre-K 4 Teacher
mhayes@bcachicago.org
Mrs. Hayes was born and raised in Bridgeport and is happy to be working in the neighborhood she grew up in. She graduated from DePaul with a B.A. in PR and Advertising and has a Master of Early Childhood Education from National Louis University. Mrs. Hayes completed her student teaching at BCA, has been an aide, substitute and is enthusiastic about continuing her teaching career here as well.
Pre-K 4 Teacher
mhayes@bcachicago.org
Mrs. Hayes was born and raised in Bridgeport and is happy to be working in the neighborhood she grew up in. She graduated from DePaul with a B.A. in PR and Advertising and has a Master of Early Childhood Education from National Louis University. Mrs. Hayes completed her student teaching at BCA, has been an aide, substitute and is enthusiastic about continuing her teaching career here as well.
Mrs. Jackie Lagoni
Kindergarten Teacher
jlagoni@bcachicago.org
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
jlagoni@bcachicago.org
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
Ms. Jhade Avila
3rd Grade Teacher
javila@bcachicago.org
Ms. Jhade is your enthusiastic third-grader teacher. Born in Mexico but raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, She brings unique perspectives to the classroom/ Armed with a Master's in Elementary Education from Lewis University and Bachelor's in Psychology from Holy Cross College, Miss Jhade's teaching philosophy centers on instilling a love for learning, nurturing a supportive classroom community, and empowering every student to thrive.
3rd Grade Teacher
javila@bcachicago.org
Ms. Jhade is your enthusiastic third-grader teacher. Born in Mexico but raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, She brings unique perspectives to the classroom/ Armed with a Master's in Elementary Education from Lewis University and Bachelor's in Psychology from Holy Cross College, Miss Jhade's teaching philosophy centers on instilling a love for learning, nurturing a supportive classroom community, and empowering every student to thrive.
Mrs. Adelina Lopez
5th Grade Teacher
alopez@bcachicago.org
Ms. Lopez was born and raised as a 3rd generation member of the Canaryville/Bridgeport neighborhoods. After studying abroad in Latvia, Ms. Lopez went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Russian language, literature, and culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Currently, she is teaching 4th and 5th grade math, social studies, and science. This is her second year being a part of the BCA family, and she is excited for the many years to come.
5th Grade Teacher
alopez@bcachicago.org
Ms. Lopez was born and raised as a 3rd generation member of the Canaryville/Bridgeport neighborhoods. After studying abroad in Latvia, Ms. Lopez went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Russian language, literature, and culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Currently, she is teaching 4th and 5th grade math, social studies, and science. This is her second year being a part of the BCA family, and she is excited for the many years to come.
Middle School
Mr. Gerardo Castillo
7th Grade Teacher (Middle School - Math)
gcastillo@bcachicago.,org
Mr. Castillo graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from University of Southern Maine. He also has a Master's Degree In Education from Valparaiso University. Mr. Castillo has accumulated over 17 years of teaching. He taught middle school for 8 years, including 2 years at a private school and 6 years at a public school. Mr. Castillo taught at the college level for 9 years, including 4 years at a community college and 5 years at universities. His experience includes teaching mathematics, social studies, and coaching track. Over the years, Mr. Castillo has earned several promotions, holding positions such as Team Leader, Course Coordinator and Math Department Chair. Additionally, he has initiated impactful interventions such as Alternative Learning Environment (ALE coordinator), Apex instruction and counseling for boy’s groups focusing on behavioral intervention. In Mr. Castillo's 17 years of teaching, he has replaced and rehauled multiple curriculums. During his time at the University of Illinois, he achieved many milestones. He improved pass rates, received multiple student nominated HOPE awards and secured two promotions.
7th Grade Teacher (Middle School - Math)
gcastillo@bcachicago.,org
Mr. Castillo graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from University of Southern Maine. He also has a Master's Degree In Education from Valparaiso University. Mr. Castillo has accumulated over 17 years of teaching. He taught middle school for 8 years, including 2 years at a private school and 6 years at a public school. Mr. Castillo taught at the college level for 9 years, including 4 years at a community college and 5 years at universities. His experience includes teaching mathematics, social studies, and coaching track. Over the years, Mr. Castillo has earned several promotions, holding positions such as Team Leader, Course Coordinator and Math Department Chair. Additionally, he has initiated impactful interventions such as Alternative Learning Environment (ALE coordinator), Apex instruction and counseling for boy’s groups focusing on behavioral intervention. In Mr. Castillo's 17 years of teaching, he has replaced and rehauled multiple curriculums. During his time at the University of Illinois, he achieved many milestones. He improved pass rates, received multiple student nominated HOPE awards and secured two promotions.
.Mrs. Gina Geiset
8th Grade Teacher (Middle School - Language Arts)
ginageisert@bcachicago.org
Ms. 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 - Language Arts)
ginageisert@bcachicago.org
Ms. 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
School Staff
Mrs. Mary Bell
Humanities Teacher
mbell@bcachicago.org
Mrs. Mary Bell currently teaches Humanities at both St.Gabriel Catholic School and BCA. She is a DePaul University graduate with a B.Mus 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.
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