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 at 773-376-6223.
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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 (2015-2020), 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 (2015-2020), 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.
Mr. Daniel Flaherty
Principal
dflaherty@nativitystgabriel.org
Mr. Flaherty begins his third year as Director for Nativity of Our Lord & Saint Gabriel Parish's Education Ministry. He has a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.Ed. from Dominican University. Previously he was an administrator/principal at Sacred Heart Schools on Chicago's north side for 18 years and principal at St. Pius X in Lombard for 12 years. Mr. Flaherty is a strong advocate for Catholic education. He and his wife have four grown children, all products of Catholic schooling and all finding success in their chosen fields. He continues to be very excited about by the unique opportunity of growing and strengthening our two excellent schools.
Principal
dflaherty@nativitystgabriel.org
Mr. Flaherty begins his third year as Director for Nativity of Our Lord & Saint Gabriel Parish's Education Ministry. He has a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.Ed. from Dominican University. Previously he was an administrator/principal at Sacred Heart Schools on Chicago's north side for 18 years and principal at St. Pius X in Lombard for 12 years. Mr. Flaherty is a strong advocate for Catholic education. He and his wife have four grown children, all products of Catholic schooling and all finding success in their chosen fields. He continues to be very excited about by 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 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 two children currently attend the school.
Early Childhood
Ms. Mary Catherine LiFonti
Pre-K 3 Teacher
mlifonti@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Infants and Toddlers from Kendall College.
Experience & Responsibilities
Teaching since 2018. Substitute teacher in grades Pre-K through 4th Grade, 2014-2018. Teacher’s aide in grades Pre-K through 2nd Grade, 2004-2006, 2013-2018. Student taught Pre-K 3 and 2nd Grade at BCA.
Experience loving my Nieces and Nephews, 1999-Forever.
Children: Doc and Marty (Yellow Labs).
Pre-K 3 Teacher
mlifonti@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Infants and Toddlers from Kendall College.
Experience & Responsibilities
Teaching since 2018. Substitute teacher in grades Pre-K through 4th Grade, 2014-2018. Teacher’s aide in grades Pre-K through 2nd Grade, 2004-2006, 2013-2018. Student taught Pre-K 3 and 2nd Grade at BCA.
Experience loving my Nieces and Nephews, 1999-Forever.
Children: Doc and Marty (Yellow Labs).
Mrs. Michaelina Hayes
Pre-K 4 Teacher
mhayes@bcachicago.org
Mrs. Hayes was born and raised in Bridgeport and is excited to be working in the neighborhood she grew up in. She graduated from DePaul with a Bachelors in Public Relations and Advertising and has a Master of Early Childhood Education degree from National Louis University. Mrs. Hayes completed her student teaching at BCA, has been an aide and a substitute and is very enthusiastic about continuing her teaching career here!.
Pre-K 4 Teacher
mhayes@bcachicago.org
Mrs. Hayes was born and raised in Bridgeport and is excited to be working in the neighborhood she grew up in. She graduated from DePaul with a Bachelors in Public Relations and Advertising and has a Master of Early Childhood Education degree from National Louis University. Mrs. Hayes completed her student teaching at BCA, has been an aide and a substitute and is very enthusiastic about continuing her teaching career here!.
Mrs. Jackie Lagoni
Kindergarten
jlagoni@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Unified Early Childhood Education with a Reading Endorsement from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, 2004. Illinois certification in Early Childhood Education and certified by the Archdiocese of Chicago as a Teacher Catechist.
Experience & Responsibilities
Taught Kindergarten and acted as program Director of Children's Campus, Inc. Child Care Center for three years before coming to BCA. Began teaching Pre K 3 at BCA in 2007 for eight years before moving to her current position in Kindergarten. Miss Jackie was the Archdiocese of Chicago 2019 recipient of the Heart of the School Award: Heart of Excellence and acts as our current first floor mentor.
Kindergarten
jlagoni@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Unified Early Childhood Education with a Reading Endorsement from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, 2004. Illinois certification in Early Childhood Education and certified by the Archdiocese of Chicago as a Teacher Catechist.
Experience & Responsibilities
Taught Kindergarten and acted as program Director of Children's Campus, Inc. Child Care Center for three years before coming to BCA. Began teaching Pre K 3 at BCA in 2007 for eight years before moving to her current position in Kindergarten. Miss Jackie was the Archdiocese of Chicago 2019 recipient of the Heart of the School Award: Heart of Excellence and acts as our current first floor mentor.
Mrs. Patricia Zeimys
Pre-K 3 Aide
Mrs. Zeimys is currently serving her 12th year as a member of our faculty. She has been involved with B.C.A. for her entire life. She and her husband both attended Nativity of Our Lord school and their son graduated from B.C.A. Her husband is currently one of our deacons here at Nativity of Our Lord & Saint Gabriel Parish.
Pre-K 3 Aide
Mrs. Zeimys is currently serving her 12th year as a member of our faculty. She has been involved with B.C.A. for her entire life. She and her husband both attended Nativity of Our Lord school and their son graduated from B.C.A. Her husband is currently one of our deacons here at Nativity of Our Lord & Saint Gabriel Parish.
Mrs. Sue Sheppard
Pre-K 4 Aide
Mrs. Sheppard has been a faculty member at BCA for the last three years as a teacher's assistant in PreK 4. Prior to that, she had the same position with Santa Lucia parish school from 2006 until 2019 when the school was closed.
Pre-K 4 Aide
Mrs. Sheppard has been a faculty member at BCA for the last three years as a teacher's assistant in PreK 4. Prior to that, she had the same position with Santa Lucia parish school from 2006 until 2019 when the school was closed.
Mrs. Carol Grek
Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Grek began her journey at BCA over 18 years ago as a grandmother volunteering in our lunchroom when her oldest granddaughter began school. In short order, she was asked to be an aide in our Kindergarten and has been here ever since. She says, " the faculty is wonderful to work with but I discovered that working with all the children was truly rewarding and fun! We've had wonderful and memorable educators here that have helped make our school a joy and a privilege to educate all of our students.
Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Grek began her journey at BCA over 18 years ago as a grandmother volunteering in our lunchroom when her oldest granddaughter began school. In short order, she was asked to be an aide in our Kindergarten and has been here ever since. She says, " the faculty is wonderful to work with but I discovered that working with all the children was truly rewarding and fun! We've had wonderful and memorable educators here that have helped make our school a joy and a privilege to educate all of our students.
Primary Grades
Ms. Samantha Tracy
1st Grade Teacher
stracy@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
Ms Tracy has been teaching at BCA since 2020. She graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2019 with a B.A in Early Childhood Education. Student taught and worked as a substitute teacher in the Cincinnati Public Schools while completing course work towards her Master's Degree.
1st Grade Teacher
stracy@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
Ms Tracy has been teaching at BCA since 2020. She graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2019 with a B.A in Early Childhood Education. Student taught and worked as a substitute teacher in the Cincinnati Public Schools while completing course work towards her Master's Degree.
Mrs. Lisa Grabowski
2nd Grade
lgrabowski@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from St. Xavier University. Illinois State Certification in Elementary Education.
Experience & Responsibilities
Taught 2nd grade at St. Ethelreda (1 year), began teaching at BCA in 1985 presently teaching 2nd grade (grades 4-8 previously). Served as Assistant Principal and on Social Committee. Past nominee for the Heart of the School award and belonged to the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).
2nd Grade
lgrabowski@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from St. Xavier University. Illinois State Certification in Elementary Education.
Experience & Responsibilities
Taught 2nd grade at St. Ethelreda (1 year), began teaching at BCA in 1985 presently teaching 2nd grade (grades 4-8 previously). Served as Assistant Principal and on Social Committee. Past nominee for the Heart of the School award and belonged to the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).
Ms. Amelia Thompson
3rd Grade
athompson@bcachicago.org
A Southside Chicago native, Ms. Thompson was born in Bridgeport and attended University of Chicago Laboratory School, as well as Saint Ignatius College Prep. Ms.Thompson graduated this past May from Marquette University where she studied Communications and Theatre Arts. New to teaching, Ms. Thompson has been enjoying learning alongside the students this year and is very appreciative of the warm welcome she has received from the BCA Family this year.
3rd Grade
athompson@bcachicago.org
A Southside Chicago native, Ms. Thompson was born in Bridgeport and attended University of Chicago Laboratory School, as well as Saint Ignatius College Prep. Ms.Thompson graduated this past May from Marquette University where she studied Communications and Theatre Arts. New to teaching, Ms. Thompson has been enjoying learning alongside the students this year and is very appreciative of the warm welcome she has received from the BCA Family this year.
Ms. Bridget H. McCarthy
4th Grade
bmccarthy@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Arts and Science with a minor in Social Work from University of Dayton Master in Early Childhood Development from DePaul University
Experience & Responsibilities
Taught 1st grade in the Chicago Archdiocese for 6yrs. Took time off of teaching to raise my 3 boys and was very active in their Catholic School Community : V.P. of The PTO, CO-Chaired Spirit Wear for the school, Enrichment Program, and Coached Cross Country.
4th Grade
bmccarthy@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Arts and Science with a minor in Social Work from University of Dayton Master in Early Childhood Development from DePaul University
Experience & Responsibilities
Taught 1st grade in the Chicago Archdiocese for 6yrs. Took time off of teaching to raise my 3 boys and was very active in their Catholic School Community : V.P. of The PTO, CO-Chaired Spirit Wear for the school, Enrichment Program, and Coached Cross Country.
Mrs. MaryLu Scorza
Primary 1-4 Aide
Mrs. Scorza has been with BCA for the past two years as a teacher's aide in the Primary wing. She retired as Park Supervisor for the Chicago Park District after more than 30 years of service.
Primary 1-4 Aide
Mrs. Scorza has been with BCA for the past two years as a teacher's aide in the Primary wing. She retired as Park Supervisor for the Chicago Park District after more than 30 years of service.
Middle School
Ms. Adelina Lopez
5th Grade (MS Science)
alopez@bcachicago.org
Ms. Lopez graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2021 with a B.A. in Central and Eastern European Studies with a concentration in Russian language, literature, and culture. First year of teaching began in 2022 at BCA. Before BCA, she worked inside the main office of UIC College Prep (high school) for 2 years while earning her B.A.
5th Grade (MS Science)
alopez@bcachicago.org
Ms. Lopez graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2021 with a B.A. in Central and Eastern European Studies with a concentration in Russian language, literature, and culture. First year of teaching began in 2022 at BCA. Before BCA, she worked inside the main office of UIC College Prep (high school) for 2 years while earning her B.A.
Ms.Sierra Kelly
6th Grade (MS History)
skelly@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
Ms. Kelly has been with BCA since 2017. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.A. in Urban Elementary Education and a concentration in middle school social sciences. Student taught at McClellan Elementary and worked for two years as a teacher’s assistant.
6th Grade (MS History)
skelly@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
Ms. Kelly has been with BCA since 2017. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.A. in Urban Elementary Education and a concentration in middle school social sciences. Student taught at McClellan Elementary and worked for two years as a teacher’s assistant.
Ms. Shavonne Terry
7th Grade (MS Math)
sterry@bcachicago.org
Ms Terry is happy to be apart of the loving community of Bridgeport Catholic Academy. She is an educator with over 10 years of classroom experience and an intense background in CS. She has an Undergraduate Degree in Media Arts & Animation and an M.ED in Education from DePaul University. She loves being a teacher and bringing forth innovation with learning to enlighten the mindset of our future leaders.
7th Grade (MS Math)
sterry@bcachicago.org
Ms Terry is happy to be apart of the loving community of Bridgeport Catholic Academy. She is an educator with over 10 years of classroom experience and an intense background in CS. She has an Undergraduate Degree in Media Arts & Animation and an M.ED in Education from DePaul University. She loves being a teacher and bringing forth innovation with learning to enlighten the mindset of our future leaders.
Mrs. Gina Geisert
8th Grade (MS Literature)
ginageisert@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in History and a M.A. in Language & Literacy from Roosevelt University. Dual Illinois certification, Type 10 and Type 3 with a Middle School Endorsement.
Experience & Responsibilities
Began teaching at BCA in 1998 (grades 4-8). Coordinated Student Council activities and Environmental Club projects. Member of the School Intervention Team (ICEP) Member of International Reading Association and Illinois Reading Council.
8th Grade (MS Literature)
ginageisert@bcachicago.org
Biographical Information
B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in History and a M.A. in Language & Literacy from Roosevelt University. Dual Illinois certification, Type 10 and Type 3 with a Middle School Endorsement.
Experience & Responsibilities
Began teaching at BCA in 1998 (grades 4-8). Coordinated Student Council activities and Environmental Club projects. Member of the School Intervention Team (ICEP) Member of International Reading Association and Illinois Reading Council.
Mrs. Patricia Murphy
3rd Floor Aide
Mrs. Murphy as been with BCA since 2020. She has taken on many roles; from overseeing the students with iReady, substitute teaching, teaching social and emotional learning and serving as middle school history teacher. Currently she works with the 3rd floor teachers as an aide to help with tasks they need and assist the students as well.
3rd Floor Aide
Mrs. Murphy as been with BCA since 2020. She has taken on many roles; from overseeing the students with iReady, substitute teaching, teaching social and emotional learning and serving as middle school history teacher. Currently she works with the 3rd floor teachers as an aide to help with tasks they need and assist the students as well.
Mrs. Joette Miller
3rd Floor Aide
Mrs. Miller is in her first year as an educator at BCA. She is a lifelong Bridgeport resident whose son started at BCA in PreK 4 and is now in our seventh grade. She and her family love the teachers and the community. She really enjoys helping out our kids.
3rd Floor Aide
Mrs. Miller is in her first year as an educator at BCA. She is a lifelong Bridgeport resident whose son started at BCA in PreK 4 and is now in our seventh grade. She and her family love the teachers and the community. She really enjoys helping out our kids.
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 Qof M, Most Holy Redeemer and St. Christopher's. After a long break, she returned to teaching six years ago as the music teacher at BCA. This is her second year at St. Gabes teaching Humanities; music, art and what makes us human!
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 Qof M, Most Holy Redeemer and St. Christopher's. After a long break, she returned to teaching six years ago as the music teacher at BCA. This is her second year at St. Gabes teaching Humanities; music, art and what makes us human!
Mr. Kal Moy
Physical Education Teacher
kmoy@bcachicago.org
Mr. Kal Moy is in his tenth year as Physical Education instructor at Bridgeport Catholic Academy. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a specialization in Exercise Physiology from Southern Illinois University. He is the proud parent of a recent alumna and has current student at BCA. In addition to teaching Physical Education, Mr. Moy serves as our Athletic Director and supervises are expansive athletic programs.
Physical Education Teacher
kmoy@bcachicago.org
Mr. Kal Moy is in his tenth year as Physical Education instructor at Bridgeport Catholic Academy. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a specialization in Exercise Physiology from Southern Illinois University. He is the proud parent of a recent alumna and has current student at BCA. In addition to teaching Physical Education, Mr. Moy serves as our Athletic Director and supervises are expansive athletic programs.
Mrs. Lillian Buckley
Development
Mrs. Buckley is a graduate and parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord. She has her B.A. from St. Francis University and her M.A. from Loyola University. She is celebrating her 50th year as an employee of the Archdiocese of Chicago, having served as a teacher for 9 years at Saint David and Holy Cross schools; 30 years as principal at Saints Cyril and Methodius and Bridgeport Catholic Academy; and is now completing her 9th year as Development Director for Bridgeport Catholic Academy.
Development
Mrs. Buckley is a graduate and parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord. She has her B.A. from St. Francis University and her M.A. from Loyola University. She is celebrating her 50th year as an employee of the Archdiocese of Chicago, having served as a teacher for 9 years at Saint David and Holy Cross schools; 30 years as principal at Saints Cyril and Methodius and Bridgeport Catholic Academy; and is now completing her 9th year as Development Director for Bridgeport Catholic Academy.
Mrs. Francine Thelen
Title 1
Mrs. Thelen graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN in 2015 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Mild Intervention. She has her Illinois State Certification in Elementary Education and her Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (Kindergarten through Age 21). She was the third Grade teacher at BCA from 2015-2021 and she now serves BCA through the Fran Center where she is a Title 1 teacher.
Title 1
Mrs. Thelen graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN in 2015 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Mild Intervention. She has her Illinois State Certification in Elementary Education and her Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (Kindergarten through Age 21). She was the third Grade teacher at BCA from 2015-2021 and she now serves BCA through the Fran Center where she is a Title 1 teacher.
Mr. Tim Smith
Facilities Manager
Mr. Smith is a lifelong resident of Canaryville and proud parishioner of St. Gabriel. He has been in charge of building maintenance at our parish and schools for seven years and loves helping out in any way he can.
Facilities Manager
Mr. Smith is a lifelong resident of Canaryville and proud parishioner of St. Gabriel. He has been in charge of building maintenance at our parish and schools for seven years and loves helping out in any way he can.
Mrs.Kim Osowiec
Operations Director
kosoweic@nativitystgabriel.org
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
kosoweic@nativitystgabriel.org
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.
Ms. Jennifer Simental
Marketing & Communications
jsimental@nativitystgabriel.org
Jennifer Simental handles Marketing & Communications for both the parish and our 2 parish schools (SGCS & BCA). She is a graduate of St. Gabriel and Mother McAuley. She has a BFA in Advertising and Design. Jennifer really loves being part of the Nativity of Our Lord & St. Gabriel Parish staff and enjoys working with the students, staff and faculty of both the parish schools.
Marketing & Communications
jsimental@nativitystgabriel.org
Jennifer Simental handles Marketing & Communications for both the parish and our 2 parish schools (SGCS & BCA). She is a graduate of St. Gabriel and Mother McAuley. She has a BFA in Advertising and Design. Jennifer really loves being part of the Nativity of Our Lord & St. Gabriel Parish staff and enjoys working with the students, staff and faculty of both the parish schools.
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3700 S. Lowe Avenue Chicago, IL 60609 Directions Phone 773-376-6223 Fax 773-376-3864 |
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