Meet our team at St. Mary of Gostyn School
Our administration and staff welcome you to visit or call with any questions. We look forward to sharing information with you about our school and the differences provided by a Catholic education. In addition, we are here to answer your questions to help you make an informed decision about your child's education.
Dr. Kathleen Benton
Principal
Phone: (630) 968-6155
Email: kbenton@stmarygostyn.org
Dr. Benton joined us at SMG this school year. She comes to us with over 25 years of combined experience in school administration and teaching at the middle school, high school and university level. She holds a Bachelor degree in Education; a Master of Science in Education in both the Foundations of Education and Educational Administration; and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, all from Northern Illinois University.
She received a Catholic education in elementary school and high school. Dr. Benton has 5 adult sons (who also attended catholic school) and 3 grandchildren. She and Mr. Benton have lived in Downers Grove for over 15 years.
"The main focus for me is always teaching children critical thinking skills they will use all their lives. It's about teaching and training thinkers who have a strong, solid faith and belief system who can contribute to family and community and thrive in a technological society. That's my objective."
Kristen Kaplan
Assistant Principal
Phone: (630) 968-6155 ext. 235
Email: kkaplan@stmarygostyn.org
Kristen Kaplan attended and graduated from St. Mary's School. She
attended Downers Grove South High School and went on to receive her
undergraduate degree from University of Iowa and her Masters degree
from National Lewis. She has taught kindergarten, 4th, 5th and Middle
school while being at St. Mary's. This year she has also stepped into the Assistant Principal role. Mrs. Kaplan has 2 children and her daughter currently attends St. Mary's.
"I am very proud to tell people that I attended St. Mary's as a child
and now get to be a part of St. Mary's in roles as a parent, teacher,
and Assistant Principal"
Dianne Czopek
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (630) 968-6155 ext. 216
Email: dczopek@stmarygostyn.org
Mrs. Dianne Czopek has been St. Mary of Gostyn’s Administrative Assistant for 24 years and has been a member of St. Mary’s Parish for 36 years. Her 4 children attended and graduated from St. Mary’s. Three of them graduated from Benet Academy and one graduated from Montini Catholic. She lives with her husband Frank in Downers Grove. Mrs. Czopek has 8 grandchildren who are the joy of her life. Mrs. Czopek loves being part of St. Mary’s because she enjoys watching the students grow from little 3 year old preschoolers, to becoming young Catholic teens, going on to high school and getting ready to take on the world and making us proud.
"Catholic Education and being a vital part of St. Mary’s School are both very near and dear to my heart.”
Mary Toth
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (630) 968-6155 ext. 217
Email: mtoth@stmarygostyn.org
Mrs. Mary Toth started at St. Mary of Gostyn in 1999 as a fourth grade teacher’s aide. She was an aide for ten years before joining Mrs. Czopek in the school office in 2009. Mary has three children who attended St. Mary of Gostyn from kindergarten through eighth grade and went on to high school and college. Her family has been parishioners for over twenty years.
"I enjoy all the different seasons at school, but my favorite season is the beginning of the school year when all the children enter with great enthusiasm.”
PLEASE COME SEE US!
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RICH IN FAITH, EDUCATION &SERVICE
SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!
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