Welcoming New Staff for 2026
We are delighted to introduce the incredible staff members joining us for the upcoming school year in their new roles. Each brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, dedication, and genuine care for students, and we cannot wait for you to meet our accomplished new educators.
JEANA REICHARD, Director of Student Support - Already a friendly face around the school as parent to April (7th Grade) and Olive (‘26), we are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Reichard as our new full-time Director of Student Support. She has spent 15 years working in the Archdiocese of Chicago, most recently at St. Ann School in Pilsen. While at St. Ann, Mrs. Reichard spent seven years teaching 1st grade and five years as the Director of Inclusive Education. She earned her B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Notre Dame, M.A in Elementary Education from Loyola University Chicago, along with a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBSI) certification.
RACHEL CARLSON, Jr. High ELA - Mrs. Carlson brings a wealth of teaching experience from the Chicago area and abroad. She comes to St. Barnabas having previously taught high school English and is a former teacher at St. Ignatius, as well as at schools in Florida and Vienna, Austria. In recent years, she has served as a personal tutor, supporting students with test prep for the HSPT, ACT, and SAT, and writing skills. She earned her B.S. in English Education and Intercultural Studies from Southeastern University in Florida and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from DePaul University. This fall, Mrs. Carlson’s children will also be joining the school community, and we look forward to welcoming her along with her daughters Charlie (2nd Grade), Josephina (Kindergarten), and Viviana (Preschool).
MEREDITH JONES, 5th Grade - Ms. Jones recently graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in International Studies. After a year spent working at an elementary school in Florence, Italy, and two summers spent mentoring youth through YoungLife, she was inspired to pursue an M.A in Teaching through the Alternative Licensure Program at Saint Xavier University. Ms. Jones hails from a large family of three brothers and five sisters, and we are honored to welcome her.
MOLLY O’NEILL, 5th Grade - After a one-year hiatus teaching at a Catholic school on the northside, we are thrilled to welcome back Ms. ONeilll! A longtime second-grade teacher at St. Barnabas, Ms. O’Neill has returned because of her deep commitment to engaging and educating our Buckeyes. She enters her 8th year of teaching after earning her B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint Mary’s College.
HANNAH CLEVELAND, 1st Grade - Ms. Cleveland, a St. Barnabas alum, recently returned to Beverly after a year teaching in Florida. After earning a B.A. in Film, Video, and Media Studies from Western Michigan, she began her career in education, following in the footsteps of her mother, a former St. Barnabas teacher. As a former Walt Disney Company photographer and teaching assistant at Morgan Park Academy, she brings a range of experience in engaging young children.
PATTY HUGHES, 1st Grade - A parishioner and alumni parent to Leo (‘23), Mrs. Hughes has long ties to our St. Barnabas community. She joins us with over 34 years of teaching experience, primarily in the younger grades. She recently retired from the Chicago Ridge School District after 25 years of teaching 1st Grade and Kindergarten. Mrs. Hughes is now fulfilling her long-held desire to join the St. Barnabas teaching team and is eager to make an impact. She holds a B.S. in Education from Illinois State University and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Governors State University.
NIKI FLOOD, Kindergarten - This year, we are excited to welcome Mrs. Flood as a full-time Kindergarten teacher, after serving last year as a Kindergarten Aide. She has been part of the St. Barnabas community for a few years as mom to Evelyn and Liam (‘26). Prior to St. Barnabas, Mrs. Flood taught at Morgan Park Academy and The Castle. She earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Columbia College Chicago.
RACHAEL HERMAN, Preschool - We are excited to welcome Mrs. Herman to St. Barnabas. She arrives with 16 years of preschool experience, most recently teaching for 11 years at Queen of Martyrs. Mrs. Herman brings deep expertise in early childhood education and special needs support. She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Special Ed endorsement from Roosevelt University, and an ESL endorsement from the University of St. Francis.
EMILY MONTELONGO, Music - We were blessed last year with Ms. Montelongo’s beautiful singing voice and thoughtful demeanor as our PK-2 Music Teacher, Director of School Mass Choir, and Music Director of last year’s Sister Act Musical. We are overjoyed that Ms. Montelongo will be joining us as the full-time music teacher for grades Preschool-8. She earned her B.A. in Music Education from Northern Illinois University and also studied classical voice and opera.