Mrs. Carlson is a Kindergarten teacher at St. Vincent de Paul since 2000 and a longtime member of our Parish. Mrs. Carlson earned her BA degree in Elementary Education from DePauw University and began teaching in 1992. One of Mrs. Carlson’s favorite things to do in Kindergarten is read Bible stories to her students. She loves teaching her students about God’s love for us. Mrs. Carlson’s favorite saint is her classroom patron saint, Mary, Mother… Read Full Post

Mrs. Czirjak is the Math Interventionist at St. Vincent de Paul. She graduated from Illinois State University with both her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Special Education. She has taught at Glen Oak Primary School as a Special Education Teacher and Christ Lutheran as a Title 1 Tutor.  Mrs. Czirjak is originally from Bloomington Il, but Peoria has been home for  most of her adult life. Mrs. Czirjak and her husband, Steve, have been long time members… Read Full Post

Mrs. Dutart is the Kitchen Manager at St. Vincent de Paul School. She started working in the kitchen in 2006, and became the Kitchen Manager in 2011. Mrs. Dutart earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. Previous experience includes running multiple Subway Restaurants in San Diego, California. Mrs. Dutart’s two daughters went to St. Vincent de Paul and then onto Peoria Notre Dame High school. Working… Read Full Post

Miss Mackenzie is the 5th-7th grade Science teacher and 5th grade Religion teacher at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. She has been teaching since 2021 after she graduated from Western Illinois University where she earned her BA in Elementary Education. She spent her first two years teaching in Catholic schools in the Quad City area as well as served as the Director of Religious Education at her home parish. Miss Dunbar has a deep… Read Full Post

Joanna Finch grew up in Washington, Illinois, and pursued her education at the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later completed her Master’s degree at the University of Illinois. Mrs. Finch brings a wealth of experience to her role, having taught at St. Mark Catholic School and within the Peoria Public Schools District 150. In her classroom, Mrs. Finch fosters a faith-filled and loving environment where students build the… Read Full Post

Miss Lynn Gibson a native Peorian and graduate of St. Vincent de Paul School as well as Bergan High School and is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish! Lynn is a Prekindergarten teacher aide. She comes to us with education in Early Childhood as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has 25 years’ experience in nursing and 11 years working as a teacher’s assistant in elementary and in middle schools.… Read Full Post

Mrs. Grooss is a Preschool Aide in the all-day 4 year old program. She has been in education since 2007. Mrs. Grooss and her family have been parishioners at St. Vincent’s since 1998. She and her husband Jim have four beautiful children who all attended St. Vincent’s. Her oldest daughter, Katie is a business director for St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Her son Matt is a financial adviser in Chicago. Kelly is a student at… Read Full Post

Kristine Haley, a native of Peoria, Illinois, earned her degree in Marketing from Eastern Illinois University. After dedicating herself to raising her children, Mrs. Haley found her passion for education as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional, serving for many years at both St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and within Peoria Public Schools District 150. Mrs. Haley is inspired by the example of Mother Teresa, her favorite saint, and finds solace and strength in the… Read Full Post

Mrs. Hefti is a Preschool Aide in the Pre-K 4 all day program. She has been here at St. Vincent’s as an aide since 2010. She attended Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Mrs. Hefti has been a member of St. Vincent de Paul since 2005. She and her husband Jim have 3 beautiful daughters Caroline, Jameson and Allie. Her daughters attended St. Vincent before moving to… Read Full Post