Faculty and Staff
Due to the unique nature of our mission – collaboration with parents, servant leadership motif, character development, classical education – there are few formal courses of education that equip teachers for Greenhouse. Therefore, as we "pray in" our faculty and staff, we are open to those without traditional classroom training. We look for those who are passionate about their subjects, passionate about the Lord, and passionate about children. It is a rare person who teaches at Greenhouse. Several of our faculty have a background in conventional classroom settings. Others’ experiences are in co-op and non-traditional settings. Some are certified, some are not. All receive ongoing training related to our particular mission.
Our teachers have taught at Greenhouse for 9 years on average.
*Look for a badge after the biographies below to see which faculty and staff members have reached 5, 10, 15 and 20 years with Greenhouse Co-School.
Rhetoric Faculty
Help & Hope
The Trellis
Faculty
Melissa Aldana, Anatomy & Physiology
RHETORIC FACULTY*
Melissa and her husband Javan are have been homeschooling their five children with Greenhouse since January, 2015 when their oldest was in first grade. She was homeschooled as a grade-school age child, and she always planned on teaching her own children at home. When she was fifteen she felt called to be a Family Nurse Practitioner while on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Her three passions in life from a young age were to have lots of children, become a nurse practitioner, and to reach the world with the gospel. Melissa earned dual bachelor’s degrees in nursing and writing from Elmhurst University in 2002 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Rush University in 2007. She has worked part-time in the student health center at Elmhurst University since 2015 where she is able to teach and educate her college-age patients while also meeting their health needs. Melissa has served on short-term mission teams to Haiti, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Uzbekistan, China, Bolivia, and more recently in the Appalachian area of Kentucky with her whole family. Running, swimming, gardening, reading, and baking and cooking are other interests that Melissa enjoys. The Aldana family attends West Hills Community Church in Westmont.
*Anatomy & Physiology is offered every other year.
Heidi Appleton, Tutor
THE TRELLIS
Heidi is a mom of five, a "grammy" of six, and a 25-year homeschool veteran. She is a creative, curious learner who loves to communicate God's truth in various ways in school and church settings. As a Colson Fellow, she's passionate about passing on a Biblical worldview to the next generation. Teaching Logic History/Lit for two years kindled a desire in her to help students flourish in their writing and presenting skills. She is thrilled to be able to stay connected with the Greenhouse community through supporting students as they grow and glorify God in their writing. Heidi worships and serves with her family at Christ Fellowship Church in West Chicago.
Alyssa Barringer, Latin & Improv
ELECTIVE FACULTY
Mrs. Barringer -- Magistra Barringer, if you're a Latin student -- has been teaching Latin since 2012. She studied English and theater at Wheaton College. When she’s not at the Greenhouse, you might find her illustrating Roman legends with stick figures, practicing with her conversational Latin group, performing improvisational theater at Westside Improv, or reading stacks and stacks of books with her children. She attends Christ Our Advocate in Wheaton with her husband, son and daughter.
Margaret Bell, Etiquette
ELECTIVE FACULTY
Margaret Bell grew up in the highest village in Ireland in County Wicklow where she learned the art of properly relating to people in her family-owned store. She attended Mount Sackville, an international boarding school in Dublin, and appeared as a debutante in the social season, as well as a hostess for medieval Irish banquets. She graduated from St. Anne’s Finishing School in Dublin where she studied the Domestic Arts. A former homeschooling mom, Margaret has taught at the Greenhouse since 2012. Memorizing Scripture and forming Christian character with the aid of correct manners towards others are her passions.
Jeff Boriss, Technical Arts
ELECTIVE FACULTY
Jeff is an experienced and multi-disciplined Art Director, overseeing all technical and creative arts, dedicated to using the best of God's art and people to illuminate God's story. Realizing that the best results come from healthy and collaborative teams, systems and processes that support creativity, and teams of people that are led well, Jeff has dedicated his life to the complexities and joys of effective leadership in and through the arts. He currently worships at and serves as the Central Arts and Worship Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church. After attending Cincinnati Christian University and performing on a few tours and albums with various bands, Jeff left Cincinnati for Michigan to plant the third NewThing church, 242 Community Church. Now he helps around the Greenhouse installing some of the sound equipment as well as teaching an elective class. Jeff and his wife Geneva also have two kids enrolled in the Greenhouse.
Lynne Cowell, History & Literature
GRAMMAR FACULTY
Mrs. Cowell began teaching at the Grammar level in the fall of 2017. She graduated from Taylor University with a BA in Elementary Education and a Kindergarten Endorsement. Mrs. Cowell taught at Timothy Christian in Elmhurst before beginning her 20-year adventure of homeschooling her four children. During that time, she spent twelve years in parenting ministry. She and her husband now enjoy spending time together in their empty nest. Mrs. Cowell also delights in FaceTiming with her grandchildren, supporting her adult children, enjoying nature, and hosting tea parties.
Matthew Dominguez, Freshman - Junior Literature, Rock Climbing, Rivendell Writers & Readers Guild, Informal Logic
RHETORIC, ELECTIVE FACULTY
For over 20 years, Mr. Dominguez has been a literature teacher, adventure ambassador, educational trainer, speaker, and writer. In 2023, he started teaching at Greenhouse after having been a Greenhouse dad (since 2014) and board member. He loves stories and utilizes great literature to unlock the life-transforming power of language and story. He finds great joy in helping people see that all great stories, all great authors, all great literature point us to the True Great Story that the True Author is writing—the one we are all in — the “True Myth” – as C.S. Lewis calls it.
Janet Geiger, Logic Lead Teacher, Science
LOGIC FACULTY
Mrs. Geiger has been teaching Logic Science at Greenhouse since 2011. She received a BS in chemistry from Wheaton College and received her MA in Teaching with Certification from Aurora University. She loves showing students the amazing world God created. She also taught violin for 27 years, so her three adult children grew up thinking science experiments in the kitchen and violins stacked in the living room were normal. Running, gardening and knitting are down-time activities for her. She attends and plays violin at Gospel City Church in Aurora, with her husband Jeff.
Debbie Gottlieb, Thesis Coach, Sub
RHETORIC FACULTY
Mrs. Gottlieb has been with the Greenhouse since 2006 and with the Rhetoric program since its inception. She served as Dean of Rhetoric from 2017-21. She has a B.S.Ed. (K-12/Special Education), as well as graduate work in Curriculum and Supervision, and has taught in a wide variety of public, private, and collegiate venues. She and her husband, Steve, have five adult children, all homeschooled grades K-12. Mrs. Gottlieb loves teaching students to read, discuss, and write about literature and life from a Christian perspective. When she is not at the Greenhouse, you are likely to find her reading, gardening, or playing with some of her fourteen grandchildren. She and her husband Steve are members of Wheaton Bible Church, serving with the tech crew and maturing adults.
Jenn Hankes, Science
GRAMMAR FACULTY
After earning a BA in Elementary Education, Jenn Hankes taught (K-3rd) in CUSD 200 during which she completed a MA in Elementary Education with a concentration in ELL. Creating life-long learners with the understanding that Jesus is Creator and Sustainer of everything is the heart of their homeschool. Jenn, Rob and their four boys call College Church home. Other joys include crafting, connecting with friends, consuming books, or cooking creatively with home-grown ingredients.
Clarinda James, History & Literature
GRAMMAR FACULTY
Mrs. James has taught at the Grammar level since 2009. She received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Wheaton College and an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from NLU. For 10 years she taught in the Wheaton school district. In 2005, Jeff and Clarinda’s two eldest children began learning at Greenhouse; all five children have attended over the years. When she is not bringing history to life through dressing up, food, experiences, and stories, Clarinda continues teaching their youngest at home, and enjoys gardening, cooking, and traveling. The James family worships at Christ Presbyterian Church in Wheaton. Mrs. James was home schooled herself while growing up as a third culture kid (TCK, aka missionary kid) on the island of Borneo in Malaysia.
Laura Johnston, Science
GRAMMAR, LOGIC FACULTY
Laura Johnston graduated from the University of Illinois in 2001 with a BS in Elementary Education and Middle School Endorsements in science, math, and language arts. While teaching 2nd/3rd grade enrichment in Orland School District 135, she earned a MA in Education from Olivet Nazarene University. In 2014, Laura began homeschooling her children using a mix of Classical and Charlotte Mason methods. She taught at Classical Conversations for 6 years while homeschooling her own four children. Laura has a passion for God’s Word and loves discipling students. In her free time, she enjoys painting, crafting, and movie nights with her family. Laura attends Compass Church in Wheaton. Her favorite Bible verses are Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Mary Kiel, Principal
GRAMMAR, LOGIC, RHETORIC, ELECTIVE FACULTY
Mrs. Kiel obtained a Bachelor's in World History, Secondary Education, and Psychology from Trinity Christian College. She first called Greenhouse home in 2012, teaching history and literature. Passionate about equipping students, teachers, parents and faculty alike, Mrs. Kiel now tends to the Greenhouse community as Principal. She delights in fiction, learns daily from her adult children, teaches the kindergarteners at Community Fellowship Church with her husband Brian, and paints miniature houses for Christmas.
David LaPlaca, Art
GRAMMAR, LOGIC FACULTY
As an art director in publishing, Mr. LaPlaca designed and illustrated a wide variety of books. A father of four homeschooled children, David serves on the worship team of Immanuel Presbyterian Church and enjoys creating sacred art for the church year. He holds degrees in art and music, and discovers joy in making and restoring harps, preparing beautiful edible creations, and constructing the occasional castle or puppet theater. Mr. LaPlaca has taught at Greenhouse since 2011.
Hal Metzger, Drawing, Painting
ELECTIVE FACULTY
Mr. Metzger couldn’t stop drawing and painting when he was a little boy. His passion for art has grown since he started focusing on God as the original great Creator and the source of all creativity. He desires to use his creative gift as a form of worship to God. Mr. Metzger graduated in Fine Arts and Architecture at the University of Illinois and also studied in Paris, France. He taught art at a Christian school and it’s been a dream of his to teach art at Greenhouse. He finds great satisfaction in encouraging students to discover their own unique creative process and use their artistic gifts to their greatest potential. Mr. Metzger and his wife Sandy were homeschool pioneers in the 80’s with their seven children. They attend Pathway Community Church in Elmhurst.
Becky Michel, Lit Circles, Writers Workshop
ELECTIVE FACULTY
Mrs. Michel was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at age 23 and again nearly three decades later. But God! With eternity in mind – she invests her life intentionally – including 20 years homeschooling three (miracle!) children. In 2009 the Lord led Becky to Greenhouse, matching gifts with mission. Becky believes she is alive for others’ joy and growth in the faith, and she is committed to nurturing readers, writers, and Jesus-followers.
Alicia Oberkircher, History & Literature
LOGIC FACULTY
Alicia married her high school sweetheart, Garrett, graduated from the University of Northern lowa, welcomed two children, and settled in West Chicago before age 25! Two additional children and a Charlotte Mason homeschooling journey soon followed. She has enjoyed serving children in a wide range of settings over the last 20+ years. Conversation, worship, poetry, a warm cuppa, church family, walks, book club, prayer, camping adventures, and hammock naps are key ingredients to The Good Life, according to her. Alicia is eager to partner with Greenhouse parents, spreading the feast and fostering a love of the good and the beautiful.
Dr. Grady Parker, History
RHETORIC FACULTY
Dr. Parker began teaching at Greenhouse in 2007. He holds a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in Music History and Literature, an MA in Intellectual History from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D in Modern British History from Trinity College Dublin. Besides his work at Greenhouse, he previously taught early modern and imperial British history at Trinity College Dublin. His research interests include 19th century British domestic politics and foreign policy. When he isn't teaching, Dr. Parker enjoys traveling and collecting antiquarian and rare books. He attends St. Mark’s Church in Geneva. Dr. Parker was himself homeschooled.
Julie Roper, Grammar Lead Teacher, Dean of Electives
GRAMMAR, ELECTIVE FACULTY
Bio coming soon!
Olga Shroff, Psychology
ELECTIVE FACULTY
Olga has been homeschooling since 2011 and her son is a graduate of the Greenhouse Rhetoric program. She has taught in various co-ops, including Learning Vine and E.D.G.E. Trained as a financial analyst, with degrees in Finance from NYIT and International Management from La Roche University, she is currently following a lifelong passion for understanding people and completing her degree in Applied Neuroscience from King’s College London. When she is not teaching, she loves traveling, gardening and creating art in all forms. She worships and serves with her family at St. Andrew’s Church in Bloomingdale.
Jessica Smith, History & Literature
LOGIC FACULTY
After earning her B.S. in Education from George Fox University, Jessica began her teaching career at a public school in Oregon, then spent several years teaching at Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield, IL. Her homeschooling adventures began with the birth of their first son 21 years ago, after he was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Since that time, she’s homeschooled her four children (on and off) and taught in a variety of settings for kids of all ages. At the end of this year, she’ll be graduating her second child from the Greenhouse rhetoric program. She loves inspiring students with interactive activities, reading engaging books, and exploring the outdoors with her family and friends. College Church in Wheaton is where Jessica, her husband Phil, and their kids worship and serve weekly.
Ellie Tate, Performing Arts
GRAMMAR, LOGIC FACULTY
As an avid performer, Ms. Tate loves singing, dancing, acting, and every aspect of Performing Arts. Throughout the course of her life, she has performed in numerous productions, including Ballets, Operas, Musicals, Plays, and even winning a Collegiate Forensics State Championship in 2018. However, her first love will always be sharing the light of Christ with His children. She also enjoys reading, archery and spending time with her many animals.
Amy Tausz, Basic Art Skills
ELECTIVE FACULTY
Amy got her BA in Elementary Education from Concordia University, Chicago, and taught in several different schools. She and her husband Ralph have been blessed with five children, and began home schooling in 2000. They attend The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Apostles, LC-MS, in Melrose Park, where Ralph is the pastor. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with family, reading, knitting, sewing, baking with sourdough, fermenting foods, travelling, drinking tea, watching mysteries, and anything British. She loves learning of all kinds and can often be found taking a class of some kind.
Lanie Van Wijk, Help & Hope
HELP & HOPE
After graduating at the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1992, Mrs. VanWijk worked as an Occupational Therapist at Denmar mental hospital. She then spent some time in Israel, got married and moved to the U.S. in 1998. She worked at U46 and C.A.S.E. The VanWijks have homeschooled their daughter and son (now both in high school) since first grade. All her interests came together at Help and Hope as she nurtures the student’s abilities to fulfill their unique callings. Mrs. VanWijk attends College Church and enjoys nature walks, biking and traveling together with her family.
Lynnette Walko, Science
RHETORIC FACULTY
Mrs. Walko began teaching Logic-level science at Greenhouse in 2018. Previously a preschool special education teacher, she has been homeschooling her six children for a decade. She has always been most excited about teaching science, which has included assistant coaching Science Olympiad teams, both at the junior and senior high levels. Her other interests include knitting, crocheting, baking, and playing flute. She has a BS in Communications Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University and a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She and her husband Don attend Horizon Community Church in Downers Grove.
Benton Wedge, Orchestra
ELECTIVE FACULTY
A graduate of Northwestern University (BMus and MMus, viola performance), Benton Wedge has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Milwaukee Symphony. He has been led to increasingly focus his energy toward music education and has been a founder of Cadence Youth Orchestras and Lakeside Academy Music School in NW Indiana where he lives with his wife Jessica, and their homeschooled children Nina and Evan. He plays violin every Sunday at Faith Bible Church.
Robin Wiper, Performing Arts
GRAMMAR, LOGIC FACULTY
Robin Wiper loves all things Performing Arts and loves to find ways to help others to enjoy them as well. She believes that educated performers and audiences are a gift to one another and is excited to be at the Greenhouse teaching the art and history of being both. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BMUS in Vocal Performance and a MM in Vocal Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and has had the blessing of performing all over the world. A veteran homeschool mother of four Greenhouse graduates, Mrs. Wiper also currently teaches private voice both at her home studio and at Wheaton North High School. Family, coffee, walking/running/hiking and reading are some of her favorite things.
Emily Wencel, Spanish
ELECTIVE FACULTY
In 2002, Emily graduated from Wheaton College with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Spanish. Combining her love for children and the Spanish language, she taught bilingual education and ESL in the government schools for ten years. After receiving her master’s in 2006, she taught as an E.S.L. and bilingual literacy specialist. With her first baby, she resigned to be a full-time mom and continued teaching Spanish through private tutoring. She quickly became a homeschooling mom and started leading a Spanish co-op class from her home. In 2019, she joined the Greenhouse community and discovered more of the beauty of a classical education. After a year teaching at Clapham, she is glad to return to the Greenhouse. Emily enjoys nature walks, good children’s literature, searching for creatures with her kids, and swimming with her family. Currently, she’s pursuing her love of language by learning Latin. Emily and her family worship each Lord’s Day at Christ Presbyterian Church in Wheaton.
Kari Ziman, Lead Teacher for Rhetoric and Electives, Biology, Physics, Modern Literature
RHETORIC FACULTY
Kari and her husband homeschooled their four daughters for over 10 years, first attending Greenhouse in 2018. Kari graduated from Wellesley College with a BA in Political Science and an English minor, while also fulfilling Pre-Med requirements and playing on the basketball and soccer teams. She has an MA in the Humanities from the University of Chicago and received a CA K-12 teaching certificate with a high school Science and English emphasis. Kari taught Biology and Physics at the American School in Japan, 6th grade and 1st grade in California, and multiple grade levels here in Wheaton with Classical Conversations for 8 years. She loves to equip students with the necessary skills to shine light on truth, demonstrate integrity, and grow in confidence of their God given abilities. She attends Gospel Fellowship Church where her husband is a lead pastor.
Administration
Tom Spacek, Head of Co-School, Director of Outreach Mission
As the co-founder of Greenhouse and first Head of Co-School, Tom has been championing the mission and shepherding the vision since the turn of the century. Tom has always been a self-learner, despite not having been home-schooled himself! A graduate of Emmaus Bible College, he has been serving various congregations and ministries for more than 35 years. Many believe that Tom embodies the servant leadership ideal to which we call our students. He and Jennifer have worked together at Greenhouse since its launch, during which time they have also raised their four children, all Greenhouse alumni. The Spaceks live in Wheaton and worship at Church of the Resurrection.
Elizabeth Allen, Executive Assistant for Business Office
Bio coming soon!
David Bendele, Facilities & Safety Manager, Executive Assistant
David Bendele is a home-schooled missionary kid who has traveled the world. He was born in Guatemala and moved to Australia when he was seven years old. He was in high school in Argentina and studied pastoral ministry in the USA. When David is not fixing things, he likes to read and listen to podcasts or explore international food. David met his wife in Chicago and they were married in Malaysia where she is from. Now they have a baby girl and they love her deeply.
Lydia Campbell (‘18), Executive Assistant for Head of Co-School
After completing the Rhetoric program at Greenhouse, Lydia obtained a degree in Political Science from Cedarville University and worked for multiple state senators in the Ohio legislature. She became a full-time stay-at-home mom in 2024, moved back to Illinois in late 2025, and is delighted to now be able to serve the Greenhouse community that was so formative for her in high school. In her (rapidly diminishing) spare time, Lydia enjoys reading, baking with sourdough, and playing music, both at church and for her toddler. Her soon-to-be family of four attends Grace Redeemer Church in Winfield.
Venicé Garcia, Executive Assistant for Core Program
Venicé worked as a dental assistant, administrative assistant and meeting planner before she got the best job in the world and became a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. Homeschooling her sons for six years and being part of the Greenhouse community have been some of their best family times. She was delighted to return as staff to the Greenhouse in May, 2018. She has lived in Illinois her whole life and is married to her high school sweetheart for 35+ years. She and her husband attend The Dwelling Place, a seed church, and are excited to be part of their administrative team.
Michelle Keil, Volunteer & Event Coordinator
Born and raised in San Diego, Michelle never guessed she would be living in a Chicago suburb. After the birth of their first child, she and her husband felt God moving them from Southern California to Washington, D.C. Later, God moved them two more times and in 2014, landed them in Chicagoland. Michelle has worked in hospitality and guest services in a variety of settings and started working at Greenhouse in 2019. They have four children and began homeschooling in 2013.
Barb Kiehn, Executive Assistant for Business Office
Barb began working at Greenhouse in December 2018, but her family has been a part of the Greenhouse community since the fall of 2009. She has homeschooled her three children and has been blessed by the people who have poured into her family along the way. She is thrilled to be able to work at Greenhouse, serving alongside others who are raising the next generation of servant leaders. She and her husband live in Naperville and are members of Grace Pointe Church, where you can find her happily teaching the two- and three-year olds’ Sunday school class.
Sydney Lawrence, Executive Assistant for Principal
Sydney just recently graduated from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in May 2024 with a degree in Organ Performance which she puts to use as she leads worship at All Soul’s Anglican Church on Sundays. She is grateful to have received a classical Christian education at a small school growing up and is passionate to share this unique approach to learning and growing in tight-knit community with students and parents as she serves at Greenhouse as part of the Administrative team!
Raina McGrath, Front Desk Team
Raina has a broad range of experiences: service in the US Air Force, work in the medical and health fields, and also in education. What a blessing to have homeschooled her three sons through high school! In fact, two of them are Greenhouse alumni. Thankful to be returning to the faithful Greenhouse community, she looks forward to sharing her passion for young people to know Christ and how that translates into the world and culture of our day. As a certified group exercise trainer for over 35 years, she finds the body God has given us to be one of the most amazing creations that points to the evidence of our Almighty Father, and hopes some of her knowledge and life experience will bless Greenhouse students to know and grow in Christ.
Hal Metzger, Marketing Team
Hal greatly enjoyed his professional marketing career for many years. In the year 2000 he and his wife, Sandy, became involved in an outreach ministry to visiting scholars from China attending Chicago area universities. Hal and Sandy started making many trips to China to follow up on those who had returned to China to encourage them in their decision for Christ. In 2011 Hal made a major career change as he started teaching Marketing in several Chinese universities as a platform for the Gospel. Hal sees his position on the Greenhouse Marketing Team as a natural extension of his career in serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
Charlene Oh, Play Producer
Bio coming soon!
Gabi Reczek, Executive Assistant for Outreach Mission
Gabi and her husband have always homeschooled their children - first joining the Greenhouse in 2006. She is passionate about connecting people to each other, Greenhouse, and Jesus. In addition to shepherding her youngest child through her final years of high school, Gabi is an advocate for the unborn and their mothers, and has volunteered as a La Leche League leader for 15 years. When it’s time to recharge, you will find Gabi reading (everything!), sewing, and taking epic road trips with her family.
Jori Root, Designer
Jori Root, born and raised in Wheaton, graduated from Wheaton College in 2008 with a Studio Art degree. She married her junior high sweetheart, Jeff Root, who is head pastor at Glen Ellyn Covenant Church where their family has worshiped for 14 years. After six years as a corporate graphic designer, Jori transitioned to freelance work in order to homeschool their three children alongside Greenhouse. Recent years in freelance design have opened doors in serving nonprofit Christian mission organizations worldwide. Passionate about helping organizations realize their goals by creating beautiful and good deliverables, Jori is thrilled to now be part of the Greenhouse team. As an avid coffee drinker, she enjoys slow mornings at home, spending time at HoneyRock Camp, baking sourdough, camping in her family’s pop-up camper, exploring national parks, reading, writing, and always creating!
Jerry Smith, Operations Manager
Born and raised in Chicago, Jerry’s first job at the age of 15 was delivering newspapers in the local neighborhood. After high school, he started as a mechanic in a truck shop and was soon tuning up diesel engines and working on the big rigs. After working in the airline industry for several years, he launched a career in finance where he started part-time in a payroll department and then moved to cash management, IT, and supply chain management. He married Jennifer in 2010 and they now have two lovely dogs (Doc and Sadie) who keep them busy. They attend Riverside Community Church in St. Charles and periodically have Passover dinners and Suka building parties at their home in Elgin. Jerry attends a wonderful group on Saturday morning where men learn about their identity in Christ and work together to reach their potential as men of God.
Susie Wetherington, Front Desk Team
Susie has worn many hats. She was an at-home mother of five, a day-care provider, a local news correspondent and copy editor for two Wisconsin newspapers, and worked with economic development in Green County, WI. A sudden move landed her in Illinois as a nanny. Susie's three local grandchildren graduated from Greenhouse. She's a member of Church of the Resurrection, Wheaton. Besides reading, walking and knitting, in her spare time she visits her children and grandchildren in Minnesota, Colorado, and New Hampshire.