Teamwork and Success Go Hand in Hand in the Principal’s Office

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh brings an extensive background to her new role as Principal of Saint Viator High School. Formerly, she led Saint Gregory High School as both Principal and President, as well as serving as Head of Secondary School at Saint Benedict Prep, both located in Chicago.

Most recently, she served as principal at Saint Paul of the Cross School in Park Ridge, where she increased enrollment, implemented an inclusion and student wellness program, led multiple capital improvement projects, and helped implement the Endowment Scholarship Program.

All this and she holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Loyola University, and another master’s degree in teaching from Dominican University. 

Yet, right from the start, Dr. Mickelburgh announced her number one goal would be to partner with faculty and staff to advance the school’s vision of excellence.

“Collaboration and teamwork are important parts of my leadership style,” Dr Mickelburgh says.

  

Consequently, Dr. Mickelburgh formed her own Principal’s Team. They include: Eric Levin, Assistant Principal for Student Life & Activities; Roy Curry, Dean of Students; Angela Ferrazza, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives; Tom Foster, Director of Instructional Technology; Nolan Dowling, Athletic Director; Nick Sobieszyczyk, Assistant Athletic Director; Stefania Svejnoha, Registrar and International Program Administrator; Rena McMahon, Director of Counseling; Chris Bremner, Director of Admissions; Maggie Haskins, Assistant Director of Admissions; and Ann Perez, Vice President of Mission & Identity.

“Working with experienced, passionate, and talented educators is essential to creating sustainable change that strengthens the mission of schools,” she says. “My team collaborates on goals while brainstorming strategic initiatives and discussing ways that we can support teachers and students.”

The new Dean of Students, Mr. Roy Curry, immediately connected with students during his interview process when he answered questions from a panel of students themselves.

“I want to help students be the best students they can be,” he says, “in meeting their goals academically and in their dedication and commitment to scholarship, and all while balancing their social and emotional needs.”  Mr. Curry hopes his positive, upbeat outlook will permeate the building.

“I have the best job in the building,” Mr. Curry says. “I get to be student-facing all day.”

Even though Dr. Mickelburgh served on Saint Viator’s board of trustees from 2021 to 2024, she still felt new to the school when she began on July 1.

“Being new to Saint Viator, I value my team’s experience and knowledge as we plan and implement initiatives,” she adds. “Leadership is not a solitary endeavor; it must be done collaboratively.”

 

All in all, Dr. Mickelburgh says she is excited to be at Saint Viator and work hand in hand with her team to have a positive impact on the school.

“It’s a very exciting time at Saint Viator. We have an excellent team to move our vision of excellence forward,” Dr. Mickleburgh says. “We’re evaluating new programs, how we structure the school day, new technology, inclusion services, and of course working with amazing people in the faculty and staff – and our students.”