Welcome New Faculty & Staff

Saint Viator High School is pleased to welcome an outstanding group of educators and staff members for the 2026–2027 school year. Bringing expertise in Catholic education, counseling, STEM, world languages, career and technical education, campus ministry, and college and career planning, these new team members share a deep commitment to forming students academically, spiritually, and personally. We invite you to learn more about the newest members of the Saint Viator community below.


Theology Teacher: Sister Beth Ann Dillon, DSMP

Sister Beth Ann Dillon, DSMP, is a dedicated Religious Sister and Catholic teacher specializing in Theology, committed to inspiring teens and staff to develop a personal and authentic identity and deep Faith Life in Christ through authentic catechesis and evangelization. Her educational background includes a Licentiate in Theology/Catechetics and Pastoral Ministry from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Sister Dillon’s extensive experience spans various roles, including Elementary School Teacher, Theology Teacher and Campus Minister at Bishop Ludden Junior - Senior High School, and Principal of Sacred Heart School. She also served as the Director of Vocations & Development for the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, where she managed a major giving program and was featured on the 2014 Lifetime reality TV show Sisterhood: Becoming a Nun. She is certified in Youth Ministry and Spiritual Direction, is bilingual in Italian, and is also known as the "Basketball Nun.”

 

Erin Kerger is a dedicated Catholic educator and Campus Minister with over 10 years of experience in spiritual formation, retreat leadership, and mission-centered program development. Erin currently serves at Carmel Catholic High School, where roles include Campus Minister, Christian Service Coordinator, Kairos & Retreat Coordinator, Mission & Ministry Marketing Manager, and Theology Teacher. Erin previously served as a Theology Teacher and Department Chair at St. Edward Central Catholic High School. Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies and History from Ohio Northern University, as well as a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University Chicago.  

Francesco Campobasso is a professional educator who holds a Master of Education from DePaul University and a Professional Educator License (PEL) for World Language Education in Spanish, English as a Second Language, and Italian. Most recently, he taught Italian and Spanish at Resurrection College Prep High School; he has successfully increased freshman enrollment in Italian and serves as the Italian Club moderator and a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) facilitator. Fluent in both Italian and Spanish, Campobasso utilizes a multicultural and interdisciplinary approach to instruction, integrating technology and cultural awareness into his curriculum. Beyond the classroom, he has served as a Program Leader for CIEE in Milan, co-chaperoned educational trips to Italy, and currently serves as the Treasurer for the Midwest Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Italian.

Sharon brings a dynamic background as a mission-driven executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare, research, professional associations, and nonprofit management. In addition to her executive achievements—including securing the 2024 ASAE Summit Silver Award for innovative programming—she is an accomplished educator, having served as an Adjunct Instructor for over 20 years at Columbia College of Missouri, teaching courses in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.

Biology Teacher: Josephine Montanile
Josephine M. Montanile is an experienced high school science educator who most recently taught Biology, Anatomy, and AP Environmental Science at Resurrection High School. With a career spanning several decades, she has held teaching roles at both Resurrection High School and Guerin Prep, where she has instructed various subjects including Physics, Forensics, and STEAM. Beyond classroom instruction, she is a leader in curriculum development, particularly in NGSS Illinois Storyline and 3-dimensional assessments, and has served as a mentor for new faculty and blended-learning initiatives. Her professional achievements include being named the 2022 Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year and receiving multiple Teacher of the Month and Year awards. Montanile holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from Loyola University of Chicago and a Secondary Teaching Certification from Dominican University. She is also technically proficient in various educational applications, fluent in Italian, and actively involved in school community leadership through roles such as Class Moderator and Scrub Club Moderator.

Jonathan brings a strong background in science education and a passion for student success. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wheaton College, and is certified to teach Physics (grades 9-12) and General Science (grades 6-12).

Most recently, Jonathan taught 8th-grade science at Jackson Middle School in Villa Park, where he was dedicated to creating inclusive, hands-on lab experiences and integrating social-emotional learning into his classroom. His diverse teaching background also includes serving as a chemistry teaching assistant at Maine West High School, student-teaching Honors and AP Physics at Glenbard North High School, and working as a gymnastics coach.

Social Studies Teacher: Grace Kraft
Grace Kraft is an accomplished educator dedicated to fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2024), where she graduated with a 3.85 GPA and minors in Secondary Education and Political Science. Grace is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University, with an expected graduation date of May 2027 and a 4.00 GPA, alongside an endorsement in Educational Technology. She holds a Professional Educator License in Social Sciences for grades 9-12, with endorsements in History, Government, and Economics. Since August 2024, Grace has served as a Theology Teacher at Nazareth Academy, where she also was a Senior Theology Team Lead, facilitated the Model United Nations and Fashion & Design clubs, and served as an assistant track and field coach. Her previous experience includes a role as a Social Studies Teacher at Mahomet-Seymour High School, where she led Honors Sociology, Honors Economics, and Civics courses. Additionally, Grace has worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Liberal Arts and Sciences 101 program at the University of Illinois and as a virtual tutor helping students achieve significant score improvements on the SAT and ACT. Her background also includes research and gallery guide experience at the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures and the Illinois Distributed Museum.


School Counselor (Students with last names H-O): Barry Ruppert
Barry Ruppert is an experienced educator and counselor based in Libertyville, Illinois, with a career in secondary education spanning over four decades. He currently serves as an active substitute teacher at Glenbrook North HS District 225, a role he has held since 2021, and has recently completed long-term substitute positions as a school counselor and special education teacher/case manager at various high schools. Prior to these roles, he spent 27 years as a guidance counselor at Glenbrook North HS, where he provided academic and college advising while also serving as an intramural director and coach for softball, soccer, and baseball. His earlier professional background includes teaching special education (BD/LD) and coaching at Glenbard North and Hinsdale Central high schools. Mr. Ruppert holds an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision from Governors State University, a Master’s in School Counseling Education from Northeastern Illinois University, and a BA in Special Education from Indiana University, where he was a four-year varsity baseball letterman.

Director of College and Future Planning: Bari Schwartz
Bari is an award-winning college and career counselor with nearly a decade of experience in individualized postsecondary advising, student-centered leadership, and behavioral support. She has a proven track record of designing comprehensive, data-informed counseling programs that serve thousands of students, focusing on college access, career readiness, and diverse postsecondary pathways such as four-year universities, apprenticeships, and military entry. Her expertise extends to equity-centered leadership and behavioral intervention, having previously served as a district manager for equity and inclusion and a behavior specialist. Recognized for her excellence with honors such as the 2025 CISCO Educator of the Year, Schwartz holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from The Johns Hopkins University and is committed to providing relationship-based support to help students and families navigate complex postsecondary transitions.

Assistant Dean and College and Career Advisor: Al Biancalana
In addition to his role as Head Boys Basketball Coach, Al Biancalana joins the Saint Viator administrative team as an Assistant Dean and College and Career Advisor. In this dual capacity, Al plays an integral role in supporting student conduct and maintaining the positive school culture that defines the Saint Viator community. As a College and Career Advisor, Al provides students with comprehensive academic and pathway guidance. He assists students and families through every stage of the college preparation and application processes, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future planning. Drawing on his extensive experience as a veteran educator, school administrator, and former College and Career Director, Al is deeply committed to supporting student growth and development well beyond the basketball court.