Adminstration
Mrs. Maureen Bentley
Principal
Maureen Bentley received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Miami of Ohio. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Illinois State University. Before coming to St. Thomas School, she taught fifth and sixth grade for nine years at Lowpoint Washburn Middle School. Mrs. Bentley began her principalship at St. Thomas School in 2004. She was recognized in 2017 as “Principal of the Year” for the Peoria Diocese.
Mrs. Trina Schmidt
Assistant Principal
Trina Schmidt is a graduate of Murray State University and received her masters in Educational Administration from Illinois State University. Mrs. Schmidt has taught 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. After many years as a classroom teacher, Mrs. Schmidt felt it was time to move into administration. She spent several years as the principal of a local Catholic grade school and eventually came back to St. Thomas, her home parish, to serve as its assistant principal. While not at St. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, along with their children and grandchildren, enjoy golfing, hiking, boating, bonfires and the “call of the loon.”
Early Childhood
Mrs. Kate Scrivner
Kindergarten
Mrs. Kate Scrivner received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Loras College. She is also a graduate of St. Thomas the Apostle School and Peoria Notre Dame High School. She started teaching in the St. Thomas Preschool and is now teaching Kindergarten in her 11th year at St. Thomas. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Stella and Hudson. She loves getting together with her friends, tutoring students and reading.
“All I really need to know…I learned in Kindergarten.” – Robert Fulghum
Mrs. Ann DeVore
Kindergarten
Mrs. Ann DeVore attended St. Thomas School, taught here years ago, and now is back! Once a comet, always a comet! Mrs. DeVore earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Illinois State University. She has taught several grade levels in public and private schools. Her favorite accomplishment is being a mom to her son Ben and daughter Colleen.
Outside of school Mrs. DeVore loves to take walks, read, and go to the beach.
Mrs. Sarah Tamburro
Pre 3
Mrs. Sarah Tamburro graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Profession and Practice from Lesley University. Mrs. Tamburro is also a proud graduate of St. Thomas and Peoria Notre Dame High School. Her family has been active members of the St. Thomas Parish for over 35 years. She has experience in teaching both Kindergarten and Pre-K and is thrilled to be teaching some of the youngest Comets!
When she is not teaching, Mrs. Tamburro enjoys spending time with her family, especially her husband and two daughters, Lily and Chloe. In her free time, she loves to cook, travel and take walks with her dog.
“While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”
Mrs. Kate Slevin
Pre 3
Kate graduated from Holy Family, Bergan High School (PND) and Eastern Illinois University with a bachelors in Elementary Education. When Kate is not teaching she enjoys shopping, making baby blankets, and donating them. Kate has 5 children and lots of grandbabies she loves to spoil any chance she gets. All 5 of her children attended St. Thomas and currently one of her grandbabies is a Comet!
Miss Sarah Schertz
Pre K
Miss Sarah Schertz graduated from New York University with her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education with a minor in English.
Sarah also attended St. Mary’s in Metamora from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. She enjoyed and valued this experience in Catholic education and was drawn back to it as a teacher.
When Sarah is not teaching, she enjoys going to musicals, painting pottery, going to Cubs games, traveling, and spending time with family and her 10 nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Jamie Hallam
Pre-K
Mrs.Jamie Hallam graduated from Illinois State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She has taught several different grade levels over her twenty plus years as an educator, but her passion is early childhood education. She taught kindergarten for seven years in the Dunlap School District before coming to St. Thomas. This is her first year teaching Pre-K. Mrs. Hallam enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, Ryan and Nate. Together they enjoy playing sports, going to the movies, and visiting with extended family. Mrs. Hallam also enjoys photography, gardening, and shopping in her spare time.
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” ~ Margaret Mead
Primary Grades
Mrs. Becky Creek
Grade 1
Mrs. Becky Creek student taught at St. Thomas many years ago and is very excited to be back where her teaching journey began. She graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Elementary Education and she also holds a Special Education Certification.
She has taught in Virginia, Italy, and Illinois, both in parochial and public schools. Out of school, Mrs. Creek enjoys reading at the pool, walking, watching movies, shopping, and spending time with her husband and two sons. She loves traveling to Florida Gulf Beaches with her family.
Miss Annabelle Short
Grade 1
Ms. Annabelle Short graduated from St. Thomas in 2014, Peoria Notre Dame in 2018, and Illinois State University in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. She is completing the Teacher Ready Program through the University of West Florida and receiving her certification for Elementary Education in October. She was previously a preschool teaching assistant in Bloomington, Illinois. In her free time, she likes to read, crochet, take road trips, and spend quality time with her family.
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Ms. Laura Parkinson
Grade 2
Mrs. Laura Parkinson graduated from Canton High School then continued her education at Western Illinois University where she received her Elementary Education Degree. She taught Kindergarten in the Morton School District for 2 years before becoming a mom. She spent 8 years at home and running her family’s small business before returning to teach 2nd grade at St. Thomas. In her free time, she loves being with her husband, John, daughters, Tatum and Eden, and their family dog, Ike. She hopes to write a children’s book someday.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you”
Mrs. Jan Crim
Grade 3
Mrs. Janine Crim graduated from Western Illinois University with her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She holds a special endorsement in Language Arts. Upon graduating from WIU, Mrs. Crim taught Middle School Language Arts in Dunlap as well as 6 years of Pre-K at Methodist Family Childcare Center and 2 years of Second Grade in District 150. Mrs. Crim is delighted to be returning to St. Thomas School to teach Middle School English. Mrs. Crim spent 14 years as a Kindergarten Teacher at St. Thomas before moving to North Carolina in 2016. During her time in North Carolina, Mrs. Crim taught Kindergarten at St. Mark Catholic School in Wilmington, and she also taught online English classes to children in China. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Crim enjoys spending time with her family and dancing and singing in musical theater productions at local community theaters.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Sister Elizabeth
Grade 4
Sister Elizabeth was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. After graduating from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho, she moved to Peoria in 2021 to join the Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist. That same fall, she began teaching at St. Thomas. After teaching 5th and 6th-grade Language Arts for two years, Sister Elizabeth began teaching the 4th grade.
“He must increase; I must decrease.” John 3:30
Middle School
Mrs. Madison Linko
Grade 5
Mrs. Madison Linko attended Bradley University where she received her bachelor’s degree in English. The 2025-2026 school year will be her second year at St. Thomas as a teacher, but she actually attended STS as a student not too long ago! Reading and writing are two of her very favorite things, so she is overjoyed at the opportunity to share that passion with her students this year. In her free time, Mrs. Linko enjoys spending time with her husband, Billy, and their cat Nacho, as well as her amazing parents and grandparents. She loves to travel and spend time outdoors.
Mrs. Karrie Kilian
Grade 6
Mrs. Kilian was born and raised in Peoria. She attended St. Bernard’s grade school and Peoria Notre Dame High School. Mrs. Kilian earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bradley University. Mrs. Kilian began working at St. Thomas in January of 2010 as the school librarian and started teaching 5th grade in 2014. She currently teaches 5th grade Science, Social Studies and Religion. She also enjoys being one of the Scholastic Bowl coaches. Mrs. Kilian lives in Peoria with her husband John and their four children. The oldest, John, is a student at Peoria Notre Dame and Harry, Grace, and Matthew all attend St. Thomas. When the school day ends, Mrs. Kilian can be found rooting on her children’s many sports teams and attending their many other activities. In her spare time, she loves to cook, bake, and watch her favorite Chicago sports teams.
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein
Mr. Patrick Showalter
Grade 7
Patrick graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Administration. He continued his education past his Masters by completing coursework to obtain a School Superintendent Certificate from Illinois State University. Outside of school, Patrick enjoys many family outings in the community. His students will see him cheering on his teenagers at St. Pat’s in Washington and Peoria Notre Dame High School. He also loves reading and maintaining his yard and garden.
Mrs. Jill Ward
Grade 8
Mrs.Jill Ward received her Bachelor’s Degree from Bradley University in Elementary Education. Mrs. Ward teaches 6,7,8 grade Literature. She likes to spend as much time as possible outdoors (in the sun) and loves to float in the lake, run, play golf and read. She enjoys moderating the St. Thomas Student Council students. She enjoys watching her son run cross country for PND and looks forward to anytime she can visit her daughters when they’re away at college.
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Ms. Gina Tomlin
Grade 8
Ms. Gina Tomlin graduated from Midland High School and went on to Eastern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics and a Middle School Endorsement. She taught 7th/8th grade Math in Phoenix, Arizona for two years before she moved back home and taught 5th grade Math at her alma mater, Midland Middle School, for three years. Her most recent teaching position was teaching 5th-8th grade Math and Social Studies at Saint Edward in Chillicothe for the past three years. This is Ms. Tomlin’s first year at St. Thomas and she is so excited to be a Comet! In her free time she likes spending time with her family and friends, going camping, and enjoying a good book with a big cup of coffee.
Specials
Ms. Claire Jenkins
Art
Ms. Claire Jenkins is a proud alumni of STS and now returns as our Art Teacher. She began her academic journey at Illinois Central College before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Art from Florida Gulf Coast University. After college, Ms. Jenkins worked with nonprofit art centers in both Florida and Illinois, where she deepened her passion for community-based art education.
In addition to teaching, she remains active in the art world and currently serves on the board of the Peoria Art Guild. Outside the classroom, Ms. Jenkins enjoys painting, pottery, and spending time with her family. A dedicated sports fan, she cheers for the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Miami Heat.
Her love of art and culture takes her abroad each year to Florence, Italy—a city she considers her second home after studying there in 2022. Visiting friends and soaking in the rich artistic heritage continues to inspire her both personally and professionally.
Molly Merriman
Librarian
Molly earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from OSF St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. She attended Catholic Schools her entire life, as did her grandparents, parents, and 3 siblings. Molly loves the tradition Catholic schools provide and believes the community here at St. Thomas is unmatched! Right now Molly’s son Abe is a Comet and also her cousin Eloise.
Outside of school, Molly enjoys Spending time with family, reading, puzzles, volunteering, and coaching STS sports!
Mr. Todd Furniss
Physical Education PRE3-8
Mr. Todd Furniss is a Limestone High School graduate. He received his Associate’s degree from Lake Land College, where he also played baseball. He then received his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University in Health and Physical Education. Todd is a former instructor and baseball coach at Illinois Central College. At STS, Mr. Furniss teaches Physical Education for all classes from Pre K through 8th grade. Mr. Furniss is also a Certified hitting instructor and gives lessons to kids from all over central Illinois. Mr. Furniss has an adult daughter, Nicole, living in Athens, Georgia, and a son, Derek, who attends Limestone High School.
Mrs. Jennifer Sturm
Spanish
Mrs. Jennifer Sturm received her Master’s Degree from Bradley University in Liberal Studies and her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Missouri-St. Louis in Spanish and International Studies. She has also studied in Purchase, New York and Chester, England. She currently teaches Spanish K-8. She likes to spend as much time as possible outdoors and loves to hike and canoe. When she decides to sit down she enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” -Mother Teresa
“No pasa nada” (no worries)
Mrs. Jennifer Longanbach
Technology
Jennifer Longanbach loves being the “techie” teacher at St. Thomas. Mrs. Longanbach grew up in West Virginia and received her Education degree from West Virginia University. After a long career with Barnes & Noble, she returned to the elementary school, first the librarian and now the Technology teacher. Outside of school, Mrs. Longanbach stays busy with her husband and two teen daughters.
Office/Student Support
Ms. Mary Carver
Resource 5-8
Mrs. Mary Carver graduated from Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute (now known as Peoria Notre Dame) and then received her Bachelor Degree from Illinois State. She taught 8th Grade Algebra for 29 years followed by 2 more years as the 4th – 8th grade Interventionist at Georgetowne Middle School in Marquette Heights. Mary and her son, Brock, both attended St Thomas School. In her free time she enjoys attending Brock’s baseball games, spending time with her family, and gardening.
“Strive for progress over perfection.”
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Mrs. Julie Selburg
Resource 5-8
Mrs. Julie Selburg graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education. She spent many years teaching for Seapco and District 150. In 2005, her sister Jan Crim was teaching at St. Thomas and encouraged Julie to apply for a Collaborative Teacher position. She happily accepted the role and led the Primary Resource department until she retired in 2019. Mrs. Selburg returned in 2023 and has loved being with the older students. Outside of school she enjoys reading, traveling, and playing golf. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her husband, two sons, and precious granddaughter Kaliyah who is also a Comet!
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Mrs. Kelsey Mulcrone
Resource Gr. 1-4
Mrs. Kelsey Mulcrone graduated from Temple University where she received her Elementary Education Degree. She went on to pursue her Master’s Degree from Gratz College in Education with a concentration in technology. She taught 3rd grade outside of Philadelphia for 10 years before she moved with her husband to Peoria, IL. Upon moving, she taught 3rd grade for two years at St. Thomas before stepping away for a year to take care of her son. Kelsey is entering Year 2 in the Resource position. In her free time she enjoys being outside with her family, spending time at the beach and reading.
“Celebrate every “aha” moment!” -Unknown
“Mistakes are stepping stones to success.” -Unknown
Mrs. Angela Birge
Title I
Mrs. Angela Birge graduated from Eureka College in 2011 with her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She holds endorsements in language arts and social sciences. She is also a graduate of St. Thomas the Apostle School and Peoria Notre Dame. St. Thomas School and Church hold special places in her heart. Mrs. Birge loves teaching and the excitement her students exhibit when learning and applying new ideas. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Birge enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting, scrapbooking, watching baseball (Go Cardinals!) and reading.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
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Beth Lees
Title I
Mrs. Beth Lees graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Middle School Education. She then received her Masters Degree in Reading from Concordia University in Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Lees taught third grade in Clarendon Hills, IL for 8 years before making it back home to her alma mater, St. Thomas School! She taught third grade for 2 years before moving to Arizona and Texas where she welcomed her babies and stayed home. For the past 3 years Mrs. Lees has been a Title 1 Teacher in the Resource Department. In her free time she likes to exercise, cheer on the University of Notre Dame football team, scrapbook, and watch shows on Bravo.
“Children learn more from who you are than what you teach.”