This Commission has been established to promote the participation of members of St. Thomas Parish in the educational mission of the Church, and in particular of this Parish, to encourage dialogue between the Pastor and the members of the Parish, and to recommend to the Pastor policy on educational matters. The Commission meets the last Tuesday of every month.
Commission Members:
Ann Kube, Commission President
Ann was new to the commission in 2011, but is a St. Thomas School and PNDHS alum. She holds a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University and acts as a consulting therapist for Prairie Spine and Pain Institute which she and her husband, Dr. Richard Kube, own. In addition to work on multiple classroom and parish committees at St. Thomas, Ann serves on the boards of the Women’s Care Center of Peoria, and works to raise funds and awareness of this life saving mission. Ann and Rich’s oldest daughter graduated STS in 2018 and is currently at PND where their newly graduated twins will attend. As the daughter of a former St. Thomas School teacher, Ann is sometimes known as “Mrs. Pfeiffer’s oldest daughter.”
Brandi Benjamin, Commission Member
Brandi graduated from Peoria Notre Dame High School and Illinois Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. After working as a pediatric nurse, she retired to be a full time mom 15 years ago. She and her husband, Steve, live in Dunlap with their two children, Ella (a 2018 STS grad) and Andrew who will be entering 6th grade. Brandi is a trained spiritual director who meets with clients in her home and assists with the training of new spiritual directors. The Benjamin family is grateful to have the opportunity to send their child(ren) to STS where they are challenged by outstanding academics and exposed to the saving message of Christ’s love.
Matt Leustek, Commission Member
Matthew is new to the education commission in 2019 but has been attending St Thomas Church with his wife Jennifer and their three children since 2014. All three children are currently attending St. Thomas School. Matt holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, engineering masters from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Bradley University. He works at Caterpillar in engine product development. Son of a life long chemistry teacher of 45 years, Matt is passionate about education and views it as foundational, along with faith and family.
Peter Lynch, Commission Member
Growing up, Peter Lynch’s catholic school and parish were intertwined in every aspect of his childhood. As a student of catholic education from pre-school through college, that education has played an integral role in framing Peter’s worldview. He is currently a partner at the law firm of Hasselberg, Rock, Bell & Kuppler, LLP in Peoria. Peter and his wife Jennifer, are the proud parents of four St. Thomas students.
Andy Piper, Commission Member
Andy has served on the Commission since 2008. He has worked as a School Psychologist since 1994 with Woodford County Special Education. Daily responsibilities include psychological and educational evaluation, mental health screening, counseling and consultation. Andy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1990 from Illinois State University and Masters in School Psychology in 1992 from Illinois State University. Andy and his wife Susan are proud graduates of Bergan High School class of 1986. Andy and Susan have one student at St. Thomas.
Kelly Scholz, Commission Member
Kelly is new to the commission in 2019. She earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois. Kelly works at Caterpillar as the Engineering Manager and technical lead for the Structures Team on D9-D11 Large Dozers. She leads a team of engineers in concept design and analysis, manufacturing, and field support of several major components. Kelly and her husband Alex Mohning, also a CAT engineer, have two boys that attend St. Thomas. Together they spend their time outdoors, at sporting events, visiting family, and traveling.
Karyn Short, Commission Member
A member of the commission, Karyn received 12 years of Catholic education and is a St. Thomas alumni. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a BS in marketing. Karyn and her husband Rick are the parents of three St. Thomas students.