Kathryn Stasys
​Hello and welcome to kindergarten!  My name is Kathryn Stasys.  I have over twenty years of experience nurturing young minds in various classrooms. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University, my Master’s Degree in Special Education from Dominican University, and hold various certifications in the field of education.  I believe in creating a warm, engaging, and supportive environment where all children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow. When not in the classroom, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and spending time with my family.  I am mom to Cooper (my soccer player), Claire (who is constantly dancing), and Duke (my big dog)! 

Haley Strahler
​Hello! My name is Ms. Strahler, and I’ve been teaching full-day kindergarten for five years. I grew up in Oak Park and couldn’t resist coming back to teach in this wonderful community. I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and hold a Reading Endorsement. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University to continue growing as an educator and strengthen my instructional practices. In my previous role as a kindergarten teacher in Orland Park, I was part of the Computer Science Committee and taught the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Club. During the summer, I continue my passion for working with children by teaching Friendship Club and Dance Around the World in District 90. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, baking, and working out. I’m excited to get to know each of my students and create a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment for everyone!

​Kristin Bailitz
Welcome to Kindergarten!  My name is Kristin Bailitz and I have been a teacher at Lincoln since 2018. I began my teaching career in Glenview, IL in a full-day Kindergarten while also getting my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I then took a position in La Grange, IL (also in Kindergarten) where I taught until having our first child. After that, I transitioned into a full-time mom to my crew of four--Meegan, Brady, Kate and Luke--all of whom attended Lincoln!  Our family has called River Forest home for 20 years and we have loved every minute.  It's been wonderful getting back to the classroom and I couldn't be happier here at Lincoln.

Caroline Ley
Hi! My name is Caroline Ley, and I grew up in Joliet, IL. I graduated from the University of Alabama in 2020 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After graduation, I lived in Tuscaloosa for three years and taught 2nd grade during that time. In June of 2024, I decided I wanted to be closer to my family, so I moved to the Gold Coast in Chicago—and I’m loving city life! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and I’m always on the lookout for new food spots to try around the city. I have loved my time at Lincoln in 2nd grade and Kindergarten and I can’t wait to get to know my students and their families this year!