We are committed to creating a well-rounded faculty and welcome input to help us reach our goal of creating a truly diverse community.
Mark McDonald, Ed.D
Dr. Mark McDonald is Superintendent of Schools in Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove, Illinois, a position he has held since 2008. Prior to his appointment in District 99, Dr. McDonald was a secondary teacher and coach, an assistant principal, principal of West Aurora and Downers Grove South High Schools, and Deputy Superintendent of the West Aurora District 129. He is in his 34th year in education. Dr. McDonald is a native of Elgin, Illinois and a graduate of Elgin High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois where he was also an Illini football player and wrestling letterman. He earned his Master’s degree at Northern Illinois before returning to Champaign for a doctorate in Administration, Continuing, and Higher Education. Dr. McDonald currently resides in Downers Grove and is the father of two grown sons: Andy (Stephanie) of Crystal Lake, Illinois and Tony (Christina) of Madison, Wisconsin.
Kenneth Kozin, Ed.D
Kenneth Kozin has over 40-years in education. He earned his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in special education from Northeastern Illinois University, Masters in Administration from Concordia University, Guidance and Counseling from Northern Illinois University and Educational and Leadership from University of Illinois-Chicago. Prior to retirement, Mr. Kozin was a special education teacher, vocational adjustment counselor and special education consultant with Northwest Suburban Special Education organization, principal of an alternative school and associate superintendent of student services with Township High School District 214. Since retirement, he has been a Technical Assistant Coordinator and Vocational/Career Supervisor for NSSEO, a principal for a nonpublic school transition program and a special services coordinator for an elementary district.
David Carillo: MSW, CADC, DCSW, LCSW
David is a psychotherapist, college professor and an educational consultant. Prior to his work as a college professor and school consultant, he served as a school social worker in grades K-12 for 27 years. A native of Mexico City and Blue Island, Illinois, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in clinical social work from Clark-Atlanta University located in Atlanta, Georgia. David lives in Palatine with his family. His most recent passions are in the areas of training (in Life Space Crisis Intervention) and in consulting with schools. His only regret is not having known what he knows today in terms of how to best work with children when he was starting in this field.
Elaine Nekritz, Esq.
State Representative Nekritz has served in the Illinois House of Representatives from Illinois’ 57th District since 2003, and continues to represent this district. She became an attorney after earning her law degree from University of Michigan. Her experience includes working as a real estate attorney, later becoming partner, with the law firm of Altheimer and Gray. As a community activist, she was the chairperson of the Village of Northbrook’s Community Relations Commission from 1997 to 2002. Elaine is a member of the National Council of Jewish Women and serves as the Democratic Committeeman of Northfield Township. She resides in Northbrook with her husband, Barry.
Scott Gielow, MA, CADC
Scott began his career as a substance abuse counselor at Lutheran General Hospital. After moving to the LGH Mundelein facility, he had opportunities to design programming for early intervention and specialty populations. Later, while working for the Lake County Health Department, he became a Supervisor. This role led Scott to opportunities to create programming for at-risk children and their mothers. For the last 19 years Scott has held a position at Gateway Youth Care, counseling at-risk youth. For the past fifteen years, Scott has also enjoyed mentoring mentally ill children and collaborating with their families in the process.
Diona Wilson, M.Ed., B.A.
Diona Wilson is an Evanston native and Northwestern graduate. She started her career at Oakton Elementary School in Evanston while finishing her Master’s in Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University. Mrs. Wilson taught special education at Nipper Career Education Center, a public therapeutic day school and then moved to Wheeling High School to teach cross categorical math and assume the position of girls’ athletic director. After completing her administrative certificate, Mrs. Wilson obtained her first administrative position. Throughout her administrative career she has been a Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Director of Special Education, and an Assistant Superintendent. Diona is currently completing her Doctorate of Education, writing her dissertation on programs in place in juvenile detention facilities to reduce recidivism for African-American males. In her spare time, Mrs. Wilson enjoys traveling, photography, working out, and spending time with her husband. She is very excited about Felicity School and the opportunities the school, staff, and facilities will provide for students.
