With the 2015-2016 school year just under way, 10 elementary schools in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois are depending on new leaders — nine principals and one interim acting administrator — to guide them in a positive direction.

Many of these individuals were in the schools over the summer months and most of them were at the Catholic Pastoral Center in early August, attending the annual new principal's meeting.

"We are very excited and looking forward to working with our new principals this year," said Stacie Reichensperger, associate superintendent for Catholic schools. "They attended the new principal's meeting and established a wonderful network of administrative and diocesan resources."

Here is what the newest school leaders had to say about their plans for their respective schools:

Debbie Alexander

Holy Family Catholic School
Decatur

Principal Debra "Debbie" Alexander comes to Holy Family School with experience with both the Mt. Zion and the Decatur public school districts. She has been a kindergarten teacher, the coordinator of a gifted program, an assistant principal and principal, and has served at the district level as a grants administrator, communications officer and in student services.

She has her bachelor's degree from Millikin University, and her master's degree and her specialist/superintendent endorsement from Eastern Illinois University.

Alexander and her husband have two grown children who live in other states and "two adorable granddaughters." Additionally, she says her parents, brothers and their families all play a role in helping support the activities at Holy Family.

"It is a priority goal at Holy Family Catholic School to continue to offer a quality academic program in a faith-filled environment," Alexander says, adding that she wants to have Holy Family meet the academic, social and emotional needs of students. She hopes to care, educate and provide opportunities for students, families and staff while continuing in a role that allows her to serve others using the "gifts that God has provided."

"Most importantly my goal is to serve others within my parish as an honor to my family, faith family and Father Joe (Molloy)," she says. "I have always known that my mission was to serve others through education — what a dream come true to be able to serve my church, honor the Catholic faith and support the education of children."

Christie Dickens

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Quincy

Christie Dickens is the new principal of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Quincy, where she is leading a staff of 22 and 215 students.

She has a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University and a master's from DePauw University.

A classroom teacher for the first 22 years of her career, Dickens taught first, third and sixth grade in Indiana and Quincy. She was a building principal for five years in Quincy before being named an assistant superintendent for Quincy Public Schools in 2007. Before retiring in 2013, she handled human resource issues and provided support for curriculum and special education and also handled public relations. Additionally, she was an educational consultant for FranklinCovey.

"Together with a talented staff, incredible students, supportive families and fabulous parishioners, we will provide an outstanding God-centered quality education for each and every student," Dickens says. "I am blessed and honored with the opportunity to foster and enhance the faith formation of students, staff and families. I am so excited!"

Dickens has one adult son, Tyler, who is married to Stephanie. She has a "beautiful 3-year-old granddaughter" and was happy to welcome a brand new grandson in early August.

Josh Ebener

Little Flower School
Springfield

Josh Ebener is the new principal of Little Flower School in Springfield, where he is the leader of 210 students and 20 staff members.

He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, a master's degree from Sangamon State University (now the University of Illinois Springfield) as well as an administrative certificate from UIS.

A long-time high school teacher — six years at Glenwood High School in Chatham and 13 years at Springfield High School — he then moved into administration. He held several administrative positions and in June 2014, he retired as associate superintendent of East Peoria High School District 309.

"I retired from the public schools and wish to continue in the field of education and serving Christ," he says. Leading a Catholic school "allows me to live my Catholic faith more fully and openly," he adds.

He lives in Chatham with his wife, Shelley, who is a teacher at Chatham Elementary. They have two grown sons: Nick, who sells houses in Boulder, Colo., and Luke, who is a youth minister at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport, Iowa.

While at Little Flower, Ebener hopes to "prepare students to be closer to Christ and prepared for the challenges of the 21st century."

Laura Frierdich

St. John Neumann School
Maryville

As the new principal at St. John Neumann, Laura Frierdich has been looking forward to this school year, leading the 203 students and 25 faculty and staff members in Maryville.

She has her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri in Columbia and her master's degree in educational administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Frierdich has spent most of her educational career at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Waterloo, where she taught fifth grade, gifted education and worked in public relations.

"Catholic education is near and dear to my heart and I look forward to beginning my career as a principal at St. John Neumann," she says. "Catholic schools are all-encompassing, educating the whole child — spiritually, academically and socially. Being able to live my faith and share our Catholic traditions with kids is a dream come true.

"My hope for St. John Neumann is to combine leading the school's strong foundation of faith and Catholic identity while building a strong academic tradition," she concludes.

Kathy Sherman

St. Paul Catholic School
Highland

A long-time veteran of St. Paul Catholic School in Highland, Kathy Sherman is the new principal, leading about 25 staff members and 240 students.

She has a bachelor's degree in education as well as a master's degree in educational administration and leadership, both from McKendree University.

"I have taught at St. Paul School for 17 years at various grade levels," she says.

"For the past seven years, I have also served as the vice principal for St. Paul along with teaching," Sherman continues. "I hope to work with the solid traditional foundation that St. Paul already has and build upon it to provide our students the skills and knowledge to succeed both academically and spiritually in today's changing world.

"Being at a Catholic school makes it possible for me to work and live my faith and calling daily," she says. "I am blessed and thankful to serve with the St. Paul teachers as we educate and guide the children at St. Paul School."

Sherman and her husband, Brad, have a grown son, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson.

Marianne Stremsterfer

St. Aloysius School
Springfield

Marianne Stremsterfer, the interim acting administrator of St. Aloysius School, is leading a staff of 20 and 160 students.

She has an associate's degree from Springfield College in Illinois, a bachelor's degree from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois Springfield) and a master's degree from Benedictine University at Springfield.

Stremsterfer has a long history at St. Aloysius. She was the art teacher at the school from 1975-2006 as well as a long-time art faculty member at Benedictine (formerly Springfield College in Illinois) from 1990-2015. She led the Benedictine art faculty from 2006-2015.

"St. Aloysius Parish and School are beginning this academic year with a new pastor, Father Clinton Honkomp, OP, and myself …," she says. "Our hopes and plans include team efforts to enhance our faith community, increase faculty development and energize our school family with new initiatives.

"This new vocation will be the capstone of my 40 years in Catholic education," she says. "I feel that this position is a calling, as well as a mission. This is a homecoming for me and the opportunity to effect change in the parish of my birth."

Stremsterfer says her three grown children are alumni of St. Aloysius and "all were taught by my late husband, Gary, as well as myself." She has eight grandchildren and six of them are enrolled at Blessed Sacrament School in Springfield. "Catholic education is engrained in our family and it is especially rewarding to see that continue in the education of my grandchildren," she concludes.

Terry Trader

Sacred Heart School
Pana

Theresa "Terry" Trader is the new principal at Sacred Heart School, where she is leading 125 students and 19 faculty/staff members.

She has a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University as well as a master's and administrative certificate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Trader is retired from the Hillsboro School District where she was most recently the athletic director for the district. She was also a principal at Witt Elementary School and before that, a long-time teacher at Hillsboro High School.

She plans "to facilitate the continuing school improvement efforts of the Sacred Heart faculty and staff" and "to provide assistance to teachers, students and parents in providing a Catholic education based on doctrine, worship, community and service."

"As a graduate of Holy Cross grade school in Champaign, I look forward to the opportunity to once again be a part of a community based on not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but, more importantly, the opportunity to grow in the Catholic faith."

Trader lives in Hillsboro with her husband of 34 years, Charles, and is an active member of St. Agnes Parish.

Stevie VanDeVelde

Our Saviour School
Jacksonville

Stephanie "Stevie" VanDeVelde is leading a staff of 23 as well as approximately 280 students at Our Saviour School.

She has a bachelor's degree from Millikin University, a master's degree and Type 75 administrative certification from University of Illinois Springfield.

VanDeVelde has been working at the Winchester Community School District and most recently has been the director of curriculum and technology. She has also worked in the business industry and taught part-time at John Wood Community College and Illinois College.

"I am excited to use my education and experience to lead a faith-based educational system like Our Saviour School," she says. "I was impressed with their educational environment, staff and offerings, as well as the parent and community support."

She hopes to continue to enhance the school in the areas of curriculum and technology and to "continue to offer a strong faith-based educational opportunity to our parishioners and residents of the communities."

VanDeVelde and her husband of 26 years, Pat, have four children: Karlee, Colin, Kinsey and Caleb.

Cindy Venvertloh

St. Peter School
Quincy

Cindy Venvertloh is familiar with St. Peter School, where she is the principal leading 433 students and a staff of 46. That's because she has been assistant principal of the Quincy school for the past 10 years.

She holds a bachelor's degree from Quincy College and a master's in educational administration from Quincy University.

Before joining the staff at St. Peter, Venvertloh taught at St. Anthony School in Quincy for eight years. She was principal there for four years before the school was closed due to the consolidation of seven Quincy Catholic grade schools into four schools.

"I am honored to take the position of principal at St. Peter School. Although I have big shoes to fill I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. It is hard to believe that just 10 years ago I was offered the position of assistant principal by Father Dan Bergbower," she says. "It has been an exciting time and it has gone by quickly. It seems like just yesterday when I was the principal at St. Anthony School."

Venvertloh says it has been an honor to work beside her predecessor, Janet Bick, over the years. "Not only has she been a great mentor but she has also been a great friend. I plan to do my very best and to continue to offer a God-centered quality education for our students. I am surrounded by an excellent team of educators, support staff and employees at St. Peter School and Parish.

"I am blessed to work with such a dedicated and committed staff and am grateful to be part of an amazing school family," she says. "I especially want to thank Father Leo (Enlow) for believing in me and for allowing me to continue my journey in education at St. Peter School. I could not ask for a better place to be."

Venvertloh will be celebrating her 20th year of marriage to her husband Andy this October. She is the proud aunt of seven nieces and nephews.

Debbie Walch

Cathedral School
Springfield

Debbie Walch says she is honored to be named principal at Cathedral School. "It is my pleasure and honor to continue the long-standing academic excellence and Christian-based education that this school is known for," she says. "I look forward to providing the best possible education program for our students … ."

Walch has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Blackburn College and master's degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She is currently working on her second master's degree in administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield.

She is familiar with Cathedral and is naturally excited to lead the school. "Before my time at Cathedral I was a teacher at St. Isidore School in Farmersville for six years," she says. "I have had the pleasure of working at Cathedral School as the seventh-grade teacher for the past five years and during that time I have watched the school change and grow. It is very exciting to see the dedication and love for Christian education that is brought to the school every day by our wonderful staff.

"My goal as Cathedral School principal is to provide the leadership that will facilitate a school environment that provides the best possible academic instruction to meet the needs of each student to the best of our ability," she says. "The educational program will be academically challenging, engage each student by linking the curriculum to previous knowledge and experience, and also be exciting to promote further learning and the exploration of new ideas."

Walch also believes that "teaching the love of Christ with morals and values are just as important in developing the 'whole' child." "I am excited that we have that opportunity here at Cathedral to touch the lives of many children and teach them about the love of God."

Walch and her husband have four children who keep them "on the go" and live in rural Atwater.