Faculty & Staff

I am thrilled to join Elgin Academy as Interim Head of School. EA has a storied 185 year history of outstanding Pre-K-12 education in the greater Elgin community. We are a school that puts the needs of students first and foremost in all we do, from the classrooms to the athletic fields, and in all of our robust curricular and co-curricular activities.
-Paul Druzinsky

Students must feel comfortable before they can learn. I expect my classroom to be an environment where students are allowed to take risks. I look for situations when I can look at a problem for the first time with students and model for them how to try and potentially fail in finding the right solution, only to rebound and try new ideas.
-Doug Sept

As the Early Childhood and Lower School Director at Elgin Academy, I am committed to providing a child-centered learning experience that is unique and individualized. I believe in fostering a nurturing environment where children can flourish and grow, not just academically but also, emotionally and socially. Together, we create a place where curiosity is celebrated, kindness is paramount, and learning becomes an adventure that lasts a lifetime.
-Michelle Matalone

At Elgin Academy, we dedicate our days to empower and uplift students, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and care they need to thrive. Our goal is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student's potential is recognized and celebrated. Together, we navigate the journey of personal growth and academic success, fostering a resilient and confident generation ready to embrace the world.
-Helen Elayan

Since I came to Elgin Academy as a parent, I saw that Elgin Academy is a place for students to learn who they really are. They are encouraged to be risk takers, to take chances and to go outside of their comfort zone. As a result, graduates of EA are prepared to take on the world and do amazing things.
-Bonita Goist

I am passionate about fostering cultural diversity through student exchange and international education. It is my mission to enhance cultural perspectives, mutual respect, and global responsibility through building programs and services for the development of international students, local students and the greater community of Elgin.
-Katie Kruse

Being part of the Elgin Academy community is an amazing experience. I could not be more proud to represent this campus and these students in the classroom and on the field.
-Craig Pinson

If a student fails to enjoy any piece of literature and minimally improves their writing, but manages to grow as a human being, I feel I have been successful. If a student masters every text and writes beautifully, but has not changed at all since the first day of school, I have failed.
-Jorge Sanchez

I strive to make the school and classroom a place where, when you walk into the building, you can tell that students want to be here. The students are free to take risks, express themselves freely, and have fun doing so. For me, this is done by cultivating strong personal relationships across a diverse student body. This is the atmosphere that I wish to help set.
-Drew Roling

It is upon the fundamentals of reading, writing, listening, and speaking that we find access to the good, the beautiful, and the true. Personal invitation for intentional practice of these skills is at the core of my mission as a teacher. Each student in my care is encouraged to create with authenticity, explore complex ideas, ask thoughtful questions, discover joy in learning, and strive for excellence.
- Ashley Anderson

Elgin Academy is a place where every student is valued and celebrated for who they are as individuals. As a member of this amazing community, my priory is to support our students' educational experience through summer programing, the website, events, and fundraising. I am truly grateful to be a part of the EA community.
-Tanya Moore