New Teacher Feature - Part 4

We’re excited to welcome our newest certified staff members to Sycamore Community School District 427! As they begin their journey with us, we are taking the opportunity to introduce you to the educators who will be helping our students learn, grow, and thrive throughout the 2026-27 school year.

This is the final part of our New Teacher Features, where you’ll get to know our new teachers a little better through a Q&A highlighting their backgrounds, experiences, interests, and what they’re looking forward to most about joining our district. We invite you to meet the newest members of our school community!

Ms. Hannah Hill

Speech-Language Pathologist at South Prairie Elementary and SMS

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to spend time coaching the dance team at Genoa-Kingston, walking my two dogs Millie and Rue, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Why did you choose to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
My decision to become a Speech-Language Pathologist was heavily influenced by my mother, Stefanie Hill, and the experiences I had growing up in her classroom. My mom began her career as a teacher and later became a principal, and throughout my childhood, I spent countless days helping in her classroom and observing the impact educators have on their students. Those experiences sparked my initial desire to work in education and inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to supporting children and helping them reach their full potential.

When it came time to explore colleges and career paths, my mom encouraged me to observe the Speech-Language Pathologist in her school building to gain a better understanding of the profession. Through that experience, I discovered a career that combined everything I was looking for: the opportunity to specialize in a specific area while still working directly with students every day. I was especially drawn to the role SLPs play in supporting students with disabilities and helping them develop the communication skills needed to succeed academically, socially, and independently.
As I gained more experience in the field, my passion for working with students with disabilities continued to grow, particularly within the autism community. This passion ultimately led me to begin my career working in an Autism program immediately after graduate school. Working alongside autistic students allowed me to witness their unique strengths, perspectives, and potential while helping them build meaningful communication skills. These experiences reinforced my commitment to the profession and solidified my desire to advocate for and empower individuals with communication differences. Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist has allowed me to combine my love of education, specialization, and service to others in a way that is both meaningful and rewarding.

Mr. Eli Johnson

Speech-Language Pathologist at North Elementary School and West Elementary School

What do you like to do in your free time?
Go birdwatching, walk my dogs, read novels, watch movies, play piano, and play guitar

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
Working at a frozen banana dessert truck in Austin, Texas

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
The powerful feeling of knowing that your teacher cares for you and believes in you!

Why did you choose to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
I became an SLP because I want to help people communicate and achieve their dreams.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Sycamore community?
I am so excited to be back serving the community that I grew up in!

Mrs. Ryanne Madden

Speech-Language Pathologist at North Grove Elementary     

What do you like to do in your free time?
Read, watch tv, play games, and craft

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
Professional Ballet Dancer

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
The powerful feeling of knowing that your teacher cares for you and believes in you!

Why did you choose to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
I chose to work in a school because of the excitement that happens here! Helping young ones grow in confidence so they can put their best foot forward in the classroom, and then in life, is what keeps me going.

Mrs. Ann Reineck

School Psychologist at North Elementary School and Southeast Elementary School

What do you like to do in your free time?
When I'm not wrangling four children, I like to read, travel, hike, try new restaurants, play games (Dutch blitz is my secret talent)

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
Research assistant at an infant cognition lab. (I got to stare at babies all day!)

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
My second grade teacher made being in her classroom and learning such a joy. I'll never forget when we transformed our classroom into a rainforest - I got to make a life-size orangutan (which then lived at my house for months...I'm sure my parents loved it, haha). I then got to work with her in my first job as a school psych, and she still brought the same dynamic energy to her classroom many years later.

Why did you choose to become a School Psychologist?
Towards the end of my undergraduate studies, I was trying to figure out what to do after graduating with a degree in psychology. I learned about the field of school psychology, and I never looked back. My mom was an elementary art teacher for many years, and her passion for her job has always been an inspiration. Being able to combine a career in education and my interest in the human brain was the perfect solution. I love working with kids and (hopefully) helping them find success.

What is your favorite thing about Sycamore so far?
I have been involved with the PTO at Southeast, and I love to see the positivity and community the staff has built. My kids love going to school in Sycamore, and I'm looking forward to being part of the reason why kids in our community love going to school!

Mr. Jonathan Huffstutler

Social Worker at North Grove Elementary School

What do you like to do in your free time?
Art, music, cooking, bike riding, traveling, spending time outdoors.

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
Seasonal Delivery for UPS

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
Mr. Mott, English Teacher at Elgin High School, inspired a love of art and Charles Dickens

Why did you choose to become a School Social Worker?
To positively influence students to appreciate the importance of investing in education.

What is your favorite thing about Sycamore so far?
Sycamore is legendary with all things Pumpkin Festival!

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Sycamore community?
I feel really proud to be part of Sycamore School District 427!

Mrs. Yvonne Morrongiello

Social Worker at West Elementary School

What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time outdoors with my dog, relaxing by the pool, connecting and spending time with friends, trying out new shopping and food spots.

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
Working as a school social worker has been the most interesting- no two days are ever the same; children bring so much humor and candid honesty that it is both entertaining and fulfilling.

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
When I was in first grade, I remember our class was posing for a class picture by the school sign, and a classmate climbed on the sign, fell off, and broke his arm. I remember thinking that following the rules was important for reasons like that!

Why did you choose to become a School Social Worker?
I chose to be an elementary school social worker because I want to make a meaningful difference in children's lives as early as possible. Being in a school allows me to reach and support a wide range of students right where they are every day.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Sycamore community?
Sycamore and Sycamore CUSD 427 are incredibly supportive environments where you truly feel connected to the families, students, and staff, and I am thrilled to be coming home to it.

Thank you for learning about our new certified staff! We wish them a successful future with Sycamore Community School District 427!