I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the St. John the Evangelist Parish.  My name is Mary Ellyn Billmeyer.

My college education began at Clarke University, in Dubuque Iowa, where I graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Social Work.  After teaching a few years, I began to pursue my Master's Degree.  I enrolled at Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois.  Several years later and hundreds of hours of study, I was awarded a M.A. in Administration and Supervision.

When I first began my career, I began as a primary teacher, teaching grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 6^th grade for many years.  I accepted an assistant principal position for one year.  I was then asked to be the principal at St. Hubert School in Hoffman Estates, Illinois where I remained for twelve more years.  I have been a principal at St. Theresa Parish and then moved to St. Peter the Apostle School in Itasca, Illinois.  Unfortunately, last spring, the Diocese of Joliet mandated that St. Peter School close.

My husband, Brian and I have been married for over 30 years and have two grown children.  My son, Jonathan, and my husband run our family business in Naperville, Illinois.  My daughter Jennifer is a teacher at St. Hubert School.

As you can see, Catholic education has been a priority in my life, and I am firmly committed to ensuring that Catholic education is available to all children for many years to come.  I am very excited to be joining the St. John the Evangelist community and I am confident together we can create one of the most vibrant schools in the Northwest Suburbs.  Thank you to Fr. Schmitt and the Search Committee for giving me this opportunity.