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Our Staff & Board

2026-2027 Staff Group Photo

Our Staff

Steve Hall

Principal
shall@clseagles.net

Marcy Shank

School Secretary
mshank@clseagles.net

Marcy Shank is very likely the first friendly face you’ll meet when you enter CLS as she is the school secretary. Her son, Joseph, started at CLS in kindergarten. Joseph is now a freshman at Blackhawk East and Marcy has been an integral part of CLS since he was in second grade.

Marcy and her husband, James, live on his family farm outside of Coleta. Their son, Joseph, is the sixth generation to live on the farm. They grow corn and soybeans, while Joseph raises chickens and turkeys. She likes photography and reading. The family attends Coleta United Methodist Church.

Marcy enjoys working at CLS with the staff, students, board, and parents. Her job history includes being a nanny for five children in the Chicago area. She also worked at Morrison Day Care, Sterling Rock Falls Child Care and Polo Area Play Center. She was a teacher’s aide in the Morrison School District.

Julie Carrion

Preschool Teacher
jcarrion@clseagles.net

This is my fifth year teaching at CLS & I have been a teacher since 2003.

I have always wanted to be a wife, mom & teacher, & am blessed with the best of all three!

My favorite moments at home are camping, exploring, & hanging out with my husband, son & dog.

My favorite moments with my students are when they "get it" after working on a skill & when they're worshiping Jesus! Starting the day with prayer & devotions all together at CLS is a special time for me at school!

Jackie Adell

Kindergarten & 1st GradeTeacher
jadell@clseagles.net

I am very happy to be returning to CLS. I have 16 years of classroom teaching experience. Two of those years were teaching kindergarten right here at CLS.

I have one son, James, who is a 7th grader. I also have three married step-daughters, & three grandchildren. My husband, Norm , & I keep very busy watching James play his favorite sports: basketball, baseball, golf.

In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors. I love walking, reading & playing golf or disc golf with my son.

Julie Holesinger

2nd, 3rd & 4th grade teacher
jholesinger@clseagles.net

After the exciting end of the school year (my son got married) & an exciting end to the summer (my daughter had a baby), I am ready to return to CLS!

I taught previously for 8 years at a school in Indiana (3rd & then 2nd grade). I substitute taught when my 5 children were young. When they were all in school, I taught 4th grade at a Christian School in IL.

We moved from Indiana to Sterling when Covid was winding down. I taught 1 year at Sauk Valley Christian Academy & this is my 2nd year at CLS.

Karin Schave

5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Teacher
kschave@clseagles.net

This is my 5th year (this time) at CLS. I live right here in Sterling with my cat, Hobbes. My husband passed away last year, but our daughter lives in Peoria & is a social worker.

I also have a stepdaughter & she lives with her family in Ohio; I'm a (step) grandma to an awesome one year old named Robin.

I enjoy spending time making cards & scrapbooks. I also like to travel, visit, eat, shop & go to the movies.

Deb Mortonson

Physical Education
I started to work with teens & youth in 1980. I taught in a school & then for the next 39 years I worked for 3 different YMCAs. In December 2025 I retired from the Sterling-Rock Falls Family Y.

I have also volunteered for the American Red Cross for over 45 years. I teach babysitting class, CPR/FA/AED, & everything in lifeguarding from instructor to a trainer.

Since retiring, I have donated my time to the United Way of Whiteside County, 2 Food Banks, & the Y.

Marykate Jacobs

Music
I am a passionate musician, worship leader, & student who loves using music to encourage others & point people toward Christ.

I recently finished studying Worship Ministry at City First Leadership College in Rockford, & previously spent my time playing music with my family/band, volunteering in worship ministry at my church, & taking music lessons.

I am excited to bring my love for music into the classroom & help students discover their own musical gifts.

Michele Warren

Preschool Aide
I am blessed to begin my 5th year at CLS!

My favorite hangout is Pre-K, assisting 3 & 4 year olds, under the direction & guidance of Julie Carrion.

I have also helped with Early-In, Late-Out, lunch time duty, & library.

Lynn Podkulski

Preschool Aide
I have 7 years of prior preschool Teacher's Aide experience. I enjoy working with children in a school setting or at my church.

Just this past summer, I worked with preschoolers at Camp Eaglet, & we had a blast!

I am super excited & thankful to have the opportunity to work at CLS this coming school year! It's going to be a great year! God Bless!

Kadielynn Nelson

Early In
Last year was my first year at CLS. I was the gym teacher, Early-In aide, & Preschool helper. This year I am the Early-In aide.

I am going into my second year of college to become an Agriculture Educator.

I have 8 siblings with the oldest being 24 years old & the youngest being 10 years old. I am an aunt to my 1 year old niece, & I have 3 chickens.

Our Board of Directors

  • Roger Aschbrenner
  • Larry Williams
  • Steve Aurand
  • Bill Friedrich
  • Pastor Bolosan
  • Pastor Sharp