Leadership

Principal & Assistant Principal

Mrs. Bonnie Felske - Principal

Mrs. Bonnie Felske has dedicated nearly three decades of service to the students and families of Zion, leading with a deep belief that strong schools are built through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and a united community. Since beginning her educational career in 1995 as a 7th and 8th-grade social studies teacher, she has remained committed to empowering students and creating learning environments where every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed.

In 2010, Mrs. Felske joined District 126 as a Dean of Students and later served as Assistant Principal at New Tech High. In 2021, she was named Principal of Zion-Benton East High School, where she continues to champion a culture of connection, opportunity, and student-centered excellence.

Mrs. Felske earned her bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Lake Forest College and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with School Leadership credentials, from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois.

Her leadership is guided by the belief that educating students is a shared responsibility between schools, families, and the community. She is passionate about building strong partnerships with parents and guardians and believes open communication and collaboration are essential to helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Phone: (847) 731-9803

Email: bonnie.felske@zb126.org

Mr. Mike Wollney – Assistant Principal

Michael Wollney is proud to serve as Assistant Principal at Zion-Benton Township High School. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, with a background in teaching, coaching, and educational leadership.

Throughout his career, Mr. Wollney has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Department Head, Division Head, Department Chair, and Assistant Athletic Director. These experiences have allowed him to lead school improvement initiatives, support teachers through instructional coaching, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, oversee curriculum and budgets, and promote a positive, student-centered school culture.

Mr. Wollney earned a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University and is passionate about building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. He is excited to serve the Zion-Benton community as Assistant Principal and looks forward to supporting a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Phone: 847-731-9570
Email: michael.wollney@zb126.org

Department Heads

Ms. Emily Waddick - Department Head

Mrs. Emily Waddick came to ZBTHS in 2006 and has served as the Department Head for Special Education since 2017. Previous to being the Department Head for Special Education, Mrs. Waddick taught English and was a case manager for students with IEPs at Warren Township High School before coming to ZBTHS. Mrs. Waddick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education (LBS1) and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Mrs. Waddick is certified in Trauma Informed Practices in schools and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention as well as a member of the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education and Council for Exceptional Children. Mrs. Waddick is passionate about creating classroom spaces that are both equitable and accessible to all students.

Phone: 847-731-9713

Email: emily.waddick@zb126.org

Mr. Andrew Stout - Department Head

Mr. Andrew Stout has been at ZBTHS since 2012 and has served as Department Head for CTE, VPA and NJROTC, since 2020. Prior to becoming an administrator, Mr. Stout taught business education for 10 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Huntington University, a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University, Teaching Certification from Calumet College of St. Joseph, and Educational Leadership Studies from Purdue University. Mr. Stout serves on the Executive Board of the National Business Education Association and as President-Elect for the North Central Business Education Association. As Department Head, Mr. Stout supports teachers' efforts to create meaningful opportunities and ensure all students are college and career-ready.

Phone: 847-731-9492

Email: andrew.stout@zb126.org

Dr. Nicole Stommel - Department Head

Dr. Nicole Stommel has served as Department Head for Mathematics and Driver Education at Zion Benton Township High School since 2015. Prior to becoming an administrator, Dr. Stommel taught mathematics in Wisconsin and Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, with a minor in Secondary Education from Roosevelt University; her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University; and her Doctor of Education from Western Illinois University. As a Department Head, Dr. Stommel supports teachers’ efforts to empower students, enhance achievement, and ensure excellence.

Phone: 847-731-9440

Email: nicole.stommel@zb126.org

Dr. Jasey Kolarik - Department Head

Dr. Jasey Kolarik has served as Department Head for Social Science and World Language at Zion Benton Township High School since 2020. Prior to becoming an administrator, Dr. Kolarik taught in the Social Science Department for 20 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay; a Master of Arts in Education: Language Arts from Carthage College; a Master of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University, and her Doctor of Education from Aurora University. As a Department Head, Dr. Kolarik supports teachers’ efforts to empower students, enhance achievement, and ensure excellence.

Phone: 847-731-9540

Email: jasey.kolarik@zb126.org

Mr. Michael Blades - Department Head

Mr. Michael Blades came to ZBTHS in 2014 from Intrinsic Charter School in Chicago, where he helped design both the learning spaces and the Humanities curriculum for an open classroom, technology-based charter high school. Prior to that, Mr. Blades taught English for 14 years at Evanston Township High School, Walter Payton College Prep in Chicago, and Glenbrook North High School. Mr. Blades holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Olivet Nazarene University, Teaching Certification from The University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and English from Loyola University of Chicago. Mr. Blades has also taught English overseas in Seoul, South Korea, and was a Human Rights Investigator with the State of Illinois.

Phone: 847-731-9370

Email: michael.blades@zb126.org