Leadership
Principal and AP
Ms. Felske has dedicated 29 years in service to students in Zion. In 1995, she began her career teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies in this community. In 2010, she moved to District 126 as a Dean of Students and later the Assistant Principal at New Tech High. In 2021, she became the Principal of Zion-Benton East High. She earned her bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Lake Forest College and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and School Leadership credentials from Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois.
"It is my belief that the education of our children is best accomplished through strong partnerships with parents and the surrounding community. I encourage our parents and guardians to become active participants in the education of our students by getting involved in school activities and keeping in contact with teachers and school staff. I recommend staying connected to the school by having an updated phone number and email address in Skyward so we can keep open communication, and you can visit our website and social media platforms regularly for news and updates.
I am honored to serve as principal of Zion-Benton Township High School and am excited about all the possibilities this new school year has to offer. I look forward to working collectively as a family to ensure our students thrive in our global society and graduate college, career, and life ready. If you have questions or concerns, or would simply like to connect, please feel free to email me at bonnie.felske@zb126.org.
This is going to BEE a great year!"
Phone: (847) 731-9803
Email: bonnie.felske@zb126.org
Dr. Diallo Brown has been serving as the Assistant Principal of Zion-Benton High School since July of 2023. Prior to his current role, Dr. Brown has served in public education as a teacher, Adjunct College Instructor, Dean, Principal of Therapeutic Alternative Private Day School, Assistant Principal of Public Elementary, Middle and High School, Summer School Admin and First-year student on Track Summer Program Director. His robust experience of building leadership coupled with his ability to lead systems and procedures within the Student Service Department will ensure the continuity of success for the Zee-Bee family.
Dr. Brown received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale(BS--Organizational Communications). He earned a Masters of Science in Speech Communications(SIUC) and Educational Leadership(American College of Education), and completed his Ed.D. in District Level Leadership from National Louis University.
Phone: 847-731-9794
Email: diallo.brown@zb126.org
Department Heads
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
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 University of Wisconsin at Green Bay; a Master of Arts in Education: Language Arts from Carthage College; 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
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
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 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
Mr. Michael Wollney is the Department Head for Science, Health and Physical Education. He studied Physical Education and Health at Eastern Illinois University. Michael taught Physical Education and Health at CICS Northtown Academy in Chicago for 10 years. After earning his graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, Michael became the Department Chair for Health and Physical Education at Proviso West High School. He later transitioned into the role of Division Head for Health and Human Services at Proviso East, before joining Zion-Benton.
Phone: 847-731-9570
Email: michael.wollney@zb126.org
Deans
The Zion-Benton Twp. High School deans are experienced district administrators who seek to proactively assist students in knowing and understanding school rules and in making positive and productive choices that lead to success in school and in life. The deans are knowledgeable of district resources and will connect students to these helpful resources as appropriate. They will also intervene when school rules and School Board Policy are violated and work with students and parents/guardians when disciplinary consequences are necessary.
Please click on Dean's Office Staff to learn more about personnel in the Dean's Office who are available to assist students and parents.