John Garvey has worked in the educational ministry for a total of 48 years as both principal and teacher. John is a retired Diocese of Joliet Catholic School principal and happily continues to serve when God calls. He served his last 11 years as principal at St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield. John and his wife, Anne, have been active parishioners at St. Joseph Parish for more than 45 years. He and Anne began their teaching careers at St. Joseph School in Lockport. They have two adult children, John Jr. and Suzanne, who are both graduates of St. Joseph School. In addition to serving on SJS School Board, John also serves the community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, a home-bound Eucharistic minister, parish usher, substitute teacher and music minister. John also works as a faculty advisor for Lewis University working with aspiring school principals. John is proud to continue to team with the Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy School Advisory Board as he looks forward to helping to merge the thoughts and ideas of the community to find great success in Lockport’s newly formed Catholic Academy.

Mary Anne Koscianiuk grew up in a strong Catholic family in Homer Glen, IL. She attended S.S. Cyril and Methodius School and graduated from Lockport Township High School. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Illinois State University. She went on to graduate from Governors State University with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2003. Since that time, Mary Anne has dedicated her career to helping children with special needs. She has worked at Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative for over 20 years servicing the Lockport and Crest Hill schools. On October 18, 2003, she married her husband, George Koscianiuk Jr, at S.S. Cyril and Methodius Church. They have been residents of Lockport since that time and were previously parishioners at St. John Vianney Church. They later joined St. Dennis Church and have two children, George and Elizabeth, who both attended St. Dennis School for several years. Currently, their children are students at SDJCA. Mary Anne continues to grow in her Catholic faith and shares these values with her family every day. She has developed strong ties to the community here in Lockport and will continue to support SDJCA to give her children the opportunity to receive a strong Catholic education.

Sarah Oprzedek, born and raised in Lockport, is the proud descendant of a long family line of parishioners from both St. Joseph and St. Dennis Catholic Churches. She and her husband, Brendan, were married at St. Joseph in 2004, and are the proud parents of Soffia (SJS ’22) and Isaac (SDJCA ’28). Leading with faith, hope and charity, Sarah looks forward to working in partnership and unity to collectively build a new foundation and set the new standard for excellence in Catholic education. Sarah brings nearly two decades of professional, not-for-profit and leadership experience to the SDJCA School Board, including governance, strategic partnerships and community advocacy. As the President and CEO for United Way of Will County, she strives to unite communities and resources to empower people and create positive change. She is eager to bring her professional experience and passion for making a difference to SDJCA!

Danielle Pugh has been a part of the St. Joseph School community since 2009. She has served the St. Joseph School board for seven years (five as president), and as the Oktoberfest Children’s co-chair, room mom and volunteered at many SJS events along the way. Danielle and her husband, Jonathan, are proud parents of Nick (SJS ’18), Nathan (SJS ’18), and Makenzie (SDJCA ’26). Their family lives in Lockport. Danielle is an Executive Director of Technology at JP Morgan Chase and has been at the firm for 18 years. She prays that her organizational leadership, client focus and strategic planning will help this board bring SDJCA to a successful future. Danielle is proud to serve this new combined community. She adores the kids, believes in the pillars of Catholic education and is excited for what SDJCA can become for the community and for Catholic education in the Joliet Diocese. She loves that we are leading the way!

Katie Swiech grew up in Davenport, Iowa, where she attended Catholic Grade School at Our Lady of Lords and Davenport Assumption Catholic High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University. Katie moved to the area 10 years ago where she met her husband Paul.  The Swiech family were members of Saint Patricia Church in Hickory Hills prior to joining SDJCA in 2023-24. Katie has spent the last 20 years in Leadership, Human Resources, and Business Management. She is excited to bring her ability to build an amazing culture, paired with organizational planning, and human resource to the board. The Swiechs have two children, Sadie and Saul, who attend SDJCA. Katie believes in SDJCA and the importance of Catholic Education. She is excited to bring her experience and positivity to the board and is committed to ensuring that SDJCA is successful for many years to come. 

Andy Weis is a 30-year parishioner at St. Joseph’s Parish. His four grown children graduated from St. Joseph School. He and his wife, Donna, have served on various parish and school committees, including eight years on the School Board. Andy has been a Lockport resident since 1992. Andy is in business management and has a passion for making sure Lockport has a viable Catholic school option available to local residents.