Staff Directory

Pam Damesek: Assistant Director of Student Services and Lead of Little Sprouts Preschool

Currently in her third year at District 70, and sixteenth year in education. Pam began her journey in education as a paraprofessional in Lake Forest’s Special Education preschool, where she discovered her passion for supporting young learners with diverse needs. Over the years, she has advanced in her career, holding roles as a Special Education teacher (LBS1), district special education specialist and coach, and student services coordinator.

Pam's dedication to education is backed by her extensive academic achievements, including two master’s degrees—one in Special Education and another in School Administration—and a Director of Special Education credential. In her current role, Pam provides leadership and support to families, students, and staff, fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment. She is eager to collaborate with families in District 70, ensuring that students have the best possible start to their education and develop a lasting love for learning.

Michelle Lee, Little Sprouts Special Education Teacher

Michelle Lee joined the D70 team in August, 2024. Even though she is new to D70, this marks her 10th year in early childhood education. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of early childhood classroom models, including full-day structured, full-inclusion and blended. Michelle has a master's degree in Early Childhood from DePaul University and a bachelor degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Illinois. 

"I am excited to share in the joys of discovery and learning with your child this year!"

Dana Ori, Little Sprouts Special Education Teacher 

Dana Ori is the veteran teacher in Little Sprouts, being with the D70 Early Childhood program since 2015. Before joinng the D70 team, Dana taught in a special education instructional program for students in kindergarten through second grade for two years, and in eighth grade for four years. She is dually certified in Special Education and Early Childhood with a master's degree from Concordia University and a bachelor degree from Northern Illinois University. Dana has two sons, Jackson, 4, and Madden, 1.

"I’m excited to be a part of District 70’s Little Sprouts Program and serve our wonderful Libertyville families!" 

Jorie Wiegand, Little Sprouts Special Education Teacher

Jorie Pinsof Wiegand has been with the D70 Early Childhood program since 2019.  Before joining the D70 team, she was a teacher at District 109 Early Learners. While there, Jorie lead within a variety of classroom models including full-day, co-teaching, and a half-day inclusive classroom. She has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and a bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, both from the University of Illinois.

“With my experience and passion for education, I am confident that your child will demonstrate their genuine potential, and succeed in areas of academics, social-emotional, motor, communication, and more.”

Laurie Earley, Physical Therapist

Laurie Earley joined the D70 team in August, 2024, and has been a physical therapist for more than 25 year. Before joining D70 where she provides PT services in all D70 schools, Laurie was a physical therapist with SEDOL (Special Education District of Lake County) and had her own private practice for 17 years, providing services through Early Intervention as well as for private patients. She began her PT career in hospital settings, working in trauma, pediatric ICU, NICU, and orthopedics.  She also has worked as a PT for nearby Prairie Crossing Charter School. Laurie has her doctorate of physical therapy from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, a bachelor of science degree in PT from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a bachelor of arts degree in movement and sports science from Purdue University.   

"My goal as a school physical therapist is to promote independence and safety in order to help the student be successful in their educational setting.  I am excited for this new chapter with the blended program at District 70.  I love working with the pre-K population, and feel privileged to work with such a wonderful team! "

Elisa Winchell, Occupational Therapist

Elisa Winchell is a veteran members of the D70 team, joining the school district in 2006. She is a graduate of the University of Madison. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Chris, a German Shepherd, Tille, and a Saint Bernard therapy dog, Nica.

"My goal as an occupational therapist is to promote success and improve functional independence within the educational setting. I greatly enjoy being a part of the Little Sprouts program and having the opportunity to work with all of the children and their families." 

Casie DeRose, Speech and Language Pathologist

Casie DeRose is a veteran staff member with the D70 team, beginning her career with the school district in 1998. She began at Rockland School, then moved to Butterfield School in 2001. When the opportunity arose in the fall of 2017, Casie moved over to support the Early Childhood program. She provides language, fluency, voice and articulation intervention for students within Little Sprouts, as well as identified students in grades K-5 in Butterfield School. Casie was the first recipient of D70's Character Counts Leadership and Service Award in 2013.

"I made the shift to early childhood and have absolutely loved working with the youngest students in our District 70 family. Providing speech and language services within different programs has helped me grow as an educator." 

Jane Paglini, Speech and Language Pathologist

Jane Paglini is a veteran staff member with the D70 team, beginning her career with the school district  in 1995 as a new University of Wisconsin graduate. She spent 10 years at Butterfield School providing speech and language services. In 2005, Jane spent the next 14 years facilitating a  Phonological Awareness for Kids program (PAK) )for kindergartners in all four elementary schools. With the expansion of D70's Early Childhood program, Jane returned to providing direct speech and language services to our littlest learners in the district. 

"I have loved being on this very special team and look forward to the everyday adventures in the blended early childhood program."

Rita Byrne, Psychologist

Rita Byrne joined the D70 team as an intern and then became a full-time staff member in 2011. In addition to working at the Early Childhood level, she also has worked in all the grade schools and in the middle school. Rita has a specialist’s level nationally certified school psychologist degree from Eastern Illinois University. Outside of the classroom, she has two children, Harrison, 5, and Zoe, 3, and is due this December!

"My role on our team is to help with student evaluations, early intervention transitions, and programming.  I really enjoy connecting with families as they start their journey in public school, and helping to develop plans to help all children with their academic and functional needs. The District 70 community of teachers, students, and families is a special place to be a part of, and I am lucky to have stayed with my role in Little Sprouts Preschool since I started."

Diana Davellis, Social Worker

Diana Davellis joined the D70 Team in August, 2024. Before joining D70 this year, after completing her internship  in D70, Diana was a social worker at Gavin Central School in Ingleside for the last two years and a paraprofessional with SEDOL at the Cyd Lash Academy for three years. The former Butterfield Bulldog has a master’s degree from Dominican University and a bachelor of science degree from Illinois State University. She has one child, cats and chickens. 

"I am so excited to be back working with the Little Sprouts program as well as the K/1 structured classroom. This will be my third year as a school social worker with experience working with preschool and elementary aged students in both general education and special education.  I am looking forward to working with all of our students to support their social and emotional learning."