Welcome Karen Marino

Following an extensive interview process, Karen Marino has been selected and approved by the Board of Education to serve as the Principal of Stella May Swartz Elementary School beginning July 1, 2024. She is excited to continue her career at Stella May Swartz and learn about the climate, culture and deep rooted traditions.

Karen comes to Swartz with a wealth of experience. She began her teaching career in 2002 and after six years in the classroom, she moved to become a reading specialist and then RTI Director in Berwyn. Karen was named principal at G. Stanley Hall in Glendale Heights in 2016 and the Executive Director for Teaching and Learning in 2023. She is excited to bring her background as a Principal and an Administrator of Teaching and Learning to the already great work that is being done at Stella May Swartz.

Karen has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Dayton and a reading specialist endorsement and master's degree in educational administration from University of Illinois.

Karen along with her husband, Tom, have two sons, Tommy, 15 and Vinny, 12, along with their two year old dog, Eleven (El). Karen loves to read, shop on Amazon and enjoys the sun and outdoors when she is not at school.