Welcome New Administrators
2025-2026 School Year
Elizabeth Sanchez Szepesi, Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Accountability
We are excited to announce that Elizabeth Sanchez-Szepesi will step into the role of Director of Curriculum, Assessment & Accountability, following the retirement of Dr. Victoria Reizman at the end of June. Mrs. Sanchez-Szepesi has been a valued member of the Woodland team since 2014, most recently serving as the Director of Language Acquisition. Prior to joining Woodland, she served as Associate Principal in Hawthorn School District 73. She began her career in education as a bilingual 2nd grade teacher in Waukegan School District 60 and later taught middle school bilingual education in Gurnee School District 56. We look forward to the leadership, insight, and passion she will bring to this new role.
Yamilette Sosa, Director of Language Acquisition
Following the promotion of Elizabeth Sanchez-Szepesi, we are pleased to welcome Yamilette Sosa as the new Director of Language Acquisition. Ms. Sosa joins Woodland from Oswego Community Unit School District 308, where she served as the Assistant Director of Multilingual Learners. She is a passionate and experienced educational leader with a strong background in supporting multilingual students and programs. Prior to her work in Oswego, Ms. Sosa served as Director of Multilingual Programs in North Chicago, overseeing services for multilingual students in grades PK–12. Throughout her career, Ms. Sosa has focused on strengthening dual language and English Learner programs, supporting educators, and engaging families. We are excited to welcome her to the Woodland team and look forward to the impact of her leadership and passion.
Tia Martinez, Director of Educational Supports & Innovation
We are proud to announce that Tia Martinez will be stepping into a new role as Woodland’s Director of Educational Supports & Innovation, following the retirement of Ms. Levy-Gilbert. Mrs. Martinez brings more than 20 years of experience in Special Education to this position. She has served as a special education teacher and held leadership roles as both an Assistant Principal and Principal at a therapeutic day school. Most recently, she served as Assistant Principal at Woodland Middle School.
Mrs. Martinez earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership along with a Director of Special Education Endorsement from Aurora University. With her passion for learning and a commitment to ensuring strong instructional practices, we are excited for Mrs. Martinez to step into her new role.
Niki Scofield, Principal at Woodland Primary
Woodland is excited to welcome Nicole “Niki” Scofield as the new Principal of Woodland Primary, following the retirement of Stacey Anderson in early July. Ms. Scofield brings with her nine years of administrative experience at the primary and elementary level schools. For the past five years, she has served in North Shore School District 112 as the Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Director of Early Childhood Programming, and Director of the Extended School Year program. Her previous roles also include serving as an instructional coach in Buffalo Grove and as an elementary principal in Gavin School District in Ingleside. Ms. Scofield is passionate about early learning and instructional leadership, and we are excited for her to join the #LifeintheW team.
Dr. Cretia Kirkwood, Assistant Principal/Early Childhood Supervisor at Woodland Primary
The Board approved the hiring of Dr. Cretia Kirkwood as the Assistant Principal/Early Childhood Supervisor for Woodland Primary at the June 26, 2025 meeting. Dr. Kirkwood most recently served in an Assistant Principal role for School District U-46, and she also has prior experience working to support early childhood programs in the Waukegan School District. Dr. Kirkwood's collaborative leadership style and passion for equity, early learning, and instructional excellence make her a wonderful addition to the Woodland team. We are excited for the care and commitment she will bring to helping our youngest learners thrive.
Katie Satterlee, Assistant Principal at Woodland Middle School
Katie Satterlee is joining the Woodland learning community as the new Assistant Principal at Woodland Middle School. Ms. Satterlee joins us from McHenry Middle School, where she most recently served as a 6th grade Special Education teacher and Strategic Plan Team Leader. She will be stepping into the role previously held by Tia Martinez. Ms. Satterlee brings a strong background in Special Education and educational leadership. During her five years at McHenry, she played a key role in developing and implementing behavior analysis systems, school safety procedures, and emergency response plans. Her dedication to student advocacy and her passion for education make her a wonderful addition to the Woodland team.We are excited to have her passion for education and advocacy for students at Woodland.
