New Teachers Welcomed to Evergreen Park Community High School

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Evergreen Park Community High School welcomed six new teachers and one new social worker, all of whom have been added to the school district’s full-time staff for the 2024-2025 school year.

Read below for more information on EPCHS’ newest teachers:

David Kutschke

Subject: Social studies teacher
College degrees: Millikin University, bachelors in history and St. Xavier University, masters in education
Family information: Mom, Dad, and brother (Robert)
Teaching experience: 3 years
Hobbies: Golfing, playing video games, reading comics, watching sports and spending time with his girlfriend
Interesting fact: David coached baseball the last three years at T.F. South.

Matthew Pashakarnis

Subject: Math teacher
College degree: Northern Illinois University – B.S. mathematics education
Family information: Fiancee, Lisa Williams, elementary teacher
Teaching experience: 8 years
Hobbies: Golf, biking, chess, video games, woodworking, learning
Interesting fact: Matthew coached Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in college.

Michael Reid

Subject: Special education teacher
College degree: Illinois State University/LBS 1
Family information: Anera Reid, wife, English teacher at EPCHS
Teaching experience: 9 years
Hobbies: Playing guitar, travel, cooking, and D.I.Y. projects
Interesting fact: Since the summer of ’22, Michael and his wife have been to six different countries.

Kelsey Ryan

Subject: English teacher
College degree: Illinois State University/LBS 1
Family information: No children; youngest of four in her family
Teaching experience: 4 years
Hobbies: Workout, travel, try new restaurants, play and coach volleyball
Interesting fact: Kelsey is the youngest cousin of 65.

Logan Scalf

Subject: Music/choir director
College degree: BME Vocal Music Education, Millikin University
Family information: Girlfriend Emilie (music teacher), two cats, Taki and Juniper (1 year old)
Teaching experience: 1 year
Hobbies: Camping, cooking, yoga, biking, and baking bread
Interesting fact: Logan waited tables at the Chicago Yacht Club.

Brian Zofkie

Subject: Social studies and physical education teacher
College degree: BA Political Science; St. Norbert College; minor physical education
Family information: Wife, Melissa, child therapist; daughter,Noran, 9 years old
Teaching experience: 14 years
Hobbies: Golf and fishing
Interesting fact: Brian climbed a mountain in Alaska.

Jessica Belanger

Position: Social worker
College degree: Saint Xavier University- BS psychology, minor Social Work
Boise State University, MSW (Master of Social Work)
Teaching experience: 4 years
Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, reading
Interesting fact: I’ve gone hiking at Mount Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, and El Yunque National Forest.