EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Evergreen Park Community High School is pleased to welcome 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, Social studies teacher
College & degree
Millikin University – Bachelors in History
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 3 years at T.F. South.
Matthew Pashakarnis, 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, 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 6 different countries.
Kelsey Ryan, English teacher
College & degree
Illinois State University/LBS 1
Family information
No children; youngest of 4 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, Choir director
College & degree
BME Vocal Music Education – Millikin University
Family information
Girlfriend – Emilie (Music teacher)
2 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, 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, 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
Jessica has gone hiking at Mount Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon and El Yunque National Forest.