/About Glenwood High School / Administrators
Administrators
Mr. Ryan Green, Principal
The Ball-Chatham Board of Education approved the appointment of Mr. Ryan Green, as Principal at Glenwood High School at their April 29th meeting. Ryan will begin as principal on July 1, 2020.
Ryan is no stranger to Ball-Chatham! He grew up in Chatham and graduated from Glenwood High School in 1997. He went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree at MacMurray College and student taught at Ball Elementary in the 4th grade. He also student-coached for the 7th grade track and basketball teams! Ryan earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
He’s held several positions since being hired in 2008: middle school athletic director, middle school assistant principal, and high school assistant principal.
In 2014, he was recognized by the Sangamon-Menard Regional Office of Education as Region 51 Assistant Principal of the Year, and is also a Nationally Certified Athletic Administrator.
About his profession, he says, “From athletics to academics, my tenure here at Ball-Chatham has allowed me to work with students in many different ways. I have been able to spend time with students to mentor them through the challenging situations that every middle school and high school student experiences. Social media, in my mind, can provide challenges not only for our students, but professionally as well. However, working through remote learning has, of course, been challenging at times, but I could not be more proud of our teachers, students, parents, and community! The way that everyone has risen to this new way of teaching and learning has really impressed me and reminded me - once again - why my wife and I chose to live here.”
He and his wife, Aimee (who graduated Glenwood with Ryan, and serves as a paraprofessional in the District’s Pre-K program), have two boys, Camden and Brody. On his own time, he enjoys playing basketball and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Sarah Dowis, Assistant Principal
Ms. Sarah Dowis was named Assistant Principal of Glenwood High School, effective July 1, 2019. She attended grades K-12 all at the Ball-Chatham School District, graduating from Glenwood High School in 2003! She then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus in English and Middle School in 2008. She earned a Master's of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 2016.
Ms. Dowis says that she has had the privilege of working in the Ball-Chatham School District for all 11 years of her career. In those years, she has had the opportunity to teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA, 7th grade Science, Drama 1 & 2, and Public Speaking. She was also the Speech and Drama Squad coach, Student Council sponsor, and 8th grade D.C. trip program leader.
She says she feels lucky to have chosen a career that she is passionate about, adding, “Although there are so many things I love about education as a profession, cultivating meaningful relationships and promoting growth mindset are by far my favorite.”
About the challenges she sees in education, she says, “Like any profession, education does have its share of challenges. In spite of those, I am committed to maintaining our District’s focus on the academic success and social/emotional well-being of all our students.”
On her own time, she loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and attending concerts! She and Craig have been together for nine years and have one daughter, Charlotte, and a Border Collie mix named Allie.
Mr. John Fletcher, Assistant Principal
Mr. John Fletcher was named Assistant Principal, Glenwood High School, at the Board of Education’s April 27th meeting.
Mr. Fletcher has been a teacher in the Ball-Chatham School District for the past 15 years, most recently serving as a 4th grade teacher at GES. Prior to discovering that teaching and education was what he was destined to do, he held various sales positions, and was a stay-at-home dad for a time.
John is a Lanphier High School graduate, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Illinois, Springfield in 2004. He received his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education in 2020.
He is married to Kristy, who teaches 5th grade at Glenwood Intermediate School. His son, Will, is a Glenwood graduate, and his two other children, DJ and Kendall, attend Glenwood Elementary School.
Mrs. Traci Knisley, Special Education Administrator
The Ball-Chatham Board of Education approved the appointment of Mrs. Traci Knisley as a Special Education Administrator at Glenwood Elementary and Glenwood High Schools at their March 18th meeting. She will begin on July 1, 2020.
Ms. Knisley started teaching and case managing at Glenwood High School in October of 2019. Previous to this, she taught in the Riverton School District in several different positions - both general and special education, and was the assistant high school cheerleading coach. She has also taught in the parochial school system in Springfield.
Traci graduated high school from Ursuline Academy in Springfield in 2003. She then earned an Associate of Arts degree in 2005 from Lincoln Land Community College, where she received the Vice President’s Award. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 2007 from Benedictine University, where she also received the Educational Forum Award. In 2013, she earned my LBS-1 from Greenville College, and her Master’s in Educational Leadership through the American College of Education.
About her profession, she says, “The best thing about working in special education is seeing the progress students make academically, emotionally, and socially. Being there to facilitate learning and guide students to set and meet goals is an honor and a privilege.”
The most challenging part of special education are the mountains of paperwork! However, she says she enjoys studying data and looking for trends, so that makes one of the most challenging aspects of this profession enjoyable.
Traci is married to her high school sweetheart, Nathan. They have been together for 19 years and married for 13 years. They have three children, Liam who is turning 11 in November; Joseph who just turned seven; and Clara who just turned four.
On her own time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.
Mr. Brad Kyes, Assistant Principal, College & Career Readiness Counselor
Mr. Brad Kyes was named Assistant Principal at GMS and GHS in 2020, but has accepted a new role as Assistant Principal, College and Career Readiness, at Glenwood High School beginning with the 2022-23 school year.
He received his Bachelor of Science in History Education from Illinois State University in 2001 and then went on to earn a Master of Science in Educational Leadership in 2010 from the University of Illinois at Springfield. In 2018, Mr. Kyes earned his second Master of Science degree in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis on ELL from the University of St. Francis.
In his new role as Assistant Principal/College and Career Coach, he will be working with students on post secondary plans, in particular, assisting students with the college application and scholarship process, assisting with FAFSA, working with colleges and universities on identifying our students, and assisting student-athletes as they prepare for playing sports in college.
“I enjoy working with students to help them achieve success and prepare them for life after high school,” he says. “It is rewarding assisting a student as they reach their full potential, especially when their dreams about their future come true.”
Brad understands that, as there are successes in education, there are challenges as well. “The major challenges in education today include funding from state and federal governments to allow our staff and students to receive all of the materials and technology possible to achieve their greatest potential for success,” he believes. “The other major challenge is school safety. It is my number one priority to provide a safe, supportive learning environment for all students.”
Brad is married to Jessieca, and they have three children: Delaney, Zoey, and Payton. On his own time, he coaches his two daughters’ competitive soccer teams. He also enjoys spending time with his extended family and friends.
Mr. Ben Kwedar, Assistant Principal
Mr. Ben Kwedar, Assistant Principal at CES since 2020, will serve as an Assistant Principal at Glenwood High School beginning with the 2022-23 school year. Mr. Kwedar previously served as an AP Government and Social Science teacher at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School where he also coached softball and girls golf. Prior to that, he was a 5th and 6th Social Studies teacher at St. Thomas Grade School (Peoria Heights).
Mr. Kwedar is a 2009 graduate of Glenwood High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in History, Minor in Secondary Ed. from the University of Illinois in 2013, and his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University in Chicago in 2020. He made the University of Illinois’ Dean’s List all four years and had a 4.0 GPA in graduate school.
About his profession, he says, “The best part is the chance to build relationships with students, colleagues, and parents while helping to inspire students to achieve their full potential.” The most challenging aspect of the profession, he says, is preparing students for an ever-changing/21st Century workforce. He is married to Emily, and together they have a daughter, Aurelia. On his own time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending Fighting Illini basketball and football games, traveling, and reading.
Mrs. Caitlyn Moody, Director of Athletics/Title IX Compliance Officer
Mrs. Caitlyn Moody was named Director of Athletics/Title IX Compliance Officer for the Ball-Chatham School District at the Board of Education’s April 27th meeting.
Caitlyn’s name may be familiar to many Titans - she graduated from Glenwood High School in 2008 and was a standout athlete in both soccer and basketball. She earned All-Central State Eight Conference honors in basketball as a senior during the 2007-08 season, and was inducted into the Glenwood Hall of Fame in 2018 as a member of the 2005 Girls Soccer Team for their 3rd place State finish in 2004.
Caitlyn graduated in 2012, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Missouri in St. Louis, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education - Physical Education K-12 degree. In 2014, she earned her Master of Science in Sports Management degree from Missouri Baptist University, also graduating Summa Cum Laude.
She will return to Ball-Chatham after serving at Illinois College for the past nine years. She began her career at IC in 2013 as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, then moved into the role of Asst. Director of Athletics for Internal Operations. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations for IC.
“I have seen first-hand the impact of a Ball-Chatham education paired with the importance of middle and high school athletics, and the effect it can have on an individual,” says Caitlyn. “The experience I have gained has prepared me to take the next step in my athletic administration journey, and I cannot think of a better situation then to be back in the Ball-Chatham School District.”
The interview committee was impressed with her strong leadership skills, experience with Title IX, and demonstrated ability to lead teams. These skills will serve her well as Director of Athletics.