Staff Biographies

De Popolis

De Popolis has a B.S. in English from Loyola University, M.Ed. from DePaul in Education and Curriculum, a C.A.S. in Special Education from National Louis University, and M.A. in Teacher Leadership from Roosevelt University. She is certified K-12 in English and special education and teaches the Wilson Reading System. She is currently teaching special education at Hill Middle School in addition to teaching at Roosevelt University in Graduate Education. Among the subjects De teaches are ACT/SAT, psychology, literature, religion, grammar, diagramming, test taking, organization and study skills, reading, social studies, and application writing. De enjoys gardening, Cubs, dogs, and her two adult children.

Diane Spiotta

Diane Spiotta tutors all levels of Spanish and has taught in both public and parochial schools. She holds a Bachelor of Art degree in Spanish education with a minor in French education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She enjoys teaching students who may have a unique learning style. Diane enjoys spending time with her family of eight, reading, and doing puzzles.

Isabelle Minville

Isabelle Minville is a graduate from Bois-de-Boulogne College in Canada where she studied humanities, literature, and education. She has been at Treland & Associates for several years, working with homeschoolers as well as with students from remedial to advanced academic needs. Isabelle currently teaches World History, U.S. History, World Geography, Government, British Literature, American Literature, and Contemporary American History. She currently tutors in French, Wilson reading System, Language Arts, Social Studies, and general skills. In the past, Isabelle has enjoyed tutoring in creative Writing, Latin, Literacy, and ISAT writing. Interests include visual arts, literature, fine cuisine, and the Cubs.

Dan Belasich

Dan Belasich tutors high school mathematics from Algebra to Calculus, including ACT/SAT preparation. He has a B.S in Computer Science from Illinois Wesleyan University and is working on an M.S. in Mathematics Education at Northern Illinois University. He is currently teaching at St. Patrick School. Dan previously worked as an Information Technology Consultant/Software Developer for Greenbrier & Russel, Inc., where he specialized in web applications. Interests include music, reading, running, and sports, especially weight training.

Jeff Zawacki

Jeff Zawacki is a graduate of Bradley University with a B.S. in U.S. History and a M.Ed from Benedictine University. He has been at Treland & Associates for four years and tutors most subjects including the Wilson Reading System. He teaches U.S. History, Consumer Economics, Business Computer Systems, Humanities, Sociology, and Cooperative Work Training at Indian Plains High School in District 204. Jeff enjoys fishing, reading, and traveling in his free time.

Shari Remi

Shari Remi has a B.S. in Education from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. Upon completing her degree, she taught Jr. High math, science, and religion at St. Gertrude School in Franklin Park. She then taught third grade for six years at St. Isaac Jogues School in Hinsdale. She attended the Wilson Language training workshop. She and her husband are enjoying raising their young daughter and baby son. Shari enjoys swimming, movies, and being outdoors.

Rick Klimas

Rick Klimas is a graduate of Loyola University and taught school in Chicago for ten years. He has tutored mathematics and science in the Blue Gargoyle adult education program. A book dealer specializing in scholarly volumes, he also enjoys classical music and plays basketball. He and his wife live in Warrenville where he serves as a Park District commissioner.

Itri Papanikolla

Itri Papanikolla has a Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics from University of Illinois and wants to continue his education in a higher level of Abstract Mathematics which gives him the chance to teach his favorite subject. He was a tutor at College of DuPage. He speaks Albanian, Greek, Ancient Greek, and French. Itri has a medal in Math Olympiad and is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. His interests include the study of history and economics, painting on canvas, aquarelle, music including European techno, and sports. Itri wants to create a new model of how students can observe mathematics and science.

Mark Richardson

Mark Richardson is a state certified mathematics teacher with a background in computer science and software development. He has a B.S. degree in Mathematics and an M.S. degree in Computer science, both from Purdue University. His past military and industry experience includes mathematical research in computer security for the United States Air Force, software applications development for Computer Sciences Corporation, and telecommunications software development for AT&T Bell Laboratories and Lucent Technologies. Mark has taught computer technology at high schools and middle schools where he also served as Technology Coordinator. He currently teaches mathematics at a public high school. Mark enjoys family life with his wife (a college math teacher), college-age daughter and son. His interests include classical guitar, chess, swimming, and cycling.

Josh Kettell

Josh Kettell is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, where he received his B.S. in Secondary Education – Social Studies. He has recently returned to us after spending nearly two years in Europe. While he has traveled extensively throughout Europe and northern Africa, the majority of this time was spent in Barcelona, Spain, teaching ESL. In addition to teaching AP Social Studies, he teaches Spanish, Algebra, Biology and Earth Science. Josh thrives on creating various approaches to assist students’ particular needs with the aim of helping each student become a well-rounded participatory citizen.

Nancy Wallace

Nancy Wallace is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a major in biology and minor in psychology. After completing her degree, she worked as a cardiology technician and a pharmaceutical sales representative. For the last ten years, she has taught as a substitute teacher and an aide at Wheaton and Glen Ellyn schools in grades K-12. Nancy has two children in college and one in high school. She has been very active as a volunteer in her children’s schools. She has served on the PTA board, art appreciation committee, Girl Scout leader, room mom, team mom, and religious education instructor. Currently, she works at Glenbard South High School in Special Ed. She and her husband enjoy their family life, attending sporting events and visiting children at college.

Nick Haskins

Nick Haskins is a graduate of Wheaton College with a B.A. in Social Science and has taught and coached in the Illinois Public School system. He teaches American History, World History, Geography, Anthropology, Language Arts as well as Driver’s Education. Nick spent two years in the Peace Corp doing agriculture development work in African villages. Along with teaching, his career has included work as youth minister, construction manager, church pastor, and residential realtor. Nick is an avid sports fan and enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

Joan Treland

Joan Treland has a B.S. in Behavior Disorders and M.A+. in Learning Disabilities and is certified in K-9 and special high school. Her background includes the multisensory Orton-Gillingham approach and the Wilson Reading System. She taught regular and special education elementary, middle school, and high school, co-founded a private school, and has been in private practice for thirty plus years. She is currently owner-director of our North Central Association accredited special function school and served on the Education Industry Association conference planning committee. She is a member of the International Dyslexia Society and the American Association of University Women. Interests include reading, cooking, traveling, and music.

To make an appointment or for more information,
please contact Joan Treland.

Danada West Professional Building
1776 B South Naperville Road
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Phone: (630) 653-9222 Fax: (630) 653-0816
www.TrelandEducation.com