Members

President - mkennedy@jths.org
Matthew was elected to the Board of Education in April of 2019 and re-elected in 2023.  He comes to District 204 with vast educational experience, having graduated from Eastern Illinois University with an undergraduate degree in Special Education and Governors State University with a master’s degree in Educational Administration.  Matthew was a former employee of District 204 from 2011-2018, working as a Special Education teacher in the AVAC Program at Central Campus. During that time he founded and ran the Special Olympics program with AVAC/Transition Center staff, assisted with the annual Kermes, and coached football, basketball, and track.  Matthew currently serves as the Dean of Students at Chaney-Monge School District 88 in Crest Hill.

Matthew is the husband to Brenda Kennedy and they have three children, Robbie, a Central graduate from the Class of 2016; Logan; and Christian a Central graduate from the Class of 2019.

As a Board of Education member, Matthew’s goals are to ensure the execution of the district’s Strategic Plan, to be an advocate for all students of the district, to ensure that policies continue to reflect the mission and vision of the district, and to help provide students with a multitude of quality programs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.  Matthew believes that a city is only as strong as the education it provides to its youth.  He believes the students of District 204 are outstanding, and he will continue to help advocate and serve the students in his role as a Board Member to ensure a more prosperous Joliet for generations to come.

Vice President - lguerrero@jths.org
Lorraine was appointed to the Board of Education in October of 2020 and elected in 2021.

Lorraine is a proud Joliet Central High School alumna from the class of 1998 and a Joliet Public School District 86 graduate.  She is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Illinois and holds a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University with a school social work concentration and Type 73 license. She earned her B.A. in social work from Lewis University.

Lorraine comes to JTHS with a wealth of knowledge, having served on the District 86 Board of Inspectors, in addition to her involvement within organizations such as the Spanish Community Center, Big Brother Big Sisters, Guardian Angel Community Services, the Housing Authority of Joliet, and United Way.  Lorraine not only knows the community, but she also knows JTHS students through her work as Senior Trauma Therapist at the Children’s Advocacy Center, her volunteer service within the community.   

Secretary - clynn@jths.org
Christine was elected to the board in 2020 and brings with her a wealth of educational experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education and Mathematics from Eastern Illinois University, followed by a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. She also holds an English as a Second Language certificate from St. Francis University.

With over 20 years in education, Christine has served in various roles, including Mathematics Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Case Manager, and English as a Second Language Teacher. She is currently a Math Teacher at Bolingbrook High School.

Christine grew up in Joliet and chose to raise her daughter in the area with her husband, Daniel Lynn. She is a proud Joliet Central alumna, as is her entire family. Her daughter is set to graduate from Joliet West in 2028, exactly 60 years after her father, who was part of the first graduating class to spend all four years at Joliet West.

Christine's desire to serve on the board stems from her passion for education and equity. She notes that it has been a privilege for her to serve the Joliet community.

Member – dcoffey@jths.org
Dan was appointed to the Board of Education in September of 2021 and elected in 2023.  He has resided in Joliet for over 30 years and is a proud Joliet West graduate from the class of 1999.  Dan has been married to his wife, Diana, for over 20 years and they have four children: Sam, Paul, Evelyn, and Charlotte.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Lewis University and an MBA from Texas A&M – Commerce.  Professionally, he is the President and CEO of Service, Inc. of Illinois, a nonprofit that provides case management and service coordination for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in 21 counties in Northern Illinois. Prior to this, he spent 17 years in commercial lending for various local banks, as well as 6 years as an Adjunct Finance Professor at Lewis University. 

Dan has also dedicated service to the community as a past volunteer with CASA of Will County, and as a youth baseball and soccer coach. He is a past board member of Lamb’s Fold Women’s and Children’s Center and the Lewis University Alumni Association.

As a Board of Education member, Dan believes that our community, and society as a whole, is better and stronger when we have well educated youth. It is his goal to advocate for all students to achieve their highest academic potential while fostering pride in their school and community. Dan would also like to increase community support of the many extracurricular activities offered within our schools.

Member – tfitzpatrick@jths.org
Thomas was elected to  the Board of Education in April of 2023.  He is a long-time resident of Joliet and an alumnus of Joliet Central High School from the Class of 1980.  Thomas is married to his wife, Denise, and they have two sons who carry on the legacy of Steelmen pride, Robert, who is a senior at Joliet Central, and Adam, who is a Central alumnus.  Professionally, Thomas is a Maintenance Supervisor at Plainfield School District 202. Thomas also gives back to his community through service at the Moran Club, Joliet Park District, the American Italian Cultural Center and with St. Joe’s baseball.  As a Board of Education member, Thomas is committed to improving academic achievement, along with student, staff, and campus security.

Member – ahuntington@jths.org
Dr. Huntington was elected to the Board of Education in April of 2023.  She has lived in the Joliet area since 2002 and currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Lockport Township High School District 205. In this role, she is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of student services and programs, including Special Education, 504/guidance services, English Language Learners, and Alternative programs. In addition, Dr. Huntington is the District's Foster Care Liaison and DCFS Liaison. Prior to working at Lockport Township High School, she was a teacher and administrator for Chicago Public Schools, Lyons Township High School, and Consolidated District 230.  Dr. Huntington loves and appreciates the art of teaching and is an adjunct faculty member at Illinois State University, in the College of Education, Concordia University Chicago in both the Educational Leadership and Special Education Departments teaching at the masters and doctoral levels. Dr. Huntington earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Northern Illinois University and her Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from Chicago State University. She completed her doctorate studies at Illinois State University and obtained her superintendent endorsement from Concordia University Chicago. 

When not working, Dr. Huntington volunteers at her church, Holy Family Shorewood, with a focus on ministry services and the Daybreak Shelter, a program of Catholic Charities. She enjoys spending time with her family, husband Alex and their two children, Molly ('21) and Marty ('23) graduates of Joliet West, and their two dogs.  Dr. Huntington hopes to bring her wealth and depth of knowledge in education to the Joliet Township School Board to ensure that all students complete high school with a diploma and are college and/or career ready.  

Member - mstiff@jths.org
Michelle was elected to the Board of Education in April of 2019 and re-elected in 2023.  She comes to the Board of Education with 12 years of educational experience as a teacher in Valley View School District.  Michelle currently serves as a Director at Workforce Center of Will County

Michelle is married to her husband of 22 years, Jesse, and together they have three sons: Ameen, Leon, and Bill.

Actively involved in the community, Michelle is a member of the Joliet Branch of the NAACP.  In addition, she dedicates service to Faith Ministries through the Day-End Dough program with Panera Bread, providing food to homeless shelters in the community.

As a Board of Education member Michelle’s goals are to develop and maintain a plan for community engagement and establish a culture for optimal learning to achieve academic excellence.