Hello and Welcome to Parkland School! I’m the 6 White Social Studies Teacher. This is my 30th year of teaching, my 29th year at Parkland, and my 7th year teaching in 6th Grade. In addition, I also coach Boys & Girls Basketball, Track, and Cross Country. Augustana College is where I received my Bachelor's degree, and I completed my Master's degree at Aurora University. My free time is spent with my family, camping, fishing, and watching numerous sports. It's going to be a great year! Parkland rocks!

My name is Haley Zirlin, and I'm the 6th Grade Language Arts teacher at Parkland School on the White Team. This is my 8th year of teaching here at Parkland, and my 7th year as the Student Council Advisor. I graduated from Bradley University in May 2018 with a degree in Middle School English Education (grades 5-8). I also received my ESL endorsement in grades K-12 during my time at Bradley. I completed my Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction at the American College of Education. Some of my hobbies outside of school include traveling, Legos, playing with my Great Dane (Luna), writing, seeing live music, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors. Let's have an amazing school year! 

Hi everyone! My name is Alex Sessler and I am teaching 6th grade Math. This is my 7th year teaching at Parkland. I grew up in McHenry, and went to Parkland, so I am familiar with the school and staff. I went to the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater for my Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education - Mathematics and a minor in Special Education. I now live in McHenry, IL with my husband, Kyle, and our three kids, Jaxson, Kayden & Tessa. We also have three pets; our two dogs, Diesel and Benson, and a chinchilla named Storm. I am looking forward to an awesome year! 

Hi! My name is Michelle Stanton, and I am the 6th Grade Science Teacher on the White Team! This is my 9th year teaching, but my 5th year teaching at Parkland. I am actually a former Parkland Viking, myself, and it has always been my dream to come back and work in the school district that made me, me! I graduated from Illinois State University in 2017 and received my Bachelor's Degree in Middle School Science and English Education. In November 2023, I received my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the American College of Education. I am currently the Science Club Advisor, as well as the Builders Club Advisor. My husband and I had our sweet baby girl last year, and we have 2 dogs, Nala and Scooby. We enjoy every opportunity to travel to new states, National Parks, and MLB stadiums! I'm looking forward to a fantastic year!

Hello! My name is Lisa Shannon and while I am new to Parkland, I’ve been in education for quite some time.  This will be my 7th year as a special education teacher in a middle school.  I started teaching in Wisconsin, have taught 3rd and 5th grade and also subbed for D15 for 5 years.  I took a break for 13 years to raise my 3 kiddos - Nolan, Megan and Brandon, who all graduated from McHenry and are either in college or have graduated wishing they didn’t have to be an adult already!   My husband and I now keep busy with our 2 Pomsky fur babies, traveling, spending time at our cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and can’t wait to watch our youngest play baseball for the University of Louisville.  I’m looking forward to our year together and excited to be part of the Parkland family!