Email: tdrake@dist50.net

Hello!

My name is Tiffany Drake and I am excited to be the principal at Woodland Middle School I have been working at the Middle School since 2000, and served as Assistant Principal for 13 years. During my time at Woodland I’ve had the opportunity to make many meaningful connections with students, parents and staff. 

I began teaching fifth grade in Louisiana before moving to Illinois where I taught in the Chicago Public School System at Rogers Elementary. When I made the move to Woodland, I started as a sixth grade social studies teacher and team leader. While teaching, I received my Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Once I completed my degree, I accepted the position of Student Intervention Coordinator at Woodland Middle School.  I went on to earn my administrative certificate in Educational Leadership through Aurora University and became the assistant principal in 2005, and principal in 2019. 

My husband Romell and I have two sons, Romell Jr. and Victor. We enjoy watching sports together and can be very competitive about our favorite sports team. We also  spend a great deal of time in Louisiana hanging out with family and friends enjoying the hot weather and eating delicious seafood.   

As principal, I look forward to continuing to help all students on their educational journey and hope that they will leave WMS with the skills necessary to succeed in high school and beyond. My door is always open and I welcome your input. I strongly believe that parental involvement is an essential component to student success, as research continues to show strong correlation between increased involvement and high student success. 

Please email me at tdrake@dist50.net or call my direct line at (847)856-3421 if you have any questions or concerns.  

Email: smurphy@dist50.net

Mr. Murphy is an Assistant Principal at Woodland Middle School.  Before joining the WMS administrative staff, Mr. Murphy was an 8th grade social studies teacher and department chair in Skokie, IL for seven years.

Mr. Murphy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication, TV and Film Production, from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.  After college, Mr. Murphy participated in year of volunteer service through Amate House, a young adult volunteer program. He taught reading in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago.  After that, he pursued a career in commercial film production and editing, working in San Francisco and Chicago.  He earned his Master of Elementary Education in 2000 and began his life in education.   In 2008, he earned his Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from National Louis University and began his administrative career at Woodland Middle School.

Mr. Murphy ‘s wife teaches English Language Learners in a neighboring district and they have two children.  Mr. Murphy enjoys music and plays guitar, Irish bouzouki cajon, and bodhran in a traditional Irish band.  He is proud to be the assistant principal for the Puma House.

Email: mwitkowski@dist50.net

Mr. Witkowski has been in the Woodland School District since 2003, starting as an assistant principal at Woodland Middle School.

Mr. Witkowski started his educational career as a middle school resource teacher in Green Oaks.  He obtained his undergraduate degree at Western Illinois University as a special education teacher.   In 2000, he studied at National Louis University where he achieved his Educational Leadership endorsement and Masters Degree.

Mr. Witkowski is a community member where his wife and children enjoy Gurnee and are involved in many youth and community organizations and volunteer groups.  Mr. Witkowski enjoys fishing, NFL football (Green Bay Packers), and both a Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers fan.    Mr. Witkowski also enjoys seeing families and students throughout the community.  If you see Mr. Witkowski around Gurnee stop and say hello. 

Ms. Martinez has over 16 years of experience in the field of Special Education. She has served as a special education teacher and both as an assistant principal and principal of a therapeutic day school. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her Master’s of Art in Educational Leadership and Director of Special Education Endorsement from Aurora University. Ms. Martinez is passionate about social-emotional learning and providing best practice instruction for all students.

She is excited to be working for the community in which she resides and chooses to send her own three children. Ms. Martinez is an avid Badgers, Brewers and Packers fan. She enjoys spending time with family and traveling whenever she gets the chance. She is looking forward to #LifeintheW!

Email: LMarrero@dist50.net

Email: DWilliamson@dist50.net

Email: RTaterka@dist50.net

Email: svillarrealorson@dist50.net