Meet Our Leadership Team
Rev. Wayne Watts
Pastor 847-251-0771 | Email Father Wayne F. Watts has been a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago since 1990. He is the sixth of nine children and hails from Oak Park and River Forest. A product of 21 years of Catholic education, and a member of Fenwick’s class of 1982, Father Watts graduated from Marquette University and then attended Mundelein Seminary. From 1990-1996, he served as Associate Pastor at Saint Francis Xavier in Wilmette. Since 1995, he has been leading youth and adult service pilgrimages to Lourdes, France. From 1996-2002, Father Watts served as a member of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary’s faculty. Since July, 2002, Father Watts has been the Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities. At Charities, Father Watts helps to lead the initiative of the Junior Board, involving people in their 20’s, 30’s and early 40’s in the work of Catholic Charities. He also works with the communications and parish outreach committees of Catholic Charities, hoping to make more and more people aware of the services Charities provides and to invite many to join the mission of Catholic Charities. In addition, he assists the development staff as it seeks major gifts and underwriting to help finance the important mission of charity. In January, 2006, Francis Cardinal George assigned Father Watts to the pastorate of Saint John Berchmans Church in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. There he implemented many initiatives to strengthen parish membership and participation as well as increase enrollment at St. John Berchmans School. Father Watts serves on the Board of Trustees of La Lumiere High School in La Porte Indiana, and Josephinum Academy. He has led parish missions, presented at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Parish Leadership Day and for the Office of Catholic School’s leadership program. Our united Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish was grateful to welcome Father Watts back to Wilmette, where he assumed leadership duties as Pastor in 2019. Father Watts leads parish and school ministries across both Wilmette campuses and is a highly engaged and energized presence in our learning community. 
Joseph D'Arco
Director of Operations 847-251-0771 | Email Growing up in Glen Ellyn, Joe attended St. Petronille School and attended Catholic youth group in high school. After leading a mission trip to Appalachia, a life changing experience, he graduated from Purdue University where he majored in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Joe joined the St. Vincent de Paul Center in Lincoln Park where he found his calling in finance, working there for two years before accepting Father Wayne’s invitation to join him at St. John Berchmans in the business office. With his attention to detail and talent for financial fundamentals, Joe re-engineered parish finances during his 13-year tenure. Joe lends great talents to our school as our dedicated Saints JFX Director of Operations. Joe oversees facilities, budgets and operations and works closely with the Pastor on all aspects of Parish leadership. Joe’s expertise and counsel are invaluable as we work together to ensure the longevity and effective stewardship of our campus spaces. 
Colleen Larkin
Principal 847-256-0644 | Email Colleen Larkin serves as Principal overseeing both the St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Campuses. Mrs. Larkin spent her first 11 years as an educator on the SFX Campus teaching in the Elementary School, coaching Middle School student athletes, and leading as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. She returned to Saints JFX in the fall of 2024 following 5 years as K-4 Principal at Fairview South School in Skokie. Colleen is committed to fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration among faculty, staff, administrators, parents and students. She prioritizes creating a supportive, faith based environment where the best interest of students remains at the heart of every decision. Colleen is an enthusiastic, devoted and compassionate Catholic leader. She holds a BA in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialist Endorsement from Purdue University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, and a Master of Arts in School Leadership and Type 75 Certification from Concordia University for K-12. She is also a devoted parent to three beautiful children and an active member of our parish community. 
Mia Montemurro
Assistant Principal 847-256-0644 | Email Mia Montemurro draws on over two decades of teaching and leadership in Catholic schools through the Archdiocese of Chicago. She is a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Academy organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago, and served as Assistant Principal at St. Hilary School where she first grew and developed as an elementary school teacher. During her first two years with Saints JFX, she served as Director of Student Life and lent special focus to supporting the Early Childhood Campus.Today, Mia Montemurro works tirelessly to provide students with quality educational experiences and staff with guidance and support as our Assistant Principal. She collaborates with parents to build community and connections through meaningful engagement with events both in and out of the classroom. Mia also lends significant support to the day-to-day operations of the school, shares her classroom expertise with collaboration around professional and curriculum development, and devotes abundant time and attention to the success of each and every student. 
Stacey Hardy
Director of Early Childhood 847-256-7871 | Email Stacey Hardy joined the Saints JFX faculty in the fall of 2019 as a lead Jr Kindergarten teacher. She draws on over two decades of teaching experience in Preschool through 1st grade. Ms. Hardy's talent in the classroom is evident in her authentic and intuitive way with her students. She exudes confidence as a teacher and Early Childhood leader, striking a graceful balance of compassion with a firm and loving hand that guides students toward successful outcomes and empowers faculty and staff to shine. Ms. Hardy is passionate about the growth and development of our youngest learners. Her intimate and sincere regard for Early Childhood curriculum, the teachers she leads, and the discovery of emerging gifts of Early Childhood learners makes her uniquely suited to lead and love a special learning community on our St. Joseph Campus. |
2025-2026 School BoardDave Majewski
Chair Lisa Celentani Vice Chair Jennifer Bransfield
Christopher Darragh Meghan Murphy Dooley Libby Green Kelley Hawver Eileen O'Hare Hillary Schweihs Questions? Email the School Board. 2025-2026 HSO BoardCora Kelliher
Co-President Elizabeth Sheedy
Co-President Melinda Collins
Secretary Megan Slee
Treasurer Michelle Johnston
Vice-President Questions? Email the HSO Board. |
