Meet the Administrative Team
Sarah Carey
Principal
John Powers Center
I am honored to begin my 22nd year with the Special Education District of Lake County. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio with a degree in Special Education, specializing in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Upon graduation, I returned to Illinois and began my career as a 4th-5th grade teacher at John Powers Center. The following year, I transitioned to teaching 1st-2nd grade.
In 2004, I joined the Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School Program, where I pursued my first Master's degree in Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University. After taking two years off to care for my own children, I returned to the high school program and completed my second Master's degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University.
In 2017, I transitioned from the classroom to become the Assistant Principal at John Powers Center. After three years in that role and benefiting from the mentorship of past Principals, I stepped into the role of Principal.
What I love most about my position is spending time with students across all grades, from Early Childhood to Transition. I enjoy greeting them each morning and checking in with them throughout the day. Advocating for both students and staff is a top priority, and I am honored to be part of this incredible community.
Amy Timonen
Assistant Principal
John Powers Center
I am beginning my 32nd year as an educator, and I am grateful for the wide range of experiences I’ve had throughout my career. I graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education. I began my career as a hearing itinerant, providing services to students with hearing loss in mainstream environments. This role gave me a strong understanding of general education and best practices for supporting students with hearing loss, ensuring their academic success.
For the next 17 years, I worked in a self-contained program for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, including those with additional disabilities. In this role, I taught students at the Early Childhood and Middle School levels and collaborated with a wide range of service providers to create a comprehensive support system. Additionally, I served as the auditory skills teacher, working closely with cochlear implant and audiology teams to ensure students had access to auditory information, which supported the development of their overall communication skills.
In 2011, I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Before joining SEDOL, I served as a Special Education Supervisor for eight years, overseeing programs for students with intellectual disabilities, high-incidence disabilities (such as learning disabilities, other health impairments, and developmental delays), and students with hearing loss. This role provided me with valuable experience in managing a variety of special education programs in a large school district, where I deepened my understanding of the unique needs of students receiving special education services.
In 2023, I had the privilege of joining the team at John Powers Center as Assistant Principal. I am excited to combine my previous experiences in education and leadership to serve our students. I strive to lead with a child-centered approach, ensuring that every student reaches their fullest potential. I am committed to fostering collaboration among staff, families, and stakeholders to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students. I look forward to continuing to provide exceptional services to exceptional students within the SEDOL community.