Darci Green, Executive Director
Darci Green brings to the center years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, most recently for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Racine and Kenosha Counties. Darci earned her bachelor's degree in Communications and a master's in Public Administration with a nonprofit emphasis from Grand Canyon University.
Darci will be working with the center's staff to create bold new strategies to continue John XXII Center's work of meeting the educational needs of students in the Racine area. Her heart is passionate about the success of children and young people.
Email: darci_green@john23center.org
Jordan Dilley, High School/Middle School Team Member
Jordan Dilley has over a decade's experience working with middle school and high school students. Jordan received her bachelor's degree in Communication and Certificate in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Born and raised in Racine, Jordan has a passion to pour into her community and to build into the lives of students.
Brittany Tobias, Outreach Coordinator
Brittany Tobias comes to the center with a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Brittany facilitates courses rooted in social and emotional learning at local middle schools. After conducting sessions on Crossing the Bridge, Heartfulness and Restorative Justice, Brittany looks forward to expanding the Outreach Program to other schools in Racine.
Diana Raucina, High School Coordinator
Diana was born in Latvia, a Baltic country in Eastern Europe. She attended the Art School of Jurmala, Latvia for four years. She earned a college degree in architecture, graduating in 2015 from Rigas Celtniecibas Koledza. Since she was a child, she has been drawing, painting, and making various art designs. She is a teacher for Peace Learning Circles workshops for elementary and middle schools in southeastern Wisconsin. Peace Learning Circles works to help children understand and respect people of all cultures, and it encourages them to become better citizens and peacemakers. Currently, she works for John XXIII Educational Center, and she considers it a pleasure and an honor to work with the students. She feels very welcome and happy here at John XXIII.
Shirley Heck, Co-Founder and Director of Development
Shirley F. Heck and Father Ricardo Martin are co-founders of John XXIII Educational Center. Shirley served as Volunteer Executive Director of John XXIII from Fall 2009 through June 30, 2014. Currently, she is the Volunteer Director of Development, seeking financial support for John XXIII through grants, an annual giving campaign, fundraisers, and presentations to create a greater awareness of John XXIII in the Racine community. She is a member of St. Patrick’s Standing Committee of John XXIII and the Sustainability Advisory Committee.
Shirley has a doctorate degree in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin –Madison. As a Professor and Chairperson of Early and Middle Childhood Education at The Ohio State University, she was noted for designing and writing about teacher support programs that focus on quality and equality of education for all of God’s children. The many success stories of students who attend John XXIII Educational Center have been so rewarding. John XXIII is blessed to be a ministry of Saint Patrick’s Parish.
Email: sheck6@outlook.com
Claire Wagner, ESL Instructor
Claire Wagner is a long time contributor to John XXIII Educational Center. She serves as the ESL teacher for adults during the weeks. In her role, she teaches people how to communicate and express themselves in English. Previously, she has taught Spanish, French, and English to students ranging from 4 to 65 years old. Her classes offered by our program are a mix of personal attention, creativity, and a bit of fun.
Email: inglesconsra@gmail.com
Brother Mike Kadow, FSC
Brother Michael Kadow, FSC, is a De La Salle Christian Brother who works with the John XXIII Educational Center. A native of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Br. Mike graduated from St. Mary's University in Winona, MN with a bachelor's degree in history and from Loyola University, Chicago, IL with a master's degree in Pastoral Studies/Religious Education. He taught high school in Stevens Point and Manitowoc, WI and Fargo, ND before becoming a part of the staff at San Juan Diego MS in Racine. He was a staff member from the origin of John XXIII Educational Center from 2009 until 2015. Most recently, Br. Mike served his religious community in leadership in the Chicago area from 2015-2019.
Br. Mike believes that the Center has a unique role to play in the educational community of Racine. Offering afternoon and evening services as well as outreach in local middle schools, it strives to meet the ongoing academic, social, emotional, and moral needs of young people. As the Founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers stated some 325 years ago, "the greatest miracle you can perform is to touch the hearts of the young people entrusted to your care." Br. Mike is committed to working with staff and community volunteers and partners to touch the hearts and minds of students, assisting them via relationship and accompaniment to discover their own potential for happiness, service, and leadership.
Email: mike_kadow@john23center.org
Brother Johnathon Emanuelson, FSC
A native of Downers Grove, Illinois, Br. Johnathon Emanuelson, FSC, brings his passion for education and helping students learn and grow to John XXIII Center for another school year. Br. Johnathon is a Brother of the Christian Schools, the religious order of teaching Brothers founded in 1680 by St. John Baptist De La Salle, and he is currently in temporary vows with the Brothers. Br. Johnathon graduated from Lewis University in 2004, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, and he completed his master's degree in theology from Catholic Theological Union, in Chicago. His interests include reading, writing, and spending time in nature. Br. Johnathon is delighted to be a part of the staff at John XXIII and hopes to see the Center grow in its mission of empowering and educating youth in the area of Racine.