Meet the Administrators
Brooke Allen, Principal
I am proud to be a long-time Troy employee and thoroughly enjoy my role as 5th grade principal at WBO because it allows me to advocate and support Troy 4th graders as they transition from an elementary setting to an intermediate one.
I grew up in Palos Park with my parents and two younger brothers. We are a very close-knit family, even though geography and hectic lifestyles sometimes prevent us from spending as much time together as we’d like! Education was THE priority in our home while we were growing up. School always came first. My parents taught us the importance of creating a balance between school, home life, and extracurricular activities, and that continues to serve me well in my personal and professional lives. I could not have had better role models growing up and I am thankful for my parents’ guidance because it helped me become the person I am today.
I was fortunate to be able to stay home with my children until my youngest daughter turned four. At that point, I decided to go back to school and earn my teaching degree. I truly felt that I had a calling to become an educator. I had several teachers throughout my school years that inspired and encouraged me to follow my dreams. As an adult, I realized that I wanted the opportunity to have that same impact on children. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Governors State University in December of 2002. I began my career in education 20 years ago in the Troy District as a fifth grade teacher at Troy Cronin! After 3 ½ years, the district opened the William B. Orenic Intermediate School. I taught there for four very rewarding years. During that time, I earned my Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. I had always felt at some point in my career I would be ready to enter the realm of school administration. I fulfilled that goal 12 years ago when I became the assistant principal at Troy Hofer and Troy Shorewood Elementary schools. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both buildings. I returned to Troy Cronin the following year as assistant principal and district preschool director. After that, I served as principal at Heritage Trail School for eight wonderful years! I am now proud to be in my second year as 5th grade principal at Orenic Intermediate School! It has been so fun to return to the building where I taught 5th grade! My previous administrative experiences have provided ample opportunities for me to grow as an educational leader and have prepared me for the next exciting steps on my journey of life-long learning.
I am honored to begin calling WBO my “school home” and thrilled to be a part of such a dedicated and caring school community!
Email Mrs. Allen bmallen@troy30c.org
Theresa Oberding, Assistant Principal
I have been part of the Troy School District 30-C community for the past 21 years. I began my career in Troy as a 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Troy Middle School. I then transitioned to the elementary setting where I taught 5th grade, before WBO was built! After that, I taught 4th grade for 13 years. While teaching, I received my first masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English as a Second Language. After receiving this degree, I felt it was time to take next steps in my career and support students and teachers in a different capacity. I then transitioned to the role of an instructional coach. After 7 years in this role, I earned my second masters degree in Educational Leadership. It is now time for me to take my knowledge and skills to the next level, School Administration!
When I am not teaching and learning, I am spending time with my family. My husband and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. We have two beautiful daughters, Mae (16) and Sophia (15). Family time is very important to us. We enjoy traveling, game night, swimming in our pool, golfing, and bowling.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have. I am your partner in your child’s success. It is my responsibility to ensure your child is safe and successful here at WBO. I look forward to sharing this intermediate experience with you all!
Email Mrs. Oberding toberding@troy30c.org
Catherine Kikos, Assistant Principal
Email Mrs. Kikos ckikos@troy30c.org
Tomas Brandt, Dean of Students
Prior to stepping into the position of Dean of Students, I spent eight amazing years as a high school social studies teacher. I earned an associate's degree in history at the College Lake County in 2011 and a bachelor's in history and Secondary Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2013. I started my teaching career serving high need students in southern Illinois; first at Marion High School and then at Carmi White-County High School. In 2020, I returned to my home in the Chicago suburbs and began teaching at Grant Park High School. There I saw the true impact my administrators had on students' learning, teacher development, and community engagement. Wanting to have the same meaningful impact, I took an opportunity to pursue an administrative degree at Governors State University through Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program graduating with a master's degree in Educational Administration and Principal Leadership in 2024.
As an administrator, I believe in creating a collaborative learning community where students, teachers, and families work together to support each student's growth. I am committed to facilitating strong partnerships between home and school, promoting open communication, and providing resources that enable collaborative problem-solving and shared decision-making.
After nearly a decade of serving students in the classroom, I am incredibly excited to be working as a Dean of Students at William B. Orenic Intermediate and to be a part of the Troy 30-C family. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
Email Mr. Brandt tbrandt@troy30c.org
Brian Onsager, Dean of Students
I attended Illinois State University from 1996 to 1999 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. From 2000 to 2002 I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology from Southern Illinois University. I graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with my Master’s of Art in Education and School Improvement Leadership in 2013. I taught fourth grade for 13 years, one year at the fifth grade, and one year at junior high school teaching math RTI. I was a Dean of Students for two years at Gompers Junior High in Joliet and an Assistant Principal for two years at Farragut Elementary School in Joliet.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy being outdoors. I have been married to Stacy for about 19 years and have a 15 year old son named Drew. I love watching my Iowa Hawkeyes football every chance I get on Saturdays, as well as rooting on my San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. During the summer I try to catch the Cubs every chance I get.
Throughout my years in education I have had valuable teaching experiences, became a positive role model for kids, guided young minds to becoming successful and well-rounded adults, and gained a new outlook on life. Teaching plays a vital role in shaping education and having the opportunity to lead and inspire my fellow colleagues, as well as students, is one that I enjoy greatly. I look forward to a great year here at WBO.