Some people live a minimalist life with few experiences, but not Ms. Joanna Stemen. She has done it all. Raising kids, teaching, and traveling across the world are few of the many things accomplished by Stemen, who is the newest biology teacher at Marist High School.
Stemen was born and raised in Worth, Illinois and has stayed in the area throughout her life. Stemen attended Mother McAuley and Saint Xavier to earn her degree in biology. Chicago plays a major role in her life thus far.
“It’s where everybody is. Family, friends, everybody’s here,” Stemen says.
Despite staying in Chicago, she has done some traveling throughout her life. In her early 20s Stemen went to London and Italy to visit a friend studying abroad.
“Going to Italy was amazing. It was exciting to fly cross country with a friend by ourselves. All the historic places we were able to see and the views of the coast were breath-taking,” Stemen says.
While Stemen loves to travel, she has a family at home that she holds near and dear to her heart. She has three daughters and a husband – David – who she met in 2006. They have been married since 2013. In her mind, finding the right person is about deep love and compromise.
“It just happens. You click and find things that you like or you can’t live without, and you just figure it out,” Stemen says.
Having a family and providing for them has been a major part of Stemen’s life. Before being a teacher, she’s a mom. She was a stay at home mom before joining the science department at Marist.
Stemen says, “I’ve been raising kids since I was 24. It’s been exhausting, but rewarding.”
Sarah Parker, Marist senior and daughter of Stemen, has experienced firsthand all the benefits of having her mother by her side.
“She’s like my best friend and I love getting to see her all day, every day. She always listens to how my day goes, even if I’m only complaining,” Parker says.
The transition from mom to teacher was definitely a new and intriguing experience to take part in.
“It’s kind of neat because it’s a different chapter,” Stemen says. “My kids are grown, so now I get to figure out what I do with my life.”
On top of her husband and children, Stemen’s family is filled with man’s best friend, canines. She and her family have three dogs and three cats. While meant to protect, they aren’t the ideal watchdogs.
“A lot of times they’re just loving,” Stemen says.
Animals, especially dogs and dolphins, are some of Stemen’s favorite things. She has a dolphin tattoo simply because of her love for them. Some of her other favorite things include golfing with her husband, Diet Coke, and tacos. Her favorite holiday is Halloween.
“I’ve always liked Halloween. Probably because it’s my mother’s favorite holiday as well,” Stemen says.
Growing up, Stemen lived with her parents (Sue and Dave) and brother (Judd). She played soccer and worked at a banquet hall in Worth. She spent a lot of time out with friends around her neighborhood.
“There was no technology. Nothing to get us in trouble. We actually had to talk to each other and find stuff to do,” Stemen says.
Stemen has achieved many things throughout her life and continues to seek adventure. When it comes to the life she’s had thus far, she believes it’s been quite an enjoyable journey.
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Stemen says.
