About Us

Jill LaVine
Chair

Since moving to Aurora in 1997, the Big Woods School had intrigued me. I’m passionate about history, and I love and appreciate old buildings. In 2017, I was volunteering at a Boy Scout event at the church next door. I asked about the school and was introduced to a Big Woods School Foundation (BWSF) board member. The next month I was on the board.

I’m passionate about every facet of the school – from the history of the building to the former teachers and students as well as our plans for restoration and beyond. Interviewing former students, celebrating the school’s 100th birthday, holding the Cemetery Walk and receiving our first $50,000 grant are my highlights of the project so far. I look forward to making connections with people and organizations so they can learn about and support our mission. It’s my privilege to serve as Chairman of the BWSF with my fellow board members.

I also enjoy spending time with my two teenagers and dog. In my free time, I conduct Genealogical research, visit historical sites, and travel.

Lynne Krantz
Vice Chair

My family first came to the area in the 1830’s. For the first five years of my life, I lived in the house they built and where my grandmother was born. My grandmother was very interested in history and preserving what we could of history. She collected antiques and restored the house where she was born. I have inherited much of that interest. The Big Woods School interested me because my husband’s family came to that locale when they arrived in Aurora. While they did not attend the school, I am interested in any connection to that area.

I am very interested in genealogy. With my family and my husband’s family both having deep roots in the area, I am always looking for any information I can find about their families and their lives. I am a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Union and Daughters of the American Colonists. I have participated in historic preservation with these organizations.

I graduated from West Aurora High School and Aurora University with a Bachelors in Business Management. I am retired from MetLife and Waubonsie Community College. I have two children and two grandchildren.

Roger Vernon
Secretary / Treasurer

I am a retired army veteran and have lived in the area since 1988. My wife and I celebrated our 48-year anniversary this year. I have been the chairman of the Big Woods Marmion Neighborhood Area since its formation in 2006. In 2007, I was instrumental in saving the Big Woods School from the wrecking ball.

I am a founding member and past Chairman of the Big Woods School Foundation (BWSF). In 2015, I assisted with getting the School listed on the State and National Registries of Historic Places. I achieved Aurora Historic Landmark status for the School in 2020. The following year, I acquired a $50,000 grant from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to repair the clay tile roof.

Terri Voitik
Director

Rhonda Breier
Director

At the heart of our mission to preserve historical buildings, you’ll find Rhonda Breier, our dedicated Director. Rhonda believes in the power of preserving these witnesses to our cultural past, as they provide a vital connection to history and help weave a strong sense of community.

Rhonda brings her detail-oriented expertise as a web developer to the Big Woods School Foundation, where she offers valuable technical and administrative support. When she’s not busy with her work, you’ll often find Rhonda engrossed in a good book or cherishing moments with her family, friends, and beloved pets.

As John Noble Holcomb wisely said, “You have to become involved to make an impact,” and Rhonda embodies this spirit in her commitment to our cause.