Natalie Recker is new to Nazareth Academy this year, but she is no stranger to Catholic high schools. She previously worked at St. Ignatius College Prep as an admission assistant before she transitioned into a position in the principal’s office. “I loved working at Ignatius, I loved the environment, and I loved the high school students,” said Recker. 

The environment at Naz was one of the things that drew her to her new position. “I love a Catholic education, and I live in Western Springs, so the commute is great. I love being a part of the broader community,” she said. 

Recker can already feel the close-knit, family atmosphere at Nazareth. “Coming into Nazareth is like one big hug, everybody is working together to make everyone’s experience joyful and warm everyday,” she said. 

A day in her position in Guidance includes greeting students, managing the office and working with universities. 

Although Recker grew up in the Chicagoland area, she has lived all over the place, including San Francisco, Alaska, Canada, South America, and Texas. She stayed local when she went to college, though. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University and attended the Great Books Program at the University of Chicago for a time.

In her free time, Recker loves to read. “I really want to say that I like classics, but murder mystery is probably my favorite,” she said. Recker has a passion for literature, and said that if she had the time, she would go back to the University of Chicago to finish the program she started.