Stacey Gustaferro

Stacey is so grateful to be entrusted with the care and education of the religious life of our children and youth. A lifelong member of Grace United, she is committed to the life and vitality of the church, and believes our children and youth are our present and our future.

As a member of the church, Stacey is the chairperson of the Gather team that focuses on the church family in the worship of God. She also serves on the Serve team as a member of the Say Grace committee, a group that, with 5 local organizations, addresses the needs of the food insecurities of our neighbors in need. Over the past few decades, Stacey has taught Sunday School at Grace, and has served as the Fine Arts director - producing, directing writing, and performing in numerous plays and pageants, involving our children, youth as well as adults, as well as productions for Music at Grace.

A graduate of the Goodman School of Drama, Stacey received her B.F.A. in acting. She worked as a professional actor for 20 years, appearing at many theatres in Chicago and as an ensemble member of American Blues Theatre. She also worked in the film industry appearing in such movies as “A League of Their Own” and “Men Don’t Leave”. Her acting background eventually brought her to teaching as the first drama teacher at Lake Bluff Middle School, developing the program with an award-winning Fine Arts team. She received her B.A. in teaching from Barat College/Loyola University, with an endorsement in English and Drama. For 15 years, she loved working with the youth of our town in the classroom and school theatre productions. Stacey also spent several years working with the Lake Bluff Recreation Center as a summer camp director, a teacher of preschool programs, and girls’ softball coach.

Stacey was confirmed at Grace United, as were her two daughters. She believes that religious education serves as a basis for a strong moral compass and a direction for the mission of service toward others. She greatly appreciates the opportunity afforded her in the position of Director of Child and Youth ministries to act as a guide in the religious development of these important future members of our church.