Thompson Middle School
705 West Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
Hello, my name is Matt Clark and I am excited and honored to serve as the principal of Thompson Middle School. I have been an educator in Illinois for over twenty years and have worked in a variety of different capacities including: teacher, coach, dean, coordinator, adjunct professor, assistant principal and now as a principal (details below).
My family is what is most important to me. My wife Kristin and I have two daughters, Juliet (13) and Beatrice (10). My wife teaches 2nd grade in Oswego, which is where we live and where our kids go to school. I currently have the distinct pleasure of being with middle schoolers all day at work and then when I get home. You would think as someone who spends their day with middle schoolers that I would be an amazing parent to my own middle schooler. Unfortunately, I’m trying to figure it out just like everyone else, and welcome any helpful advice. Outside of spending time with my family, in my free time I also enjoy running, listening to music, swimming, disc golfing, hanging out with friends and watching sports of all types.
I thoroughly enjoy working with middle school students and believe that middle school is a time when students figure out who they are and what they want to become. I look forward to working with the Thompson community as we embark on this middle school journey together. Please reach out to me if there is anything I can assist you with.
Education: Illinois State University (BS in ED), Governors State University (MA in Educational Administration, Northern Illinois University (Ed.S. & Ed.D.)
Educational Experience: Plainfield South High School (teacher and coach), West Aurora School District #129 (teacher, coach, dean, coordinator, assistant principal, Minooka Community High School (assistant principal), Gregory Middle School (assistant principal), Aurora University (adjunct professor), and Thompson Middle School (principal).
My name is Michelle Woodring, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Thompson Middle School. I am honored to join the Thompson community and look forward to partnering with our staff, students, and families as we work together to support every student in reaching their full potential.
This year marks my 33rd year in education, and I continue to feel just as passionate about serving students as I did when I began my career. I started as a classroom teacher in Chicago before moving to the suburbs, where I spent many years in Hinsdale School District. During my time there, I served as a classroom teacher, Library Resource Center Director, and instructional coach. Those experiences strengthened my passion for instructional leadership and ultimately led me into school administration.
I later served as an Assistant Principal in Winnetka at a lower middle school before spending the past eight years as an elementary principal. Throughout my career, I have been committed to supporting teachers, fostering meaningful relationships with families, and creating learning environments where students feel challenged, supported, and valued. I am excited to bring those experiences to Thompson and join an outstanding administrative team dedicated to helping our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they grow into confident young adults.
On a personal note, my family has always been my greatest source of joy and inspiration. My husband Jon and I have four children, and they certainly keep us busy! Our oldest son, Nolan, recently graduated from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business with his master's degree, and he was also the starting goalie of their hockey team. Our son, Barron, is entering his final year at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he serves as captain of the hockey team. Our daughter, Aubrey, attends the University of Tampa, where she plays lacrosse and will graduate this year. Our youngest, Colton, is beginning his college journey at Carthage College, where he will also be a member of the golf team.
Watching each of my children pursue their passions has reinforced the values that guide both my personal life and my work as an educator: hard work, perseverance, discipline, kindness, and integrity. They have made me incredibly proud, not only because of their accomplishments but because of the people they have become.
I also believe deeply in the power of a positive mindset. One phrase you will often hear me say is, "Always look on the bright side." As an elementary principal, this became more than just a saying—it became part of our school culture. Each Friday, our students participated in a "Bright Sides" activity, taking time to reflect on and share something positive from their week. It was a simple but meaningful way to help students build optimism, resilience, and gratitude. I believe these habits of mind are just as important as academic achievement and look forward to continuing to encourage our students to develop both.
Education has always been a lifelong journey for me. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois, followed by a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. I later earned my Library Information Specialist endorsement from Northern Illinois University and received my National Board Certification in Library Science. My desire to continue learning eventually led me back to Concordia University, where I completed a second master's degree in Educational Leadership and earned my administrative certification.
I truly believe that we are all lifelong learners. One of the things I love most about education is that every day brings new opportunities to grow, reflect, and improve. I am especially excited to work with middle school students as they discover who they are, develop greater independence, and prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Thompson community. I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to make this a year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences for our students.
Greetings! My name is Ryan Wood. I’m honored and excited to join the incredible Thompson team supporting the education, social-emotional and character growth of all our middle school students. For over 10 years, I’ve served as an educator (Physical Education & Health), coach, dean of culture and administrator proudly serving multiple communities such as Norridge, Chicago, Northbrook, Lake Forest and most recently as an Assistant Principal for Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein School District 75.
My family is everything to me, and my wonderful wife Jillian and I have 3 amazing children (Bryson, Brinley & Bria) who we love unconditionally and constantly keep us on the go. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family, playing sports, coaching, reading, traveling and most importantly being a dad.
Without a doubt, there is magic that takes place in middle school as students venture paths that expose and encourage them as lifelong learning leaders. As part of your Thompson Administrative Team, our goals and actions stem from a mindset centered on every child, every chance, every day. I’m eager to partner with this incredibly dedicated staff and community as we provide innovative and positive learning experiences for all our students.
It’s clear St. Charles District 303 and Thompson Middle School is a fantastic place to learn and grow, molding the leaders of tomorrow. Personally, I cannot wait to contribute to Thompson’s bright future; supporting and collaborating with all stakeholders in our endless journey to educate, inspire, and transform as we together build pathways to excellence!
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or ideas you would like to share.
Roll Thunder!
Hello, Thompson Community! My name is Christine Ellis, and I am honored to serve as one of the Deans of Students at Thompson Middle School.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Butler University, majoring in Secondary Education and English and minoring in Mathematics and English as a Second Language. Most recently, I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.
Before joining Thompson Middle School, I taught middle and high school English, served on Academic and SEL SIP committees, and sponsored several student organizations in Carmel, Indiana, Hinsdale, Illinois, and Glenview, Illinois.
In my free time, I am an avid reader and someone who loves to work out and travel. Also, you will often find me cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Butler Bulldogs. Most importantly, I love spending time with my friends and family whenever I can.
It is a privilege to be able to be a part of your child’s middle school experience, and it is a blessing to guide them throughout their formative years. I look forward to partnering with students, staff, families, and community members in ensuring that all Thompson students’ needs are met, and they are able to “better their best” every day.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. As always, Roll Thunder!
Hello! I am Sam Pasholk and I am very excited to serve the students, staff, and the Thompson community as one of the Deans of Students, here at Thompson Middle School.
I graduated with my Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University in 2012, where I majored in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education. Go Huskies! In 2018, I received my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.
Prior to joining the team at Thompson, I taught physical education and health at both the middle school and high school levels. In addition to teaching, I served as a Team Leader and Department Head of the Wellness team at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake. I also have coached both boys basketball and soccer at Magee and South Elgin High School.
When I’m not working, I am usually spending time with family and friends. I’m an avid sports fan so I am usually staying up to date on most of the Chicago teams. I also enjoy exercising and try to stay active as much as possible.
I look forward to working together this school year to ensure our students are getting the best educational experience possible. Please reach out to me at any time if you have any questions or concerns. ROLL THUNDER!
