Three of a Kind - The Siefert Sisters

Three of a Kind

Sarah, Maggie, and Lizzie at Maggie's graduation
from Saint Mary's.The Siefert sisters have the “three Rs”—reading, writing, and 'rithmetic, that is—pretty much covered. All three women, originally from Lisle, Ill., graduated from Saint Mary’s. And all three became teachers.

Sarah Siefert Barney '99, who teaches at Niles North High School in Skokie, Ill., was the first of her sisters to graduate from the College. The gregarious high school math teacher made the most of campus life while she was here. “I met some of the most amazing women at Saint Mary’s College and have lifelong friendships with these great women as a result.” Two of those lifelong friends are her sisters, Maggie Siefert '08 and Lizze Siefert-Reidy '04.

For Maggie and Lizzie, following in their older sister’s footsteps just felt right. Having had many opportunities to visit the campus while Sarah and Lizzie were enrolled, youngest sister Maggie says, “The people of Saint Mary’s invited me into their school with open arms. They did not judge on the exterior, but appreciated my interior.” And she appreciated the welcoming community. 

Despite their busy schedules, the three women have nurtured their ties with Saint Mary’s and with each other. Lizzie teaches eighth grade math and social studies. Maggie teaches art at Oliver Westcott Elementary School in Chicago. “Even though we teach different subjects, it is fabulous that we can bounce ideas off of each other and learn from one another,” says Maggie. 

The sisters talk to each other several times a week. “We share classroom stories—Maggie’s are usually the funniest. We also support each other in this tough economic climate as school cuts are a reality and teachers are being laid off,” Sarah says. These three Belles are bound together as sisters, Saint Mary’s graduates, and educators.

Check out Saint Mary's nationally-accredited education program.

—Sarah Sheppard '11