As we look ahead to the 2026-27 school year, the Maercker D60 team will have two new members taking over as Director of Student Services at the district level as well as a new Student Services Coordinator at Maercker School. Get to know these two amazing educators below!
Dr. Sandra Hock - Director of Student Services
With more than 25 years in special education, Dr. Hock brings a passion and dedication for helping students grow in their learning along with experience in the classroom and administration. She has been the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Burbank School District #111 since 2020 and says she was drawn to Maercker D60 because of the district’s reputation.
“I was drawn to Maercker because of the strong reputation around student learning, diversity, collaboration, and community partnerships,” said Dr. Hock. “I really love seeing students grow and learn while they make advancements and achievements. It’s amazing when a student is able to graduate from services.”
A self described lifelong learner, Dr. Hock has a bachelor and masters degree from Saint Xavier University, an administrative degree from Governors State University, and a doctorate from the University of St. Francis. She is also working to complete her Chief School Business Official certificate. She says her first year in D60 will be focused on listening and learning.
“The district has lots of solid programs and systems in place so I want to see how I can help build upon those and really make an impact for students to support growth,” said Hock. “In my career I have seen a rise of more significant disabilities and the need for student services, but I am so encouraged that MTSS and intervention processes are really working when we are able to start services early.”
In her free time she enjoys traveling with her family which includes her three sons who she says she balances out by having three female dogs. She sets a modest goal of reading 100 books a year and says she is usually reading one book and listening to another at any given moment.
We are so fortunate to have Dr. Hock bring her experiences and passion for learning to our district!
Caitlin (Caity) Collins - Student Services Coordinator
The students of Maercker Intermediate School will see a new face in the office as Caity Collins takes over as Student Services Coordinator. With strong experience in the classroom, as an assistant principal, and most recently as the MTSS & SPED Coordinator at River Forest Public Schools, she says the role at Maercker felt like a perfect fit.
“I have always known I wanted to be a teacher and the passion for special education came when I was in high school and worked with a best buddies program,” said Collins. “I was working with a student who had autism and I knew that this is what I wanted to do. My drive and passion has always been finding what works for each student and watching them learn and grow.”
She earned her bachelor degree in special education from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before earning a masters in literacy from Benedictine University and an administrative certificate from Concordia University Chicago. She says that she is excited to get to know the district and start collaborating to support student learning.
“In an ideal world my first year will be all about getting to know staff, students, and families to figure out where things are, what is working well, and what I can do to support and make it even better,” said Collins. “There are tons of great things happening so I just want to get to know everyone and build those relationships while finding as much time as possible to visit classrooms, support teachers, and build on the strong foundation that is there.”
When she’s not working, she likes to spend time with her nieces and a nephew, going to sporting events, or spending time reading. An avid White Sox fan, she is also often accompanied by her dog, a black and white Shih Tzu named Comiskey.
We are excited to have her as part of the team at Maercker Intermediate School!