January 23, 2026

Meet the Newest Members of the WA Community
We’re excited to introduce the newest members of the Wheaton Academy staff and are thankful for the gifts they bring to our community.

Michael M. De Valdivielso
Michael M. De Valdivielso joins the Wheaton Academy community with more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and school safety. He retired from the City of Aurora Police Department following a distinguished career that included patrol operations, detective work, gang and juvenile investigations, and school-based safety roles.

Throughout his career, Michael developed strong expertise in criminal investigations, threat prevention, proactive policing, and community engagement. He worked closely with state attorneys’ offices across multiple counties and has testified in complex criminal court cases involving multiple defendants.

Following his law enforcement service, Michael continued his commitment to protecting and serving others as a School Safety and Security Officer with East Aurora School District #131. In that role, he served as an ALICE Active Shooter Response Trainer, conducted threat assessments, and coordinated state-mandated safety drills.

Michael is known for his calm leadership, sound judgment, and clear communication, and he is deeply committed to fostering safe, secure, and supportive environments for students, staff, and the broader school community.

Patricia Lee
Patricia Lee is grateful for the opportunity to serve as Assistant Controller at Wheaton Academy and looks forward to using her God-given talents to support the school’s mission and glorify Him through her work. She brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting across corporate, nonprofit, and public settings, with a passion for clarity, integrity, and faithful stewardship in financial operations.

Patricia is especially eager to add value behind the scenes by supporting strong decision-making, strengthening processes, and partnering with colleagues to serve students, families, and faculty well. She believes that finance is ultimately about people, trust, and stewardship, and she is committed to helping Wheaton Academy remain both effective and mission-focused.

Outside of work, Patricia enjoys kayaking, hiking, cycling, pickleball, and traveling with her family. She is blessed to share life with her husband and their four children. Her favorite book of the Bible is Job, and her favorite verse is 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, which continually reminds her to lead and serve with love, patience, and humility.

Mariella Mastromauro
Mariella Mastromauro is excited to join the Wheaton Academy community and contribute her skills in payroll and student accounts management. She looks forward to applying her experience in these areas while supporting the daily operations that serve students, families, and staff.

Throughout her educational and professional journey, Mariella has enjoyed serving in various leadership roles, earning multiple certifications, and engaging in meaningful community involvement through volunteer work with several organizations.

Outside of work, Mariella enjoys reading, shopping, and spending quality time with family and friends. She loves trying new restaurants and considers herself a true foodie at heart, with a particular passion for cooking. Mariella also speaks fluent Italian and has traveled to Italy many times. She is actively involved in her local church and values opportunities to build strong community connections.