Administration and Staff

Dr. Casandra Holliday

The 2022/23 school year marks Dr. Casandra Holliday’s first year as Pilgrim Lutheran School‘s Prinicipal!

Before joining the Pilgrim team, Dr. Holliday served as an elementary/junior high teacher for 10 years, as a dean, assistant principal, and principal for 7 years, and a college instructor for 6 ½ years and counting. 

Dr. Holliday received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Chicago State University. She planned to continue in counseling, but she was asked to substitute at an urban school that needed teachers. It was then that she fell in love with education. Dr. Holliday recieved her Masters of Art in Teaching Elementary Education from Chicago State University (05/2003). Along the way, she met wonderful educators who pushed her into administration. Dr. Holliday earned a second Masters of Art in Education – Administration/Supervision from University of Phoenix (05/2006). She then earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership/Curriculum & Instruction from University of Phoenix (01/2013). She published her dissertation (2013) and articles with Florida International University (2013) and with the University of Phoenix (2019).

Dr. Holliday is currently finishing her last two classes for a Special Education Endorsement. She has two daughters and a puppy named Luna-Luna who is 1 ½ years old.

Kristian Johnson

Pastor Johnson has been serving Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School since November 2012.

Originally from Minnesota, He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN as a Music Major and received his M. Div from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.

Before coming to Pilgrim, he served as a youth minister on the north side of Chicago for five years. He has spent significant time learning and serving among Christians in Tanzania, East Africa and El Salvador, Central America. He served his first call at First Lutheran Church/Iglesia Luterana Mi Salvador in Inglewood, CA. During his six years there, he helped the congregation triple in size and start a ministry in Spanish.

Pastor Johnson’s wife, Anna is also an ordained minister in the ELCA. They are blessed with three children, Hope, Emanuel, and Xavier.

Halley Williams

Halley Williams was first introduced to the Pilgrim community when her son attended kindergarten. In 2015, she transitioned into the administrative team. She works part-time in the school office as the Office Manager.

Halley received a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Miami. She also holds a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she worked in mental health in the Lakeview neighborhood for over 20 years.

Two years ago, Halley led Pilgrim’s accreditation team. As the leader, she helped evaluate teaching practices and set long-term goals.

When not serving as the Office Manager, Halley enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends.

Dave Emery

Dave Emery is happy to serve as Pilgrim’s Facilities Manager. He works behind the scenes to keep Pilgrim operating smoothly. Students often find him opening the door for school in the morning or setting up for events. He is the proud father of his two sons, both graduates of Pilgrim.