Staff Spotlight: Julie Willaredt, Frohardt

By Chris Mitchell '95

Every Friday throughout the 2026-27 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week's staff spotlight features Frohardt Elementary School nurse Julie Willaredt.

Willaredt has been employed by GCSD9 for eight years, serving at Prather as a pre-K and kindergarten center, Maryville when it served 1st and 2^nd grades, Grigsby for 5^th and 6^th grade, and now Frohardt as a K-6 school.

She graduated from Heartland Community College in 2005 with an associate degree in nursing. Willaredt worked as a registered nurse on a medical floor while completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2009. In 2019, she earned her school nurse certification through the University of Illinois Chicago.

“From carefully managing students’ medical plans to assessing their individual needs and providing compassionate care, Nurse Julie is always there when we need her,” said Frohardt Principal Julie Matarelli. “Her dedication, kindness, and commitment to the well-being of our Frohardt family do not go unnoticed.”

With the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, approaching, Willaredt recalls where she was that day and the emotions she experienced.

“There was chatter among the students, and a radio personality announced that a plane had hit a tower. We weren’t sure whether it was one of the World Trade Center towers or a cell tower. There was a lot of confusion. After class, I went home and turned on the news. My brother lived in New York City at the time, and there was no cell service. It was a day or so before we made contact and confirmed that he was safe. Overall, there was a complete feeling of helplessness and sorrow—but not loneliness. There was a definite sense of interconnectedness amid the despair our entire country was experiencing.”

Willaredt sat down to discuss what inspired her career in healthcare, how her experience helps her support students and staff, what she enjoys most about serving Frohardt students, her family’s connection to the Granite City community and local sports, and her hobbies and interests outside of school.

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare and become a school nurse?
A lot of prayer, to be honest. I had completed an Associate of Arts degree and was working retail. I really feel that through prayer, I was called to be a nurse. I chose to be a school nurse because I had a child who needed an advocate. I realized through their experience and progress that there are many students who require the same type of care, effort, and advocacy.

How does your healthcare experience help you support the needs of students and staff each day?
I worked on a medical floor for 20 years. There were a variety of ailments that I was part of the care team for and became familiar with through bedside nursing. You learn team building and collaboration with a variety of healthcare professionals, families, and patients. You learn to be empathetic with those navigating an array of personal crises and experiences. School nursing utilize the same effective assessment skills and management of individual care plans to meet students’ needs so they can successfully manage their school experience.

What do you enjoy most about caring for and building relationships with Frohardt students?
I love forming relationships with people in my own community. Each student has so many attributes to offer. It is really cool to be somewhere in town and catch up with a current or former student. A shout-out while walking around the park makes you feel good too. Our children depend on their educational environment. I love being a part of that. 

Your family is deeply involved in the Granite City community and local sports. What does that connection mean to you and your family?
I can proudly say that I am from Granite City. I haven’t always been, but after 21 years, I am now. I love the opportunity that our children have and the proximity to St. Louis. The majority of those that we meet or compete against in the St. Louis area are very familiar with Granite City and hold it in a special light. They will share their mill experience, soccer experience, or family heritage they hold dear to their heart. Granite City residents have a strong work ethic, faith, and a strong sense of solidarity. That is great to be a part of, and it is evident that those qualities are instilled in our children.

When you’re not at Frohardt, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
My children’s activities are some of my favorites. I have two sons who currently play baseball, and a daughter who throws field events. They all swim competitively. I enjoy walking, trying new dining experiences, and even fishing.

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net