Administration:
Traci Wright
Principal
Traci Wright enters her seventh year of service with the Perspectives Charter Schools. She has been the 6th grade teacher, Assistant Principal, and is currently the Principal at the Joslin Campus. A Chicago native, Ms. Wright received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her master's degree in education at DePaul University. A Teachers for Chicago awardee, Ms. Wright taught U.S. and World History for two years at Orr High before joining Perspectives.
In addition to her teaching career, Ms. Wright was a consultant for Great Source Education Group, a division of Houghton Mifflin. As a consultant, she conducted professional development for teachers throughout the state of Illinois and the mid-west region.
She says, "I am both honored and humbled to be the Instructional Leader at Perspectives Joslin Campus. At the Joslin campus, our team is committed to the academic success of every student, the support and advancement of parents, continuous professional development for teachers, and the greater South Loop community."
Rob Juritza
Dean of Students
Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Rob graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in Spanish. Rob taught Spanish I & II at the junior and high school levels for his first seven years. Also, he coached football, basketball, baseball and softball. Rob's interest in more supervisory roles led him to obtain his Masters in Educational Adminstration at Governors State University in 2004. He went on to become the Department Chairperson for Fine Arts and Foreign Languages at Plainfield Central High School from 2006-2008. Rob felt his strengths were more in supervision and discipline for students and wanted to become a Dean of Students where he landed a position at Perspectives Charter Schools in 2008 and still currently holds that position in which he extemely enjoys. He loves Perspectives Charter Schools because of the small population of students that enables him to know the students & culture better, and help them live "A Disciplined Life". He hopes that students will take that model to the next level of their educational endeavors. His interests are baseball, working out and spending time with his family.
Staff:
Kenneth G. Borre
Mathematics Teacher - 11th & 12th Grade
Kenneth is returning to Perspectives for his third year, and is thrilled to join yet another excellent staff in preparing upper-classmen for the ACT and their college careers. Kenneth is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics and an Illinois Teacher's Certification in secondary education. He's looking forward to another challenging year and a most successful group of juniors and seniors. Go Panthers!
Anita A. Brown
Mathematics Instructional Leader
Anita earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000 in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign followed by a master’s degree in teaching for certification in the MATC Secondary Math Program from Aurora University in 2004. Her teaching experience includes five years of math and three years of technology. Anita feels that the professional development opportunities at Perspectives are wonderful and loves the idea of the A Disciplined Life© curriculum, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Erin Budisak
Science teacher - 6th and 9th grades
Erin Budisak was born in Detroit, but moved to the Western Suburbs of Chicago when she was five. After graduating from Hinsdale Central, Erin enrolled in the University of Iowa where she majored in Environmental Studies and Spanish. However, once there, she quickly discovered that her true love in life was in education, and decided to pursue it as a career. Since graduating from Iowa she has been living and teaching in the city of Chicago. She has a Master's Degree in Teaching from National Louis University. This is her second year at Perspectives Charter School where she teaches 6th grade earth science and 9th grade physics. Erin enjoys finding ways to help students to explore the world of science in fun and interactive ways. It is her goal to instill in the hearts of students the same passion for learning that she herself possesses.
Lai Shan (Becky) Chan
Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher
Hailing from the “Pearl of Asia” (Hong Kong), Becky received her bachelor’s degree in education with a history major and an English minor from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Upon graduation she worked as a substitute teacher for a culturally diverse school district in Michigan, teaching and learning every day to improve her craft in a wide-variety of classrooms. While completing her position as a long-term guest teacher at a facility for children with exceptional needs, Becky jumped on the opportunity to join the Perspectives team during the 2007-08 school year in her dream city, Chicago. She strives to uphold Perspectives’ high standards and expectations in providing the best education for all intellectuals. She also plans on utilizing the city’s rich diversity and resources to maximize her students’ learning experiences.
Ricardo Chavarria
High School Spanish Teacher
Ricardo Chavarria is excited to work with the students and staff of Perspectives Charter School. He recently finished his Bachelors degree in Spanish & Secondary Education at Northeastern Illinois University and is currently working on his Masters in Counseling. Originally from Belize, Ricardo overcame many obstacles - poverty, discrimination and a single-parent household, to name a few - throughout his childhood to achieve an education. He credits his hard-working mother, an excellent elementary teacher and the act of reading with his academic achievements. After meeting his wife in Belize, the two decided to vacation in the United States and have now made Chicago their new home. Ricardo pursued an Associate's Degree at Oakton Community College followed by his BA at NEIU. Now at Perspectives, Ricardo is excited to impact the youth of Chicago.
"I have always been a believer that great teachers/counselors motivate great minds and can turn ghetto kids into successful citizens."
Kate Cichon
Program Manager
Originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Kate received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1999. She spent the next 6 years working for a private reading school, which sent her around the country teaching reading skills to students of all ages and working with new teachers. Kate began working at Perspectives in the Fall of 2006, and is excited to continue helping the students (and parents) of Perspectives this year as Program Manager.
David Doll
Humanities Teacher
Originally from Tenafly, NJ, David graduated from Indiana University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Upon graduation, he ran a Score! Educational Center in Arlington Heights. While working for Score! David was able to provide tutoring services for hundreds of children of all ages and abilities. In 2007, David left Score! to pursue a Masters degree from DePaul University in teaching and instruction. David is continuing with the Perspectives team this fall and is excited to be a part of such an excellent learning environment.
Alison Flikkema
Team Teacher
Alison Flikkema is excited to be working at Perspectives Charter School. After graduating from Valparaiso University with a degree in Secondary Education and History, she was looking for adventure so she decided to move to Alaska to teach. She taught in a remote Eskimo village right on the Bering Sea and had many wonderful experiences there. After 3 years there, Alison moved to Anchorage where she continued to teach for 2 years. During that time she also obtained a Masters Degree in Special Education. Chicago is now the next adventure in her life. She is looking forward to getting to know all the students and parents in the Perspectives community.
Mary Hilker
7th/8th Grade Social Studies
Originally from Masion, MI, Mary graduated from Michigan state in 2004 with a double major in History and Elementary Education and a minor in English. Upon graduation, Mary completed a year-long teaching internship in East Lansing, MI and then moved to Chicago. For three years, Mary taught 7th and 8th grade at Mollison Elementary on the south side of Chicago. Mary is extremely excited about joining the Perspectives team this year. She looks forward to sharing her passion for history with the 7th and 8th graders though a "minds on, hands on" approach.
Janet Lee
7th and 8th Grade Team Teacher
Born and raised in Illinois, Janet received her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in educational studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then worked as a teacher’s assistant for three years, partnering alongside students with exceptional needs at the high school level. Janet graduated from DePaul University’s Masters of Education Program, obtaining teacher certification in both elementary and special education. Janet is extremely excited to continue with the Perspectives team as they provide an outstanding education for the youth of Chicago.
Mary Anne Loafman
Science Teacher
Born and raised on the the south side of Chicago, Mary Anne holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in medical technology. After working in the medical field for several years, Mary Anne switched careers to follow her long dream of being a high school science teacher. She earned a master’s in teaching from Dominican University River Forest, Ill. in 2004, and has been teaching at Joslin campus since the fall of 2005. Mary Anne is delighted to serve the youth at Perspectives Charter Schools for another school year.
Julie Longstreet
10th Grade Team Teacher/ Teaching Assistant
Julie Longstreet joined Perspectives at the end of last year as a Learning Behavior Specialist, and is thrilled to be returning for the full 2009-2010 school year. Longstreet earned her bachelors from Oakland University in Michigan, before completing her masters at Loyola University in Chicago. She has worked extensively with Chicago youth as a counselor and mentor, as well overseas as a missionary in South Africa and Brazil. This year, she's looking forward to partnering with the after school program "Build On" and building the future leaders of tomorrow.
Laura Lowden
11th and 12th Grade Team Teacher
Originally from Fort Wayne, IN, Laura (Lowden) Harrington is excited about her second year in Chicago and at Perspecitives as a Learning Behavior Specialist. Laura is a graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. Before she joined our Perspectives family she had taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students that were mildly mentally handicapped and students that had a learning disability for six years. This year she will be team teaching with the 6th graders in the areas of Math and Language Arts; and also team teaching 11th grade and 12th grade math classes. Laura is looking forward to a new year of experiences and opportunities to learn and share with the students in the Perspectives' family.
Susan Lynch
9th Grade Humanities teacher
Born and raised in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, Susan is very excited to be a part of the Perspectives family this year. After earning a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Sociology from DePaul University, she began a career in non-profit administration, working for organizations like the Cambodian Association of Illinois, Designs for Change, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Each of these experiences provided opportunities for her to live according to the ADL principles and she is now excited about bringing those skills into the classroom. In 2007, she earned a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is enthusiastic about joining a school culture that expects excellence from both students and staff.
Joseph Lyons
Science Instructional Leader
Originally from the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. Soon after, he earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois - School of Law. From 1993 to 2001, Joe was a trial lawyer in Cook County. He decided to change careers and returned to his previous interest in science and education. He has taught ninth-grade Physics, tenth-grade Biology and eleventh–grade Chemistry at Perspectives over the last several years. This year he is excited to be teaching Chemistry to the eleventh grade. Joseph came to Perspectives because of his belief that a small school that focuses on both the academic and non-academic needs of its students will have a positive impact on the students’ lives.
Kevin Kurz
10th Grade Math and Geometry Teacher
Kevin was born and raised in Schaumburg, Illinois. Raised from an early age to have a healthy respect for knowledge and a desire to know how everything works, Kevin did well at school and seemed destined to write computer programs. However, Kevin discovered that he had no passion for computer science and soon discovered that he would be much happier in life as a teacher. Eventually graduating from Northern Illinois University, Kevin found employment with Perspectives Charter School where he is quite content preparing students to succeed in college by teaching them rigorous mathematics and life lessons in ADL.
Adrienne Metcalfe
7th & 8th Grade Science
Adrienne Metcalfe continues to teach 7th and 8th grade science this year at Perspectives. Adrienne was born in Madison, Wisconsin to a very supportive an bustling family. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a major in Urban Education and two minors in Science and Social Studies. After teaching in Milwaukee for a while, Adrienne decided to move to Chicago to teach. She taught at Perspectives Calumet for a year, which was a wonderful and rewarding experience, but decided she wanted to further her career at Perspectives Charter School-Joslin Campus. Adrienne is very excited for the year and making it a success.
Milena Nedeljkovic
7th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Originally from Serbia, Milena along with her family came to the United States in 1994. They came with nothing more than a suitcase and a hundred dollars in her dad’s pocket. They each had a big dream and endless opportunities to achieve them. She quickly excelled in High School, than continued on to college. She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with Bachelor’s degree in Elementary education and minor in Mathematics. She is excited about continuing her career with Perspectives. Milena looks forward to teaching her students that nothing is impossible and that they, too, can live the American dream.
Thi Thanh Nguyen
8th grade Math teacher
Thi Thanh moved to the United States in 1995, went to Senn High School in Chicago, Ill. and graduated in 2001. She received her bachelor’s degree in math and education from Loyola University Chicago. While in college she volunteered at the Vietnamese Association of Illinois as a tutor. Currently she teaches eighth grade math at Perspectives.
Kate O'Keefe
Humanities Instructional Leader
Kate has taught at Perspectives for six years and now returns for her seventh as an Instructional Leader. Over the years, she has taught humanities, English, and speech to both middle and high school students. Kate earned her National Board Certification in English/Language Arts in 2007; she has a bachelor's degree in political science from Boston College and a master's degree in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. Kate got her start as a teacher in New Orleans, where she taught elementary school for two years as a Teach for America corps member.
Until recently, Kate has used her summers for travel. She spent five weeks in Thailand and Vietnam on a Fulbright Hays Seminar Abroad and three in Japan with the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund program. However, her summer travel is temporarily on hold due to the birth of her baby girl in January, 2009. After a semester off, she is thrilled to be back at Perspectives part-time and working with such a committed, inspiring staff!
Sarah Peck
Learning Behavior Specialist/ Team Teacher
After living most of her life in Atlanta, Georgia, Sarah Peck graduated from Miami of Ohio University in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. Her experience includes working with students and adults with mild and severe exceptionalities. She is extremely excited to be completing her first year of teaching at Perspectives Joslin Campus. This year she will be team-teaching with the 11/12 grade team, 9th grade humanities and 8th grade math. She is thrilled to be surrounded by such dedicated and passionate students and teachers!
Kelly Plante
Middle School Language Arts Teacher
Originally from Michigan, Kelly graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. Upon graduating Kelly spent some time teaching in Lansing, Mich. before moving to Chicago. She has since taught at two other Chicago Public Schools and feels fortunate to have joined the Perspectives team. Kelly is excited about returning to Perspectives for her fourth year with a continued dedication and passion for education.
Mia Sarkesian
Middle School Math and Science Teacher
Mia attended the University of Notre Dame and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in education, schooling and society. She later earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Northwestern University. She’s excited about working at Perspectives because of its focus on creating an environment that embraces community engagement, academic rigor and living A Disciplined Life. Prior to coming to Perspectives she taught for three years at Santa Maria Addolorata, located on Chicago’s West Side. At Santa Maria Addolorata she taught seventh-grade homeroom along with fifth through eighth grade math. During her first two years at Santa Maria Addolorata she was a member of the volunteer teaching program called Inner City Teaching Corps.
Lesley Scott
Case Manager & Instructional Leader
Lesley Scott is a Learning Behavior Specialist who received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and her master’s degree in education at Saint Xavier University. Ms. Scott taught within the Chicago Public Schools system at Marshall High School over the course of two-and-a-half school years. She also worked as part of Project YES! in association with Northwestern University Settlement House and Wells High School working on community activism and incorporating creative lessons into the high school curriculum. She is excited about working at Perspectives because “it is a professional working environment that is student-centered and fosters collaboration.”
Karen Sheehan
11th/12th Grade English Teacher
Born and raised in Illinois, Karen Sheehan received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After a variety of corporate work experiences, she taught ACT prep classes at area high schools and discovered her love for teaching. After teaching English in Japan for a year, she received a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ms. Sheehan can’t wait to begin her third year at Perspectives, where she will continue to live a disciplined life and instill within her students the joys of reading and writing.
Elizabeth Whitehead
Reading Specialist
After graduating from her beloved alma mater, DePaul University, with a degree in Secondary English Education, Elizabeth packed only what she could fit in her car and drove down to Florida for her first teaching position. After serving as a reading teacher for two years in the Sunshine State, Elizabeth earned her endorsement as a reading specialist and immediately returned home to Chicago.
In addition to having added rigor to the DEAR program, Elizabeth created the Reading for College curriculum which serves to best prepare students for success on the ACT and in college. This year, Elizabeth has taken on several new challenges. In addition to her aforementioned responsibilities, Elizabeth has the privilege to teach DEAR, 10th grade ADL and middle school Communications. Elizabeth began graduate school over the summer in pursuit of her Masters in Reading and Curriculum Instruction. She is excited for her second year here at Perspectives!
Katie Williams
9th Grade Math teacher
Katie was born in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. After high school she attended Connecticut College. There she majored in mathematics eventually graduating and going on to join Teach For America. She has since lived and taught in Chicago. This is her second year at Perspectives.
Leslie Wood
Life Coach
Leslie is from Elmwood Park, Ill. and received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She now serves as the life coach for students in all grades at Perspectives. She has been a special education teacher, a social worker, the executive director of a family resource agency, a life coach in practice with adults, and with students in the Chicago Public Schools system. She is excited about the opportunity to work with staff and students at a dynamic school that is really making a difference.