MS. ARROYO - SOCIAL STUDIES/ECS
B.S.- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO
Arroyo previously worked with UIC College Prep to help with student recruitment and enrollment. She also worked with Americorp and as a tour guide for UIC. Arroyo is a Noble Street alum and graduated in Noble’s first graduating class of 2003. She is one of the lead coaches for the UICCP Girls Softball team. Arroyo is a Chicago native and advocate for her community.
MS. BALSEWICH - DEAN OF STUDENTS
B.S.- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS- CHAMPAIGN-URBANA
M.S.- UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA- LAS VEGAS
Balsewich has taught English at UIC College Prep for three years. Previously, she taught English in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a Teach For America alum and was a Summer Program Coordinator for TFA. Balsewich was also the English department chair and the founder of a leadership club, peer tutoring program and literary magazine at her former school.
MS. BERMUDEZ - OFFICE MANAGER
B.S.- VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY
Bermudez has worked at UIC College Prep for thee years. Previously, she was the President of the Latino organization in Valparaiso University, Latinos In Valparaiso for Excellence (L.I.V.E.). She was part of the founding sisters of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority Inc. She held various leadership positions throughout her four years in college which included Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, etc. Bermudez specializes in creating efficient systems to support the work of staff, students and parents. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Chicago native and Noble Street High School-2004 alum.
MS. BORLING - DEAN OF INSTRUCTION
B.S.- INDIANA UNIVERSITY
M.A.T.- DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY
Previously, Borling was a national recruitment director for Teach For America. She taught reading, math and science at a Chicago International Charter School. At Indiana University, Borling graduated with highest distinction while also competing in cross country and track. While competing in cross country and track, she earned Academic All-American, All Big Ten Athlete, and NCAA All American honors.
MR. CARON - HEALTH SCIENCE
B.S. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
After teaching freshman physics at Chicago International Charter School's Longwood campus for two years, Mr. Caron is very excited to begin his first year at UICCP. He is an alumnus of the University of Illinois as well as Chicago's Teach For America program. Having graduated college as a Molecular and Cellular Biology major, Mr. Caron is looking forward to teaching health sciences and discussing issues of public health and medicine. While in college, Mr. Caron was also involved in the arts, playing the trumpet in the Marching Illini and several other concert bands.
MR. CARTWRIGHT - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
B.S.- CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY- FULLERTON
Cartwright previously worked in the City of Irvine’s Parks and Recreation as a Community Service Leader for the past 7 years. Cartwright also coached high school football and basketball in Irvine, CA over the past eight years. Most recently Cartwright was the Adult Basketball Coordinator for the City of Irvine. Cartwright was also a collegiate football athlete.
MS. COHN - SOCIAL WORKER, LCSW
B.A.-UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
M.A.- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Cohn has practiced in the field of mental health for 11 years. She has worked as a clinical social worker in school-based health clinics and as a behavioral health therapist at Erie Teen Health Center. Prior to UIC College Prep, Cohn was the social worker at the original campus of Noble Street. She co-founded a Student Health Leaders program at Northside College Prep High School and the tennis program at our school.
MR. DORCY - LATIN INSTRUCTOR
B.A.- WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY-KALAMAZOO
Dorcy is a returning Classics instructor at UIC CP and was a founding Classics and social studies instructor and the director of the Reach Out Spartans, a student-led volunteer organization at the Gilbert Classical Academy in Arizona for three years (he plans to found the Reach Out Firecats in August, 2012). While at GCA, he was the cross country and golf coach; and at UICCP he continues to coach golf. Mr. Dorcy was a live-in-aide for a man with autism while attending WMU. After graduating, he was the recipient of the 2004 Margaret MacMillan Writing Award for his research on the founding and construction of Central Park in relation to contemporary health reform.
MS. O'DWYER - MATHEMATICS
B.S. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - CHAMPAIGN-URBANA
This will be Ms. Doyle's second year at UICCP teaching Geometry. She previously taught math for two years at Elgin High School. She graduated magna cum laude with a mathematics degree and a secondary education minor degree. She coaches the Mathletes team.
MR. DRON- PHYSICAL EDUCATION
B.S. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
M.A.T. - CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
Dron subsitute taught at Carl Sandburg High School for almost two years. He has accumulated three years of high school cross-country and track coaching experience. He ran cross-country and track at UIC for all four years he attended.
MS. MCDONOUGH - PRINCIPAL
B.S.- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS- CHAMPAIGN-URBANA
Ed.M - COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
McDonough taught math and coached cross country for three years at Benito Juarez High School in Chicago. She was a founding math teacher at Pritzker College Prep - A Noble Campus. She is a Teach for America alum.
MS. EBSEN - ENGLISH
B.A. - UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Originally from Chicago, Ebsen taught English in New Orleans for the past two years as a Teach For America corps member. She worked with teachNOLA during this time to help train and select teachers into New Orleans schools. Previously, she worked as a Special Education Aide at Glenbard West High School, in Glen Ellyn, where she also coached girls field hockey and lacrosse.
MR. ELSTON - ENGLISH
B.S. - LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
M.A.T. - NATIONAL-LOUIS UNIVERSITY
Elston has taught Sophomore English at UIC College Prep for the past two years. Prior to that, he spent two years as a Teach For America corps member at Gage Park High School. He has spent time in South Africa teaching reading, math, life skills, and P.E. to high school students with a wide range of learning disabilities
MS. FENSKE - MUSIC
B.M - LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY
Prior to joining the team at UICCP, Fenske was the choral director and a general music instructor at Lindblom Math & Science Academy, one of the Chicago Public Schools' selective enrollment high schools. She completed her degree in choral/general music education at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2007. Fenske has also been a member of the choral faculty at the Merit School of Music in Chicago and an Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Community Chorus.
MR. FITZGERALD - SOCIAL STUDIES/ECS - PERSONAL FINANCE
B.S. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
M.B.A - WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
M.S. Ed. - NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Fitzgerald spent nine years in finance prior to becoming a teacher. Most recently, he was a Senior Vice President at a Wall Street investment bank. Fitzgerald was a Scott M.S. Ed. Fellow at Northwestern University and he was previously part of UNITE's Inner-City Teaching Corps. He taught Algebra I for the last two years, and is now developing and teaching a personal finance curriculum.
MR. GAY - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
B.A.- TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
M.A.- MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
Gay taught AP U.S. History for four years at Montclair High School. While at Montclair he also led the National Honor Society as well as served as a member of the School Review. Recently, Mr. Gay has held program support roles at leading national non-profit organizations- Citizen Schools & Teach For America.
MR. GOLTERMANN - SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR
B.S. - DUKE UNIVERSITY
M.A.T. - NATIONAL-LOUIS UNIVERSITY
Goltermann majored in Biology and Chemistry, and graduated cum laude from Duke University. He spent time studying environmental issues in Costa Rica, and mentoring tutors in Durham, NC. At UICCP, he has taught biology, physics and chemistry, also coaching the boys soccer team. Prior to UICCP, he taught science at Bogan High School in Chicago as a part of Teach For America.
MS. GOTTKE - LEARNING SPECIALIST
B.S.- MIAMI UNIVERSITY
Gottke majored in Women's Studies with minors in Political Science and Disability Studies. She graduated magna cum laude with honors from Miami University. Previously, she was a National Recruitment Associate for Teach For America for two years. This is her second year teaching at UIC College Prep as a part of Teach For America.
MS. GRANEY - PERSONAL HEALTH
B.A. - NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Graney graduated with a degree in psychology from Northwestern University in 2008. She spent a year in social work post-graduation, providing case management services for adults with chronic and severe mental illness on the North Side of Chicago. In addition
to teaching Personal Health to ninth graders at UICCP, Graney sponsors the Art Club.
MS. GREENSPAN - LEARNING SPECIALIST
B.A. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
Greenspan graduated magna cum laude from UIC with high honors in the college of education. She received the FMC Award of Excellence while earning her undergraduate degree for her "scholarly excellence". She previously worked with UIC College Prep assisting with physical education, school registration and enrollment, community service, cheerleading, and various after school programs. She student taught 6th grade mathematics, writing, and social studies at Irma C. Ruiz Elementary School in Pilsen. While student teaching, she also taught clarinet lessons before school.
MR. HANSEN-SCHMITT - MUSIC
B.M. - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
Hansen-Schmitt graduated magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin with certifications in instrumental, choral, and general music. He was a recipient of a full tuition music scholarship and earned the title of 'Outstanding Music Education Student.' Prior to UICCP, Hansen-Schmitt taught music in Milwaukee, WI; English as a foreign language in Madrid, Spain and instrumental music in Washington, DC.
MS. HELD - Social Studies/ECS
B.S.- MIAMI UNIVERSITY OF OHIO
Held is in her second year at UIC College Prep after teaching 8th grade social studies on a U.S. Army Base in Germany. She has also performed a year of national service as an AmeriCorps Project YES! member in the city of Chicago. She created service learning projects for the students and residents of the West Town community. Held is currently the Student Council sponsor and coaches softball at UICCP.
DR. HELTZEL - ENGLISH
B.A. - ILLINOIS COLLEGE
M.F.A. - TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Ph.D. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
Heltzel has taught English composition at Texas State University and Prairie State College. He taught English composition, literature, creative writing, and film courses at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and he served as an assistant director of the First Year Writing Program there. Heltzel has also been poetry editor for Packingtown Review, and he currently co-edits the online poetry journal Little Red Leaves.
MS. HERZOG- PHYSICAL EDUCATION
B.A. - TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY
M.A.E. - TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Herzog studied Psychology and History at Truman State University before teaching high school social studies on a U.S. Army Base in Germany. She began working for the Network at Johnson College Prep, in the special education department. She is very earger to be a part of the UICCP team.
MS. HOOD - MATH
B.A. - WHITMAN COLLEGE
MSED - Northwestern University
Hood studied math and economics at Whitman College, and upon graduating, she went to Japan to teach English for two years with the JET Programme. She recently earned her Master's Degree from Northwestern University in secondary mathematics education, and she spent a year teaching Geometry at Barrington High School.
MR. INSALACO - MATHEMATICS
B.S.- MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Insalaco previously worked as a teacher on Chicago's south side as a member of Teach For America. He graduated from Michigan State with a degree in mathematics. Insalaco has worked with students with multiple abilities during his previous career working with students with special needs at SpringHill Camp.
MR. ISENBERG - SOCIAL STUDIES / ECS
B.A. & M.A. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
M.B.A. & M.S.Ed. - NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Mr. Isenberg previously taught Honors World Studies and AP Microeconomics at Northside College Prep High School. Prior to his teaching career, he worked as a Director for European and U.S. investment banks.
MS. JAMES - STUDENT AIDE
B.A. - TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
Most recently, Ms. James worked for a national non-profit education initiative which focused on the professional and personal growth of middle school students. She is a New York native and an A Better Chance Alum.
MR. KARLAN - MATHEMATICS
B.A. - WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
M.A.T. - NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY
Karlan has taught mathematics at levels ranging from Algebra to AP Statistics at CICS Ralph Ellison Academy for the past three years. At CICS, he led the academic bowl team as well as the school's National Honor Society chapter. He graduated from Washington University with a degree in mathematics and minors in both creative writing and legal studies, and still enjoys doing a bit of creative fiction writing in his spare time. Before he was a Teach for America alum in Chicago, he taught at a math academy in his hometown of Los Angeles.
MS. KEARNS - ENGLISH
B.S.- MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY
Kearns previously taught English in New Haven, CT. She is a Teach For America alum. She also was a social work intern at a Milwaukee prison, President of her Honor Society and a Big Sister. Chicago native. She has also trained new teachers in planning and classroom management in Philadelphia. Kearns coaches girls' volleyball at UICCP.
MS. KERR - LEARNING SPECIALIST
B.A. - ST CLOUD UNIVERSITY
M.Ed. - DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
Kerr has taught Math and English in CPS for the past year. She has also coached cross-country running and track & field at Lake View High School for four years. Previously to teaching, Kerr was a personal trainer.
MR. LOEB - ENGLISH
B.A. - SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
M.A. - DePAUL UNIVERSITY
Originally from Chicago, Loeb graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in English and Textual Studies. While earning a Masters in English Literature from DePaul University, Loeb worked as an editor for a children's book company. Over the past three years, Loeb has worked for both CPS and other charter schools in the area. Mr. Loeb is excited to be a part of the UICCP community.
MS. MARC - MATHEMATICS
B.S. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
M.Ed. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
Ms. Marc has taught Geometry for the past two years at UIC College Prep. Previously she taught Interactive Mathematics Program for three years at Young Women's Leadership Charter School. As a PhD student at University of Illinois at Chicago she is preparing to write her dissertation with concentration on mathematics curriculum. Bilingual in Polish and English.
MS. MATSUKANE - ENGLISH
B.A.- UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
Originally from California, Ms. Matsukane graduated from Notre Dame where she majored in English and minored in Irish Studies. Through the Keough Institute, she was able to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland. She previously taught at CICS Basil on Chicago's south side. There, she taught American history, civics, writing, and English. She is a Teach for America '07 alum.
MS. MCKERNIN - HEALTH SCIENCE
B.S. - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
M.A.T - NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY
Ms. McKernin is a Teach For America alumna and Chicago native. She is beginning her forth year teaching high school students in Chicago. She previously taught Anatomy and Environmental Science, and now teaches the Community Health course to our school's sophomores.
MS. MEIXNER - HEALTH SCIENCE I
B.S. & B.G.S. - UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
M.A.T. - NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY
Meixner majored in biomedical engineering & medical anthropology. Before teaching, she did public health research and volunteered in India and Africa. A Teach for America alum, Meixner taught for 2 years at Harper High School in Chicago. Meixner coaches girls' basketball at UICCP.
MS. MULLEN - ENGLISH
B.A. - BATES COLLEGE
M.A.T. ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
M.A.T. ENGLISH, SIMMONS COLLEGE
Ms. Mullen recently taught middle school reading and humanities at a charter school in Boston, MA. Before that she was a member of the DC Teaching Fellows and taught 5th grade at a public school in Washington D.C.
MS. MURILLO - COLLEGE SEMINAR
B.A. - BROWN UNIVERSITY
MSgt PYLES- ROTC
B.S.- DeVRY UNIVERSITY
MSgt Pyles retired honorably on July 31, 2008 from the United States Marine Corps after serving 23 years on active duty. MSgt Pyles served as a Infantryman with 6 years terrorism/counter terrorism experience. MSgt Pyles has served as lead instructor for Marine Corps Security Force Training Company Chesapeake, Va and III Marine Expeditionary Forces Surveillance Reconnaissance and Intelligence Group, Special Operations Training Group Okinawa, Japan.
MS. ROSALES- BIOLOGY
B.S.- BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
ED.M.- PACE UNIVERSITY
Rosales recently taught science in the NYC public schools. She was also involved with school’s Leadership Team. Previously Rosales was a scientist for a sports nutrition company. She is a Teach For America alum, a Chicago native and bilingual (Spanish). Also worked on the development team for the NYC DOE middle school science curriculum.
MR. SAKEN- SOCIAL STUDIES/ECS
B.A.- HARVARD UNIVERSITY
M.Ed.- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Saken is in his second year at UIC College Prep after teaching social studies for three years in Elkhart, IN. Previously taught Spanish, World Cultures and Geography, US History, and Civics. Saken co-founded the school’s Green Team and also coaches baseball and basketball. Before teaching, he was a collegiate and professional baseball player.
MR. SANDERS- MUSIC
B.M.Ed. - VANDERCOOK COLLEGE OF MUSIC
Sanders graduated summa cum laude from VanderCook College of Music in 2009. While attending school, Sanders taught private lessons and participated in teaching marching band camps at schools across the Chicago-land area. Sanders is a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois which afforded him the opportunity to work with "at risk" students for four years.
MS. TORRES- PHYSICAL EDUCATION
B.S.- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
M.S.Ed. - UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ST. LOUIS
Torres is beginning her fifth year teaching high school students. Torres is a Chicago native but spent 2 years in St. Louis teaching Spanish through Teach for America. While in St. Louis she completed her Masters in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri. Ms. Torres also has a passion for theatre and aside from Physical Education teaches an acting enrichment course.
MRS. THOMAS- MATH
B.S.- ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
M.B.A.- LOYOLA UNIVERSITY
Thomas has been a college lecturer at the University of Colorado and high school teacher. She has worked in the field of eduction for over ten years. Thomas has also co-authored and edited math textbooks. Before her work in education, she was a mechanical engineer and district manager in corporate America.
MS. ULETT- MUSIC
B.A.- SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
M.M.- BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Ulett began at UICCP as founding music director in 2008. Previously, she was Director of Choirs at the American International School in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her 25 year career as pianist, choral conductor, and music educator, she has founded programs, choruses, music festivals, concert series, and educational opportunities for performers of all ages. Ulett remains active as chamber musician and is currently working on arrangements of songs for publication. In 2009, she initiated a collaborative study between the Noble Network and the Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern University to observe the difference in cognitive growth over four years in teens who are involved in a curricular music program versus teens who are not.