Academy for Global Citizenship

Benazir Ali

Teaching Assistant and Paraprofessional

Your motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

Taste everything once!

What is your favorite place in the world?

Fiji Islands, where I was born.

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Vietnam and Indonesia

I can't imagine my life without...

Music.

Benazir was born in the Fiji Islands and moved to California in 2001. She is passionate about Pacific Island politics and hopes to someday write about it. She loves music and travel and consider herself a risk-taker. She challenges herself constantly so that she never gets too comfortable in any one situation. AGC is the perfect arena for her to challenge herself and learn about things that interest her the most;  for example, community gardening initiatives.

B.A. in Sociology, University of California Santa Barbara

Melisa Carter

Teaching Assistant

What is your favorite place in the world?

Around a campfire far away from the city where the stars are visible. Gorgeous!

What is your favorite local food?

Zucchini or green tomatoes from my mom's garden.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Fluffy sheep.

What in nature inspires you?

The ocean. I love the movement and sound of the waves.

Melissa is an avid fan of all things hands on and creative. She loves thinking outside of the box and always looks forward to trying something new. In education, her strongest passion lies within promoting and strengthening literacy in the classroom. In fact, she is obsessed with children’s literature and hope to author and publish a whimsical series of children’s storybooks that revolve around a fictional character of my chubby white cat. If Melissa’s nose is not in a good book, then it is more than likely in the kitchen baking something delicious.

B.A., Trinity Christian College

Sara Chamboullides

Teaching Assistant and Paraprofessional

What is your favorite local food?

I love local, fresh fruits.

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Africa

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Pigs

What in nature inspires you?

The harmony and relationships in nature.

Sara loves traveling and has traveled to Spain, Italy, France and Greece. She loved meeting people and learning about other cultures. She has lived in California, Wisconsin and Illinois. Her favorite places include Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her biggest passion is to help people. She worked as a Veterinary Assistant, and while she loves animals, it was not as rewarding as working with children. She prefers to eat products that do not have a negative impact on the environment or animals and passionately believes that taking care of our planet is beneficial for our current and next generations!

M.A.T. of Elementary Education, National Louis University

Yeida Chavez

Teaching Assistant

I wish that I could get everyone in the world to...

Realize we are more alike than different.

What in nature inspires you?

I have lived in Chicago all my life but yet every winter the first snow always takes my breath away.

What do you love about AGC?

The heart beat and the innovative impulse.

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"Be kind whenever possible…It is always possible." -Dalai Lama

Born and raised in Chicago, Yeida enjoys visiting her extended family in Puebla Puebla Mexico as often as she can. She hopes to visit her husband’s family in Australia in the near future. She loves being a mom and has a passion for helping people out, especially children.  Yeida loves art and tries to teach her kids everything she knows about it and continues to learn about it as well. She’s excited to be part of the AGC family!

A.A.S. in Visual Communications, International Academy of Design and Technology

Jessica Forman

Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way!" - Dr. Seuss

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Thailand

What is your favorite method of transportation?

CTA - you can travel quickly and read at the same time!

What do you love most about AGC?

I love the families and students that bring such enthusiasm and creativity to each and every day!

Jessica profoundly believes that as an educator she can have the most profound effect on the youth in our world, who are the future of our society. She believes that education is the foundation for success and all students are capable and deserve an education that caters to their individual needs and talents and promotes self-confidence and independence. As an active athlete, avid traveler, and lover of new cultures, Jessica is so excited to bring some new ideas and learning opportunities to those that already exist at the Academy for Global Citizenship

B.A. in Secondary Education, Foreign Language – Spanish

Claudia Franco

Teaching Assistant

What in nature inspires you?

Trees, because no matter what they have to go through, they remain standing!

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Colombia

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Sheep

What do you love most about AGC?

The fact that everyone in the school has a voice.

Claudia was the first in her family to graduate from college, but hopefully not the last! She is a recent graduate who is seeking an opportunity to demonstrate her love and passion for teaching. She loves traveling,  animals, and nature!

B.A., Northeastern Illinois University

Liz Fyffe

Dual Language Teacher

Your motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless." - Mother Teresa

What in nature inspires you?

Heat and light.

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Egypt

What is you

The coast of anywhere.

Liz was drawn to the holistic view of education AGC embraces.  She also shares the belief that in today’s global community it is critical to empower the future generation to realize the power in their voices, experiences, and perspectives, while also listening to and respecting those of others.  Liz couldn’t wait to share her passion for questioning, keeping an open mind, and sharing knowledge with her students at AGC.  As their teacher, she is awed by the environment that a small but mighty group of learners can create.  Becoming an educator is genuinely her dream come true.

B.A. in Sociology & Psychology, Minor in Spanish, Indiana University, Bloomington

M.A. in Social and Cultural Foundations of Education, DePaul University (in progress)

Aggie Gehl

Teacher

What in nature inspires you?

Its serenity.

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Africa

What is your favorite method of transportation?

A sled

What is your favorite place in the world?

Lagos, Portugal

Aggie learned about her passion for teaching when she was a homeschool teacher in Costa Rica. She found that she loved observing the students’ curiosity about the world around them. Aggie appreciates the inquiry centered education that happens here at AGC.

B.S. in Economics and International Relations, University of Wisconsin, Madison

M.Ed in Bilingual/Bicultural Education, DePaul University

Karem Gomez

Spanish Teacher

What is your favorite place in the world?

Luquillo beach.

What in nature inspires you?

The sound of the waves.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

A cow

What do you love most about AGC?

All of the possibilities.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ms. Gomez has many passions in life; she loves children, teaching, reading, writing and salsa dancing. She recently took a course in writing children’s books and is currently working on two manuscripts for bilingual books. Her hope is that some day she can publish them and integrate them into her teaching at the Academy for Global Citizenship.

B.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, University of Puerto Rico

M.A. in ESL, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico

Erica Hernandez

Spanish Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Ghandi

What in nature inspires you?

Birds inspire me to soar and be free.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Rescued animals.

What is your favorite place in the world?

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico.

Erica is honored to be part of the fascinating community at the Academy for Global Citizenship and is excited to work with students who are dedicated to creating positive change to better our world. Erica plans to attain a Masters of Arts in education leadership with an endorsement in Bilingual Education.

B.A. in Elementary Education, Northeastern Illinois University

Arathi Jayaram

Teaching Assistant

Your motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. -Anne Frank

What in nature inspires you?

Symbiosis! While on the surface everything looks seperate and invidual, everything must work together to survive and evolve, like our society.

What do you love about AGC?

I often think about what the future holds and since AGC, I feel an incredible sense of hope. These students are the world’s future leaders.

I wish that I could get everyone in the world to...

be kinder to themselves, other people, animals, and the earth.

At age 10, Arathi became an advocate for animals, the environment, and humans, and went on to work for several non-profits. She realized she wanted to become a teacher when she taught youth about healthy eating at the non-profit B-Healthy. Her goal as an educator is to teach students in a way that allows them to learn to the best of their ability. Her other interests include art, cooking, reading, Indian culture, and children’s literature, and she even wrote her own children’s book.  Arathi also made an animated children’s stop-motion video, and would like to make more.

B.A. in Fine Arts and Sociology, Baldwin Wallace College Bachelor of Arts

M.A. in Early Childhood Education, DePaul University (in progress)

Ruth Jetton

Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"Do or do not, there is no try." - Yoda

What is your favorite method of transportation?

Running

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Rabbits

I wish that I could get everyone in the world to...

Solve conflicts peacefully.

Ruth is extremely excited to be a part of the Academy for Global Citizenship team!  She was drawn to AGC’s progressive approach to education that fosters collaboration, inquiry, and thinking outside the box.  She is also inspired by AGC’s commitment to promoting a global, environmentally aware mindset within its student body.  Ruth loves how every AGC classroom is a dynamic place that brings out the unique gifts of its students.  She feels that each day is a new opportunity for her to learn along with her students.

B.S. in Sociology, Illinois State University

B.S. in Middle Level Education, Illinois State University

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, American College of Education

Mayra Jimenez

Teaching Assistant

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"The life of the spirit prepares the dynamic power for daily life, and, on its side, daily life encourages thought by means of ordinary work." - Maria Montessori

What in nature inspires you?

Trees, flowers, waterfalls, canyons, mountains, and volcanoes.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, goats, and a rooster named Sinclair.

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Thailand

As a native Southside Chicagoan, Mayra is a product of year-round Chicago Public Schools. Her life-long passion is to continue learning and educating while continuing to help others and the environment.  She is very proud to work in a school that is igniting change in her community.

A.A. in Liberal Arts at Harold Washington College

B.A. in Elementary Education, Northeastern Illinois University (in progress)

Anna Krzyzanowski

Teaching Assistant

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"The future depends on what we do in the present." - Mahatama Ghandi

What is your favorite method of transportation?

My bike! We can go anywhere together!

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

A pot-bellied pig! They are adorable, friendly, and super smart!

What do you love most about AGC?

I love the young students I work with; they are so full of excitement and curiosity. It's contagious!

As a trilingual speaker, Anna believes that learning new languages opens doors to new cultures, new friends, and new resolutions for our global community. She is inspired by AGC’s multi-lingual approach to education and is proud to be part of such a humanistic manner of learning.

B.A. in Psychology, DePaul University

M.A. in Elementary Education, DePaul University (in progress)

Rosalia Lopez

Special Education Teacher

What in nature inspires you?

Trees inspire me because they are well grounded by their roots and stand up tall despite the different weather and seasons.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

I would like to see a cow. I find the milking process very fascinating and I am sure the students would as well!

What do you love about AGC?

AGC cares for the whole well being of the students, staff, communities and the world and sets an example for life in a better world.

What is your favorite place in the world?

The lakefront in Chicago. Running down the lakefront brings me peace and serenity.

Rosalia loves to run and push herself in various physical challenges. She does Crossfit and has finished two marathons. She did Tough Mudder race and even walked up the Sears Tower (Willis Tower) for the SkyRise Chicago race! Rosalia’s goal is to do a race abroad. Her parents are from Mexico and she loves visiting their hometown. She also loves to knit and make scarves for her family, friends, and charities. Recently, Rosalia and her sister knitted hats for orphans in Afghanistan. She is excited to work at AGC!

B.S.in Psychology, Dominican University

M.S. in Special Education, Dominican University

Teresa McQueen-Crawford

Special Education Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

If not now, when?

What is your favorite method of transportation?

My feet

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

New Zealand

What is your favorite place in the world?

Any range of mountains.

Radical. Open-Minded. Empathetic. Teresa has been called of these things and embraces them daily. When looking for a position out of graduate school, she scoured the internet for any school that aligned with her beliefs. Thankfully, that search led her to AGC. She instantly fell in love with the mission, interacting with students in a way that best fits them, and teaching healthy eating and sustainability. She has worked on a number of different animal welfare, humanity, and environmental campaigns. It is now a pleasure to get to work on these goals everyday while teaching and learning with her students.

Jennifer Moore

Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"What we need are more people who specialize in the impossible." -Theodore Roethke

What in nature inspires you?

Brilliant sunshine and ocean waves.

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

South Africa.

What is your favorite method of transportation?

Flying

Jenn’s dedication to understanding others is matched by her desire to learn about other cultures. In other words, Jenn loves to travel, meet new people, and have new experiences. Along the way she has visited schools all over the world, worked with educators and students, shepherded leatherback turtle eggs into new nests, earned her National Board Teaching Certification in Literacy, and researched Macaque monkeys in their natural habitat.  She lived in Cali, Colombia teaching first grade and just loved it. She has worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator.  Jenn is a lifelong learner and enjoys the challenge of teaching.

Ed.D. in Organization Change, Pepperdine University

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, DePaul University

M.Ed. in Urban Education Reform, Lesley College

B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies

Joe Phillips

Wellness Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

‎”The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind & the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” - B.K.S. Iyengar

What is your favorite place in the world?

The top of my yoga mat.

What is your favorite method of transportation?

The most efficient machine ever made: la bicicleta.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?

Fainting goats. (Yes, they are real. And they are awesome.)

Joe has been a student of the School of Life for over 36 years, and he has loved every minute of it; trying times can be the best teachers of all. The mind-body connection is a philosophy that drives Joe’s life as well as his teaching, and he is thrilled to find a home at the Academy for Global Citizenship with like-minded teachers and learners. Joe first contacted the school as part of a research project on yoga in public schools. As soon as he became aware of the incredible innovation taking place at AGC, and he knew he had to be involved.

M.A.T. in Elementary Education, National-Louis University in Chicago;

B.F.A. in Studio Art, University of Oklahoma in Norman

Meredith Polley

Founding Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

Anything Mark Twain ever said! “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education” or “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”

What is your favorite place in the world?

The Reading Room in the British Museum.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

A flamingo

What do you love most about AGC?

I love our kids' amazing ideas and the connections they make. I also love how they are empowered to take charge of their own thinking and learning.

Meredith Polley loves school more than any other place in the world, though she has visited many places, and is passionate about encouraging children to begin their school experience feeling the same way.  She is adamant that literacy is the gateway to educational success and goes out of her way to make instilling a love for reading a cornerstone of her early education classroom. Perhaps most importantly, as an avid traveller, camper, and hiker Meredith cannot wait to show students a greater picture of the world at large – its beauties, its peoples, and its needs.

B.S. in Journalism and History, Northwestern University; M.A. in Elementary Education, Loyola Marymount University

Reading Specialist program at DePaul University

Michael Poggioli

Teacher

What is your favorite local food?

Basil from the AGC garden.

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Japan

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

A pig

What is your favorite method of transportation?

I'm a fan of biking everywhere.

Being home-schooled with his siblings until high school, Michael internalized the value of a personalized, more human-focused education. He fell in love with Chicago when he moved from his hometown in the northern suburbs of New York City to study Architecture. He then transferred to Stony Brook University to study Psychology, where he researched Achievement Emotions and Secure-Base parenting scripts. Michael loves photography, coffee, Owl City, frisbee, and all things related to nature!

B.S. in Psychology and Sociology, Stony Brook University

Saskia Gorospe Rombouts

Dual Language Teacher

What is your favorite local food?

AGC pozole.

What is your favorite method of transportation?

My feet.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

A donkey.

What in nature inspires you?

Trees

Saskia’s passion for working with English Language Learners stems from her bicultural background. Having been born in the Basque Country in Spain to a Flemish mother, she attended a Spanish/German dual language school and was raised trilingual. After living in different countries, and working as an educator for many years, Saskia landed at AGC committed to creating a safe and vibrant learning environment where children can be proud of who they are, and can grow fully bilingual and bi-literate.

B.A. in German Area Studies and Linguistics, University of East Anglia, (Norwich, UK)

M.A. in Elementary Urban Education, Long Island University

ESL/Bilingual Education Diploma, Erikson Institute

Berenice Salas Rangel

Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"To be surprised, to wonder, is to begin to understand." - Jose Ortega y Gasset

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Machu Picchu

What do you love about AGC?

I love the inspiration that floats in the air - resonating from our families, students, and staff.

What is your favorite place in the world?

Anywhere with family- they are my inspiration.

Berenice Salas is very enthusiastic to be teaching in the Academy for Global Citizenship’s community. Her career goal has always been to teach on Chicago’s southwest side in her own comunidad. In 2004, she backpacked through Southern Mexico and Guatemala to explore the Mayan Ruins and lear about the Zapatista’s indigenous movement. There, she gained knowledge of their multilingual schools, sustainable agriculture, accessible water, and, over all, the power of collective impact.

B.A. in Elementary Education, University of Illinois at Chicago

Irma Salazar

Spanish Teacher

Where is your favorite place in the world?

Mexican archeological sites

What in nature inspires you?

Oceans.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Rooster

What is your favorite method of transportation?

My feet

As a product of Bilingual education in Chicago Public Schools, Irma has devoted her educational career to researching multicultural education.  She strongly believes that every child deserves an opportunity for a fair and equal education and that it is the responsibility of every educator to embrace their students’ diversity while helping them develop a positive self-concept.

B.A. in Bilingual/Bicultural & Elementary Education, Northeastern Illinois University

Kyla Saphir

Teacher

What is your favorite place in the world?

Dune Acres, Indiana

What in nature inspires you?

Urban gardens, like my backyard beds.

What is your favorite local food?

Summer peaches

What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?

Bees.

Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Kyla has been lucky enough to travel as far away as Africa, South and Central America, and Eastern Europe to teach and explore.  She is passionate about working with young people, which she has been doing for 10 years. Kyla fills her days exploring Chicago by bicycle, playing in her garden, and doing yoga – all AGC mission-alligned activities!

B.A. in Anthropology, Scripps College

Montessori Certification

M.A. in Early Childhood Education, Erikson Institute

Jenni Schneiderman

Expanded Learning & Community Engagement Coordinator

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Nelson Mandela

What is your favorite method of transportation?

Dancing.

I wish that I could get everyone in the world to...

Stand on their heads.

What do you love most about AGC?

I love the abundant creativity, spirit of collaboration, and action-oriented culture.

Jenni found AGC two Earth Days ago, when she hopped a Greyhound fresh off a plane from South America.She feels nourished and inspired each day by a community of pioneering educators and determined leaders.Jenni is passionate about participatory community development, intercultural communication, and environmental sustainability. She feels honored to be able to practice these values in remarkable company at AGC. Outside of school, Jenni enjoys practicing yoga, dancing, crafting, traveling, reading, and traveling.

B.A. in Psychology  &  Spanish Area Studies, Kenyon College

Melissa Tobias

Wellness Teacher

What is your favorite place in the world?

Bio Bay in Puerto Rico from a kayak.

What in nature inspires you?

All the bright colors!

What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?

Honeybees.

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss

Growing up rock climbing with her dad, searching for bugs, and exploring in the backyard, Melissa’s connection with the outdoors grew naturally.  Melissa is excited to share her enthusiasm and natural sense of wonder with the students at AGC.  Melissa enjoys spending her days outside with her students, exploring the nature in their neighborhood, and promoting wellness for the entire AGC community.

B.A. Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Helma Wardenaar

Founding Special Education Teacher

What is your favorite local food?

I love fresh mint from the AGC garden; a cup of fresh mint tea makes me smile!

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Galapagos Islands

What do you love about AGC?

I love that we are a cohesive community that inspires children and adults to make a positive change in the world.

What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?

I would love to have a horse on the farm because horses can teach us a lot about relationships and care taking.

Before moving to the United States, Helma taught multiple grades with great enthusiasm in the Netherlands. She speaks fluent English and Dutch, conversational German and French, and the Spanish classes she has been taking are starting to show results! Helma is proud to be one of the founding teachers at the AGC, and is currently teaching students enrolled in our Special Education Program. She loves facilitating all children in developing their minds to reach their highest personal goals, and strives to collaborate with parents, teachers, and clinicians to provide the least restrictive learning environment.

M.S. in Special Education from DePaul University;Endorsements in Math, Social studies, Music/Drama

B.S. in Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Endorsements in Social studies, Math, Fine Arts, and PE IPABO University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands)

Valery Balderas

Teacher

Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by

“When you know better you do better.” ― Maya Angelou

Where in the world would you like to visit next?

Italy

What do you love about AGC?

Not many schools give students the power or freedom to act on their wildest inquiries. We not only teach students to think of a creative idea, we encourage them to invent it, plan it, do it!

What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?

Cows and goats. Would horses be too much?

Valery values AGC’s commitment to serve the whole child and hopes to empower her students to take pride in their diverse cultures, beliefs, and even languages. Raised on Chicago’s south side, Valery is fluent in English and Spanish and is excited to share her language, culture, and life experiences with her students.

In her free time, Valery enjoys reading, knitting, traveling, cooking, baking, and gardening in the new raised garden located in her backyard.

B.S. in Elementary Education, Loyola University Chicago