Meet the team that is changing the world.
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Sarah Elizabeth Ippel
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Elizabeth Ippel
Founder & Executive Director
- What is your favorite local food?
- Ramps, Morels and Prairie Fruits Farm chèvre.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Madagascar, Montenegro & Myanmar
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?
- Llamas
- What is your favorite method of transportation?
- Skipping
Throughout her career, Sarah Elizabeth has traveled to over 80 different countries across 6 continents, extensively examining educational philosophies and world languages, as well as creating international alliances that have contributed to the design and culture of the Academy for Global Citizenship. When she was 23 years old, Sarah Elizabeth Ippel rode her bicycle to the Board of Education with a simple request: to reimagine what is possible in public education today. Three years later, in 2008, the Academy for Global Citizenship opened in a former dental tool factory on the city’s underserved Southwest side.
B.A., Trinity College
M. Phil., University of Cambridge
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Anne Gillespie
Founding Principal
Anne Gillespie
Founding Principal
- Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- Leave it better than you found it.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Wherever my imagination takes me.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?
- Two Nigerian Dwarf Goats named Thelonius and Mr. Freckles.
- What do you love most about AGC?
- So many things! Ultimately, I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by our AGC students, parents, staff, and teachers who are all working, everyday, to make a difference in the world.
While spending countless hours catching fireflies and building forts in the woods and fields surrounding her childhood home in Wisconsin, Anne discovered the world is an infinitely beautiful and wondrous place. These experiences fostered an insatiable curiosity to learn more about our planet and the people on it. Her explorations widened from rural Wisconsin to the geysers of Yellowstone Park and from Marrakesh’s medina to the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Despite her wanderlusting ways, she can’t think of a better place to spend her days than at AGC.
B.A. in African American Studies and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, National-Louis University
Ed.D in Urban Education Leadership, University of Illinois at Chicago
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Dan Schnitzer
Director of Sustainability & Operations
Dan Schnitzer
Director of Sustainability & Operations
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- A tent in a forest.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?
- Cows. Lots of beautiful cows.
- I can’t imagine my life without...
- Wonder.
- What is your favorite method of transportation?
- Running
Dan grew up in Washington, DC and has always been enamored with nature. He believes that nature is the ultimate laboratory of innovation – a place that is constantly changing, adapting, yet whose foundational rules stay the same – a model for the human experience.
Before coming to AGC, Dan was the director of Camp Young Judaea Midwest, an overnight summer camp in central Wisconsin. There he learned first hand how kids are their most authentic selves when experiencing nature in its most natural form.
B.S. in International Business, Washington University in St. Louis
M.A. in Environmental Management and Sustainability, Illinois Institute of Technology
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Benazir Ali
Teaching Assistant and Paraprofessional
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
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Heriberto Arriola
Organic Chef
Heriberto Arriola
Organic Chef
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- My birthplace, Guanajuato, Mexico. It looks like Spain and is so beautiful.
- What is your favorite local food?
- Thyme from the AGC garden.
- I can’t imagine my life without...
- My sons Isaac, who is in 2nd grade at AGC, and Diego, who will be joining us next year.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- I'd like to see an elephant, but i'll settle for sheep.
After graduating high school in Guanajuato Mexico, Heriberto moved to Chicago and started cooking. While looking for a good school for their son, Isaac, Heriberto’s wife read about AGC online and fell in love. When they weren’t selected in the lottery, she cried a lot. The next year, a spot opened up and Isaac transferred to AGC; his parents got involved in everything at the school! They love that the school is green, the food is organic and the teachers use different methods. Heriberto would like to grow with AGC as his sons grow and is grateful for the chance to join them at school every day.
Professional Culinary Certificate, St. Augustine College
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Evelyn (Tita) Bazaldua
Volunteer
Evelyn (Tita) Bazaldua
Volunteer
- Your motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- Where there's a will, there's a way.
- What in nature inspires you?
- The sun rising.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Africa
- I can't imagine my life without...
- Children; their ideas are so real and new.
Evelyn is a mother of two, grandmother of four, wife of 30 years, sister to six siblings, and a Tita to so many. At the young age of eight, she learned to crochet, and to this day, she enjoys sharing what her grandmother taught her with her loved ones. Evelyn has lived in many places throughout her life, including: Charleston, SC, Long Beach, CA, Mexico, and Memphis, TN; in each place she left a little piece of herself. She is proud to say her own mother always gave a helping hand to others and that she passed this down to Evelyn, too.
Farragut High School
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Richard Bojanowski
Board Member and Development Committee Member
Richard Bojanowski
Board Member and Development Committee Member
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- Denali National Park
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Patagonia
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Alpaca
- What in nature inspires you?
- The ability of nature to regenerate and maintain its purity, beauty and majesty despite what has been inflicted upon it by humanity.
Richard is an executive with over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry and has extensive back-office, operational and management experience. Richard was a co-founder of OptionsHouse, an online, retail brokerage firm. He also co-founded Cerrio, a real-time Platform as a Service technology company. Richard currently serves as Director of Twenty Mountain LLC, a Chicago based investment firm.
B.A. in Economics, University of Chicago
M.B.A. in Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship, Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management
Director, Twenty Mountain LLC.
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Kathy Burke
Lunchoom Staff
Kathy Burke
Lunchoom Staff
- Your motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- As long as you do good, there will always be good in this world.
- What in nature inspires you?
- Everything. I don't think that the human mind can come close to comprehending the greatness and wonder of natures beauty.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?
- A pony and a turtle.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Japan or South America
Kathy was born and raised on the Southwest side of Chicago by a single mother and her maternal Grandmother. Having attended CPS schools my entire education, she has seen the system challenged to effectively educate and support all of its children.
Kathy also worked in the kitchen at a public high school for ten years before coming to the Academy for Global Citizenship in February of 2010. She is excited about AGC’s healthy and delicious food program!
A.A.S. in Criminal Justice, Richard J. Daley College
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Melisa Carter
Teaching Assistant
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
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Sara Chamboullides
Teaching Assistant and Paraprofessional
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
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Yeida Chavez
Teaching Assistant
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
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Vicky Cheng
Board Member, Finance and Facilities Committee Chair
Vicky Cheng
Board Member, Finance and Facilities Committee Chair
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- On a trail in the woods - taking a walk in the woods with my family.
- What in nature inspires you?
- Diversity of color, shape, size, texture and habitat.
- What do you love most about AGC?
- The energy to go out and make change and the expectation and belief anything is possible.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- I would like to take my son to Paris, France to see the Eiffel Tower.
Vicky grew up in the west suburbs of Chicago and has a vague recollection of being confused when starting kindergarten because she didn’t speak English (she spoke Mandarin at home). She believes her interest in AGC, cultural awareness, empathy, and diversity stem from her youth. Conservationism and protecting nature is an area of interest for Vicky, who used to clear trash on empty lots during walks in her neighborhood, and another element that draws her to AGC.
B.A. in Accountancy, University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana
IT Risk Consultant at Crowe Horwath
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Steven Collens
Board member and Development Committee Co-Chair
Steven Collens
Board member and Development Committee Co-Chair
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- Other than AGC, Kalalau Beach.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Myanmar
- What do you love most about AGC?
- The children of AGC will grow up believing that curiosity about the world, respect for the environment, yoga, healthy food, renewable energy, conservation, high achievement and a sense of purpose are all perfectly normal.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Sheep
Steven Collens leads strategic initiatives for The Pritzker Group, a private investment firm representing Pritzker family interests. He recently led the team that created 1871, Chicago’s new center for digital startups. Steven previously worked at Abbott in a variety of domestic and international functions, including product management, policy and public affairs. Prior to Abbott, Steven served as an education policy advisor to a U.S. Senator. He is also on the boards of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and the Chicago Artists’ Coalition, and is a member of the executive committee of the Steppenwolf Theatre Auxiliary Council.
B.A., Washington University in St. Louis
M.B.A, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management
Senior Vice President, The Pritzker Group
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Katherine Elmer-DeWitt
Development Associate
Katherine Elmer-DeWitt
Development Associate
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Sheep
- What in nature inspires you?
- The way things look (vivid,) feel (charged,) and smell (like the earth,) before a storm.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- North Africa
- Your motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- "I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my daily mood that makes the weather… life miserable or joyous.” - Goethe
Katherine loves relativity and the power of environment. With her own environment, she played Goldilocks: New York was too big, the Twin Cities were too small, but Chicago is just right. The eco-system at AGC is beautifully evolved to encourage every element to thrive. Staff, students, and schoolyard chickens alike blossom in an empowered, intentional and caring environment. In previous roles, Katherine saw students of all ages struggling as the result of unsupportive environments. She is relieved that her colleagues at AGC gathered to explore the educational ecosystem.
B.A. in Psychology, Macalester College
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Jessica Forman
Teacher
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
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Claudia Franco
Teaching Assistant
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
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Liz Fyffe
Dual Language Teacher
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)
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Sandy Garza
Office Clerk
Sandy Garza
Office Clerk
- Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- "All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Europe
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?
- Rabbits
- What do you love most about AGC?
- I've been very pleased to discover during my time working with the school that AGC practices what they preach.
Sandy was born and raised in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Although much of her work experience comes from a business background, her interest in the education world arose from her mother’s home day care. She was also raised in a home that practiced recycling and sustainability methods and therefore loves working with a school that embodies these values as well as making healthy eating choices. Sandy is excited to be a part of the AGC Family.
B.A. in Marketing, DePaul University
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Aggie Gehl
Teacher
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
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Karem Gomez
Spanish Teacher
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
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David Hernandez
Security Guard
David Hernandez
Security Guard
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
- What is your favorite method of transportation?
- Biking
- What do you love about AGC?
- The unity and determination in improving the world and looking for alternative resources.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Barcelona
In addition to serving as one of AGC’s trusted security guards, David provides security for the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Fire. He is certified to work with dogs, and trains them as well. He likes working with cars, loves to cook and is a proud father, too.
Benito Juarez Community Academy, High School
Culinary Management, Illinois Institute of Art
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Erica Hernandez
Spanish Teacher
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
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Mert Hilmi Iseri
Vice Chair of the Board and Development Committee Co-Chair
Mert Hilmi Iseri
Vice Chair of the Board and Development Committee Co-Chair
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- Where I am.
- What in nature inspires you?
- Billions of years old research and development.
- What do you love most about AGC?
- Seeing children excited about nature and sustainability.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Goats!
Mert Hilmi Iseri is the young turk of design. His journey started off in Istanbul and changed courses completely once he arrived at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering. After graduating with his own degree “Entrepreneurial Design” in the spring of 2011, he is excited to embrace design and entrepreneurship to galvanize a generation into positive change. Currently, he is the CEO and Co-founder of SwipeSense – a company that aims to prevent the 100,000 deaths that occur every year in the US due to Hospital-Acquired Infections.
B.S. Entrepreneurial Design, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University
Co-Founder & CEO, SwipeSense, Inc.
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Arathi Jayaram
Teaching Assistant
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)
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Ruth Jetton
Teacher
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
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Mayra Jimenez
Teaching Assistant
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)
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Mateen Khadir
Founding Board Member
Mateen Khadir
Founding Board Member
- What in nature inspires you?
- The sky
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Africa
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- A llama
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- The Caribbean
Mateen is an accomplished executive with over 15 years of experience in early-stage product management, product delivery, and corporate strategy. He was fortunate to have lived, studied or worked abroad in Germany, Hong Kong, India, United States, and Venezuela. He experienced different school systems (including an International Baccalaureate education) and diverse cultures while in those countries. Mateen values the teaching practices that helped him succeed at the various schools he attended and is excited about applying his experiences for the success of the Academy for Global Citizenship.
Executive MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
M.S. in Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
Software Executive
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Melek Kot
Teacher
Melek Kot
Teacher
- Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- Smile. People might wonder what you're thinking.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Madagascar
- What do you love about AGC?
- Celebrating children as individuals who enhance the community and empowering students with the belief that they can make the world a better place!
- What is your favorite method of transportation?
- Walking
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Anna Krzyzanowski
Teaching Assistant
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)
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Rosalia Lopez
Special Education Teacher
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
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Maribel Mares
Office Manager
Maribel Mares
Office Manager
- What in nature inspires you?
- Color.
- What is your favorite local food?
- My favorite local food is from AGC's garden - fresh chicken eggs, veggies, and herbs!
- What do you love about AGC?
- In the summer, you can find adults and children under the solar trellis having lunch and intriguing and fun conversation. I love that creative ideas spark everyday and they are realized with passion.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Cows and ducks
A writer, artist, and entrepreneur from the Southwest side, Maribel was drawn to ACG’s green principles rooted in her neighborhood. She acknowledged the need for such education in an urban environment and saw a renaissance dedicated to serving the community as a whole. Maribel leads, supports and organizes unique families and students interested in a unique education. They are learning as a family and embracing a lifestyle in order to impact not only their community, but the world.
At AGC, Maribel created La Pluma Writers Workshop, dedicated to nurturing students who want to develop writing that goes beyond the classroom.
B.A. Northern Illinois University
M.F. A. in Writing, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Teresa McQueen-Crawford
Special Education Teacher
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.
B.A. in American Studies, University of IowaM.Ed in Special Education, University of Illinois at Chicago -
Jennifer Moore
Teacher
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
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John Nix
Chairman of the Board, Finance and Facilities Committee Member
John Nix
Chairman of the Board, Finance and Facilities Committee Member
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- Mount Kenya
- What in nature inspires you?
- The incredible beauty and diversity of the natural world, both locally in Chicago and across the globe.
- What do you love most about AGC?
- AGC is an example of an outstanding education that can be provided within a public school system. The daily hard work from the students, teachers, and staff is inspiring.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Alpacas
John Nix is Founder and CEO of Vobal Technologies, LLC, and has been an entrepreneur in the telecommunications/Internet field for the past 15 years. John is an inventor on 10 U.S. patents and 15 patent applications. He founded Go2Call, which was ranked the 22nd fastest growing technology company in North America over a five year period. John grew the company from inception to $20 million a year in revenue. He also received the “Best Bosses” award from Fortune Small Business Magazine. John has served on the board of AGC for the past five years.
B.S. in Physics, Davidson College
MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University; Master’s in Engineering Management, Northwestern University
Founder and CEO, Vobal Technologies, LLC.
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Julia O’Grady
Lunchroom Manager
Julia O’Grady
Lunchroom Manager
- Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.
- What in nature inspires you?
- To see the sun rising first thing in the morning.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Africa
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Llamas
Julia was born in Ciudad Guzman, Jalisco and came to the US when she was 15 years old. She is now married with four children. Julia started working for CPS in 2004 and later found herself as the founding Kitchen Manager of a little school called AGC.
Ricard J. Daley College
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Joe Phillips
Wellness Teacher
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
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Meredith Polley
Founding Teacher
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
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Michael Poggioli
Teacher
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
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Saskia Gorospe Rombouts
Dual Language Teacher
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
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Nico Rosales
Lunchroom Staff
Nico Rosales
Lunchroom Staff
- What in nature inspires you?
- The forest.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Rome
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC Farm?
- Peacocks
- I wish that I could get everyone in the world to...
- live in peace.
Nico was born in Mexico and has two brothers. She has lived in chicago for the past 30 years and has four children who are her pride and joy. The fact that her mother lives far away in Mexico makes her appreciate having her family close and makes her a better mother. Working at the Academy for Global Citizenship allows her to make an impact on these children’s education. Nico wishes there were more schools like AGC.
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Berenice Salas Rangel
Teacher
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
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Irma Salazar
Spanish Teacher
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
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Kyla Saphir
Teacher
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
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Jenni Schneiderman
Expanded Learning & Community Engagement Coordinator
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
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Melissa Tobias
Wellness Teacher
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
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Helma Wardenaar
Founding Special Education Teacher
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)
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Valery Balderas
Teacher
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
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August Williams
Lunchroom Staff
August Williams
Lunchroom Staff
- What in nature inspires you?
- The wind.
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Europe
- What do you love about AGC?
- The people.
- I can't imagine my life without...
- My son.
Born and raised in the North side of Chicago, August attended Holy Trinity High School before going on to play Division Three basketball at Blackburn University.
Blackburn University
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Jodie Winnett
Board Member, Treasurer, Finance and Facilities Committee Chair
Jodie Winnett
Board Member, Treasurer, Finance and Facilities Committee Chair
- What is your favorite place in the world?
- British Columbia
- Where in the world would you like to visit next?
- Morocco
- What do you love most about AGC?
- Creating citizens of the world.
- What animal would you like to see on the AGC farm?
- Goats
Jodie has spent most of her professional career in government at the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. She spent the last 8 years as the Associate Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue – which landed her on AGC’s Finance & Facilities Committee – but recently has launched her own public sector consulting firm. It has been thrilling and challenging. Jodie was introduced to AGC through graduate school classmates who were involved in Chicago’s charter school movement. She grew up in Maryland and moved to Chicago in 1992 for graduate school.
B.A. in Political Science, James Madison University in Virginia; M.A. in Public Policy, the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago
Public Sector Consulting
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Danny Wright
Maintenance Manager
Danny Wright
Maintenance Manager
- Your Motto, Mantra or Quote to live by
- Be true to thyself.
- What in nature inspires you?
- An eagle in flight.
- What do you love about AGC?
- The look on our students' faces in the morning.
- I wish that I could get everyone in the world to...
- Live in peace.
Danny Wright is responsible for keeping our school and grounds environmentally safe and clean for our students, chickens and planet. He enjoys his position at the Academy for Global Citizenship and watching our students with their endless energy and global awareness. Mr. Danny also teaches one of the most popular after-school programs called “Cool Tools”.
Harrison High School
Moraine Valley Jr. College