Experienced and enthusiastic instructors encourage and support student success. CICS Wrightwood has a talented and dedicated faculty that believes in the hope and promise of educating young people.

It is well known and documented that excellent teachers make a significant difference in the achievement and well being of students. The faculty and staff at CICS Wrightwood engage in yearlong professional development programs to improve their teaching methods and strategies.

Below you will find a complete list of our current faculty and staff. To email a staff member, simply click on their name.

Mr. David Lewis
Director
email

David A. Lewis has served as the Director of CICS Wrightwood campus since 2008. Lewis has had experience as a teacher, school leader, administrator at the K-12 and college level. Mr. Lewis is committed to urban education, student achievement and a safe and productive school community.

Born and raised in Chicago, Lewis taught eighth grade science and math at Woodson North Elementary School on the south side of Chicago. Later, he worked for the Baltimore County Public School System as a teacher and school administrator. While in Maryland, Lewis was the Associate Director of the University of Maryland's Urban Teacher Education Graduate Program. The program prepared both recent college graduates and career changers for certification in Baltimore schools. Mr. Lewis developed and taught graduate courses and supervised professional development sessions for school principals, teachers, and teacher interns, and served as liaison among the University and partnerships schools and districts.

Upon his return to Chicago, Lewis was the Director of Supporting Teachers Supporting Teaching a Teacher Quality enhancement Grant at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The grant was designed to support pre-service and beginning teachers as they improve their content area knowledge and cultural competence as well as pedagogical skills. Most recently, Mr. Lewis was an administrator with Perspectives Charter Schools' South Loop, Rodney Joslin Campus.

In both Maryland and Chicago Mr. Lewis has developed and worked with academic enrichment and mentoring programs to ensure that students have access and exposure which help to close the achievement gap.

Mr. Lewis' work history and work ethic will ensure that the students, teachers, staff and families of Wrightwood have a quality educational experience.

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Holly Applegate
Third Grade Teacher
B.S. Indiana University
Years Teaching: 3

Holly Applegate believes that all students should be granted equal opportunity to receive the best education possible to help pave their road to success. In her spare time she enjoys reading, discovering new restaurants and walking along the lake.

Melinda Jean-Baptiste
Intermediate Team Lead
B.A. University of Illinois – Chicago
M.A. National Louis University
Years Teaching: 8
Years as Team Lead: 2

Melinda Jean-Baptiste has been an educator for eight years and she believes in the holistic approach to educating children. She began her career with the Chicago Public Schools teaching high school English and after five years, decided to make a change and teach at the elementary level. She has taught eighth grade Reading and Social Studies. Confirming her belief that educators should be lifelong learners, she is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in School Leadership with Type 75 Certification at Concordia University. Her interests outside of teaching include reading, singing, spending time with family and traveling.


Tonya Booker
Second Grade Teacher
B.A. Roosevelt University
Years Teaching: 18

Tonya Booker specializes in early childhood education and believes that every child can learn and that no child should be allowed to say “I can’t.” Teaching seemed a natural fit for Tonya as she has always worked with children in some way or another. In her early years she took jobs as a babysitter and tutor. In her free time, she enjoys horror and action films and shopping. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her new granddaughters.
 

Cha’Ron A. Bradley
Music Teacher
B.A. Western Michigan University
Years Teaching: 8

Cha’Ron Bradley’s teaching philosophy mirrors that of John Dewey in that learning must be pliable and interesting for children. He believes that we must teach to children’s strengths and raise their understanding through application and assessment. His love for teaching children while utilizing their many talents is what makes learning exciting in his classroom. In his free time, Mr. Bradley enjoys singing, reading and traveling.
 

Lisa Burnham
Librarian
B.A. Columbia College Chicago
Years Teaching: 4

Lisa Burnham believes that every student is great at something and that it is her job to find out what that is. She is currently completing her M.A. in Teacher Leadership at Roosevelt University. Her family is extremely important to her and her hobbies include bowling, cooking and reading.
 

Valencia Bush
Seventh Grade Teacher
B.A. Saint Xavier University
Years Teaching: 3

Valencia Bush believes that all students encompass the ability to exceed expectations and with the right preparation and commitment, they will attain their goals beyond the uppermost conceptions. In her free time she enjoys debate, roller-skating, reading, playing Nintendo Wii and watching movies.
 

Erin Cefela
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.A. International Academy of Design and Technology
M.A.ed. DePaul University
Years Teaching: 2

Erin Cefela believes that each child is unique and needs a safe and secure learning environment, supporting their growth intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially. He/She believes that the teacher is in the classroom to act as a guide and allow for students’ natural curiosity to control learning, as well as provide encouragement and respect for all things and all people.
 

Sara Comer
Seventh and Eighth Grade Teacher
B.A. University of Iowa
M.Ed. National-Louis University
Years Teaching: 6

Sara Comer believes the function of education is to give students the freedom of choice in their futures. The better-educated students are, the more options they will have available to them – whether it be high school, college, or career. Her hobbies include reading and running, and she will run her third marathon in the fall. She also enjoys playing at the park with her dog Lucy, and watching Iowa Hawkeye football.
 

Carrie Crumbaugh
Art Teacher
B.A. Miami University – Ohio
M.A. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Years Teaching: 6

Carrie Crumbaugh believes that art can be used to create an understanding of the world, an acceptance of different cultures, an appreciation for art history and can cross curriculum boundaries – developing well-rounded student achievement.  Her interests outside of teaching include ceramics, painting, biking and travel.
 

Dijonna Durham
Second Grade Teacher
B.S. Chicago State University
M.A. American College of Education
Years Teaching: 4

Dijonna Durham believes that all students can and will reach their full potential with hard work and perseverance. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with her daughters and traveling.
 

Ramone Flowers
One-to-one Aid
B.A. Chicago State University

Ramone Flowers earned his B.A. in History/Secondary Education from Chicago State University.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, writing, and volunteering in his community with social service organizations.
 

Steve Fristoe
Teaching Assistant (Special Education)
A.A. Lincoln College

Steve Fristoe believes that the best way to keep students out of prison is through education. His interests include church, weight lifting, and martial arts. Mr. Fistroe has been enrolled in martial arts since the age of 3 and holds a 2nd degree black belt.
 

Robyn Funke
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A. Northeastern Illinois University
Years Teaching: 1

Robyn Funke is a Kindergarten Teacher at CICS Wrightwood Campus.
 

Teresa Furr
Second Grade Teacher
B.A. North Park University
Years Teaching: 10

Teresa Furr believes that every student has the right to the best education possible and the right to achieve to their full potential. Her hobbies include reading, family and friends.
 

Elaine A. Glasper
Special Education Teacher
B.S. Chicago State University
Years Teaching: 28

Elaine A. Glasper is a special education teacher at CICS Wrightwood. She believes that we must teach from the heart in order to reach student’s minds. Her interests include biblical history and cooking.
 

Daniel R. Goodwin
Seventh and Eight Grade Teacher (Literature/Social Studies)
B.A. Loyola University Chicago
M.A. University of Phoenix
Years Teaching: 10

Daniel R. Goodwin believes that all students, regardless of race or socio-economic background, are entitled to a first class education. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with the wife and son, traveling, reading, writing and painting.

Shirley Henry
English Teacher
B.A. University of Illinois – Chicago
M.A. Aurora University
Years Teaching: 5

Shirley Henry believes that all students can learn and should be challenged to become lifelong learners. In her spare time, she enjoys Yoga.
 

Kenshasda Hines
Eighth Grade Teacher
B.A. Northern Illinois University
M.A. Roosevelt University
Years Teaching: 1

Kenshasda Hines believes that education is a vital asset as it is at the center of everything we do. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and watching reality television.
 

Amy Jacobs
B.S. University of Michigan
Years Teaching: 4

Amy Jacobs has earned her early childhood education endorsement, and is currently working on two master’s degrees – one in educational leadership and the other in curriculum studies at DePaul University.  She believes in providing students with the opportunities they need to be successful in life and that students should be given a chance to not only grow academically, but also to be able to develop socially in the classroom. She wants students to leave her classroom and become life-long learners and leaders in their communities.
 

Rocherr Landrum
Teaching Assistant
B.S. National-Louis University
Years Teaching:2

Rocherr Landrum is a graduate of National-Louis University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences. She worked for Aero Special Education Corporation for three years prior to joining CICS Wrightwood. She plans to pursue her Master’s degree in Special Education in the winter of 2010. Her spare time is divided between her family and the Order of Eastern Star Organization where she is an officer and assists with community service projects.
 

Jamie Mahan-Linder
Eighth Grade Teacher (Mathematics)
B.A. Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame
M.Ed. Loyola University
Years Teaching: 8

Jamie Mahan-Linder believes that education is the key to success for all students and that each student deserves the opportunity to be educated by teachers who will prepare them to be productive members of society. Her interests include traveling, and dining out.
 

William S. Lee
Sixth Grade Teacher
B.A. Roosevelt University
Years Teaching: 1

William Lee believes that we are all constant learning and we are to share our wealth of knowledge so that our children can reach their full potential. Mr. Lee believes that children should be able to work in a positive learning environment that fosters excellence in education through hard work. In his free time, he is an avid reader.
 

Donna Loftus
After School Programs Manager
B.S. North Central College
MBA Saint Xavier University
Years Teaching: 20

Before joining CICS Wrightwood, Donna Loftus owned and operated a Sylvan Learning Center for 14 years. She’s been managing after-school programs at Wrightwood for 3 years and she believes all children can learn when educators build students’ confidence and self esteem. She enjoys reading, traveling and cooking.
 

Linda R. McClay, LPN
School Nurse
Dawson Technical Institute
Malcolm X College
Years In Nursing: 9.5

Linda R. McClay believes that caring for others takes a huge heart and a lot of understanding and that we are all given the opportunity to touch a life, or have a life touch ours. She is excited for her many opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys gospel singing, scrapbooking, and spending time with her husband and children.
 

Laura McMahon
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.S. Illinois State University
Years Teaching: 2

Laura McMahon believes in teaching all students at a level where they are supported and challenged. Her hobbies include reading, taking walks in her neighborhood, and spending time with family and friends.
 

Kevin McKenna
First Grade Teacher
B.S. Illinois State University
M.A.T. Chicago State University
Years Teaching: 2

Kevin McKenna entered the teaching profession in 2007 after working in Materials Planning and Forecasting with GM Electromotive. A native Chicagoan, Mr. McKenna enjoys playing golf, reading, movies and sporting events.
 

Myah Moody
Teaching Assistant (Special Education)
Trinity College
Years Teaching: 6

Myah Moody is a special education teaching assistant pursuing a degree B.A. in Education from Trinity College. She has a strong desire to help inspire, encourage, and positively motivate our the nation’s youth. Her hobbies include cooking, eating Asian cuisine and traveling. She is a graduate of Kadma High School in Okinawa, Japan and is enjoying the opportunity to embrace new cultures.
 

Bertha Jasso-Nunez
Primary Team Lead
B.A. Early Childhood Education
Years Teaching: 7
Years as Team Lead: 4

Bertha Jasso-Nunez believes that she can make a difference in the world, one child at a time. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, whom she says are the most important part of her life. She also enjoys hosting parties and cooking Mexican food.
 

Megan O’Brien
First Grade Teacher
B.A. Elementary Education
M.A. Roosevelt University
Years Teaching: 7


Megan O’Brien believes that children deserve an equal opportunity at a successful education, regardless of their socio-economic background. She earned her M.A. in Teacher Leadership from Roosevelt University.


Andrew Petigo
Physical Education and Health Teacher
B.A. Elmhurst College
Years Teaching: 2

Andrew Petigo believes that all students should be given the tools they need to be strong and powerful citizens as they grow to become influential leaders. His interests include football, baseball, softball and volleyball. He also recently went skydiving and plans to do it again soon!
 

Christine Poczik
First Grade Teacher
B.S. Western Michigan University
Years Teaching: 6

Christine Poczik believes that students should have a classroom that they feel is their own. A classroom where they are proud of the work displayed and one that is organized and inviting.  She believes students should be taught using multiple intelligences such as using art projects, music, dance and other creative methods.  Her interests outside of teaching include baking, golfing, and walking her adorable dog Oliver around the amazing city of Chicago.
 

Melinda Ray
Dean of Students
Years Teaching: 13

Melinda Ray has been working with children for thirteen years and began her career in early childhood development as a teaching assistant. After earning her CDA credentials, Melinda went on to work with elementary and high schools. She loves working with children, helping make a difference in their lives. In her spare time she enjoys reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
 

Ora Robison
Teaching Assistant
Olive-Harvey College
Years Teaching: 7

Ora Robison believes that all children are capable of learning if teachers are willing to “meet them where they are.” She is currently attending Olive-Harvey College, and next year, will work to earn her Bachelor’s degree from National-Louis University. Her greatest joy is seeing her students succeed. Her hobbies include mentoring teen girls, worshipping her Lord, and spending time with friends and family.
 

Scott Ruckoldt
Seventh Grade Teacher
B.A. National-Louis University
Years Teaching: 4

Scottt Ruckoldt believes that each student has an amazing capacity to learn and discover new things about the world we live in. He believes that all children have the right to a quality education in a safe learning environment. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, going to church, playing and watching baseball and the great outdoors.
 

Amber Sylvester
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.S. DePaul University
Years Teaching: 2

Amber Sylvester’s goal is to create a learning environment where students feel safe, respected and appreciated. She graduated from DePaul University in 2007 where she earned her endorsements in Mathematics and Social Studies. On long breaks from teaching, she loves “small budget” travel, and on weekends she enjoys reading and listening to music. In addition, she is a passionate fan of the Chicago White Sox and welcomes members of the team as guest speakers in her classroom.  

LaTonya Tate
Teaching Assistant
Daley College
Years Teaching: 6

LaTonya Tate is a CPS Work Keys certified teaching assistant that believes that all children can learn if they are placed in an environment that is conducive for learning. She believes that when given a change, all children can become successful citizens. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing poems and spending time with her children and family.
 

Khaneica Watson
First Grade Teacher
B.A. Columbia College
Years Teaching: 4

Khanecia Watson believes that all students have the right to learn in an environment that is safe, encouraging and challenging. Her hobbies include make-up artistry, shopping and watching movies.
 

Patsy Walker
Teaching Assistant
B.A. Chicago State University  
M.S. Chicago State University
Years working in schools: 10

Patsy Walker believes that all students should be allowed a rewarding education and that all children can learn when given the necessary tools. Her interests include singing professionally and reading.
 

Nachole Williams
Teaching Assistant
B.A. DePaul University
Years Teaching: 1

Nachole Williams is a first year teaching assistant at CICS Wrightwood campus.
 

Sally Yerkes
Teaching Assistant (Special Education)
B.A. Illinois State University
Years Teaching: 2

Sally Yerkes believes that success can be reached with hard work, determination and by not being afraid of failure. With her free time she enjoys being a personal shopper and interior decoration. She also plays volleyball and loves art.
 

Nikeya N. Young
Special Education Teacher
B.A. DePaul University
M.A. Northeastern Illinois University
Years Teaching: 3

Nikeya Young worked in the social services field for two years before applying to the Chicago First Class Alternative Teacher Certification Program through the Chicago Public Schools, where she was selected for the special education cohort. She earned her LBS1 Endorsement from Northeastern Illinois University in 2007. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, singing and songwriting, and judging and participating in pageants. She is the reigning 2009 Mrs. Illinois Plus America and finishing 3rd in her division in the 2009 Miss Plus America pageant.
 

Anthony Kilgore
Teaching Assistant
Degree in Progress
Years Teaching: 8

Anthony Kilgore believes that every child can learn and teachers should be armed with the artillery to help students achieve their goals. In his free time he enjoys the study of ancient civilizations as well as chess and learning Spanish.
 

Marla Weinstein
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.A.
M.Ed. DePaul University
Years Teaching: 11

Marla Weinstein has been teaching since 1998, and began her teaching career in Chicago. Realizing her dream to be a writer, she moved to California to teach and write for six years. Mrs. Weinstein enjoys traveling and writing on the beach. She is appreciative of living near her family and childhood friends.
 

Maranda Teague
Teaching Assistant
A.A. Olive Harvey College
Years Teaching: 4

Maranda Teague believes that each student should be given the opportunity to grow in a positive environment. In her free time she enjoys cooking, theater, bowling, skating and dancing.