Leadership & Faculty

Thomas Cangiano is the Head of School at GEMS World Academy Chicago. He brings to the role more than 25 years of experience as an accomplished educator, strategic thinker, scholar and dynamic leader. He comes to GEMS from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which he served as President. During his 8-year tenure at Shady Side, Mr. Cangiano spearheaded numerous initiatives, including realizing the school's new Strategic Vision (2012); re-casting its mission and philosophy (2013); reinstating its boarding program (2015); and the successful merger of Shady Side with Fox Chapel Country Day School (2017). 

Peg Keiner is the technology and innovation director for GEMS World Academy Chicago; she works closely with students, parents, and staff to ensure the fluid implementation of technology throughout the school. Peg has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in instructional technology and design from Northern Illinois University.

Prior to GEMS, she was an instructional technology coach who researched, managed and implemented technology curriculum at five schools in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She has spent time coaching teachers and parents, and she recently served as an instructor at NIU. She has been presented at the Northwestern STEM Summit and in June of 2015, she was the recipient of the Innovative Educator award from District 123 in Oak Lawn.

Outside of school, Peg is a cyclist in Chicago and enjoys going on bike tours throughout the Midwest. She is an active member of Chicago’s growing edtech and data communities and is a trustee for the Chicago Awesome Foundation.

Peg is excited about the endless possibilities available at GEMS and thrives on the ability to create the future of education.

 

Prior to working with Great Hearts, she worked in private practice as an educational college consultant. Dee-Dee also worked for more than a decade as a high school English teacher.  She has a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in education & curriculum.

 

She is thrilled to be back home in the city she loves with her husband and 10-year-old son. 

Maryann Clark is an admissions coordinator at GEMS World Academy Chicago. In that role, she gives tours of the school to prospective families and helps applicants through the enrollment process. Maryann started at GEMS in 2014 as a front-desk receptionist and part-time nurse. She has degrees in nursing and business, and prior to working at GEMS, she administered several medical practices in Chicago. Interacting with GEMS students and their families remains her favorite part of working at the school. 
 

 

 

Kaycee joined GEMS during the 2018-2019 school year. She was ecstatic to utilize her endorsement in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at an international school. Ms. Davis believes in providing a safe, welcoming classroom where students feel empowered and enjoy growing each day. 

Rachel Feldkamp is a Learning Specialist for the Lower School at GEMS. She received her bachelor’s degree at Lake Forest College and her master’s degree in learning and instruction from the University of San Francisco. Prior to working at GEMS, Rachel was a special education teacher in the San Francisco and Chicago public school systems. She has experience in an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program through CPS. Rachel has taught abroad in Shanghai, which inspired her love for travel, both in the US and internationally.

Michael Ferbrache teaches first grade at GEMS World Academy Chicago. He came to GEMS after teaching for 11 years at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago. While there, Michael taught in the first grade, third grade, and after-school program. Michael holds a bachelor's degree in English from the Ohio State University and a master's degree in education from Northeastern Illinois University.  

 

Before teaching, Michael performed music and comedy in the Chicago area, performing in shows produced by the Second City and iO. He loves bringing the energy and excitement of performing into his classroom, and he is constantly amazed by the creativity and openness of elementary-school students. Michael is excited to bring the idea of "city as classroom" to his students and to use the whole of Chicago as a place to learn and grow.  

Donna Gerczak, a Grade 4 Collaborating Teacher, is passionate about each and every stage of child development. Her professional experience includes teaching special education as a consultant in grades 1 through 6, working as a preschool parent educator and co-teaching in all-inclusive classrooms for the Harlem School District. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education as a learning behavior specialist.  
Donna performs a variety of service work benefiting youth; she has volunteered countless hours with the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Rockford and Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. An enthusiastic Chicago sports fan, Donna also enjoys reading, recreational cooking, traveling, and discovering the many amusingly entertaining and unusual places in the Midwest and beyond!

 

 

Starting out as a bilingual fourth grade teacher in Waukegan public schools while earning her master's degree, Johanna Gomez went on to teach in Chicago Public Schools for two years before joining the GEMS team as an assistant teacher for third and fourth grades. She has a bachelor's degree in finance and marketing and a master's in elementary education, with a minor in Spanish and bilingual and ESL endorsements.

Johanna’s main asset is her native language, Spanish, which has helped her grow in a multicultural Chicago. She finds teaching to be very rewarding and sees it as an opportunity to help people embrace their unique qualities and differences in others. At GEMS, Johanna sees a love for, and exploration of, diversity. She looks to teach her students to respect each other, find opportunities for success, take risks while being safe, and work both cooperatively and independently.

 

Eric Hillebrand teaches Individuals & Societies as part of our Upper School faculty. He has taught high school for 22 years, mostly in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. His career, which has taken him to four overseas locations on three continents, includes nine years at a school in Massachusetts that pioneered the 'IB-for-all' approach. Eric has been a senior examiner for IB History and led teacher development for that course.

Eric earned a bachelor's degree in history at Marquette University, and he earned a master's in international relations at the University of Chicago. Outside of work, Eric has done political and nonprofit work based in Chicago's Latino community. He is an avid road cyclist when he can get out to the countryside, but happily settles for city commuter riding right now.

Originally from Indiana, Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree at Ball State University in Muncie and continued her studies in physical education at Florida State University, earning her master’s degree. Jennifer joins GEMS after serving as the lead Physical Education, Health & Wellness Teacher for 16 years at S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield. She championed numerous athletic programs as well as social/emotional programs for the students during her tenure.

In the classroom, Jennifer's focus was on developing health education curriculums that encouraged students’ social, emotional and intellectual development. Outside the classroom, she developed and coached sports, frequently serving as a mentor to both associates and students seeking to improve their physical health. Jennifer makes it a priority to bring enthusiasm and zest for life everywhere she goes. We are delighted that Jennifer is part of our team of exceptional instructors.  

 

Leigh Ann Hollander is an early childhood teacher with a variety of experience at CHALK Preschool in Chicago, preschools and kindergartens in Chicago and St. Louis, and as an Early Childhood Special Concerns consultant at an IB school in New York City. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in curriculum studies, both from DePaul University. Leigh Ann likes to read, walk by Lake Michigan, exercise, and try new places with friends.

Leigh Ann has a passion for teaching and learning and looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm with her students. The sincere love for the children she teaches brings her back each day. Her ideal class includes a diverse group of learners and her curriculum has a child-centered approach, where students take charge of learning and she as a teacher acts as their facilitator. Leigh Ann believes the classroom is a place where children respect and care for each other.

 

With more than 17 years of experience teaching pre-K through third grade under her belt, as well as a year as an assistant director of an early childhood program, Erica Holman has learned a lot about herself as an educator and has discovered that her passion is definitely working directly with children. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Michigan State University and a master's in teaching with a 4.0 GPA from National-Louis University. Erica teaches junior kindergarten at GEMS World Academy Chicago.

As a teacher and as a parent, Erica sees openness, honesty, and curiosity as the best qualities in children and she loves providing opportunities for them to explore new things and then make connections with what they are learning. As an educator who is proud of her students, she uses children's interests and questions to guide open-ended discussions in the learning process. In her classroom, students are also included in the process of conflict resolution because she believes this is one of the most important life skills they can attain. She sees herself as a leader, a role model, and a facilitator of learning and she values her connections with each child as well as those between home and school.

Dr. Shannon J. Hurst, Upper School science teacher, arrived at GEMS after spending more than 20 years in science education, teaching grades 6 through 10 at urban and suburban schools throughout the Midwest. She is the recipient of numerous STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) awards and has led her students to multiple science competitions and energy-related exhibits. Also, she has published chapters on teaching science to second-language learners. She is committed to writing curriculum that is inquiry-based, combining pedagogy and praxis in science. She recently worked in Chicago Public Schools implementing research that works on social justice and marginalized populations. She has attended conferences across the country and has spoken on subcultural research and youth activism within science education.

 

Shannon received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a concentration in nursing. She received a master’s degree in education from Dominican University, and she earned her doctorate from Lewis University in 2012 with a concentration in educational research/leadership.

 

Shannon’s teaching philosophy in science fosters the tenets of creating a testable hypothesis through personal inquiry and identifying those variables that can complete design and experimental research. She believes the International Baccalaureate curriculum helps create a blend of problem solving through transdisciplinary components that allows new knowledge to be gained. Shannon believes science often forgets to leave room for having “fun through trial and error,” and she focuses on preparing students for 21^st-century science jobs that have not yet been determined or created. She encourages students to think of themselves as participants in a global science-minded community of learners.

Ben Kirk teaches art and design to Upper School students at GEMS World Academy Chicago. Ben has taught high school art for four years, including classes in darkroom photography, sculpture and ceramics, drawing, and painting, at Salem High School in Salem, Massachusetts. He has a bachelor’s degree in art and secondary education, and he is completing a master’s degree in art. 

 

In the classroom, Ben incorporates his love of art history and traditional art-making techniques with contemporary aesthetic and design. He encourages students to explore visual arts and techniques outside of their repertoires and teaches them to celebrate both the successes and challenges they face.

Meg Knapik is the K-through-Grade 8 Math Specialist and Curriculum Coordinator at GEMS World Academy Chicago. In this role, she works on math curriculum alignment, collaborates with teachers to plan math instruction and supports students in their math learning. Meg earned her bachelor’s degree at Miami University (OH) in middle childhood education, and she has a master's degree from National Louis University in curriculum & instruction and a master's from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in education policy & organization leadership (principal endorsement).

Maya Knight is thrilled to join the GEMS faculty this year as a collaborating teacher. After beginning her teaching career in the California public school system, Maya spent a year in South Korea working at an International Baccalaureate school. Most recently, Maya was in Portugal, leading marine biology trips for American students. She is excited to share her love for science, Field Studies and reading with grade 3!

 

In her free time, Maya enjoys hiking, camping, and skiing in her native Colorado. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA.

Panagiotis Koutsouris is the Lower School STEAM specialist at GEMS World Academy Chicago. "Mr. K" joined the GEMS staff with a variety of experience teaching children. For a number of years, he taught at Greek-language schools in Chicago, helping young Greek-Americans grasp the fundamentals of the Greek language and culture. He also served as an assistant educator for the Extended Day Program at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Northwestern summer camps. Mr. K is also teaching GIS to undergraduate students at North Park University, Chicago.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in archeology from Greece, a master’s in humanities from the University of Chicago, a certificate in Higher Education Administration, and he is currently pursuing doctoral research in archeology.

Mr. K believes teaching is an unsurpassed experience. He believes that in the classroom, children should be given the space to think, inquire, gain hands-on experience, and also get a sense of how it is to be part of a community.

Quinn Menchetti is thrilled to join the GEMS World Academy Chicago faculty as a physical education teacher. Quinn has worked in numerous schools throughout the Chicagol area, including GEMS and its sister school, Little GEMS International Preschool, as a coach for Lionheart Fitness Kids. He has tutored, mentored and coached students at Chicago Jesuit Academy, the YMCA, and The Academic Approach in Chicago. He’s also active in the improvised comedy community and brings a strong appreciation for the importance of play into his work every day. Quinn grew up in Chicago and earned his bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College in New London, CT.

Before becoming an educator, Sharon Moore spent 10 years performing and teaching dance with an international touring company. She discovered her calling as an elementary school teacher and earned her master's degree in elementary education. She taught for 11 years at an early-childhood center and six years at an international school in Singapore before joining GEMS as a kindergarten teacher.

The most challenging aspect of being a teacher at GEMS is also the most rewarding one for Sharon: she is fascinated by the idea of bringing students from many diverse backgrounds and levels of English together in her class to grow as learners. Sharon incorporates her international experience with the IB curriculum and the Primary Years Program into her project approach teaching. In her class, students experience hands-on learning and skill development, and have the chance to express themselves creatively while realizing their responsibility to each other and to the world. Sharon believes that children need exposure to music, visual art, drama and dance to develop them fully, and she tries to use these creative outlets as much as possible while teaching.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in early childhood development from the Erikson Institute, Emelina Ortiz has been teaching preschool, kindergarten and first grade for nine years in Chicago. She is a kindergarten teacher at GEMS. 

 

Georgia says she is an enthusiast of international education and believes that educators must promote an understanding of universal human values in students so they become citizens of the world who are capable of global thinking. She is thrilled to have joined the teaching staff at GEMS: “My daughter and I are excited to be part of the GEMS Americas community and we are taking advantage of the school’s many Field Study opportunities to know the incredible city of Chicago!”

Susan holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Loras College and a master's degree in English-language teaching and learning from Loyola University. She has taught a variety of grade levels, ranging from preschool to third grade. Prior to joining the GEMS community, Susan taught preschool and kindergarten in a Montessori school. Susan was also a learning specialist at the British School of Chicago, where she individualized the curriculum for students to support every child in making progress and reaching his or her goals.  

 

Susan has enjoyed being part of the founding team of educators at GEMS World Academy Chicago and is looking forward to many more years of inspiring students to love learning. Susan enjoys the eagerness and curiosity that children bring to the classroom each day and their enthusiasm to discover the world around them. Susan considers Chicago to be an extension of her classroom and creates frequent opportunities for her students to explore the city. She believes that this fosters students’ understanding of themselves, others, and their community and develops a mindset of global citizenship. Susan strives to teach children that they can make a difference in the world.

Starting out as an experienced Primary Years Program educator who studied at Lawrence University and taught at the GEMS World Academy in the United Arab Emirates, Chris Roebuck went on to teach general music in Wisconsin and direct children and adult ensembles such as the Beta Theta Pi Men’s Chorus, Abu Dhabi Choral Group and First United Methodist Youth Choirs.

In his role as a music educator at GEMS World Academy, Chris exercises his passion of introducing the wonders of music into his students’ world. He believes that his most important task is to pass on an appreciation of the power of music into the hearts and minds of younger generations. In Chris’s eyes, children have a unique and un-tampered view of the world that allows them to experience music in a unique way He finds teaching his students about different artists, genres, and cultures to be the most rewarding aspect of being a music educator, and encourages music students to explore their talents free from judgment, perception or negativity.

Taneal Sanders, a National Geographic Certified Educator, is the Primary Years Program Coordinator at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She joined GEMS in 2016 as a classroom teacher, working first with fourth grade and then with fifth grade. Prior to joining the faculty at GEMS, she spent 12 years with Chicago Public Schools teaching multiple elementary grades at two International Baccalaureate World Schools and serving as the PYP coordinator at The Ogden International School of Chicago. Taneal earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northeastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University. She is proud to be part of the IB community and has led workshops on concept-based learning and the PYP Exhibition; she also has presented to international educators on how to facilitate global action in the elementary school classroom.

 

Taneal is passionate about international education and strives to develop global-mindedness in all of her students. She believes in establishing an inquiry-based, student-centered classroom environment where student curiosity can flourish. Beyond teaching, Taneal enjoys traveling, biking and photography. 

Liming Singhal teaches lower and upper school Mandarin at GEMS World Academy Chicago. Her students call her Ming Laoshi, which means "teacher" in Chinese. Ming Laoshi is a Chinese native, who earned her BA in business English from Beijing Jiaotong University in China. She moved to Chicago in 2007 and received her MA in public relations and advertising from DePaul University in 2009. After that, she received her second MA in world language education from DePaul University in 2013. She has taught grades 7 through 12 grade at Chicago Public Schools and college-level Chinese at DePaul University for the past 8 years. 

Ming Laoshi's students have achieved many phenomenal awards and scholarship from the past 8 years, including gold, silver and bronzes metals in the Midwest Chinese Teacher's Association Speech Contest and Startalk Federal Program at the University of Chicago.

 

Ming Laoshi is excited to start her new adventure at GEMS with her son, Jay, who is going to be in junior kindergarten this year. 

 

Hannah is a Collaborating Teacher in the Grade 1 team at GEMS. As a graduate of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma programs, Hannah is happy to once again be working with the IB philosophy that has shaped her into a lifelong learner and keeps her striving to be a global citizen. Hannah earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago in international studies, with a focus on political science and Islamic world studies. She is currently working on her master's in education. 

 

Ana García Torres is a Spanish Teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. Born and raised in A Coruña, Spain, Ana was always determined to be a teacher like her mother and grandmother.

 

Prior to joining the faculty at GEMS, Ana taught in Stockholm, Sweden, in several elementary bilingual and trilingual schools. She also taught at the Instituto Cervantes in Stockholm and at the British International School of Stockholm. Ana has extensive International Baccalaureate experience, having served as a Primary Years Program homeroom teacher at Obradoiro International School. 

 

Ana earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education at the European University of Madrid. She has master's degrees in psychopedagogy; upper secondary school, vocational training and language teaching; and educational innovation. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education.

In her free time, Ana likes to travel — to experience new places, countries, cultures and people. She also enjoys reading books about education and pedagogy. She believes in the words of Ken Robinson, who compared teachers to gardeners: "Gardeners know that it is not they who grow the plants, they do not assemble the roots or stick the leaves or paint the petals. Plants grow alone. The work of the gardeners consists in creating the optimal conditions for that to happen."

 

Jessica Trumbull is a Learning Specialist at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from North Central College in Naperville and her master's degree in education & counseling from St. Xavier University in Chicago.

Prior to joining the GEMS team, Jessica has worked with children in a home, school and clinical setting. As the assistant director of an early learning program in Chicago, she worked closely with teachers to differentiate curriculum and instruction to meet the needs of a wide variety of abilities and learning styles. Jessica also has an extensive background in neuropsychology. She completed her graduate training at the Pediatric Neuropsychology Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Orland Park. Jessica's passion is working with children who have learning/developmental differences including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and developmental delays.

Jessica is an avid traveler and her most recent destinations include Madrid and Stockholm. She is always eager to add more stamps to her passport!

 

Meghan is a preschool teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She has nine years experience as an early childhood educator in both the preschool and elementary school settings. She received her bachelor's degree in family studies from Miami University (Ohio) and is currently pursuing a master's degree in early childhood education.
 

Meghan enjoys cooking, cheering on her New Orleans Saints and taking walks with her husband and two dogs. Meghan's teaching philosophy is to inspire young children to have fun as they explore, ask questions and learn to solve problems, both in the classroom and in their daily lives. 

 

Erin Wester, a Kindergarten Teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago, grew up in the Minneapolis area and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Winona State University and a master's degree in education from the University of Minnesota.

Erin taught third and first grades in St. Paul Public Schools for six years. She then moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and taught at the American School of Rio for four years, teaching first grade. After Rio, she went to the northeast of Brazil to a city called Recife, and taught one more year of first grade at the American School of Recife. In the classroom, Erin has had many experiences with English-language learners and students with special needs on various levels. She enjoys challenges and solving problems with her peers and students.

Erin believes learning starts with strong relationships, genuine interest, unique connections and a consistent amount of fun. She is excited to start this kindergarten adventure at GEMS World Academy Chicago.

Bridget Williams-Ruiz is a Preschool Collaborating Teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She more than 17 years of teaching experience. Her career began in Kingston, Jamaica, where she worked as a secondary trained teacher of English and history. She has worked with children as young as 15 months and as old as 15 years. She holds a diploma in secondary education (English and history), a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Master of Science degree in journalism and a Master of Arts in early childhood education. Bridget refers to herself as “a very traditional Jamaican,” saying she loves to eat and cook authentic food at home. Bridget has two boys (14 and 5) who are her most prized possessions. 

 

Bridget believes that children are entitled to a first-class education, and one of the most important factors determining the quality of that education is the teacher. She is eager and excited to start this journey with GEMS students and their families.

Beth Crownover is director of education at The Field Museum. She has more than 15 years experience in the field of informal education, largely focused on thoughtful development and management of learning experiences. She guides teams in leveraging the museum’s unique collections and science to engage learners in activities that foster critical thinking and the ability to explore like a scientist. She is particularly interested in continuing to explore how museums can increasingly become an integral partner with established learning systems. Ms. Crownover has a bachelor’s degree with majors in history and religion and an emphasis in education, and an Executive Scholar Certificate for Nonprofit Management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. She currently chairs the Education Committee of Chicago’s Museums in The Park.

Michael Lach is currently the director of STEM education and strategic initiatives at UChicago STEM Education and the Urban Education Institute of the University of Chicago. Previously, he was appointed by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan to lead science and mathematics education efforts at the U. S. Department of Education. Mr. Lach began his professional career teaching high school biology and general science at Alceé Fortier Senior High School in New Orleans in 1990 as a charter member of Teach For America. After three years in Louisiana, he joined the national office of Teach For America as director of program design, developing a portfolio-based alternative certification system that was adopted by several states. Returning to the science classroom in 1994 in New York City Public Schools, and then back to Chicago in 1995, he was named one of Radio Shack's Top 100 Technology Teachers, earned National Board Certification, and was named Illinois Physics Teacher of the Year. He has served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, advising former U.S. Rep. Vernon Ehlers on science, technology and education issues. He was lead curriculum developer for the Investigations in Environmental Science curriculum developed at the Center for Learning Technologies in Urban Schools at Northwestern University and published by It’s About Time, Inc. He earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Carleton College and master’s degrees from Columbia University and Northeastern Illinois University.

Vanessa Vardon is the assistant director, strategic partnerships and next generation programs, at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. In this capacity, she works closely with local and international partners to expand the reach and impact of the council while also developing a forward-looking portfolio of next-generation programming. She is also a small-business owner in the Chicago area, having completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in 2016. She has extensive international development and management experience across corporate, academic and entrepreneurial sectors and holds a degree in chemical engineering from Drexel University.