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Jay Annadurai
Upper School Individuals & Societies Teacher
Bio
Jay Annadurai teaches Upper School students at GEMS. She has experience teaching sixth through eighth grades both internationally and in urban and suburban environments around the Midwest. With her bachelor's degree in anthropology and master's degree in education from Ohio State University, she has been recognized for her exceptional curriculum development in the Columbus Public School District.
Jay connects with each of her students and enjoys seeing them explore the world and expand their understanding through literature as they are introduced to new authors and genres. Her classroom’s environment is one that challenges students to understand and respect different perspectives and incorporate new ideas into their learning, inspires goal-setting and active engagement in the material, and promotes lively discussion that invites students to step out of their comfort zone.
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Sydney Battle
Grade 2 Teacher
Bio
Sydney joins the GEMS faculty as a Grade 2 Teacher. She holds her bachelor's degree in history and Spanish from the University of Illinois. She received her Master of Education degree in cultural and educational policy studies and sociology of education from Loyola University Chicago.
Prior to working at GEMS, Sydney worked in nonprofits developing and implementing civics curricula and student programming for elementary and middle schools throughout the Chicagoland area. She taught fourth and fifth grade in Chicago schools. Sydney has worked in culturally diverse classrooms, instructing and supporting students acquiring English proficiency. Her experience working with students of various learning levels has inspired her as an educator to be an ally and advocate for all students; she believes in the value of their perspectives.
A Chicago native, Sydney enjoys exploring the city, exercising and reading. As an avid traveler, Sydney has participated in several missions trips locally and internationally from Ghana to her own hometown. She aims to promote an appreciation of all people among her students. Sydney believes in the embodiment of international mindedness and defines it as: "an awareness, appreciation and empathy for cultural differences and experiences; a true understanding of one's civic obligation and role as an agent of global change."
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Max Bean
Upper School Physics and Math Teacher
Bio
Max Bean teaches physics, geometry and statistics to middle and high school students at GEMS World Academy Chicago. Max has taught math and physics in a wide range of schools, including John Jay College and Democracy Prep Charter School in Manhattan, and Saint Ann's in Brooklyn. An avid student of pedagogy, he has spent hundreds of hours observing and writing about schools in New York, Rhode Island, and China. He received his bachelor’s degree in the history of education from Brown University.
Max seeks to bring students into a personal, first-hand relationship with math and physics, to lead them to engage in the mode of thought that underlies these subjects. The aim is not just to learn the results of math and physics, but also to learn to do math and physics, to understand and participate in them as modes of inquiry. This entails, among other things, coming to see these fields not as bodies of fixed and timeless knowledge, but as historically dynamic projects, in an ongoing process of development. And this, in turn, means discovering their interconnectedness with the whole development of human thought — history, philosophy, art, religion, and literature. If we ever find physics dry or math arcane, it is because we understand them too narrowly, because we have cut them off from the larger whole of which they are part.
When not working, Max can be found writing, playing basketball, reading old books, and watching old movies.
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Marjorie Blettry
Spanish and French Teacher
Bio
Marjorie Blettry is a French and Spanish teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. Marjorie, a native speaker of French, joined the GEMS faculty after teaching at the Lycee Francais de Chicago for 14 years. She has a master’s degree in education and certification for the teaching of Spanish.
Marjorie, a passionate believer in the power of education to create positive change, is skilled at integrating technology into her lessons, and she has demonstrated a unique sensitivity to the varied needs of her students.
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Joseph Cella
Preschool Teacher
Bio
Joseph Cella is a head teacher in the GEMS preschool. Before joining GEMS, Joseph had been a prekindergarten teacher for Chicago Public Schools in an International Baccalaureate program. Working in early childhood has been a passion of his since he was young. He grew up in the Chicago area with much younger siblings, and as a result, learned that he had interest in the nurturing and development of young children.
Joseph earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, with a focus on project-based learning. He continued his studies at The Erikson Institute of Child Development and received his master’s degree in early childhood education. He now lives in Chicago with his wife, son and daughter. He cares deeply about the IB philosophy of teaching and looks forward to continuing his journey with GEMS. His hope is to support and grow inquiry, knowledge and compassion in the students he works with.
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Maryann Clark
Admissions Coordinator
Bio
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.
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Melissa Cuculich
Upper School IB Coordinator and Language & Literature Teacher
Bio
Melissa Cuculich is the Upper School IB Coordinator and also teaches Upper School Language and Literature students at GEMS World Academy Chicago. Prior to joining the faculty, she taught at Taft High School, York Community High School and Locke Elementary School in Chicago. Melissa earned her bachelor's degree in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her master's degree in teaching from North Park University. Her past teaching experience includes teaching both high school and middle school International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Language and Literature, Writing Workshop, and high school English. She has also previously coordinated the IB Middle Years Program.
Melissa believes that literature is a gateway to understanding ourselves and the world in which we live. Through close reading, inquiry, critical thinking and engaging discussions, she believes students will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare them to become knowledgeable leaders in our increasingly global society. Using Chicago as a campus, she is excited to share the dynamic City of Big Shoulders with her students. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find Melissa writing and testing new recipes for her family, reading, traveling or trying to solve the Sunday crossword puzzle.
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Kaycee Davis
Kindergarten Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Kaycee Davis works in our kindergarten team as a Collaborating Teacher She is a Northern California native whose tenacious drive and curious nature led her to explore the Midwest. After receiving her degree in elementary education from the University of Kansas in 2018, Kaycee quickly settled in Chicago. Her passion for working with children began early and continued throughout her educational career. From volunteering at various after-school programs, such as the Boys and Girls Club, to being a lead preschool teacher, Kaycee is dedicated to her students.
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.
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Hannah Davis-Shatinsky
Middle School Language & Literature Teacher
Bio
Hannah Davis-Shatinsky teaches Middle School Language and Literature at GEMS World Academy. Ms. Shatinsky previously served as a fifth-grade collaborating teacher at GEMS for three years and is excited to move on to middle school with her former fifth-graders! Ms. Shatinsky holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Stage Management from Millikin University, and a Masters in Secondary Education from DePaul University.
Ms. Shatinsky believes in the power of learning about the world around us, as it is and was, through literature. As a staple of her teaching philosophy, Ms. Shatinsky feels that it is imperative that children learn to read, write, speak, and listen so they can express themselves and so their voices can be heard. When Ms. Shatinsky is not teaching, you can find her cooking, baking, or boating with her family in the summer!
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Kelsey Didion
Front of School Coordinator
Bio
Kelsey Didion is happy to be our Front of School Coordinator, a role that brings her in direct contact with GEMS students and parents every single day.
Kelsey is a graduate of the University of Evansville and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Heels!). In addition to her work at GEMS, Kelsey is a professional actor and actively creates with her artistic development company, The Midwives. As a teaching artist, Kelsey has led devised playmaking, beatboxing, Shakespeare, and movement. She loves being in the company of young, curious minds.
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Alexis Dixon
Junior Kindergarten Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Alexis Dixon is excited to belong to the GEMS World Academy Chicago faculty. She is a Collaborating Teacher in junior kindergarten. Alexis attended the University of Iowa, where she received her bachelor's degree in English, and she will be attending DePaul University in the fall to begin a master’s program for secondary education. This past year, she began teaching as a full-time substitute teacher across many Chicago schools and developed a love of engaging with children. She is thrilled to bring a passion for life and learning into the classroom and create wonderful memories and learning experiences while helping the class grow and flourish!
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Genna Ellis
Grade 1 Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Genna Ellis is a Grade 1 Collaborating Teacher. She spent the spring of 2019 working as Grade 5 Collaborating Teacher here at GEMS, and she is thrilled to officially join the GEMS family for the 2019-2020 academic year! She looks forward to teaching theater in the Dragon After School Program, as well. Genna attended Louisiana State University, where she received her B.A. in theater. She has worked primarily as a teaching artist, director, performer, and educator both in Louisiana and Chicago. Genna believes that her most important goal as a teacher is to empower children in all facets of their learning.
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Rachel Feldkamp
Learning Specialist
Bio
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.
As a teacher of students with diverse needs, Rachel believes collaboration of all team members is crucial to support and build students’ academic and social/emotional skills. She believes in creating an environment that fosters connections. Students thrive when they can make connections with their teacher, with one another and with what they are learning in the classroom to their experiences in the "real world."
Rachel is also a certified yoga instructor and Breathe for Change Wellness Champion. She is excited to bring opportunities for mindfulness, movement and overall wellness into the classroom.
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Michael Ferbrache
Grade 1 Teacher
Bio
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.
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Taryn Fleming
Kindergarten Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Taryn, a kindergarten collaborating teacher, is very excited to join the GEMS team this school year. Although this is her sixth year in Chicago, she grew up in Indiana and earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Huntington University. She has teaching experience in the U.S. and overseas. Prior to joining the faculty at GEMS, Taryn worked as an assistant in a special education classroom; taught first grade, kindergarten and third grade; and served as a literacy interventionist. Taryn also taught abroad in Cameroon and ran several English camps in Brazil and China. She is looking forward to getting to know GEMS families.
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Mary Fogg
Kindergarten Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Mary Fogg is a Collaborating Teacher in our kindergarten team. Prior to joining our faculty, Mary spent the last two years working as a lead teacher in preschool classrooms at the GEMS Early Years campus. She is a graduate of DePaul University’s School of Education and has spent the last 30 years working with children in a wide range of roles. She has been a babysitter/nanny, early childhood teacher, elementary school teacher, educational therapist, preschool administrator and Chicago Public Schools volunteer. She also is a parent. It was during her time as the director of a private preschool in Bucktown that she realized how much she missed being in the classroom and made the decision to return to teaching.
Mary values strong partnerships with parents and strives to help them be fully engaged in all aspects of their child’s development. She believes that learning is taking place all the time and every moment is a teachable moment. Books and storytelling are among her passions, as evidenced by her rather large collection of children’s literature. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, going to museums, and traveling — especially to New York City where her son is attending college.
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Sophie Garcia
French Teacher
Bio
Sophie Garcia is a French teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. French native, Sophie earned her master's degree in early childhood and elementary education from the University of Lyon, France. She also received a degree for teaching French as a foreign language. Sophie has experience teaching in French, English, and Spanish in France, Belgium, Ecuador, and the United States. She moved to Chicago in 2019 after spending a few years living in New York where she taught at the French Institute, The Lycée Français, and a private school in Brooklyn. As a language teacher, Sophie promotes the children’s interests by stimulating them thought fun and challenging experiences such as songs, arts and crafts activities, and more. When Sophie is not teaching, you can find her skiing, camping, or volunteering with the refugee community.
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Donna Gerczak
Grade 4 Collaborating Teacher
Bio
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!
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Richard Getzel
Upper School Math Teacher
Bio
Richard Getzel teaches Middle School and Upper School mathematics at GEMS. Before joining our staff in 2016, he spent seven years teaching at Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 in Bayside, NY — his own alma mater. Richard taught mathematics for all middle-school grades, including the gifted and talented cohort, an experience which solidified his abilities to differentiate, accelerate and enrich instruction. He firmly believes that all students, regardless of ability, should be challenged and excited by mathematics everyday. Richard's teaching style is transdisciplinary, active and lively.
Richard believes that just as students should strive to be well-rounded, so should teachers. He coached his previous school's Odyssey of the Mind Team to three consecutive New York city championships. In 2016, his team won a New York state championship, which propelled the group all the way to World Finals — an accomplishment that earned him a citation from the United States Congress. This year, he is spearheading the new Latin elective for freshmen and sophomores in the Upper School.
Richard earned a bachelor's degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University, a master's in secondary mathematics education from St. John's University and a master's extension in gifted & talented education from Hunter College. In his spare time, Richard enjoys opera, theater, baseball, woodworking and board games. Most of all, he relishes his role as a husband and father of his toddler age twins.
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Suzanne Giacotto
French Teacher
Bio
Suzanne Giacotto is a French teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She’s a bilingual French speaker who has taught both middle school and high school French at schools in the U.S., including the Catherine Cook School and Guerin College Prep HS. She earned her bachelor’s degrees from Dominican University and Indiana University, and she has worked for three French companies in international sales and marketing prior to becoming a French teacher in 2008. A fun fact is that her oldest son plays lacrosse for the French National Lacrosse Team and competed in Netanya, Israel, this summer for the 2018 World Lacrosse Games. In 2019, she won the American Association of Teachers of French "Prix d'Excellence" award.
As a language teacher, Suzanne strives to help each student achieve his or her full potential and build confidence communicating in French. She also encourages students to strategize and become more self-directed in their study of a new language and making global connections in all other areas of their lives.
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Kelsey Gilbert
Kindergarten Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Kelsey Gilbert is very excited to be joining GEMS as a collaborating teacher in kindergarten. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater from Oakland University in Michigan, and she earned certification in early childhood development. Kelsey has been a teaching artist for various children's theaters in Chicago, as well as a lead preschool teacher for two years.
Kelsey uses her creativity and upbeat personality, developed in part via her experiences as a performer, to engage the students in learning and growing. She believes that a classroom should be a safe place for the students to share ideas, collaborate and enjoy their work. In her free time, she loves taking workout classes, seeing the newest shows in Chicago theater and baking.
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Ashley Gilski
Learning Specialist
Bio
Ashley Gilski comes to GEMS as a learning specialist. Most recently, Ashley was a special education teacher and team leader at Ogden International School of Chicago. Prior to her time at Ogden, Ashley served as a special education teacher at Kelvyn Park High School. She also has a private tutoring practice. Ashley has her bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a master’s in special education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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Vickie Godfrey
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Bio
Vickie Godfrey is the executive assistant to the head of school at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She works closely with school leadership to foster an environment of excellence in education and care so that students are encouraged in all aspects of their development. Her duties including supporting the Head of School along with coordinating meetings, international and national travel, events, financial reports and auditing expenses.
Prior to joining the staff at GEMS, Vickie worked as chief concierge for Concierge Unlimited International in River North, Chicago. She has extensive experience in hospitality and personnel services, and in her career she has led hospitality programs for a variety of notable figures, including former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. She served as President of the Chicago Hotel Concierge Association, and she created and managed the VIP/Concierge Services prior to the opening of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, where she managed over 40 employees. She has been featured in media stories about concierge services in such outlets as the Chicago Sun-Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Vickie has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University. She lives in downtown Chicago with her husband and two daughters. She is active in community volunteer work, visits with hospitalized members of her church and is an accomplished runner. She has completed 19 marathons and one Ultra Marathon, and she is in training for the next Chicago Marathon and another Ultra in the fall.
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Johanna Gomez
Spanish Teacher
Bio
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.
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Asya Gottesman
Music and Art Teacher
Bio
Asya Gottesman teaches music and art at GEMS World Academy for students in preschool through kindergarten. She holds a masters’ degree in music education from New York University and is working towards a certification in special education. Asya believes in the importance of expanding children’s interests by organizing field trips, integrating multicultural lessons and incorporating a wide array of activities and collaborative learning projects.
Asya’s experience with diverse learners has helped her become a well-rounded, empathetic teacher who considers each student’s unique goals and interests when planning lessons and carrying out activities to meet their physical, emotional, and social needs. She recently relocated to Chicago from New York City, where she taught for seven years. Asya is enjoying her time in Chicago and learning about the city and its beautiful architecture.
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Eric Hillebrand
Upper School Individuals & Societies Teacher
Bio
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.
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Jennifer Hodges
Physical Education Teacher
Bio
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.
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Leigh Ann Hollander
Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
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.
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Ben Hollister
Grade 2 Teacher
Bio
Ben Hollister teaches second grade at GEMS World Academy Chicago. He has taught first and third grades for nine years in both rural and urban settings. Before moving to Chicago, Ben taught for a public school in western Illinois, where he received the My Favorite Teacher award, one of the top five of the state. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ashford University in Iowa and went on for his master’s degree in curriculum instruction and an endorsement in English language learning.
Prior to classroom teaching, Ben worked at environmental education centers around the United States teaching wildlife, woodland and wetland ecology. During this time, he also taught wilderness survival, cold water survival and team-building strategies. Ben is excited to bring his passion for teaching, travel, culture and environmental stewardship to GEMS and the school family community.
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Erica Holman
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
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.
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Shannon Hurst
Upper School Science Teacher
Bio
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 21st-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.
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Adam Justice
Dean of Students/Athletic Director
Bio
Adam Justice earned his post-graduate certificate in education at the University of Liverpool, England, and he began teaching in the northwest of England before returning to Oxford to continue his teaching career. When Adam moved to the British School of Chicago in the United States, he became the school’s head of physical education and the athletic director, developing the PE program’s curriculum and afterschool competitive and noncompetitive activities for six years. In 2014, Adam joined the GEMS World Academy team as its founding PE teacher. He was appointed to the Dean of Students post in 2017.
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Renata Kallajova
Junior Kindergarten Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Renata Kallajova began teaching at GEMS as a substitute in our Lower School classes during the 2017-2018 school year. She is very excited to be working at GEMS full-time now. She joined GEMS on the strength of her M.A. in lower school education from the University of Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic, where she taught first through fourth grades. She believes that creating a safe, caring and thought-provoking classroom enables students to focus, foster intellectual curiosity, develop leadership attributes and facilitate a lifelong love of learning.
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Ben Kirk
Art & Design Teacher
Bio
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.
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Meg Knapik
Math Specialist and Curriculum Coordinator
Bio
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).
Prior to joining GEMS, Meg spent two years as the K-8 director of math and middle school assistant principal in Pleasantdale School District 107, and she worked as a middle school math teacher for 10 years at Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus. She has also served as a math curriculum leader, a grade level technology coach, a member of her district's Content Area Literacy Team, and a member of her district's Math Steering Committee. Meg is an edtech enthusiast and has presented at numerous local, state, national and international conferences on the topic of integrating literacy and technology into all content areas to make student thinking visible and connect with others. She has also co-authored a book on the topic titled Literacy Lessons for a Digital World: Using Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and More to Meet the Demands of the CCSS (Scholastic 2014). For three years, she was also an adjunct professor at Judson University.
Meg believes in a holistic approach to teaching and learning math, with conceptual understanding serving as the foundation for future math learning. She is excited to be a part of the innovative International Baccalaureate environment at GEMS and knows there will be powerful opportunities for students to use their math learning in authentic ways.
Meg lives in Chicago with her husband and daughter and enjoys traveling the world, reading, elevating her "foodie" status via cooking and exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
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Maya Knight
Grade 3 Collaborating Teacher
Bio
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.
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Panagiotis Koutsouris
Lower School Math and STEM Specialist
Bio
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.
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Jessica Lind
Manager of Student and Administrative Services/Theater Teacher
Bio
Jessica Lind is a graduate of Texas Christian University with a degree in theater and arts administration. She brings to GEMS a diverse arts and education background, having worked with a multitude of artistic companies including Lookingglass Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Throughout her career as an arts education advocate and teaching artist, Jessica has organized, personalized, and adapted educational experiences through in-school residencies, after-school programs and camps, and community engagement workshops. She has worked with the disability community, implementing programming and campaigns to make Chicago’s artistic institutions as accessible as possible.
At GEMS, Jessica is thrilled to be working with an amazing group of administrators, faculty and students that embraces Chicago as a classroom itself. She serves as the assistant to the division heads and Middle School theater teacher.
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Robert Mayfield
Music Teacher
Bio
Robert Mayfield, a part-time music teacher at GEMS, has a bachelor's degree in instrumental performance (classical guitar) from Columbia College Chicago. He has taught music in Skokie, Oak Park, Elgin and Chicago proper. He dedicates his life to music and the sharing of music. He performs both classical and rock music around the Chicago area, and he lives in the neighborhood of Albany Park with his wife, Dorothy, and dog, Theo. He looks forward to teaching, learning and growing with the incredible staff and faculty at GEMS!
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Quinn Menchetti
Physical Education Teacher/Assistant Athletic Director/Model U.N. Coordinator
Bio
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.
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Lindsay Miller
Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Lindsay Miller started her career at GEMS at our Early Years campus as a lead teacher for five years in the two and three-year-old classrooms. In addition to being a lead teacher, she was also the Team Leader for all three classrooms in her age group. Lindsay is a collaborating teacher in room 201 until November 201fter which she will transition to the lead position while that teacher is on maternity leave. At an early age, Lindsay found herself interested and actively volunteering in many children’s organizations and advocating within foster care programs in and around the Chicago land area. She was born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, but fell in love with the city while she was earning her undergraduate degree at DePaul University. After her undergraduate studies, she received her M.Ed at Concordia University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude (4.0). She believes that each child is unique, that encouraging inquiry is essential, that allowing play within the classroom is a necessity, and that social/emotional learning is very important during these early years. When not teaching, she can be found with her husband Chris and their dog Clark walking Chicago’s Lakefront Trail in all seasons. She also enjoys cheering on the Cubs at Wrigley, “bearing-down” the Chicago weather at Bears games, and spending much of her time reading at Montrose Beach during the summer.
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Sharon Moore
Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
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.
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Katelyn Mudd
Junior Kindergarten Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Katelyn Mudd is a Collaborating Teacher in junior kindergarten. Prior to joining the GEMS faculty, she taught at GEMS World Academy Chicago — Early Years, where she was a lead teacher for a class of students 2-3 years in age. Katelyn earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family science, with an emphasis in child development, from Illinois State University. She spent a year and a half working as a teacher’s aide at Illinois State University’s preschool, while also working as a counselor for the Town of Normal's Before and After School program. Katelyn also had a great experience with an internship at Children's Home + Aid at their Crisis Nursery in Bloomington, IL. The Crisis Nursery serves children ages 0-6 years old whose families are in crisis such as homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, or substance abuse issues. All of these opportunities helped Katelyn find her passion for child development and teaching. In her free time, she loves to travel, read, do yoga, and spend time with friends and family.
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Stephanie Olan
Grade 1 Lead Teacher
Bio
Ms. Olan is the new Lead Teacher in Grade 1. She comes to GEMS from Ogden International School in Chicago where she implemented the Primary Years Program for the past two years. Prior to that, Ms. Olan worked intermittently at Catherine Cook and Francis Xavier Ward. She also taught at an international school in Prague, Czech Republic. Ms. Olan is a published author in the quarterly journal of Teaching with Primary Sources. She earned her master’s degree in teaching from National Louis University and her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
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Emelina Ortiz
Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
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.
Emelina’s goal as a kindergarten teacher is to help young children grow and develop as they form new relationships with peers and are faced with new and challenging expectations from parents and teachers. Her students are encouraged to ask questions and make mistakes from which to learn. Emelina employs the Primary Years Program in her classroom because she believes that children learn most effectively by building relationships and connecting information to concepts they already know.
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Carly Parelius
Grade 1 Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Carly joins the GEMS faculty as a Grade 1 Collaborating Teacher. She has just finished up a year of teaching English at a bilingual international school in Shanghai, China. After graduating from Montana State University in Bozeman with degrees in English and Spanish languages, she moved to Spain, where she taught English in public schools for three years. She has been living and teaching around the world ever since, and now she is returning home to the city of Chicago, where she grew up. Carly is an avid traveler who has been to 46 countries and counting. She also loves music and sings and plays guitar in her free time.
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Scott Pasieka
Lower School Counselor
Bio
Scott, the Lower School Counselor at GEMS World Academy Chicago, earned a master's degree in clinical counseling from National Louis University. He is a licensed professional counselor who has worked in educational settings (Chicago Public Schools) and as a private-practice therapist for children and adults.
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Georgia Pereira
Grade 3 Teacher
Bio
Georgia Pereira, Grade 3 teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago, has more than 15 years of experience as an educator and linguist. Prior to joining the faculty at GEMS, she worked as an elementary school teacher in International Baccalaureate schools for 11 years in São Paulo, Brazil, where she received training in the IB Primary Years Program. Before that, she taught English and Portuguese to children, teenagers and adults. Georgia holds a bachelor’s degree in language and literature (Portuguese and Italian) from the University of São Paulo, the leading university in South America, as well as a bachelor’s degree in education and a certificate for Overseas Teachers of English issued by the University of Cambridge.
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!”
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Heather Prekop
Grade 4 Teacher
Bio
Heather Prekop, who teaches Grade 4 at GEMS World Academy Chicago, received her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in science education from the University of Wisconsin — Madison, and she earned her master's degree in gifted and talented education from the University of Nebraska — Kearney. Heather taught two years in a public school in Kentucky before starting her international career. Heather spent eight years overseas teaching at international schools in Munich, Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City. In her last position overseas, she was the challenge and enrichment coordinator and built a program that provided personal and academic enrichment opportunities to students to extend their learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Heather is excited to be back in the states and plans to share everything she has learned from educators around the world with the GEMS community. In order for students to feel empowered, Heather believes in building strong relationships and developing a classroom environment where students feel they have ownership over their learning and can embrace the power of failure. Other than teaching, Heather enjoys doing anything athletic, traveling and being outdoors.
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Susan Recchia
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
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.
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Kirsten Richards
Grade 1 Teacher
Bio
Kirsten Richards is thrilled to be at GEMS World Academy. She is a Grade 1 teacher. Kirsten earned her bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in elementary education from National Louis University. Kirsten enjoyed a successful career in sales, marketing and management before deciding to follow her dream of becoming a teacher. Prior to joining the faculty at GEMS, Kirsten taught fourth grade for Chicago Public Schools.
Kirsten is a mother of three children, and she feels her own kids inspire her as a teacher. She knows that every student in front of her deserves the same attention, commitment and dedication that she would want for her own children. She doesn't ever view a classroom of students as a whole group, but rather as a collection of individuals with unique learning styles and needs.
In all her spare time, Kirsten loves playing sports and games with her family. Her life is busy, but she believes that balancing everything is most of the fun!
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Chris Roebuck
Music Teacher
Bio
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.
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Kris Sabel
Nurse
Bio
Kris Sabel joined the staff at GEMS from the Latin School of Chicago, where she worked as the middle and upper school nurse and served as a member of their student support team. Kris has worked in private schools for nearly 15 years as both a nurse and an educator. She loves the rich experiences and unique opportunities that a private school can provide for its students. Kris graduated summa cum laude from both her bachelor's degree & master’s degree programs. Her breadth of nursing experience spans critical care to working with professional sports teams. She has extensive experience with policy writing and is trusted by parents for her medical decision-making abilities. Kris is honored to serve the students of GEMS World Academy Chicago.
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Taneal Sanders
Primary Years Program Coordinator
Bio
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.
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Jennifer Schmidt
Art Teacher
Bio
Jennifer is delighted to be a member of the faculty at GEMS, where she can make full use of her background as a teacher and an artist. For more than 15 years, she has taught art classes from junior kindergarten to the college level. Jennifer earned degrees in psychology and fine art from Alfred University in New York, and she earned a master's degree in education from Cambridge College.
Jennifer enjoys teaching courses that reflect her interest in the materials that she works with as an artist — photography, ceramics, metals, glass and encaustics. Her work has been displayed in various venues across the country, including Chicago and New York. Jennifer enjoys traveling, and has taken students to numerous countries over the past seven summers. She is excited to promote a sense of global citizenship in the classroom at GEMS, where it is so strongly valued. Her goal is to generate enthusiasm and curiosity for her students at GEMS through the use of hands-on projects, technology and Field Study experiences.
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Martha Seixas
Grade 4 Teacher
Bio
Martha Seixas is thrilled to be a Grade 4 teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She has taught in international schools in Brazil for eight years, working with second- and fourth-graders. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Northeastern Illinois University and a master's degree in special education from University of Michigan. During her spare time, Martha likes to practice yoga and explore photography. She also enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her friends.
Martha has worked in culturally diverse classrooms throughout the years, providing support and challenges for students at different learning levels as well as children at different English proficiency levels. Martha is a firm believer that learning something new can be an incredible experience, and that students benefit the most from learning through experience and investigation. In the classroom, Martha has provided opportunities for students to find their own paths to learning, their own voices and their own strategies to make meaningful conclusions.
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Liming Singhal
Mandarin Teacher
Bio
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.
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Emily Smith
Librarian
Bio
Emily Smith is excited to join GEMS World Academy Chicago as the librarian. Emily worked as a librarian for five years at an international school in Kuwait and spent five years in the Netherlands as an educational consultant. In her consultant role, Emily advised international school librarians and teachers throughout Northern and Western Europe on library materials, curriculum resources, and library and resource management software.
Originally from Michigan, Emily received her bachelor's degree in history from Michigan State University and her master's degree in library science from Clarion University in Pennsylvania. While Emily loved her experiences living abroad, she is happy to be living in Chicago and exploring all that the city has to offer.
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Kobe Stanton
Security Resource Officer
Bio
Kobe Stanton is the Assistant Security Resource Officer at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She joined the security team three years ago, quickly establishing a close relationship with GEMS teachers and students. Kobe works with all grade levels at the school, assisting with morning drop-off, evening dismissal, lunch and recess supervision, after-school care and more. She also helps teachers during off-site activities, such as Field Studies.
Kobe is proud to ensure the safety of our staff, parents and students. She tries each day to bring happiness to the GEMS community.
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Alexandria Stewart
Grade 2 Collaborating Teacher
Bio
Alexandria Stewart is a Grade 2 Collaborating Teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. She spent the previous five years teaching Primary Years Program classes as well as Middle Years Program Language & Literature, Individuals & Societies and Project Lead the Way programs in Indianapolis. In 2013, she graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor's degree in history and elementary/middle education. Alexandria is currently pursuing her master's degree in cultural and educational policy studies at Loyola University Chicago.
While living in Indianapolis, she spent time outside of the classroom working with organizations fighting food insecurity; she is looking forward to finding ways to get involved in the community in Chicago.
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Hannah Sulski
Grade 1 Collaborating Teacher
Bio
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.
Hannah fell in love with GEMS as a substitute teacher during the 2016-2017 school year. Since then, she has written curriculum and taught the K/1 Camp GEMS for summer break, February break & spring break. She has also been part of the after-care, kindergarten, and first-grade teams. Her favorite thing about teaching is learning, and she thrives on the value GEMS places on diversity, especially the diversity of backgrounds found in fellow GEMS teachers.
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Mary Talbot
Grade 5 Teacher
Bio
Mary Talbot teaches fifth grade at GEMS World Academy Chicago. Prior to joining the faculty at GEMS, she spent 12 years with Chicago Public Schools teaching middle school, followed by third grade in an International Baccalaureate setting. Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As an IB educator, her goal is to build both confidence and capacity in her students, in addition to developing their sense of place and purpose as global citizens. Mary is thrilled to be part of the growing community of learners, explorers and innovators at GEMS.
Beyond teaching, Mary leads Girl Scout Troop 25581. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking and fiercely competitive board games with her children.
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Sandra Tapia
Spanish Teacher
Bio
Sandra Tapia is a Spanish teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago. A native Spanish speaker, Sandra taught at the Chicago City Day School for 13 years. Sandra holds bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and Spanish, and a master’s in interdisciplinary studies from DePaul University. Sandra has lived in Spain and studied Filología y Letras at Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
In her innovative teaching methods, Sandra utilizes a combination of play and practical learning to instill both proficiency and a love of the language. Believing that learning other languages offers students bridges into other cultures, Sandra has led students on educational visits to Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain.
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Nguyet Tinh
Grade 3 Teacher
Bio
Nguyet Tinh is excited to join the GEMS World Academy Chicago learning community as a Grade 3 Teacher. She has 20 years experience as a lower elementary teacher, math specialist and school administrator in the Connecticut public schools, including eight years teaching at an International Baccalaureate school. Nguyet earned a bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University and a master's in elementary education at St. Joseph College. Her educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being.
Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn when given a positive learning experience, strong and knowledgeable teachers, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family.
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Ana Garcia Torres
Spanish Teacher
Bio
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."
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Jessica Trumbull
Learning Specialist
Bio
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!
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Kaylee Viers
Preschool Teacher
Bio
Kaylee Viers is a lead Preschool Teacher at GEMS. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies, with an emphasis in child development and education, along with a certificate in multicultural studies, and a minor in sociology, from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She earned a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction from William Woods University. She also completed a teacher education program from Missouri State University, and she is certified in special education and regular early childhood education. During her career, Kaylee has taught kindergarten, preschool, and special education preschool.
Kaylee believes that learning should be fun and interactive for young learners as they learn through their experiences. She believes it is her job to help those experiences come alive and be truly life-changing for students.
In her free time, Kaylee and her husband, Cole, love to spend weekends playing with their dog, Pepper, and watching Mizzou football and St. Louis Cardinals baseball, as they are Missouri natives. They are expecting their first child in November of 2019.
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Lisa Walsh
Upper School Counselor
Bio
Lisa Walsh joins the GEMS team as the Upper School Counselor. Prior to GEMS, Lisa worked at a private therapeutic school serving as the Middle School Team leader for several years, followed by taking on the role of High School Team leader. She has many years of experience advocating for students and families, as well as supporting teachers to ensure students are receiving the very best academic and social/emotional support to be successful, well-rounded individuals. Lisa believes every student has the desire and the ability to succeed academically as well as socially when given proper tools and support.
She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in clinical professional psychology from Roosevelt University. As a licensed professional counselor, Lisa works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to provide the most comprehensive academic and social/emotional support for all students. Lisa enjoys being a part of a dynamic and collaborative team to develop unique and effective special programming to better support students to improve their level of success in the classroom, enhance their social/emotional skills and increase community involvement.
In addition, Lisa is a registered yoga instructor. She believes incorporating yoga and meditation into an academic setting has been beneficial for students in learning how to self-soothe, increase self-esteem, self-regulate, develop impulse control & self-awareness and feel empowered. She continues to educate herself on the topic of mindfulness and meditation and its positive impact on the brain and mental health and share these techniques with students and teachers alike.
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Meghan Walsh
Preschool Teacher
Bio
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.
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Timothy Wesch
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
Timothy Wesch has been an early childhood educator for over 16 years. He received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s in child development from Erikson Institute. He spent several years working for different nonprofits throughout Chicago that served disadvantaged children and families. This work focused his interest on children from birth to 3 years old. He returned to Erikson Institute, where he obtained an infant specialist certification. Most recently, Timothy taught at GEMS World Academy Chicago — Early Years.
Timothy believes that relationships provide the foundation for learning. Children who have strong relationships are able to collaborate with peers and teachers as they explore the world around them. A classroom should be a place of wonder that promotes multiple lines of inquiry and allows children to freely test their theories.
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Erin Wester
Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
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.
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Bridget Williams-Ruiz
Preschool Collaborating Teacher
Bio
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.
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Patricia Zavala
Spanish Teacher
Bio
Mrs. Patricia Zavala is a Spanish teacher for Upper School students at GEMS academy. Mrs. Zavala believes that learning a foreign language open minds to new ideas and different ways of looking at the world. Her classroom goal is to refine students’ language to deepen their comprehension and communication skills in both personal and professional settings. She also considers that knowing a second language is valuable to members of society, and thus, desires to help others improve their Spanish language skills. Before joining GEMS, she taught Spanish at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where Mrs. Zavala obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Spanish.
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Wei Zhou
Mandarin Teacher
Bio
Wei is originally from China and has been living in the United States for four years. She received her master’s degree in literacy education with a focus on language education from George Washington University. Before coming to the United States, she had taught for three years in China and passed the Mandarin Proficiency Test of spoken fluency in Mandarin and the Chinese National Teacher Certification Examination.
Wei has prior teaching experiences working in a dual-language environment. She always enlightened the students to discover new things by themselves and learn with critical thinking. Bearing a creative teaching philosophy in mind, she continued tailoring curriculums for students from different backgrounds. Wei knows how to cultivate the motivation and skills to learn a second language, and she will share this with her future students.