Genesis Cervantes
School: Northwest School
Position: Bilingual Teacher
Genesis was a third grade student teacher at Northwest School last spring. She graduated from Dominican University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Bilingual Education. Genesis is fluent in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish.

Jaclyn Connolly
School: Northwest School
Position: Pre-K/Early Childhood Teacher
Jaclyn graduated from Lewis University this spring with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She completed her student teaching in Frankfort School District 157-c in both an early childhood and second grade classroom, and previously worked as a substitute teacher in Palos School District 118. Jaclyn has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Eastern Illinois University.

Lauren Frost
School: Southwest School
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
Lauren comes to EPSD 124 from Saint Michael School in Orland Park, where she has been a fourth and fifth grade teacher since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University in 2013, and is currently working toward a master’s in education from Olivet Nazarene University.

Alexsandra Gamboa
School: Northeast School
Position: Pre-K/Early Childhood Teacher
Alexandra joins District 124 after teaching third grade at St. Jerome Catholic School in Chicago last year. She has previously worked as a preschool teacher and paraprofessional. Alexandra has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Saint Xavier University and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University in California.

Katherine Hinde
School: Northwest School
Position: Structured Learning Program Teacher (Grades 2-4)
Katherine joins the District after working as a fourth and fifth grade special education teacher in Chicago Ridge School District 127.5 last year. She has previously worked as a substitute teacher. Katherine has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Special Education from Lewis University.

Michelle Lane
School: Southwest School
Position: Paraprofessional
Michelle joins the District after working as a special education paraprofessional in Chicago Ridge School District 127.5 last year. She previously worked as a teacher in park district and day care settings.

Martha La Spina
School: Southwest School
Position: Paraprofessional
Martha has years of experience in schools, most recently helping students at St. Michael School in Orland Park develop socialization, motor, and academic skills. Martha is fluent in Spanish and has experience working with diverse populations.

Maria Leal
School: Northeast School
Position: Paraprofessional
Maria comes to District 124 from Ferdinand Peck Elementary School in the Chicago Public School system, where she has been a special education teacher assistant since 2012. She previously worked as a resource coordinator for the school’s after-school program.

Katherine Majewski
School: Northwest School
Position: Early Childhood Structured Learning Program Teacher
Katherine comes to the district the River Forest Community Center, where she worked as an early childhood teacher last year. She completed her student teaching in Kirby School District 140 in Orland Park. Katherine earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois.

Patricia Martin
School: Central Middle School
Position: 21st Century Technology Teacher
Patricia was a technology teacher in Districts 94 and 161 for the past two years, and previously served as the director of technology at UNO Charter Schools. She holds a master’s degree from Governors Start University in Computer Education and a bachelor’s from St. Joseph’s College in Elementary Education.

Michelle Prendergast
School: Northwest School
Position: Nurse
Michelle worked as a registered nurse at Little Company of Mary Hospital prior to joining the District 124 team. She graduated from Chamberlin College of Nursing with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Xavier University.

Michelle Reed
School: Central Middle School
Position: Principal
Michelle comes to Central Middle School from Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School in Oak Park, where she has served as an assistant principal since 2013.  Before arriving in Oak Park, she had previously held administrative positions in Skokie and Evanston. Michelle earned her master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership from DePaul University, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Tennessee State University.

Kenneth Rodriguez
School: Northeast School
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Kenneth earned his K-12 Physical Education Teacher License from Trinity Christian College in April of 2018. He completed his student teaching at Prairie Junior High in Alsip and at H.L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn. Kenneth also has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University.

Tim Sheldon
School: Southeast School
Position: Principal
Tim joins the D124 family after serving as the principal of Ideal Elementary School in Countryside. He previously worked as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal in Chicago Public Schools. Tim, who speaks Spanish fluently, earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in 2001 and later graduated from Loyola University with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction (2004) and a Type 75 Certificate in Educational Leadership (2006). He is currently working toward a Doctor of Education degree at National Louis University.                                                                       

Melanie Thompson
School: Central Middle School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Melanie comes to D124 after working as school counselor/case manager at Lewis School of Excellence in Chicago last year. She has master's degrees in Counseling and Education from Chicago State University, and a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin.

Matthew Wehrmann
School: Central Middle School
Position: Math Intervention Specialist
Matthew joins the EPSD 124 team after working as a sixth grade math teacher at Parker Junior High School is Flossmoor, Ill., last year. He previously served as a lead teacher at Innovations High School in Chicago. Matthew previously worked as a data manager, and has a master’s degree American History from Loyola University and a bachelor’s degree in History from North Park University.