Faculty and Staff

Annie Anderson, Pre-Kindergarten Co-Teacher
North Park University - BA, Human Development
Malcolm X College - AAS, Child Development 

Felicia Beard-Brown, Compliance Coordinator and Dean of Scholars
Robert Morris University - BA, Business Management
Robert Morris University - AAS, Computer Networking
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in business management from Robert Morris University in 2002, and am currently working towards a master’s degree in management, with a certificate in management of K-12 educational institutions, from Keller Graduate School. I have 16 years of experience working with students between the ages of 5 - 21. I believe that learning is a lifelong process and I live it every day that I walk through the doors of Legacy. I believe that Legacy scholars have the potential to achieve any imaginable goals they may have, and that we, as Legacy teachers, have the duty of jumpstarting that potential and setting the wheels of change in motion.

Heath Berg, Technology Manager
DeVry University - BS, Technical Management

Jordan Berry, Kindergarten Teacher
University of Chicago, Urban Teacher Education Program - MA, Teaching
University of Chicago, Divinity School - MA, Religion
University at Buffalo, State University of New York - BA, Philosophy, Political Science
I received my master’s degree in teaching from the Urban Teacher Education Program at the University of Chicago. I also have bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science, and a master’s degree in the study of religion. I taught middle school English in South Korea from 2004 to 2005, and taught 7th and 2nd grades in Chicago public schools. I am now thrilled to be teaching kindergarten at Legacy. As the daughter of a preacher and a teacher, I believe that life is learning--and my job is to teach children to love and know themselves as learners, to love and know the world, and to be authors of love and learning in it.

Cristie Bosch, Visual Arts Teacher
University of Illinois at Chicago - BA, Art Education
I received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago in art education. I have been an educator in Chicago for the last 8 years and I remain passionately committed to helping all children discover their artistic talents. I believe all children have the ability to fulfill their dreams and make a difference in the world if given the support, encouragement, love, opportunity to learn, and confidence they need.

Kristen Brady, Administrative Assistant
University of Phoenix - BS, Business and Finance
I received my Bachelor of Science in business and finance from the University of Phoenix and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in business administration. I have many years of experience in office work and customer service. I have also worked at an elementary school and non-profit organization whose mission was to give children help, hope and opportunity. I am happy to have the opportunity to share what I know and I enjoy learning something new every day at Legacy.

Bill Brickey, Music Teacher
Shimer College - BA, Humanities
University of Oxford - Classical Music and Music Performance, Eastern Philosophies
Lewis University - AA, Theatre
I am a professional musician whose career spans almost 30 years and I have been a guitar instructor at the Old Town School for 19 years. I graduated in 1989 from Shimer College in Waukegan, Illinois, and while there, I was admitted to Shimer’s overseas scholars program. I studied classical guitar with Jerry Garcia of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and performed in Oxford, England. I currently hold a bachelor’s degree in humanities. I am currently developing my own music program here at Legacy Charter School featuring recorder, guitar, djembes, ukulele and choral training. All scholars perform regularly in recitals at Legacy Circle where some of Legacy’s scholars even choose to solo as musicians on the instrument of their choice. The program’s focus is musical literacy and I use Standard, Tablature, Solfege and Kodaly notation systems to communicate the nuts and bolts of music to my scholars. Scholars are encouraged to develop their musicality and to see themselves not only as discerning consumers of entertainment media, but as fully empowered artists who have the right and the ability to use the tools and mediums of the arts to express themselves.

Betsy Briskman, Third Grade Teacher
Tulane University - BA, Psychology
I graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and psychology. I have taught kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grades during the last 12 years. I believe that all children can achieve their goals. It is my responsibility as an educator to engage, challenge, support and encourage all children. I feel lucky to be a part of the Legacy community.

Silvana Casas, Social Worker
Western Michigan University - MSW
Andrews University - BSW
I have 9 years of experience in the field of social work. During this time, I have worked in various settings including the foster care system, community mental health system and school system. I am excited to be in my fourth year at Legacy Charter School! I have learned and grown a lot with Legacy and I have fallen in love with our scholars and their families. I know that this is the right place for me to be, with all of the challenges, successes and joy. My goal this year is to continue doing all I can in supporting scholars' social, emotional and academic growth, and to remain flexible in regard to the variety of ways in which I can meet this goal. My desire is that each and every scholar reaches their full potential this year, as well as every year of their lives!

Tavita Cook, Intervention Teacher
Chicago State University - BA
I am thrilled to be in my fifth year at Legacy. I have taught pre-k through 3rd grade. I am pursuing my Master of Education at Chicago State University. I believe that learning and education are necessities in life. These necessities require a partnership between parents, students and the school. I believe that a strong foundation in education will allow our scholars to soar beyond their dreams and achieve limitless goals.

Courtney Ehorn, Special Education Teacher
Webster University, Special Education Option - MA, Teaching
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - BS, Human Development and Family Studies
I received a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2005. After graduation, I spent two years teaching for St. Louis Public Schools as a special education teacher. It was in St. Louis that I discovered my passion for teaching diverse learners and for child advocacy. I joined the Legacy family in July of 2007 and completed my master's degree in special education from Webster University in December of 2008. I am thrilled to be working with the scholars, parents, and staff at Legacy Charter School!

Ronald Freeman, Security
With over 17 years of experience in security, working with teenagers, and leading sports activities, I am proud to be Director of Security at Legacy. Each day I help children focus and give them advice and encouragement. As a founding father I know each family and enjoy working closely with our parents and teachers.

Gina Geruso, Fourth Grade Teacher
Trinity Christian College - BA, Elementary Education
This is my first year at Legacy, and I’m ecstatic to become a member of this family! I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Trinity Christian College in 2006. Since then, I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. I’m excited about continuing my career in the North Lawndale Area as I have been teaching in this neighborhood for 2 years. As a dedicated teacher, I strongly believe that all children can learn and I am devoted to supporting my scholars’ educational needs so that they can achieve their lifelong goals. I feel blessed to be part of this passionate and committed community.

Elizabeth Goss, Second Grade Teacher
DePaul University - MA
Oberlin College - BA
I attended Oberlin College and received my master’s degree from DePaul University. I began teaching adult literacy and fell in love with teaching. I came to Legacy as a founding teacher after teaching in CPS for 4 years. I have taught for 10 years in kindergarten through 2nd grade. I earned National Board Certification as an early childhood educator in 2008. I won the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award in 2009. I also received grants from the Oppenheimer Family Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Education, and Donor’s Chose. I have had an article published in Beyond the Journal, the online journal for Young Child. I believe education is a transformative act and that school, like life, should be joyful, creative, critical and engaging.

Bob Hauser, Second Grade Teacher
National-Louis University, Academy for Urban School Leadership - MA, Teaching
Bowling Green State University - MS, Organizational Development
Mundelein College (Loyola University) - BA, Management and Marketing
As a career changer, I left behind the corporate world of training, marketing and management to pursue the mission of social justice through the education of our children. I graduated from the Academy for Urban School Leadership teacher training program with a Master of Arts in teaching from National-Louis University. I believe that as a teacher it is my responsibility to provide a safe, engaging learning community that is built on creating relationships so that all students will have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, resulting in children who become adults who can make informed decisions as productive citizens.

Ashley Haywood, Middle School Teacher
University of Chicago, Urban Teacher Education Program - MA, Teaching
University of Chicago - BA, Anthropology
I earned a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Chicago’s Urban Teacher Education Program and a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology. I taught English for two years in France and the Caribbean, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Belize, and worked with 5th and 6th graders in Chicago Public Schools. Now I can’t imagine a more perfect way to spend my days than exploring the world with Legacy 6th grade scholars! I believe that learning should be both an adventure and a challenge. My goal is to prepare scholars to be active, aware, and engaged members of our local and global communities.

Dimitri Hepburn, Intervention Teacher
National-Louis University - BS, Biology
As the son of two high school biology and chemistry teachers, I was encouraged to ask questions about the world around me from an early age. I received a bachelor's degree in biology from National-Louis University and am currently pursuing a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. One of the main reasons I teach is to foster a passion for science in the scholars I teach.

Bridget Hogan, First Grade Teacher
Loyola Marymount University - MA, Elementary Education
Villanova University - BA, Minor in Education

Katherine Hove, First Grade Teacher
University of Chicago, Urban Teacher Education Program - MA, Teaching
University of Chicago - BA, Human Development
I have a bachelor’s degree in human development and a master’s degree in teaching from the Urban Teachers Education Program, both from the University of Chicago. This is my fifth year teaching 1st grade at Legacy. I believe schools should be places where all people experience questioning, exploring, experimenting, and conversation. I believe that education is a critical piece of empowerment and am honored to be a part of a learning community that is working toward a more equitable, just and compassionate society.

Tiwana Hunter, Director of the Administrative Team
Chicago State University - BA, Health Science
I received my bachelor's degree in health science from Chicago State University. I have previously worked with children in middle school. As a parent of a Legacy scholar and Director of the Administrative Team, I believe that "smart is not something you are born with, it is something we become." I take pride in serving our Legacy community, faculty and staff.

Veronica Jackson, Kindergarten Teacher
Monmouth College - BA, Elementary Education
I graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, with a minor in learning disabilities. I have been a classroom teacher for six years. I have always loved children and wanted to do my part to make a difference in a young child's life. I believe school is a place where children should be happy and have fun while learning. I am excited and eager to continue growing as a teacher here at Legacy Charter School!

Gina Johnson, Paraprofessional
Malcolm X College - AA
I am currently a student at East-West University and am pursuing a teaching degree. This is my fourth school year at Legacy and I truly enjoy working with children.

Schreece Jones, Pre-Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Chicago State University - BS, Biology
I have always loved working with children and decided after college that I wanted to become an educator. I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in teaching in early childhood education. I believe that giving our children the proper foundation will prepare them to go out into the world and make a difference. I am the proud mother of three and it is my true desire to be an example to them and to every child I have the opportunity to teach. I believe that as an educator I play a role in helping them reach their destiny!

Lisa Kenner, Principal
National-Louis University - MA, Educational Leadership
New Leaders for New Schools - Fellow in Founding Cohort
Northwestern University - BM, Ethnomusicology
I graduated from the first cohort of the New Leaders for New Schools program that prepares educators for leadership in outstanding urban schools. I’ve earned a master’s degree from National-Louis University in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in ethnomusicology from Northwestern University. I began my teaching career in the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center and have taught both high school and middle school students. After 16 years of experience teaching students in Chicago, I am honored to be part of this dynamic learning community. I believe that every child is capable of strong academic achievement. It is our responsibility as educators to ensure that children have a meaningful, rigorous academic experience in an environment that nourishes their confidence, courage and resilience as positive leaders. The purpose of education is to raise young people to transform the world as we know it into a place of greater equity, opportunity and peace. The bright future we envision stems from the daily educational experiences of each scholar.

Melissa Kinyon, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Olivet Nazarene University - MA, Education, Curriculum and Instruction
University of Northern Iowa - BA, Early Childhood and Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement
I am excited to be a part of the Legacy Charter School team. I did my undergraduate studies in my home state, at the University of Northern Iowa, and studied for two years in Illinois to get my master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University. For six school years I taught at Emmett Till Math & Science Academy in the Woodlawn Community on the Southside of Chicago. Now, I look forward to forging new partnerships with scholars and their families as they start their educational careers at Legacy.

Melissa Ledesma, Fourth Grade Teacher
Northeastern University - MA, Teaching, Elementary Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - BFA, Art History
I received my bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2004. I taught art to young children one summer during college and fell in love with teaching and working with children which inspired me to go back to school. I attended Northeastern University where I received my master’s degree in elementary education in 2008. I began teaching Saturday school at Legacy and now I am a 4th grade teacher. It is a dream come true to be working with such amazing scholars. I believe that education can open our minds to endless possibilities.

Lara Levine, Third Grade Teacher
Harvard University Graduate School of Education - Ed.M., Arts in Education
Brandeis University - BA, Sociology and Women's Studies
I love being a teacher, and I am proud to be part of the Legacy community for my fourth year. After graduating from Brandeis University, I committed to teaching for two years in an underserved community as part of Teach for America. I was a member of New Orleans Corps, and found the experience so rewarding that I stayed for a third year before attending Harvard University's Graduate School of Education where I received a master's degree. I am so thrilled to be working with 3rd graders, who greet me each day with smiles, joy, and the desire to grow as thinkers and learners. I look forward to challenging myself as an educator to always inspire my scholars, for whom I have great expectations.

Daniel Parker, Special Education Teacher
University of Kansas - MA, Human Development and Family Life
University of Kansas - MS, Special Education
Ottawa University Kansas City - Certificate, Elementary and Early Childhood Education
University of Kansas - BA, Psychology and Philosophy
I have received a master's degree in special education as well as a master's degree in human development, both from the University of Kansas. Upon completion of my degree programs I had the opportunity to become the Director of a start up charter school in Rhode Island which was sponsored by The Groden Center, a nonprofit organization working with children with autism. After five wonderful years as Director of Kingston Hill Academy, I moved to Chicago to be closer to family. I was originally attracted to Legacy in part by the mission of social justice and providing a college preparatory education, as well as the concept of the scholar culture. I am very happy to be able to work and assist scholars, families, and teachers across classrooms.

Ayanna Pearson, Extended Learning Coordinator
Concordia University - M.Ed., School Leadership
National-Louis University - M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction
Temple University - BA, English
I graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in January of 2002. Upon graduating, I was accepted into Teach For America and moved to Chicago as a TFA corps member. I began my teaching career here in the North Lawndale community where I taught for six years. I continued my education and received a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis in 2004 and am a recent graduate of Concordia University, where I received my second master's in School Leadership with Type 75 School Administration Certification. I am a strong advocate of arts education and college readiness. I’m of the opinion that all students can learn and should be afforded the opportunity to relentlessly pursue a college education. I am excited to join the Legacy family.

Aaron Pernell, Security

Margret Pilat, Fifth Grade Teacher
University of Chicago, Urban Teacher Education Program - MA, Teaching, Elementary Education,
University of Chicago - BA, Sociology
I received my undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Chicago. Upon completion of my Bachelor of Arts, I enrolled in the University of Chicago’s Urban Teacher Education Program, where I received my master's degree in teaching. My educational philosophy stems from the idea that children should engage in authentic learning and see the world as unanswered questions. I believe that a teacher is a facilitator in children’s journeys, and that true learning is discovered by the children themselves.

Tim Pilch, Physical Education Teacher
Carthage College - BA
I am the physical education teacher and current boys soccer coach at Legacy. I have played sports my whole life and teaching young scholars about the importance of maintaining good physical health, sportsmanship and new games is something I truly enjoy. I have competed in numerous sports, but football and wrestling were my two main sports while growing up. Currently, I keep in shape by playing different sports and weight lifting three to five times a week. When I have free time, I find other physical activities as well. I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After college, I immediately found a job teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies and reading language arts in Chicago. I taught there for over three years before ending up at Legacy. As the PE teacher at Legacy, I hope to bring my passion, enjoyment, and intensity of physical activities to our wonderful scholars. I started a boys soccer team which is Legacy’s first sports team. I hope that this will be one of many sports teams that Legacy will have.

LaTonya Pleasant, Fifth Grade Teacher
Illinois Benedictine College - BA, Business Economics
I received my Bachelor of Arts in business economics from Benedictine University. I am currently pursuing my master's in elementary education along with my State Certification at Concordia University in Chicago. I believe learning is a life experience that never ends. I welcome the opportunity to provide the unconditional love, support, and education, that our children so desperately need, here at Legacy Charter School.

Shuna Price, Kindergarten Co-Teacher
St. Augustine College - AA, Early Childhood

Delia Rico, Assistant Principal and Dean of Academics
Rosary College - MBA, Human Resources
Mundelein College - MA, Business Administration and Foreign Languages
Dominican University - MA, Teaching
Governors State University - MA, Educational Administration
I earned a Master of Arts in educational administration from Governors State University and a Master of Arts in teaching from Dominican University. I received certification as a Reading Recovery teacher through National-Louis University, and certification as a Literacy Coordinator and as a Trainer of Primary Literacy Coordinators from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. I have worked with children and teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade for 14 years. I believe that both children and adults learn best when they are given plenty of opportunities to voice their questions, explore their wonderings, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Being a member of the Legacy family is an honor because it offers me the opportunity to work alongside scholars who are able to challenge each other's thinking and who continuously raise their expectations for all learners.

Mindy Thomas, Middle School Teacher
National-Louis University - MA, Teaching, Secondary English
Chicago State University - BA
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Chicago State University and a Master of Arts in teaching secondary English from National-Louis University. In 2008 I achieved National Board Certification in Early Adolescence English/Language Arts. I have been teaching art, reading, and humanities to middle and high school students in Chicago charter schools for the past 11 years. I believe that through a nurturing and rigorous academic experience all children can learn and achieve at high levels. It is my primary goal as an educator to work in partnership with families and fellow educators to tailor my instruction to each scholar’s needs and affinities. I am honored to be part of Legacy’s middle school as we continue the mission of building the bridge to college success for all of our scholars.

LaDonna Turner, Middle School Teacher
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - BS, Elementary Education
I am a fifth year teacher at Legacy Charter School. I have taught at Legacy since the school opened. I spent three years teaching 2nd grade and I am now entering my second year as a 4th grade teacher. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in mathematics. It is a thrill to work at Legacy. Legacy is innovative and allows teachers to use best practices when teaching and working with scholars. The scholars at Legacy are enthusiastic learners and would make anyone eager to teach them. Legacy has transformed my life, and my hope is that I can help transform the lives of the scholars that enter our doors each day.

Shae Turner, Kindergarten Teacher
Jackson State University - BA, Psychology
I graduated from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I have been working as an educator for eight years. I have been here at Legacy five out of the six years. Here at Legacy I have been in pre-k, kindergarten and 1st grade. Being part of the Legacy community has been rewarding and exciting. I believe in developing great relationships with parents to help support a strong connection of home-to-school learning for the growth of each scholar.

Anissia Washington, Intervention Teacher
North Park University - BA, Human Development
Malcolm X College - Advanced Certificate, Early Childhood Education
I have been dedicating my time and talent to children since I was 13 years old. I have an associate's degree in early childhood education and a Bachelor of Arts in human development. I find it rewarding, exciting, and educational to watch and learn how children grow, think and interact.

Alexa Webster-Clark, Intervention Teacher
University of Chicago, Urban Teacher Education Program - MA, Teaching
University of Chicago - BA, Psychology
I graduated from the University of Chicago with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master's degree in teaching from the university's Urban Teacher Education Program. I came to Legacy as an intervention teacher in the middle of last year, and I am thrilled to be a part of this vibrant learning community. I am especially passionate about math and science, which I believe can give scholars a powerful and fascinating framework to understand the world around them. I am looking forward to working with the middle school team to support and challenge all scholars in their quest for knowledge.

Alice Williams, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
National-Louis University - BA, Early Childhood Education, Psychology
I am a graduate of National-Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education and a minor in psychology. Teaching pre-k is a rewarding profession that requires love, respect, and devotion. I believe in a play based learning environment that dramatically directs children to higher learning. To unlock young minds one must open the doors to opportunity so that he or she can discover their world through constructive play.

Laura Zaniolo, Middle School Teacher
Columbia College Chicago - MA, Teaching, Elementary Education
Columbia College Chicago - BA
I earned my bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago studying creative writing and film. After teaching 1st grade in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as a Teach For America Corps Member, I returned to Chicago and earned my Master of Arts in teaching from Columbia College. For the last six years, I’ve worked with students ranging from 1st to 8th grade as a teacher and mentor. I enjoy guiding scholars toward developing their self-discipline, personal responsibility, determination, and intellect. Quality education requires a team effort and hard work on the part of teachers, scholars, parents, and the school. I see the team dynamic and commitment here at Legacy and I am proud to be involved as we build Legacy’s middle school.