Biology Teacher: Liz Alf
College(s): Barnard College B.S.; Pace University M.A.
Teach For America: New York ‘06
Liz Alf is the biology teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She received her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Barnard College in New York City and her master’s degree in secondary education from Pace University. Before moving to Chicago, she taught high school chemistry, biology, and earth science for three years in Brooklyn, N.Y., as a Teach For America corps member. She has also worked as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She is excited to help develop the scientific investigation skills of GCCP students and work with students to promote environmental awareness through Green Club!
Special Educator: Maggie Antonelli
College(s): John Carroll University B.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ’10
Maggie Antonelli is a special education teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from John Carroll University near Cleveland, Ohio. She is excited to be teaching at the high school level as a 2010 Teach For America corps member. Originally from Cleveland, Maggie is proud to be following in the teaching footsteps of her father She is excited to be in such a supportive and energized environment.
Advisor: Stacy Arenson
College(s): The George Washington University B.A; and currently pursuing University of Chicago M.P.P.
Stacy Arenson is an advisor at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Arenson graduated summa cum laude from The George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in English. A Chicago-area native, Ms. Arenson returned to Chicago after graduating, joined Teach For America, and taught at Gary Comer College Prep during her two-year commitment. Ms. Arenson left the teaching team at the start of the 2010 school year to pursue a master’s education policy at the University of Chicago’s Harris School but remains a proud advisor to her junior girls at GCCP.
Chemistry Teacher: Kateland Beals
College(s): University of Kentucky B.A.
Teach For America: Connecticut ‘08
Kateland Beals is a chemistry teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She attended the University of Kentucky, the alma mater of her parents and brother. There she majored in chemistry and minored in Spanish. Before moving to Chicago, Ms. Beals taught chemistry and physical science for two years in Connecticut as a Teach For America corps member. While in Connecticut, she served as the indoor track coach, data team leader, and pep squad advisor. Ms. Beals is excited to be moving closer to home, and is ready to bring her interest in science to Chicago classrooms!
Paraprofessional: Jim Breihan
College(s): Fordham University B.S
Jim Breihan is a paraprofessional at Gary Comer College Prep. After graduating from Fordham University in New York, Mr. Breihan worked at various schools and organizations before getting a job last year at the greatest school on the planet here in Chicago as a paraprofessional. Mr. Breihan is very excited about preparing his students for college and the world beyond.
Assistant Dean of Students: Joseph Buckley
College(s): Northwestern University B.S.
Joseph Buckley is thrilled to join the team at Gary Comer College Prep. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in secondary education, concentrating in history and political science. Mr. Buckley completed his student teaching at Kenwood Academy High School in Hyde Park and has worked Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development for three summers. He is excited to return to the South Side and help ensure every one of GCCP’s students is prepared for collegiate success.
Physics Teacher: Chris Carlson
College(s): Indiana University B.S.; National-Louis University M.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘06
Chris Carlson is a physics teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Carlson was awarded his bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University and his master’s in teaching from National-Louis University. Prior to coming to GCCP, he was a Teach For America corps member and recruiter, where he made significant contributions to student achievement and bringing in other dedicated educators. As a founding teacher at GCCP, Mr. Carlson is excited to work with the new students and team. He is committed to ensuring each of his students will be capable of success in their college pursuit.
Administrative Assistant: Tina Coconate
College(s): University of Illinois at Chicago, B.A.
Tina Coconate, an administrative assistant at Gary Comer College Prep, is pleased to be a part of the Noble Network team. Ms. Coconate graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology, with a minor in sociology. She is currently there pursuing her master’s degree in school counseling. Prior to coming to GCCP, she worked as a private investigator and police officer, where she helped young adults focus on their goals. She looks forward to helping GCCP’s students make a difference.
Spanish Teacher: Kathleen Cook
College(s): Purdue University B.A.; Dominican University M.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘05
Kathleen Cook is the Spanish teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and political science and earned a master’s degree in teaching from Dominican University. As a former Teach For America corps member, Ms. Cook taught for four years at South Shore High School and Walter H. Dyett High School before joining GCCP last year. Ms. Cook is excited for students to use their Spanish outside the classroom, in real world contexts. She hopes that her love for Spanish transfers to all her students!
Special Education Coordinator: Dan Cooley
College(s): St. Olaf College B.A.
Teach For America: St. Louis ‘06
Dan Cooley is the special education coordinator and one of the special education teachers at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Cooley graduated summa cum laude from St. Olaf College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at the University of Chicago. Before joining the Noble team, Mr. Cooley was a Teach For America corps member in St. Louis, where he taught sixth- through ninth-grade students with special learning needs. Mr. Cooley is excited to be returning to the GCCP community and to continue supporting the college aspirations of GCCP students.
Dean of Instruction: Nicole Cooley
College(s): St. Olaf College B.A.
Teach For America: St. Louis ‘06
Nicole Cooley is the Dean of Instruction at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in German and political science. Before joining the Noble Network, Ms. Cooley taught middle school social studies in St. Louis through Teach For America. While at GCCP, she has taught algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, and trigonometry to her 9th and 10th grade students. She has also served as a coach to the Math Team and Softball Team and advisor to the Student Council. She loves being part of a community of hard-working, passionate, and dedicated teachers who are focused on helping all students see and meet their potential.
Dean of Operations: Adetokunbo Fatoke
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; University of Illinois at Chicago M.Ed.
Adetokunbo “Ade” Fatoke, Gary Comer College Prep's dean of operations, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Before joining the Noble Network, Mr. Fatoke was an admissions counselor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mr. Fatoke attended Paul Revere Elementary School and currently resides in the same neighborhood as Gary Comer College Prep. He believes that GCCP is the answer to helping students believe that college is a reachable goal.
Reading Teacher: Nicole Gealy
College(s): Indiana University B.A.
Teach For America: St. Louis ‘05
Nicole Gealy is a ninth-grade reading teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Gealy received her bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from Indiana University, where she graduated with highest honors. Before joining the Noble Network, Ms. Gealy taught middle school English as a Teach For America corps member in St. Louis and worked as a School Improvement Fellow at Empire Gardens Elementary School in San Jose, California. She has also worked for Teach For America as a corps member advisor and curriculum specialist at their summer training institute. She is excited to continue teaching on a team of committed, talented teachers, and is dedicated to the success of each student.
Math Teacher: Ashley Gibson
College(s): University of Florida B.A.
Teach For America: Miami ‘07
Ashley Gibson is a freshman math teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida, where she majored in religion and minored in women’s studies. Ms. Gibson taught in Miami, Florida, as a Teach For America corps member. While there she led sessions coaching teachers in guided reading and independent reading, wrote fourth-grade writing curriculum, and led fourth-grade team meetings. Ms. Gibson loves teaching mathematics to the scholars at GCCP, coaching the Catamount Cheerleaders, and being a part of a team where everyone works arduously to have every student go to college!
Dean of College and Citizenship: Mike Huguelet Jr.
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; Loyola University M.Ed.
Mike Huguelet Jr. is the Dean of College and Citizenship (DoCC) at Gary Comer College Prep. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s degree in school counseling from Loyola University Chicago. As the DoCC, Mr. Huguelet coordinates all of GCCP’s college planning, community service, and enrichment programs. Before joining the GCCP team, Mike taught in Minneapolis and ran the Visitation Scholarship Program in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Mr. Huguelet also had a brief career as a professional mascot for the Quad City Steamwheelers in the Arena Football League.
Early College Scholars Teacher: Kelley James Johnston
College(s): Valparaiso University B.A., M.Ed.
Kelley Johnston is the early college scholars teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. He earned his bachelor’s degree in international service and master’s degree in education from Valparaiso University. After working in college admissions and doing refugee work internationally, Mr. Johnston began teaching at a West Side middle school. For four years, Mr. Johnston was a senior trainer at The Posse Foundation in Chicago, a program that helps send students to top colleges across . Mr. Johnston’s passion for youth development and college access have brought him back into the classroom to support GCCP in ensuring every student achieves a college education.
Middle School Principal (Intern Year): Estèe Kelly
College(s): DePaul University B.A.; National-Louis University M.A.
Teach For America: St. Louis ‘03
Estèe Kelly is the principal intern of Gary Comer College Prep Middle School, which is scheduled to open in fall of 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from DePaul University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University. Ms. Kelly entered the field of education as a Teach For America corps member in St. Louis. Following her two-year commitment, Ms. Kelly returned to Chicago and taught at Galapagos Charter School on the West Side for three years before being accepted into New Leaders for New Schools. Most recently, she was the principal of KIPP Indianapolis College Preparatory in Indianapolis. She is extremely excited to be a part of the GCCP team.
Math Teacher: Gavin Lamb
College(s): University of Notre Dame B.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘05
Gavin Lamb is one of the freshmen algebra teachers at Gary Comer College Prep and is also the head football coach. From the great city of Pittsburgh, Mr. Lamb received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame where he majored in political science and minored in peace studies. While a student at Notre Dame, Mr. Lamb helped found Slice of Life, a nonprofit after-school tutoring program in South Bend, Indiana. He moved to Chicago in 2005 and, before joining GCCP, taught fifth grade at CICS Wrightwood on the South Side as part of Teach For America for three years.
Math Teacher: Pilar Landon
College(s): Boston College B.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘09
Pilar Landon teaches college algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus to juniors at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a degree in biology. During college, she served as the editor-in-chief of the university’s independent student newspaper, was a campus tour guide, and worked in a marine biology lab in Sydney, Australia. She joined GCCP last year and is in her second year as a Teach For America corps member. Ms. Landon is inspired daily by her students’ desire to achieve and cannot wait to see all of them reach a 21 on the ACT.
Reading Teacher: Hannah Lawler
College(s): University of Wisconsin–Madison B.A.; University of Pennsylvania M.A.
Teach For America: Philadelphia ‘07
Hannah Lawler is one of Gary Comer College Prep’s two 9th-grade reading teachers. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Wisconsin–Madison and her master’s degree in urban education from the University of Pennsylvania. As a Teach For America corps member, Ms. Lawler taught middle school reading for three years in North Philadelphia. While there, she discovered a passion for teaching, a love for her students, and the drive to continue working towards closing the achievement gap. Ms. Lawler recently moved back to her hometown of Chicago and is thrilled to serve the future college-goers of Gary Comer.
Reading Teacher: Quincy Miller
College(s): Iowa State University B.A.
Teach For America: Houston ‘08
Quincy Miller is a 10th-grade world literature teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. He joins the ranks of GCCP fresh from the Houston corps of Teach For America. In Houston, he taught with KIPP and had the honor of working as a second-year founding teacher at the first single-gender school within the KIPP network: Polaris Academy for Boys. Mr. Miller graduated cum laude from Iowa State University, where he majored in English and served as a research assistant for the World Religions department.
Assistant Dean of Discipline: Jacob Morgan
College(s): Northern Illinois University B.A.; University of Illinois at Chicago, M.A.
Jacob Morgan is Gary Comer College Prep's assistant dean of discipline. He received his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Northern Illinois University and his master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago., Mr. Morgan began his career in education working with special education students in CPS high schools as a member of AmeriCorps. There he planned and conducted violence prevention and conflict resolution seminars. As a basketball coach, Mr. Morgan has used athletics to advance students’ educational opportunities by coaching on high school and collegiate levels. Morgan looks forward to contributing to Noble Street’s continued excellence in the area of discipline.
Paraprofessional: Amy Nass
College(s): Augustana College B.A.; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee M.A.
Amy Nass is a paraprofessional at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated with her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2010. While at UW-Milwaukee, she also obtained teaching certificates in Spanish and English as a second language. Ms. Nass earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and sociology from Augustana College in 2008, where she also ran on the track and cross country teams. As a student teacher in Milwaukee, she discovered a newfound interest in charter schools, and is extremely excited to begin her teaching career at GCCP back home in Chicago.
Special Education Teacher: Ana Alicia Perez
College(s): Valdosta State University B.S.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘10
Ana Alicia “Andi” Perez is a special education teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Valdosta State University in south Georgia. She student taught in a third-grade classroom and is excited to transition into the high school setting as a 2010 Teach For America corps member. Ms. Perez is excited to teach and prepare her students for college and beyond. Originally from Florida, she is nervous about surviving her first real winter but enthusiastic to be a part of the GCCP team.
U.S. History Teacher: Kyle F. Petrie
College(s): Bowdoin College B.A.
Teach For America: New York ‘06
Kyle Petrie is Gary Comer College Prep’s U.S. history teacher. He received his bachelor’s degree in political theory from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and his teaching certificate in secondary social studies from Pace University in New York City. Mr. Petrie taught ninth- and tenth-grade U.S. and global history at the Bronx High School for Writing as a Teach For America corps member. Most recently, he worked as the operations coordinator for Teach For America, Chicago. After a two-year hiatus from teaching, Mr. Petrie is thrilled to be back in the classroom at Gary Comer College Prep.
English Teacher: Rebecca Pettyjohn
College(s): University of Missouri, Columbia B.A.
Teach For America: Houston ‘08
Rebecca Pettyjohn is a freshman English teacher for Gary Comer College Prep. An Illinois native, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a bachelor’s degree in English and minors in sociology and public service. After college, she joined Teach For America Houston, where she spent two years as an eighth-grade writing teacher at Killough Middle School, further fostering her love of grammar. She is now elated to bringing her grammar madness back to the Midwest and GCCP and is wondering how her cowboy boots will fare in the snow.
Paraprofessional: Jessica L. Record
College(s): Loyola University Maryland B.A.
Jessica Record is a paraprofessional at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Record received her bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration on secondary social studies education from Loyola University Maryland. After graduating, Ms. Record taught high school social studies in Baltimore, where she also coached cheerleading, was a member of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team, and was a member of the faculty choir. Ms. Record recently moved to Chicago and is excited to see how her New York lifestyle will fit in with Midwestern life.
Special Education Teacher: Dan Rhee
College(s): Columbia University B.A.
Dan Rhee is a special education teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Rhee received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Columbia University in New York and earned his special education certificate (mild/moderate and moderate/severe) from Humboldt State University in California. He was a member of the wrestling team and vice president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Columbia University. He coached the boys’ baseball team and is a Horizons Club moderator.
Dean of Discipline: Jon S. Robertson
College(s): University of Georgia B.A.; Georgia State University B.S.
Teach For America: Miami ‘05
Jon S. Robertson is the dean of discipline at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Robertson earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from The University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in urban policy studies from Georgia State University. He taught middle school social studies for four years in Miami as a Teach For America corps member. While there Mr. Robertson served as debate coach, sixth-grade team leader, after-school tutor, and social studies learning team leader. He has also worked for Teach For America as a corps member advisor. Last year, Mr. Robertson taught human geography at GCCP and survived his first Chicago winter! He is excited to take on his new role and responsibilities.
Special Education Teacher: Michael Rorro
College(s): University of Michigan B.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘10
Michael Rorro is a special education teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Rorro attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he was awarded a bachelor’s degree in economics and Near Eastern studies (Arabic language/culture). He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in special education at National-Louis University. While at the University of Michigan, Mr. Rorro served as vice president of the 40,000-person student body and worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Mr. Rorro just moved to Chicago from New Jersey and is excited to be in the Windy City! He is currently a Teach For America corps member, and is excited to lead his students to significant gains during his first year at GCCP.
Reading Teacher: Kirsten Standeven
College(s): Northeastern Illinois University B.A.; University of Pennsylvania M.S.
Teach For America: Philadelphia ‘06
Kirsten Standeven is Gary Comer College Prep’s junior literature teacher. She is an Honors Scholar graduate of Northeastern Illinois University where she majored in history. She started her teaching career as a Teach For America corps member in West Philadelphia. While teaching fourth grade there, she earned a master’s degree in urban education from the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from the Chicago area, Ms. Standeven is very excited to return to her home and to join the team at GCCP.
Math Teacher: Keyonna Taylor-Coleman
College(s): University of Minnesota B.A.; Arizona State University M.Ed.
Teach For America: Phoenix ‘07
Keyonna Taylor-Coleman is a sophomore math teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated magna cum laude from University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Upon graduating, Ms. Taylor headed west to Phoenix, Arizona, as a Teach For America corps member. As a middle school math teacher there, she spearheaded a data committee that recognized and improve student performance, chartered the first National Junior Honor Society chapter, and advised the MathCounts club, all while obtaining a Master in Education degree from Arizona State University. Although she will miss the Phoenix sun, she is extremely excited to be back in the Midwest and quite eager to work with the students of GCCP.
English Teacher: Megan Thole
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; National-Louis University M.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘06
Megan Thole is the AP English language and composition teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and her master’s degree from National-Louis University. Before teaching at GCCP, Ms. Thole taught at Howard Area Leadership Academy on the city’s North Side as a Teach For America corps member.
Founding Principal: James Troupis
College(s): Northwestern University B.S.; National-Louis University M.Ed.
Teach For America: Greater New Orleans ‘03
James Troupis is the founding principal of Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Troupis received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University. Before joining the Noble Network, Mr. Troupis taught 5th and 6th grade in New Orleans, supported first- and second-year teachers as a program director with Teach For America in Los Angeles, and interned as the assistant principal at Noble Street College Prep. In his third year as principal of Gary Comer College Prep, Mr. Troupis spends his time leading the ever-growing team of students (500+) and staff (45+) to ensure GCCP continues to climb the ranks as Chicago’s top college preparatory option.
Social Worker: Melissa Wade
College(s): University of Maryland B.A.; University of Chicago M.A.
Melissa Wade is the social worker at Gary Comer College Prep. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in English language & literature and Afro-American studies and received her master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago. Ms. Wade brings more than seven years of experience working with young people as a social worker, counselor, teacher, and mentor. Her interests and accomplishments span from guiding teens through acute family trauma to helping students overcome issues with poverty, anger, self-esteem, and loss. Along with serving as the school social worker, Ms. Wade is also the GCCP girls’ volleyball coach.
Science Teacher: Cal Wysocki
College(s): University of Wisconsin–Madison B.S.; National-Louis University M.A.
Teach For America: Chicago ‘06
Cal Wysocki teaches AP chemistry and freshman physics at Gary Comer College Prep. After earning his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and French from the University of Wisconsin, he joined Teach For America, Chicago, teaching chemistry and biology at Corliss High School. He also worked as a curriculum designer and program director for Urban Students Empowered. For the past two school years, he worked as a Program Director with Teach For America, Chicago, helping high school science teachers achieve significant academic gains with their science students. He is excited to put everything he has learned back into practice in the classroom at GCCP.