Welcoming our new faculty and staff for '24-25 school year

We are pleased to introduce a dedicated group of faculty and staff members to the Latin community.

	Victor Agapay Director of Alumni Engagement Victor joins us from the Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida, where he spent the past 11 years leading the school’s alumni program. Victor will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that will strengthen the bonds among our alumni, students, and the broader school community. He will also work closely with the Alumni Board, coordinate alumni events, and create opportunities for our current and future alumni to engage in professional networking, participate in mentorship, and build lifelong relationships with Latin.		MaryKate Angotti Lower School Assistant Teacher MaryKate is excited to join Latin as a Lower School Assistant Teacher. She recently graduated magna cum laude from Miami University with a degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Sociology. She spent multiple semesters serving as an undergraduate assistant, which gave her the chance to provide her classmates with important academic support and helped her discover her passion for teaching. MaryKate, who is originally from Chicago, is looking forward to starting her first teaching position at Latin.
	Melissa Archey Upper School Math Teacher Melissa grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Actuarial Science. She began her career as an actuary in Chicago and then Denver, but her adventurous spirit led her to take a brief hiatus to work at the Admundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Upon returning to Denver, Melissa transitioned into education, teaching high school mathematics for a number of years at public and private high schools in the greater Denver area. After earning a master’s in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Denver, her passion for teaching led her to Sydney, Australia through a teaching exchange program. Melissa recently returned to the U.S. after teaching in both public and private schools within the greater Sydney area. Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys the great outdoors, whether it is hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or spending time on the water with her partner, Glenn, and Gus the swimming cat. She is thrilled to be returning to Chicago and joining Latin, and is eager to continue her journey of inspiring young minds.		Shannon Barker Upper School English Teacher Shannon is excited to return to Latin as a part-time Upper School English Teacher. She previously taught at Latin for seven years before taking a part-time position at Lab School so she could focus on her young family. She earned her B.A. at Harvard University, M.Ed. at Boston College, and Ed.D. at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Before originally starting at Latin in 2015, she taught in the Boston area, where she also grew up cheering for all of the sports teams. When she isn’t chasing around her toddler and baby, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.
	Grace Beyerl Lower School Assistant Teacher Grace is thrilled to join the Latin community as an assistant teacher! A Chicago native, she is passionate about encouraging her students to explore both their city and the world. With a B.A. in History from Loyola University Chicago, she has spent time traveling and conducting research in Poland, Lithuania, and Ireland. Her years of experience in early childcare have given her the ability to encourage the children in her care to be kind, courageous, and curious. She could not be more excited to meet her third graders!		Julia Binder Lower School Assistant Teacher Julia is thrilled to join the Latin community as an assistant teacher. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in religion and education studies from Oberlin College. Intrigued by the Midwest, Julia moved to Chicago after college to participate in the Avodah Jewish Service Corps. During this fellowship, she worked as a legal advocate at Legal Council for Health Justice, a legal aid nonprofit based in the Loop. This past school year, Julia returned to education, working as a reading intervention specialist teaching the Wilson Reading System to students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Outside of the classroom, Julia plays ultimate frisbee with Chicago’s club team Dish and enjoys plucking on her guitar or banjo. She can’t wait to meet her students and begin the school year!
	Sean Bleizeffer Registrar Sean is joining Latin after spending the past three years at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School as the Business Operations Associate and Registrar. In his free time, Sean enjoys traveling, camping, and exploring new restaurants (suggestions are highly welcomed).		Isabel Brodsky Lower School Assistant Teacher Isabel Brodsky is a Chicago-based artist and freelance writer with a degree in anthropology and literary arts from Brown University. Isabel has also worked as a writing and academic tutor for the past four years, and is interested in teaching students how to develop their own personal style of writing. She is excited to be joining the Latin community this year! In her free time, Isabel enjoys writing plays, taking walks by the lake, and earning badges on Duolingo.
	Éva Corcoran Lower School Assistant Teacher Éva was born in Rockford, Illinois and has lived in Chicago for the past four years. She recently received her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Diplomacy with a concentration in Diplomacy and the Arts with a minor in French from DePaul University. Éva has completed various internships working with youth, including a Teach for America fellowship, and has collaborated with students in Chicago on the creation of community murals. She is excited to continue pursuing her passion for supporting students in her role as an Assistant Teacher in the Lower School. In her free time, Éva likes to read, draw, paint, and spend time with her friends and family.		Stephanie Corey Associate Director of Enrollment Management for Middle School & Community Outreach A native of Chicago, Stephanie joins the Latin community as the Associate Director of Enrollment Management for Middle School & Community Outreach. She earned her B.A. in Psychology & Spanish from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. She later earned her M.A. in Higher Education with an emphasis on Historically Black Colleges & Universities from Lincoln University (Missouri). Stephanie has a sincere heart for young people and a love for education, with over 10 years of experience in Admissions/Enrollment Management. She has served in various admissions roles within diverse settings, such as the Secondary Private School and Higher Education sectors. In her free time, she enjoys reading, jumping double dutch, and volunteering and serving within her church.
	Jackson Danbeck Communications Coordinator Jackson is thrilled to join Latin as the Communications Coordinator. Before making the career change to communications, Jackson worked for six years as a journalist, mostly in the TV news industry. He served as Digital Executive Producer at TMJ4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as a news producer at WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to working as a journalist, Jackson graduated with a B.A. in History from DePaul University. In his free time, Jackson enjoys the great outdoors, exercising (including cycling and rock climbing), playing drums and making music with fellow musicians, being the best cat dad he can be, and catching up with friends over a good meal.		Kaelum Eugenio Lower School Assistant Teacher Kaelum graduated from college this year and is excited to be a part of the Latin community. Kaelum likes collaborating with and getting to know other people. He particularly enjoys listening to other people's ideas and opinions. During his free time, Kaelum loves to play video games and make music (he plays electric guitar and has done some computer music).
	Jolene Fulmore Development Operations Manager Jolene was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before relocating to Chicago in August 2024. Her work experience spans multiple industries, including education, architecture/interior design, hospitality, and non-profit work. She was first introduced to the world of development during her time as the Resident Manager at a healthcare hospitality house. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at a Philadelphia-area liberal arts college before bringing her talents and expertise to Latin.		Cristina Gonzalez Lower School Assistant Teacher Cristina Gonzalez graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in Animation and a minor in Illustration. To explore her curiosity and start her teaching journey, Cristina traveled to South Korea to become an ESL teacher. Though the job was a bit difficult because of the language barrier, she enjoyed teaching and helping all of her students. During her free time, Cristina enjoys playing sports, including volleyball, and loves traveling abroad and trying new food whenever possible. On days she doesn't want to go out, Cristina stays home and enjoys the company of her two precious cats: Emma and Mom Cat. As an assistant teacher, Cristina is dedicated to helping create a safe space and supportive classroom environment where the students feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking help.
	Sbeydi Gonzalez Middle School Spanish Teacher Sbeydi is a Mexican Latina from Chicago, and is transitioning from teaching Spanish while serving as an Assistant Dean to going back into the classroom for Middle School. This summer, Sbeydi was blessed to be part of Global Glimpse Leaders and be part of EF Tours. She loves exploring abroad, which sparked her passion to continue working with students in and out of the classroom. In her free time, Sbeydi really enjoys nature walks, biking, reading, traveling, and hanging out with family and friends. She loves doing spontaneous adventures that involve outdoor activities, enjoys trying new food, and wants to start playing the piano. Sbeydi looks forward to meeting you all!		Jeremy Goodman Upper School History & Social Studies Teacher Jeremy is excited to be joining Latin as an Upper School History Teacher. Prior to Latin, Jeremy spent four years teaching in Chicago and the past two years teaching in New York City. He is looking forward to being back in Chicago to begin his seventh year as a history teacher. Jeremy is a passionate educator who loves teaching students about the past while also engaging with current events. In his free time, Jeremy loves playing basketball, traveling and spending time with family.
	Maggi Hastings Lower School Assistant Teacher Maggi is thrilled to be joining the Latin community this year. Maggi got her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago, with her focus on theatre arts and education. She has taught theatre, art, improv and communication in Chicago the past six years, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Elementary Education. When Maggi isn’t teaching, she loves to camp, hike, make art and music, spend time with friends, play with her pets (two cats and a bunny), and enjoy the city! If you see here around, say hi and show off a picture of your favorite animals!		Katie Johnson US Director of Athletics Katie relocated to Chicago from Pittsburgh, where she was the Director of Athletics at The Ellis School. Before moving to the 'Burgh, Katie lived and worked in Atlanta for 12 years. She is originally from Alabama (War Eagle!!). In her down time, Katie loves walking her dog, Maverick, exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, playing/watching volleyball, basketball, and football (Go Pack Go! She knows this is controversial here in Chicago), and getting lost in a good book. Katie is excited to be a part of this community, and looks forward to seeing everyone cheering on the Romans at sporting events!
	Devon Jones Assistant Director of College Counseling Devon is thrilled to return to Latin and rejoin the College Counseling team as an Assistant Director. Coming from a background of more than 10 years in admissions and college counseling, Devon is excited to reconnect with the Latin community and partner with students and their families while they navigate the college process. When not knee-deep in personal essay reviews, you can find Devon trying out recipes in the kitchen, discovering new music, and spending as much quality time with her family as possible, especially her sweet toddler, Lilly.		Christin Kim Lower School Assistant Teacher Christin is a Korean American music educator with over 16 years of experience teaching piano, cello, and music theory. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Artist Certificate from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from Roosevelt University. Christin studied under renowned musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, and has performed as a freelance cellist in Los Angeles, where she also directed chamber music and conducted string orchestras. Now based in Chicago, Christin continues to share her expertise and passion for music education.
	Katie King Annual Giving Manager After more than a decade of teaching at Latin, Katie steps outside of the classroom to support the Development team. Katie will be creating giving appeals that inspire our community to donate, overseeing annual giving volunteers, and creating efforts that increase donor participation in our community. She is thrilled to be back at Latin in a new role.		Frances Limoncelli Upper School Theatre Teacher Frances is excited to be joining the Latin faculty as an Upper School Theatre Teacher. She recently taught theatre at independent schools in Houston, Texas, but is over the moon to be back in the Windy City! Frances is a veteran of the Chicago theatre scene where she worked as an actor, director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator for over 20 years, including stints at Goodman, Steppenwolf, Northlight, and Drury Lane. She is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory and a proud member of Lifeline Theatre's Artistic Ensemble. A self-professed plant mom and cat lady, Frances also loves classic literature and cooking Italian food.
	Samantha Malecki Lower School Assistant Teacher Samantha is very excited to be working at Latin this upcoming school year! After growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, she came to Chicago to attend college and swim for a Division 1 University. After taking some educational psychology classes, she realized that her passion is working with kids in a school environment! In her free time, she loves to read, hang out with her friends and dogs, or go for a run on the lake!		Sarah Min Lower School Lead Teacher Sarah grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later moved to Chicago to pursue her teaching degree. After completing her studies, Sarah spent the last eight years teaching at a Chicago Public School. In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with her friends/family, and trying new restaurants around the city. Sarah is very excited to join the Latin community as a lead first grade teacher.
	Kyle Patterson Middle School French Teacher Kyle is excited to join the Latin community as a Middle School French Teacher. He has been teaching French for over eight years, emphasizing language learning through play, performance, and contextualized practice. Kyle holds a Ph.D. in French and Francophone studies from the University of California, Davis and has taught at UC Davis and Santa Barbara, Northwestern University, in Québec City, at the Alliance Française de Sacramento, and with the company Immerse. In his free time, Kyle enjoys gaming, singing in his choir, gardening, and spending time with his family.		Michael Reyes Executive Assistant to the Head of School Michael grew up in a small town in northwest Ohio (population 900 and counting!). He graduated college with a degree in Theatre (minor in Public Relations) and moved to Chicago with a plan to stay here “for a couple years.” However, he fell in love with the city and couldn’t leave. A practicing theatre artist, he’s performed in dozens of shows and cabarets as part of the thriving creative cauldron that is the Chicago Professional Non-Equity Theatre community. He is currently a member of Strawdog Theatre Company, where he has been an Ensemble member since 2019. He was also a theatrical stage manager, and naturally found a way to partner with senior leaders in his “daytime” career. In that space, he has worked with top executives in a variety of industries and organizations from very large non-profits (Feeding America, YMCA of the USA), global consulting (Deloitte, Accenture), design (Gensler) – and now education. Michael is very excited to now be part of the Latin community!
	Alicia Rubio Lower School Assistant Teacher A recent graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, Alicia is brand new to the city of Chicago! Originally from a small town in Michigan, Alicia was raised in a very academic home with parents who were a professor and a schoolteacher. She has always loved school and looks forward to sharing her passion for learning with the students at Latin, while also pursuing a master's degree in Latin American history. Outside of school, Alicia loves reading fiction, writing, and working on her latest crochet project (it's a giant axolotl).		Abby Schaudt Upper and Middle School Nurse Abby is starting their 20th year in the medical field, all of which has been spent working in pediatrics. Abby has a tight-knit family, including six amazing nieces and nephews, and loves theatre, music, and dance.
	Joe Shilts Lower School Assistant Teacher Joe is a College of Wooster Graduate from Flemington, New Jersey. He played football and ran track in college and is now coaching football. Joe has two dogs named Bo and Puddle, and loves teaching and coaching. He is excited for the school year to start!		G Trupp Middle School Librarian G (they/them) is excited to make the move from San Diego to Chicago and join the Latin team! G is a credentialed school librarian who received their master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They regularly present at the local and state level on inclusive school library services. G loves coming up with creative and engaging ways to support classroom teachers and promote a love of print and digital literacy among students. They are trilingual (English/Mandarin/Japanese), like to engage with various types of media, and enjoy exploring all different kinds of crafts.
	Rebecca Veselinovich Lower School Assistant Teacher Born in Melbourne, Australia, and raised in Houston, Texas, Rebecca now proudly calls Chicago home—a city she grew to love through many holiday visits with her extended family. She completed her undergraduate studies at DePaul University and is thrilled to join Latin as a Lower School Assistant Teacher. With a background in corporate communications and a fervent passion for education, Rebecca is committed to enriching students' learning experiences. She is currently pursuing her MSEd in elementary teaching at Northwestern University. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys reading, exploring film photography, and watching episodes of Seinfeld.		Clara Wade Middle and Upper School Counselor (8th and 9th Grade) Clara is thrilled to join the Latin community as the eighth and ninth grade counselor. A Chicago native, she received her B.A. in Social Work from the University of Iowa and her A.M. in Social Work from the University of Chicago. She has been a dedicated School Social Worker for the past eight years, providing mental health support for children and adolescents in the school setting. As a counselor, Clara is passionate about providing a safe and empowering space for students to express themselves and process their experiences. She is looking forward to collaborating with faculty, students, and families to promote mental wellness practices and social-emotional development. In her free time, Clara enjoys dancing, practicing yoga, relaxing by the lake, and spending time with friends and family.

Not pictured, but we are also pleased to welcome:

Kaiser Minhas, US History & Social Studies Teacher
Nathan Reider, Assistant Teacher
Antoine Williams, IT Technician

Around the School
Our Voices
lower school
middle school
upper school

Welcoming our new faculty and staff for '24-25 school year

Aug 21 2024

We are pleased to introduce a dedicated group of faculty and staff members to the Latin community.

	Victor Agapay Director of Alumni Engagement Victor joins us from the Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida, where he spent the past 11 years leading the school’s alumni program. Victor will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that will strengthen the bonds among our alumni, students, and the broader school community. He will also work closely with the Alumni Board, coordinate alumni events, and create opportunities for our current and future alumni to engage in professional networking, participate in mentorship, and build lifelong relationships with Latin.		MaryKate Angotti Lower School Assistant Teacher MaryKate is excited to join Latin as a Lower School Assistant Teacher. She recently graduated magna cum laude from Miami University with a degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Sociology. She spent multiple semesters serving as an undergraduate assistant, which gave her the chance to provide her classmates with important academic support and helped her discover her passion for teaching. MaryKate, who is originally from Chicago, is looking forward to starting her first teaching position at Latin.
	Melissa Archey Upper School Math Teacher Melissa grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Actuarial Science. She began her career as an actuary in Chicago and then Denver, but her adventurous spirit led her to take a brief hiatus to work at the Admundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Upon returning to Denver, Melissa transitioned into education, teaching high school mathematics for a number of years at public and private high schools in the greater Denver area. After earning a master’s in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Denver, her passion for teaching led her to Sydney, Australia through a teaching exchange program. Melissa recently returned to the U.S. after teaching in both public and private schools within the greater Sydney area. Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys the great outdoors, whether it is hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or spending time on the water with her partner, Glenn, and Gus the swimming cat. She is thrilled to be returning to Chicago and joining Latin, and is eager to continue her journey of inspiring young minds.		Shannon Barker Upper School English Teacher Shannon is excited to return to Latin as a part-time Upper School English Teacher. She previously taught at Latin for seven years before taking a part-time position at Lab School so she could focus on her young family. She earned her B.A. at Harvard University, M.Ed. at Boston College, and Ed.D. at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Before originally starting at Latin in 2015, she taught in the Boston area, where she also grew up cheering for all of the sports teams. When she isn’t chasing around her toddler and baby, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.
	Grace Beyerl Lower School Assistant Teacher Grace is thrilled to join the Latin community as an assistant teacher! A Chicago native, she is passionate about encouraging her students to explore both their city and the world. With a B.A. in History from Loyola University Chicago, she has spent time traveling and conducting research in Poland, Lithuania, and Ireland. Her years of experience in early childcare have given her the ability to encourage the children in her care to be kind, courageous, and curious. She could not be more excited to meet her third graders!		Julia Binder Lower School Assistant Teacher Julia is thrilled to join the Latin community as an assistant teacher. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in religion and education studies from Oberlin College. Intrigued by the Midwest, Julia moved to Chicago after college to participate in the Avodah Jewish Service Corps. During this fellowship, she worked as a legal advocate at Legal Council for Health Justice, a legal aid nonprofit based in the Loop. This past school year, Julia returned to education, working as a reading intervention specialist teaching the Wilson Reading System to students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Outside of the classroom, Julia plays ultimate frisbee with Chicago’s club team Dish and enjoys plucking on her guitar or banjo. She can’t wait to meet her students and begin the school year!
	Sean Bleizeffer Registrar Sean is joining Latin after spending the past three years at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School as the Business Operations Associate and Registrar. In his free time, Sean enjoys traveling, camping, and exploring new restaurants (suggestions are highly welcomed).		Isabel Brodsky Lower School Assistant Teacher Isabel Brodsky is a Chicago-based artist and freelance writer with a degree in anthropology and literary arts from Brown University. Isabel has also worked as a writing and academic tutor for the past four years, and is interested in teaching students how to develop their own personal style of writing. She is excited to be joining the Latin community this year! In her free time, Isabel enjoys writing plays, taking walks by the lake, and earning badges on Duolingo.
	Éva Corcoran Lower School Assistant Teacher Éva was born in Rockford, Illinois and has lived in Chicago for the past four years. She recently received her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Diplomacy with a concentration in Diplomacy and the Arts with a minor in French from DePaul University. Éva has completed various internships working with youth, including a Teach for America fellowship, and has collaborated with students in Chicago on the creation of community murals. She is excited to continue pursuing her passion for supporting students in her role as an Assistant Teacher in the Lower School. In her free time, Éva likes to read, draw, paint, and spend time with her friends and family.		Stephanie Corey Associate Director of Enrollment Management for Middle School & Community Outreach A native of Chicago, Stephanie joins the Latin community as the Associate Director of Enrollment Management for Middle School & Community Outreach. She earned her B.A. in Psychology & Spanish from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. She later earned her M.A. in Higher Education with an emphasis on Historically Black Colleges & Universities from Lincoln University (Missouri). Stephanie has a sincere heart for young people and a love for education, with over 10 years of experience in Admissions/Enrollment Management. She has served in various admissions roles within diverse settings, such as the Secondary Private School and Higher Education sectors. In her free time, she enjoys reading, jumping double dutch, and volunteering and serving within her church.
	Jackson Danbeck Communications Coordinator Jackson is thrilled to join Latin as the Communications Coordinator. Before making the career change to communications, Jackson worked for six years as a journalist, mostly in the TV news industry. He served as Digital Executive Producer at TMJ4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as a news producer at WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to working as a journalist, Jackson graduated with a B.A. in History from DePaul University. In his free time, Jackson enjoys the great outdoors, exercising (including cycling and rock climbing), playing drums and making music with fellow musicians, being the best cat dad he can be, and catching up with friends over a good meal.		Kaelum Eugenio Lower School Assistant Teacher Kaelum graduated from college this year and is excited to be a part of the Latin community. Kaelum likes collaborating with and getting to know other people. He particularly enjoys listening to other people's ideas and opinions. During his free time, Kaelum loves to play video games and make music (he plays electric guitar and has done some computer music).
	Jolene Fulmore Development Operations Manager Jolene was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before relocating to Chicago in August 2024. Her work experience spans multiple industries, including education, architecture/interior design, hospitality, and non-profit work. She was first introduced to the world of development during her time as the Resident Manager at a healthcare hospitality house. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at a Philadelphia-area liberal arts college before bringing her talents and expertise to Latin.		Cristina Gonzalez Lower School Assistant Teacher Cristina Gonzalez graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in Animation and a minor in Illustration. To explore her curiosity and start her teaching journey, Cristina traveled to South Korea to become an ESL teacher. Though the job was a bit difficult because of the language barrier, she enjoyed teaching and helping all of her students. During her free time, Cristina enjoys playing sports, including volleyball, and loves traveling abroad and trying new food whenever possible. On days she doesn't want to go out, Cristina stays home and enjoys the company of her two precious cats: Emma and Mom Cat. As an assistant teacher, Cristina is dedicated to helping create a safe space and supportive classroom environment where the students feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking help.
	Sbeydi Gonzalez Middle School Spanish Teacher Sbeydi is a Mexican Latina from Chicago, and is transitioning from teaching Spanish while serving as an Assistant Dean to going back into the classroom for Middle School. This summer, Sbeydi was blessed to be part of Global Glimpse Leaders and be part of EF Tours. She loves exploring abroad, which sparked her passion to continue working with students in and out of the classroom. In her free time, Sbeydi really enjoys nature walks, biking, reading, traveling, and hanging out with family and friends. She loves doing spontaneous adventures that involve outdoor activities, enjoys trying new food, and wants to start playing the piano. Sbeydi looks forward to meeting you all!		Jeremy Goodman Upper School History & Social Studies Teacher Jeremy is excited to be joining Latin as an Upper School History Teacher. Prior to Latin, Jeremy spent four years teaching in Chicago and the past two years teaching in New York City. He is looking forward to being back in Chicago to begin his seventh year as a history teacher. Jeremy is a passionate educator who loves teaching students about the past while also engaging with current events. In his free time, Jeremy loves playing basketball, traveling and spending time with family.
	Maggi Hastings Lower School Assistant Teacher Maggi is thrilled to be joining the Latin community this year. Maggi got her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago, with her focus on theatre arts and education. She has taught theatre, art, improv and communication in Chicago the past six years, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Elementary Education. When Maggi isn’t teaching, she loves to camp, hike, make art and music, spend time with friends, play with her pets (two cats and a bunny), and enjoy the city! If you see here around, say hi and show off a picture of your favorite animals!		Katie Johnson US Director of Athletics Katie relocated to Chicago from Pittsburgh, where she was the Director of Athletics at The Ellis School. Before moving to the 'Burgh, Katie lived and worked in Atlanta for 12 years. She is originally from Alabama (War Eagle!!). In her down time, Katie loves walking her dog, Maverick, exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, playing/watching volleyball, basketball, and football (Go Pack Go! She knows this is controversial here in Chicago), and getting lost in a good book. Katie is excited to be a part of this community, and looks forward to seeing everyone cheering on the Romans at sporting events!
	Devon Jones Assistant Director of College Counseling Devon is thrilled to return to Latin and rejoin the College Counseling team as an Assistant Director. Coming from a background of more than 10 years in admissions and college counseling, Devon is excited to reconnect with the Latin community and partner with students and their families while they navigate the college process. When not knee-deep in personal essay reviews, you can find Devon trying out recipes in the kitchen, discovering new music, and spending as much quality time with her family as possible, especially her sweet toddler, Lilly.		Christin Kim Lower School Assistant Teacher Christin is a Korean American music educator with over 16 years of experience teaching piano, cello, and music theory. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Artist Certificate from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from Roosevelt University. Christin studied under renowned musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, and has performed as a freelance cellist in Los Angeles, where she also directed chamber music and conducted string orchestras. Now based in Chicago, Christin continues to share her expertise and passion for music education.
	Katie King Annual Giving Manager After more than a decade of teaching at Latin, Katie steps outside of the classroom to support the Development team. Katie will be creating giving appeals that inspire our community to donate, overseeing annual giving volunteers, and creating efforts that increase donor participation in our community. She is thrilled to be back at Latin in a new role.		Frances Limoncelli Upper School Theatre Teacher Frances is excited to be joining the Latin faculty as an Upper School Theatre Teacher. She recently taught theatre at independent schools in Houston, Texas, but is over the moon to be back in the Windy City! Frances is a veteran of the Chicago theatre scene where she worked as an actor, director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator for over 20 years, including stints at Goodman, Steppenwolf, Northlight, and Drury Lane. She is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory and a proud member of Lifeline Theatre's Artistic Ensemble. A self-professed plant mom and cat lady, Frances also loves classic literature and cooking Italian food.
	Samantha Malecki Lower School Assistant Teacher Samantha is very excited to be working at Latin this upcoming school year! After growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, she came to Chicago to attend college and swim for a Division 1 University. After taking some educational psychology classes, she realized that her passion is working with kids in a school environment! In her free time, she loves to read, hang out with her friends and dogs, or go for a run on the lake!		Sarah Min Lower School Lead Teacher Sarah grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later moved to Chicago to pursue her teaching degree. After completing her studies, Sarah spent the last eight years teaching at a Chicago Public School. In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with her friends/family, and trying new restaurants around the city. Sarah is very excited to join the Latin community as a lead first grade teacher.
	Kyle Patterson Middle School French Teacher Kyle is excited to join the Latin community as a Middle School French Teacher. He has been teaching French for over eight years, emphasizing language learning through play, performance, and contextualized practice. Kyle holds a Ph.D. in French and Francophone studies from the University of California, Davis and has taught at UC Davis and Santa Barbara, Northwestern University, in Québec City, at the Alliance Française de Sacramento, and with the company Immerse. In his free time, Kyle enjoys gaming, singing in his choir, gardening, and spending time with his family.		Michael Reyes Executive Assistant to the Head of School Michael grew up in a small town in northwest Ohio (population 900 and counting!). He graduated college with a degree in Theatre (minor in Public Relations) and moved to Chicago with a plan to stay here “for a couple years.” However, he fell in love with the city and couldn’t leave. A practicing theatre artist, he’s performed in dozens of shows and cabarets as part of the thriving creative cauldron that is the Chicago Professional Non-Equity Theatre community. He is currently a member of Strawdog Theatre Company, where he has been an Ensemble member since 2019. He was also a theatrical stage manager, and naturally found a way to partner with senior leaders in his “daytime” career. In that space, he has worked with top executives in a variety of industries and organizations from very large non-profits (Feeding America, YMCA of the USA), global consulting (Deloitte, Accenture), design (Gensler) – and now education. Michael is very excited to now be part of the Latin community!
	Alicia Rubio Lower School Assistant Teacher A recent graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, Alicia is brand new to the city of Chicago! Originally from a small town in Michigan, Alicia was raised in a very academic home with parents who were a professor and a schoolteacher. She has always loved school and looks forward to sharing her passion for learning with the students at Latin, while also pursuing a master's degree in Latin American history. Outside of school, Alicia loves reading fiction, writing, and working on her latest crochet project (it's a giant axolotl).		Abby Schaudt Upper and Middle School Nurse Abby is starting their 20th year in the medical field, all of which has been spent working in pediatrics. Abby has a tight-knit family, including six amazing nieces and nephews, and loves theatre, music, and dance.
	Joe Shilts Lower School Assistant Teacher Joe is a College of Wooster Graduate from Flemington, New Jersey. He played football and ran track in college and is now coaching football. Joe has two dogs named Bo and Puddle, and loves teaching and coaching. He is excited for the school year to start!		G Trupp Middle School Librarian G (they/them) is excited to make the move from San Diego to Chicago and join the Latin team! G is a credentialed school librarian who received their master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They regularly present at the local and state level on inclusive school library services. G loves coming up with creative and engaging ways to support classroom teachers and promote a love of print and digital literacy among students. They are trilingual (English/Mandarin/Japanese), like to engage with various types of media, and enjoy exploring all different kinds of crafts.
	Rebecca Veselinovich Lower School Assistant Teacher Born in Melbourne, Australia, and raised in Houston, Texas, Rebecca now proudly calls Chicago home—a city she grew to love through many holiday visits with her extended family. She completed her undergraduate studies at DePaul University and is thrilled to join Latin as a Lower School Assistant Teacher. With a background in corporate communications and a fervent passion for education, Rebecca is committed to enriching students' learning experiences. She is currently pursuing her MSEd in elementary teaching at Northwestern University. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys reading, exploring film photography, and watching episodes of Seinfeld.		Clara Wade Middle and Upper School Counselor (8th and 9th Grade) Clara is thrilled to join the Latin community as the eighth and ninth grade counselor. A Chicago native, she received her B.A. in Social Work from the University of Iowa and her A.M. in Social Work from the University of Chicago. She has been a dedicated School Social Worker for the past eight years, providing mental health support for children and adolescents in the school setting. As a counselor, Clara is passionate about providing a safe and empowering space for students to express themselves and process their experiences. She is looking forward to collaborating with faculty, students, and families to promote mental wellness practices and social-emotional development. In her free time, Clara enjoys dancing, practicing yoga, relaxing by the lake, and spending time with friends and family.

Not pictured, but we are also pleased to welcome:

Kaiser Minhas, US History & Social Studies Teacher
Nathan Reider, Assistant Teacher
Antoine Williams, IT Technician

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Roman Rockstar: Class of 2025 nominates 9 members of their class

The Class of 2025 nominated nine members of their class this spring to represent them in the alumni community. Mel Butler, Asher Schenk, Juliette Katz, Andrew Zuckerman, Olivia Harris, Avani Shah, Maddy Levy, Carla McSweeney, and Michael Gray assisted in planning the Senior Luncheon and led outreach efforts for the senior class gift. Thanks to their leadership, the class decided to make their gift in honor of Latin’s faculty and staff.

Melissa (Mel) Butler is planning to attend DePauw University to study acting and biology. Her favorite memory at Latin was joining past theater students in signing the dressing rooms and reflecting on the 15+ shows she performed in during her time at Latin.

Asher Schenk will be attending Duke University. His favorite memories include his freshman, sophomore, and senior year Project Weeks.

Juliette Katz will be attending Columbia University and remembers the Homecoming games most fondly.

Andrew Zuckerman is planning to attend Northeastern University and especially enjoyed Ms. Hennessy’s Project Week.

Olivia Harris will be heading to Emory University in Atlanta. She cherishes the senior retreat for the time spent outdoors and bonding with classmates.

Avani Shah is attending NYU. Her favorite memories include getting close to different groups of people throughout her time at Latin.

Maddy Levy plans to attend the University of Michigan this fall and loved getting to know the faculty and staff.

Carla McSweeney will be playing hockey at Harvard University. She especially enjoyed her Chicago Politics field trips and doing hip mobility exercises in the gym.

Last but not least, Michael Gray will be attending NYU in the fall. His favorite memories include his Project Week in Florence, Italy, touring the Medici Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Thank you to all of our senior class representatives! They are truly, Roman Rockstars!

Alumni

Highlights from the 2024-25 School Year

It’s been another successful year at Latin, filled with remarkable accomplishments and memorable milestones. Below are some of the highlights that made this school year so special.

Athletics

Latin’s varsity teams and student-athletes won the following titles during the 2024-25 school year:
- Independent School League championship - baseball, boys cross country, Francesca M. in girls cross country, field hockey, Jack Z. in boys golf, girls soccer, boys tennis as a team along with Kiyan A. in singles and Jake G. and Mark T. in doubles, girls and boys track and field
- Regional championship - baseball, girls basketball, boys and girls cross country, field hockey, Jack Z. in boys golf, girls soccer, and girls and boys volleyball
- Sectional championship - girls cross country, field hockey, Malia C. and Nicola K. in doubles for girls tennis, boys tennis as a team along with Kiyan A. in singles and Jake G. and Mark T. in doubles, girls volleyball
Student-athletes and coaches earned the following individual honors during the 2024-25 season:
- Eight All-State selections
- Eight ISL Player of the Year selections
- Four ISL Coaching Staff of the Year selections
- Nearly 20 All-Sectional selections
- More than 35 All-Conference selections
The following teams, student-athletes and coaches achieved milestones during the 2024-25 school year:
- The field hockey team earned a trip to the final four for the first time in program history.
- The boys and girls track and field teams won ISL championships in the same season for the first time in approximately 40 years.
- The boys volleyball team won back-to-back regional titles for the first time in program history.
- Nate W.’s swim in the 100-yard breaststroke at sectionals broke a school record dating back to 2006.
- Girls basketball coach Max Rouse earned his 400th career victory.
- The club squash team reached the finals of the U.S. High School Nationals for the first time ever.
- The club sailing team won the Illinois State Championship.
Latin’s sports program had several additional highlights during the 2024-25 school year:
- Eight student-athletes signed letters of intent to play collegiate athletics.
- The Chicago Latin Swim Club (CLSC) qualified 12 student-athletes for the Illinois regional championship meet. In that group, five placed in the top eight in many of their individual events at the regional meet, and two earned times that qualified them for the state tournament.
- The boys swimming team had personal bests in every event at sectionals.
- The boys soccer team earned the ISL Sportsmanship award for the dedication and sportsmanship they exhibited throughout the season.

Performing and Visual Arts

Twelve Latin students were selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) honor choirs, marking the highest number of students chosen from our school in recent years.
Middle School student Neysa P. was selected for the ILMEA All-State Junior Honors Chorus and performed at the Illinois Music Education Conference.
Jeremiah W.’s short film “Cinephile” won “Best in Show” in the Time Arts category at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition. He was one of several Upper School students who represented Latin at the event.
Eight Upper School students were recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in conjunction with its Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The entries they submitted for the regional competition earned a total of 12 awards, including three Gold Keys, four Silver Keys and five Honorable Mentions.
Upper School student Wyatt P. earned an Honorable Mention in the Chicago Public Library’s 10th Annual Teen Winter Challenge art competition. His artwork will be featured in the library’s print catalog and displayed in a special exhibition at the Harold Washington Library Center.
Upper School students Jonah K., Izzy S., and Ajay S. were members of the Lookingglass Young Ensemble that performed in the theatre company’s production of “The Portrait of Madame X.”
Middle School student Sahana M. was part of an elite group of singers from Uniting Voices of Chicago who performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of famed conductor Klaus Mäkelä.
Upper School student Edie P. performed with the Northeastern Illinois University orchestra after winning the Chicago Chamber Music Festival’s 10th Annual Concerto Competition.

Clubs and Activities

The Student Philanthropy Initiative, a project founded and run by Latin students, earned the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago Chapter. This award is presented to “a youth leader or leaders, or a youth-generated project and its team, having demonstrated a significant impact on the Chicago community.”
Upper School students Natalie A. (Superior in Editorial Writing), Sofia G. (Superior in Commentary Writing), Scarlet G. (Excellent in News Editing/Headline/Current Events) and Edie P. (Honorable Mention in Feature Writing) won awards in writing and layout contests held in conjunction with the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention.
Upper School students won five Superior Achievement awards and three Excellent Achievement awards in conjunction with the annual McCormick Foundation High School Media Competition hosted by the Scholastic Press Association of Chicago.
Upper School students Alexa N. and Teddy L. won awards in conjunction with the 2025 Private School Journalism Association (PSJA) Contest. Alexa took second place in the Sophomore of the Year category, while Teddy took third place in the Designer of the Year category.
The Upper School Robotics Team tied for fourth place at their regional tournament and took first in the Control Award, which recognizes excellence in autonomous code and strategy.
The Middle School’s varsity Science Olympiad team has a tremendous showing at the state tournament. The team finished eighth overall, medaled in 10 individual events following top five finishes, and earned top 10 placements in an additional 10 events.
Seven Upper School students earned Best Delegate awards and another received an Honorable Mention at the Harvard Model Congress conference.
Upper School students Graham S. and Kai G. both earned Honorable Mention awards during the Model UN Invitational Conference (CSMUN XV) hosted by Carl Sandburg.
The Model UN Club hosted Latin's first-ever invitational conference (LSCMUN I), which drew approximately 220 delegates from Chicago-area high schools.

Faculty and Staff

Cat Curry, the Director of Latin 360°, won the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois chapter of the American Camp Association. This prestigious award is given to people who “demonstrate significant, long-term and impactful leadership and service to ACA Illinois and the camp profession.”
Upper School English teachers Jim Joyce and Ann McGlinn moderated discussions during the Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, which is the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest.
Annessa Staab and Katie Vautier from Latin's Enrollment Management team were invited to present at the Enrollment Management Association's annual conference. Their session, which was titled "The Evolution of Latin's Lower School Admissions Process: From ABCs & 123s to Standardization," offered an interactive exploration of how Latin's admissions process has evolved.

Alumni

Eliza Lampert ’24 made school history by earning the prestigious Story of the Year award from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) for an opinion piece she wrote for The Forum in October 2023. This was the first time a Latin student received this national recognition as part of NSPA’s Individual Awards, which “honor the nation’s best scholastic journalism.”
Nora Cheng ’21 and her band Horsegirl released their second album, “Phonetics On and On,” on February 14. The group was profiled in Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair; and had their album reviewed by publications such as SPIN magazine and The Guardian.
Helen Hu '19 won the individual title on the balance beam at the NCAA women's gymnastics championships. Her first-place finish on beam helped her University of Missouri team take third place overall and earn a final national ranking of No. 3—the highest ever for any Mizzou women's sports team in school history.
Marianne Mihas ’21, who was captain of Harvard Track and Field, and Bea Parr ’21, who was captain of Middlebury Track and Field, both earned First Team All-American honors in the distance medley relay.
Catie Cronister ‘16 was named one of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 Professional and Philanthropic Leaders for 2025. This honor, presented by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, recognizes young professionals who are making a name for themselves in their careers and helps them grow into community leaders and influencers.

Additional Student Accomplishments

Upper School student Theodore T. earned several impressive accolades for his independent research design project "Assisting EMS with drones in underserved areas." He won a silver award at the Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences (IJAS) Regional Fair, was selected to present at the Illinois State Academy of Sciences, and was named a semi-finalist for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. His work also received a Gold designation and an Exceptional Project in Engineering award at the IJAS State Science Exposition.
Upper School student Edie P. qualified for the Illinois History Day Competition with her research paper “The Legal Blueprint of Rome: Rights and Responsibilities in the Twelve Tables,” which she completed through Latin’s Independent Study Program under the supervision of Upper School teachers Sarah Landis and Matthew June.
Lower School student Luke M. earned a perfect score on the WordMasters Challenge, which is a national competition for students in grades three through eight that encourages growth in vocabulary and verbal reasoning.
Lower School student Connor H. took fourth place in the Under 400 (K-8) section at the 156th Kumbaya Chess Tournament, which helped Latin earn a third place finish at the event.
Upper School student Kerry K. was crowned Miss Windy City’s Teen.
Upper School student Theodore T. medaled in the Cadet Men’s Epee event at USA Fencing's annual Junior Olympics and North American Cup. This prestigious competition drew approximately 350 qualified fencers from across the country.
Upper School student Isabella H. had an incredible year in the world of horse riding that was highlighted by a first place finish in her event at the 2024 UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show, and a second place finish in her event at the 2024 World’s Championship Horse Show held during the Kentucky State Fair.
Lower School student Caden H. had a great showing at the 2025 Men’s Eastern National Championships for gymnastics. He placed seventh out of 30 in the all-around thanks, in large part, to his sixth place finish in the parallel bars and seventh place finish on the floor. His performance earned him an invite to the United States of America Gymnastics Future Stars Development Camp.
Middle School student Aryana M., a member of the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club, qualified for six regional swim events during the recent short-course season and earned a spot on the state relay team.

Around School
Around the School
Arts
Athletics

Latin Athletes of the Week: May 2-23, 2025

Congratulations to our Athletes of the Week during the period of May 2 - May 23, 2025!

Tucker T. '26 reached a huge milestone this week, joining the 1,000 career assists club! This season alone, he’s tallied 421 assists, 129 digs, 54 kills, and 29 blocks making his impact known all over the court.

Flynn O. ‘26 has been a force on the field this season, leading the boys lacrosse team with 39 goals and 10 assists for a total of 49 points. He currently tops the team in both categories and continues to be a key playmaker.

Vivian L. ‘26 had a record-breaking day at the Walther Christian Invitational. She shattered two 13-year-old school records in the 100 and 300 hurdles, setting a new standard for the program.

Carolena T. ‘26 has come up big for the Romans this season! She hit her second home run of the year and played a key role in a clutch triple play with bases loaded, to help secure a 14-12 victory over Woodlands Academy.

Athletics
upper school

Roman Rockstar: Chloe Himmel ‘04

Chloe Himmel ’04 was recently honored with the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award for Leadership Excellence in 2024 for her outstanding service as Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs at DHS.

Reflecting on her time at Latin, Chloe shared that the school not only provided her with a rigorous academic foundation that set her up for success in college and her professional career but, more importantly, as a late bloomer, it was Latin’s dedicated teachers who recognized her potential and empowered her to develop a strong sense of self. Through their encouragement, she came to recognize her unique strengths and her ability to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Chloe credits Latin’s commitment to experiential learning, through opportunities like debate, student government, and community service, with giving her invaluable firsthand experience in leadership and civic engagement. Her time at Latin not only sharpened her intellectual curiosity but also gave her the confidence to pursue a career in public service.

She fondly remembers Dr. Fript as one of the most influential teachers in her Latin experience. Among her most meaningful memories is delivering a speech to the assembly debating the discriminatory enforcement of the dress code. She also looks back warmly on the Reindeer Games and her involvement in field hockey and soccer, describing her time at Latin as impactful, empowering, and confidence-building.

Alumni