During the upper school years, our students make deep connections with their teachers and their peers. They become part of a tight-knit community committed to learning and discovering their talents and passion.
Your web browser does not support theLatin emphasizes self-advocacy and empowers students to ask questions and explore, not to study and regurgitate answers.
- Latin parentLatin students actively shape their academic program. The upper school curriculum begins with everything you would expect in a college preparatory high school—literature and history surveys, biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, calculus, geometry, language. But Latin takes it a step beyond. We offer our students exceptional educational opportunities and ask them to dig deep, think critically and commit themselves to fully pursuing their intellectual passions both inside and outside the classroom.
There was a lot of energy and excitement across the Latin campus as we welcomed back our students! We can’t wait to see what the 2024-25 school year brings for all our Romans.
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:
New to the upper school Science course offerings this year, is a Marine Science course taught by Mr. Wisnieski.
Students in this course are exploring the aquatic environments near Latin and around the city. In September they took a kayaking trip to the Wild Mile, a portion of the Chicago River that is being rehabilitated by the Urban Rivers organization.
Students toured the river on kayaks and studied the organisms living in the new habitats that have been constructed. More recently, students monitored the water quality in Lake Michigan.
Take a look at the #opportunities found inside and outside the classroom at Latin.
Latin’s annual Homecoming & Reunion Week took place Friday, September 29 - Sunday, October 1. Families, faculty, staff and alumni gathered at Montrose East and West Fields on Saturday, September 30 to cheer on our Roman athletes, volunteer with the Parent Association, and show their Roman Pride at Romans Run.
Check out the scoreboard from the weekend.
Over 300 alumni, faculty alumni, and friends returned to Latin for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. The annual LGBTQ+ Alumni & Friends Gathering kicked off the weekend on Friday where LGBTQ+ alumni and allies collaborated on a community art piece featuring encouraging messages for students (currently on display in the upper school Learning Commons). On Saturday, alumni and their families gathered at Montrose Field to cheer on our athletic teams for their homecoming games, grabbed lunch from local food trucks, and played yard games under the alumni tent with friends.
Alumni in reunion classes, Golden Romans, and former and current faculty celebrated their connections to Latin at the reunion cocktail party on Saturday evening. Highlights included Clarisse Casalino '13, presentation of her inspiring and thought-provoking artwork and celebrating the grand opening of the new Marsha Dragonetti Languages Center! Throughout the night, faculty-led tours of the upper school for alumni to see the many updates on campus. Classes continued the celebration at class gatherings around the city, including at private homes, Mario's Table, Harry Caray's Restaurant, Hopsmith and Old Town Ale House.
On Sunday, we finished off the successful weekend with two brunches: one for Golden Romans consisting of alumni who have previously celebrated their 50th reunions, and our annual homecoming brunch for Alumni of Color.