FACULTY AND STAFF 

Ms. Alsberry

MIDDLE SCHOOL CLERK

Ms. Alsberry was born and raised in Chicago and is the mother of 4 children: 3 boys and 1 girl.  Her experience before Collegiate consisted of being an Office Manager for a local church for several years.  She is currently pursuing her Bachelors in Business Administration with the hopes of it being completed in Summer 2023.  This is her first position working closely with children in a school setting and she is enjoying it.  Outside of school, she enjoys participating in several fundraisers and charities with her non-profit organization and spending her weekends being a football mom.

Ms. Belawske 

TEACHER

Ms. Belawske  has been teaching Social Studies for over 24 years in urban, suburban, and rural settings.  She believes that Civic Education is the heart of the entire education system.  Ms. Belawske earned a B.S.E. in Social Studies Comprehension from Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA, and a Masters’ Degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from New England College, Henniker, NH.  She enjoys preparing her students to take on AP courses in the future, and teaching electives such as Model UN and Law to her students. Creative problem-solving is one of her favorite activities.

 

Ms. Boyd-Starks

HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Bio coming soon.

 

Ms. Childress

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Bio coming soon.

Ms. Crider

TEACHER

Ms. Crider was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, where she believes Chicago’s magic resides. She is a King College Prep High School Alumni. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She is currently working on her Master’s in Secondary Education at DePaul University to become a math teacher. Ms. Crider wants to bridge the academic achievement gap in low income communities of color by making mathematics more accessible and digestible and by utilizing her grassroots origins to cultivate critical thinking skills in her students that extend beyond the classroom. In her free time, she is in her home managing the chaos caused by her toddler daughter and 8 year old cat.

 

Ms. Daniels

TEACHER

Ms. Daniels started as the Performing Arts Teacher at Chicago Collegiate Charter School in 2017. A native of Louisville, KY and mother of one son, Ms. Daniels relocated to Chicago in 1972. Ms. Daniels has always had a passion for the Arts. She received a Music Scholarship to Jackson State University majoring in Voice Performance. She received her BA & MA in Inner City Studies Education at Northeastern Illinois University. Ms. Daniels’ formal dance training began at the age of five. She has received technical and theoretical training from the Jewel McNair Dance Studio, Mayfair Academy, Duncan YMCA, Blyden Center for Creative Development, Muntu Dance Company, Bryant Ballet Company, and the Joel Hall Dance Center. Deeply rooted in her African/American Heritage and Artistic Awareness, Ms. Daniels began her teaching career in 1998, in the capacity of Multi-Disciplined dance, and Theater Education. She founded the Nubian Cultural Center-NFP, Inc. and its Healing through the Arts Dance program in 2005 which has been providing Performing Arts and Mentoring workshops to various Public and Charter Schools who lack culturally enriched arts programs in Chicago. Ms. Daniels has the desire to leave a legacy of Creative Freedom to children and families who are artistically expressive regardless of age, size, gender, and ethnicity, which will lead them to an empowering alternative, and an optimistic and purposeful future.

 

Ms. Dinkins-Mines

TEACHER

Ms. Dinkins-Mines' passion was to become a police officer and attend criminal justice classes. When her children began school, she was asked to volunteer at Learn Charter School, which became a daily routine. She changed her major to become an instructional assistant. She holds her Associate and Bachelors Degrees in Early Childhood Education and spent 19 years teaching on the West Side of Chicago. Last October 2021, she  joined the Collegiate Family.

 

Ms. Finley

TEACHER

Ms. Finley grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago. As a child she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, MO graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle School Math Education. Ms. Finley taught for a year in Kansas City before returning home to Chicago. Her favorite part about teaching at Chicago Collegiate is building relationships with scholars and helping them see their potential.

 

Mr. Gordon

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Mr. Gordon was born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Gordon attended Central Christian College of McPherson, Kansas where he was recruited on a basketball scholarship with a partial academic scholarship. He later transferred to University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he studied business marketing. His most memorable professional moment at Chicago Collegiate is being able to bring athletics to the school. Mr. Gordon prides himself on the many relationships he has with the students. When he is not at Collegiate, he is being a father to his biological kids Emily and Coby, as well as being a father figure to the kids in his GS Youth Community Development Organization NFP. Mr. Gordon uses this platform to train, coach, tutor, and mentor inner city youth.

 

Ms. Howard

TEACHER

Ms. Howard is a 5th grade ELA teacher here at Chicago Collegiate. She was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. She attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL where she joined Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc. and graduated with her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. After graduating she moved back to Chicago where she taught Pre-K for two years. Her favorite part about Chicago Collegiate is how they give teachers the support they need in order for them to be the teachers that our students deserve. 

 

Mr. Jackson

DEAN

Mr. Jackson was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Kenwood Academy at the top of his class. He continued his education at FAMU where he majored in Mathematics. He has been in education for 8 years and has held several positions during that time such as Paraprofessional, Instructional Assistant, and Math teacher. Mr. Jackson is excited to begin his new role as the Assistant Dean here at Chicago Collegiate. In his free time he enjoys reading and sports (Both playing and watching). In his own words
"I am a Chicagoan until Chicago ends!...Go Bulls, Go Bears, Go Cubs, Go Sox!"

Ms. Jamison

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Ms. Jamison was born and raised on Chicago‘s south side. From a young age she knew that she would grow to serve the community that made who her who she was. After studying at Northern Illinois University, she came home to work a small part-time job as a clerk at Chicago Collegiate, while just trying to figure out post-college life. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would form such strong bonds with the students and staff there. It quickly became clear to her that she wanted to pursue a career in education and help children in her own neighborhood reach their fullest potential. This year Ms. Jamison just hopes to make the best out of complicated hand we’ve all been dealt.

 

Mr. Lawrence

CUSTODIAN

Bio coming soon.

 

Mr. Lawson

TEACHER

Bio coming soon.

 

Mrs. Lewis-Kelton

DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS

Mrs. Lewis-Kelton is from Chicago. She attended Indiana State University,  where she received both her B.S. and M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She has spent most of her early career working for students and families to provide post-secondary opportunities which includes attending college/universities, job readiness, and trade opportunities along with two years as a second grade teacher assistant. Currently, Mrs. Lewis-Kelton is working to receive her Ed.D in Education and Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University via online. She is passionate about education and providing great customer service to families and their children. 

 

Mrs. Lucas-Curtis

HIGH SCHOOL CLERK

Mrs. Lucas-Curtis was born and raised on the South-side of Chicago. As the oldest of four, her expectations were established for her to be the best example that she can be! She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Roosevelt University where she majored in Criminal Justice and minored in African American Studies. Prior to attending Roosevelt University, Mrs. Lucas-Curtis obtained her Associate’s Degree from Harold Washington College. While in school, she worked closely with the Social Justice Department and participated in the Black Student Union. Furthermore, she gained administrative experience from her previous positions as a operations coordinator, consultant, and receptionist. What keeps Mrs. Lucas-Curtis going is Langston Hughes’ poem, “Mother to Son!” Her favorite hobbies are reading, dancing, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Lucas-Curtis joined the Chicago Collegiate family because she wanted to make a difference and has a passion for young people. 

 

Ms. Malone

LEARNING SPECIALIST

Ms. Malone was born and raised in the Roseland community. She graduated from Corliss High School at the top of her class. Her Undergraduate degree is from Southern Illinois University where she majored in Social Work. Her Masters degree is from Grand Canyon University, where she received her Masters in Special Education. Being a child of 8 she always wanted to be around people. She wanted to help where she could. Ms. Malone started her career in DCFS working at an all boys group home in Englewood. While trying to meet the needs of her clients she knew the only escape from poverty is education and this is when she started her teaching career in Englewood. Starting as an SECA and now a 5-8 special education teacher she has been in the schools for 10 years. Ms. Malone also is the owner of Rose Cafe, which is coming to the Roseland Community. Ms. Malone is trying to cut the “book desert” in the 60628 by giving the community easy access to representational books that can help with transitional change. She is also the mom of two boys who dedicates all her new works to.

 

Mr. Martinez Brito

TEACHER

Mr. Martinez is a Chicago native and is the fourth eldest child of five. He earned his Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Secondary Education Studies from Middlebury College. Mr. Martinez is passionate about gaining experience developing mathematical mindsets and finding mathematical applications in our everyday lives. In his free time, Mr. Martinez likes to play volleyball, listen to music, and play mobas. This year, Mr. Martinez looks forward to building relationships with scholars and learning about the communities he will be working with. 

 

Ms. Mills

SOCIAL WORKER

Ms. Mills grew up in La Grange, IL and graduated from Jane Addams College of Social Work. She worked for Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) in their Roseland office. Ms. Mills was part of an intensive counseling team that provided services in the home on both the south and west sides. Later, she provided crisis and mental health services to children and families in the South Chicago office of MFS. Ms. Mills worked at and then directed a shelter for women and children fleeing violence. Her passion is helping people process what they have lived through, and identifying the patterns of power and control that have prevented them from recognizing their strengths. She enjoy spending time with her wife and friends. Ms. Mills likes to bike, do yoga, meditate and read. She is a hobby herbalist who is learning about harvesting herbs and making teas and medicines from them.

Mr. Milton

TEACHER

Mr. Milton was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago in the Roseland community. He received his BSM from Indiana Wesleyan University and is currently pursuing his MBA from University of Phoenix. He has a passion for working with youth and engaging them to allow their inner light to shine bright. Outside of teaching, he works in the Ministry and with the youth in Gary, IN.

Ms. Mitchell

TEACHER

Bio coming soon.

 

Ms. Montgomery

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Ms. Montgomery grew up in the south Chicagoland area. She has an educational background as a CNA, a massage therapist, and worked years in the warehouse industry. Ms. Montgomery enjoys the culture at Chicago collegiate because of its dedication to education and the drive to motivate and encourage each and every student.

 

Ms. Nicholson

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Ms. Nicholson was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She attended Chicago State University and earned her Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University. While working on her Master’s Degree, Ms. Nicholson worked at the Cook County Department of Corrections. She returned to the education field, where she has over 30 years’ experience working as a behavior specialist, paraprofessional, substitute teacher and scholar success advocate (assistant dean). She joined Chicago Collegiate several years ago. Her favorite part of Chicago Collegiate is being part of a great team that provides students with a foundation for a college education and educates students to be creative, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens at school, home and in the community. 

 

Mr. Ojore

COLLEGE COUNSELOR & BARR COORDINATOR

Bio coming soon.

 

Ms. Petty

SCHOOL CLERK

Ms. Petty grew up in a small city known as Muskegon, MI. She is the 11th of thirteen children and has two children of her own. While in Muskegon she studied Anthropology at Muskegon Community College. She relocated to Houston, TX then to Chicago, IL nearly thirty years ago. While in Houston Essie worked as an estimator and a paste up artist for a printing company. Upon her arrival to Chicago she studied Court Reporting at Chicago College of Commerce. Later she studied Human Resource Management and Old World Religion at St. Xavier University on the Southside of Chicago. Since then she has worked as a Human Resource Administrator for two major corporations, Jays Potato Chips and Robert Bosch Automotive Division. Being passionate and devoted to works that uplift the community by any means necessary, Ms. Petty is a constant agent in community partnerships. She loves to read, is a feral cat caretaker, an Advisory Council Member for Kairos Outside Illinois, a Board Member for a domestic violence ministry, and a Board Member/Treasurer at her church. She works with youth in the high school’s main office. 

 

Mr. Pyle

CASE MANAGER

Mr. Pyle was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 2007 and earned an Honorable Discharge in 2015. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University before joining the prestigious Philadelphia Teaching Fellows in 2012. He embraced their mission to transform academic outcomes and reduce the achievement gap of students in educationally underserved neighborhoods.  Mr. Pyle continued his education while teaching in inner city Philadelphia and obtained a Master’s Degree in Education with a certification in Special Education in 2014 from Chestnut Hill College. He was voted Teacher of the Year at Universal Creighton Charter School in 2019. He relocated to Chicago with his family and accepted a Case Manager position at Chicago Collegiate Charter School. Mr. Pyle enjoys playing with his two children as well as sitting back and watching movies with his wife in his down time. Mr. Pyle hopes to bring his giant personality and ability to bring the “joy factor” into every classroom at Collegiate. 

 

Mr. Ross

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Bio coming soon.

 

Ms. Sims

TEACHER

Ms. Sims was born in Chicago, IL and has worked in education for 14+ years. A graduate of Governors State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and Masters of Arts in Educational Administration, she is looking forward to one day adding a doctorate degree to her list of accomplishments. Her favorite part of working at Chicago Collegiate is the family atmosphere among the staff and students. In her spare time, Ms. Sims enjoys record collecting, spending time with her son, and watching 90’s sitcoms.

 

Ms. G. Thomas

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Ms. Thomas was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. She attended Mississippi Valley State University and Argosy University with a major in Psychology and minor in Child Development. She has a passion and love for children. She has held positions in case management and human resources but somehow always ended up doing what she enjoyed the most and that is working with children. She has worked for CPS, YMCA of Metro Chicago and Catalyst Charter School system. What she enjoys most about Chicago Collegiate Charter School is that everyone shares the same vision for our children and that is instilling the value of education and that success is not easy but definitely obtainable.

 

Ms. N. Thomas

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Ms. Thomas was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. She graduated from Hyde Park Career Academy and went on to work in the medical field, obtaining her CNA Certificate. Changing careers from medical to education has proven to be very rewarding for Ms. Thomas. Currently in school to obtain her Bachelors in Education, Ms. Thomas loves working with children. Ms. Thomas joined Chicago Collegiate in November of 2017 as a Paraprofessional.

 

Ms. Watson

MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Bio coming soon.

 

Ms. Williams

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Bio coming soon.