Our Faculty

Experienced and enthusiastic instructors encourage and support student success. CICS Ralph Ellison has a talented and dedicated faculty team that believes in the hope and promise of educating young people.

CICS Ralph Ellison believes that open communication between teachers and parents is essential to the development, achievement and well being of students. We encourage you to call or email teachers to check on the progress of your students inside and outside of the classroom.

Below you will find a complete list of our current faculty and staff. To reach a staff member via phone, please call the school campus at 773.478.4434 and dial the listed extension when prompted.

To email a staff member, simply click on their name.

Turon Ivy, Campus Director

• B.A. Louisiana Technical University
• M.A. Loyola University Chicago

Turon Ivy joined CICS Ralph Ellison in 2011 from American Quality Schools (AQS) where he served as regional manager. There, his responsibilities included oversight of the Campus Director, Team Leaders, and Teachers in the implementation of the AQS goals, strategies and direction for multiple AQS campuses. Prior to joining AQS, Turon served as director of Chicago International Charter School Bucktown Campus.

Turon's educational philosophy is built on the strong belief that "To whom much is given, much is required," and he always emphasizes the importance of hard-work, loyalty, and the priceless value of education. Ivy is a native Chicagoan. He is a graduate of Kenwood Academy High School and Louisiana Technical University where he earned a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. He also has a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University of Chicago. Turon is a member of the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. He has also competed in Mix Martial Arts and enjoys Basketball, Baseball, Football, and Swimming and is a huge fan of the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox.

Kimberly C. Hinton, Associate Director 

• B.A. University of Illinois
• MA.Ed. Governors State University

Kimberly Hinton is a native Chicagoan and has been an educator in the Chicago Public Schools system since 2003. A gradute of Hyde Park Career Academy, she began her career as a science teacher at Morgan Park High School and shortly thereafter moved on to Whitney Young Magnet High School. While at Young, Mrs. Hinton also held the position of Science Department Chairperson where she remained until becoming the Science Coach for Area 24. While in Area 24 Mrs. Hinton was responsible for the professional development of the science department in 17 high schools located on the south side of Chicago. While working as a Coach, Mrs. Hinton was selected to become an administrator at the first public Marine Math & Science Academy (MMSA) in the nation under the Office of New Schools.

Now entering her fifth year as an administrator in urban education, Hinton is committed to urban education and has a strong belief that given the resources and opportunity, every student can be successful. Hinton also believes that the entire school community, administrators, teachers, parents, and student, working together collaboratively is the best way to increase student achievement and motivation. Lastly Mrs. Hinton strongly believes that “the IQ is often less important in education than the I will” and emphasizes respect, dedication, hard work, and the value of education.

Joyce Pae, Associate Director - Freshman Academy 

Ext: 5034

• M.A. National Louis University

Robyn Adelberg, SPEd Teacher

Ext: 5005

• M.A. Northeastern Illinois University

Jennifer Alessi

Ext: 5007 

Conrad Timbers-Ausar, Humanites Teacher/Extended Day Coordinator

• M.A. DePaul University

Mr. Timbers-Ausar, has been teaching for 7 years and is a graduate of DePaul University, where he received degrees in History and American College of Education, where he earned his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. Entering his third year at Ralph Ellison, Mr. Timbers-Ausar teaches Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship, and Social Science.
 
Mr. Timbers-Ausar enjoys cooking, plays, and riding his bike. He is also an avid reader and spends his free time as a volunteer at local community shelters, a youth basketball coach and mentor to students at the elementary school he attended. He believes that every student has the potential to learn, and lives by the saying: “Determination is Everything”.

Alieshia Baisy 

Ext: 5012

Allison Bierlien, Mathematics Teacher/Freshman Academy Team Lead

Ext: 5008

• B.A. Asbury University

Mrs. Bierlein joined CICS Ralph Ellison one year after graduating from Asbury University, majoring in Mathematics Education. Mrs. Bierlein completed her student teaching at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and at Leestown Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky. Upon graduation, Mrs. Bierlein continued on at Leestown Middle where she taught sixth-grade math.   Mrs. Bierlein has been teaching mathematics at CICS Ralph Ellison since August 2007. Her hobbies include traveling, scrapbooking, and spending time with her husband and son.

Sarah Boehm 

Ext: 5014

Samantha Corvino, Math/Science Teacher

Ext: 5009

• B.A. Agnes Scott College

Mrs. Samantha Corvino is a Geometry and Physics teacher here at Ralph Ellison and is a a graduate of Agnes Scott College with a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics, Physics and French. She is a huge White Sox fan and is excited to have joined this wonderful community at Ralph Ellison and can’t wait to help her students show off their skills!

Michelle Debrincat 

Ext: 5042

Andrew Douglas 

Ext: 5001 

Josh Feinberg, Dean of Students

Ext: 5001

• B.S. Portland State University

Mr. Feinberg is honored to join CICS-Ralph Ellison after 10 inspiring years at CICS-Bucktown, an elementary school where he taught various subjects, including social studies and science, to students from 4th through 8th grades. Most recently he was Bucktown’s Dean of Students, in charge of Discipline, Miniature Golf, Puppetry, and Juggling. While Mr. Feinberg was earning his undergraduate degree in General Studies at Portland State University in Oregon, he once got lost in the snow for 20 hours near Mt. Saint Helen after gashing his head on a stalactite in a nearby cave. He survived by eating Nutter Butters and prevented hypothermia by maintaining uncomfortably close contact with his hiking companions.

Mr. Feinberg is joyfully married to Mrs. Feinberg, a Director at Passages Charter School, with whom he has a delicious 4 year-old daughter named Lillian, who was much braver than her father during a recent trip to the Cave of the Mounds in Wisconsin.

Matt Flynn, Humanities Teacher

Ext: 5015

• B.A. Political Science, Stonehill College, MA
• M.A. Political Science, University of Notre Dame, IN
• M.A.T. Secondary Education, National Louis University, IL

Mr. Flynn’s is entering his third year at CICS Ralph Ellison, where he teaches Civics & Economics and Humanities & Multiculturalism classes. In his spare time, he enjoys his family and raising his new son Grady. Mr. Flynn is an adamant White Sox fan at all times.

Erika Frazier

Ext: 5001

Bret Gaska, English Teacher

Ext: 5018

• B.A. Northern Illinois University

Jonathan Gibfried, Humanities Teacher

Ext: 5019

• B.A. Miami University
• M.A. Wright State University

Mr. Gibfried earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) in 2001 with a degree in History. He worked as a substitute teacher for two years before continuing his studies at Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio), where he earned a Masters in Social Studies Education. He brings more than six years of varied experience in education to his role as a Humanities Teacher at Ralph Ellison.

He has lived and loved being in Chicago since he moved from Ohio in August of 2006 and he is extremely excited to be back in the classroom doing what he loves: working with dedicated veteran teachers and motivating young adults in their endeavors to establish their own goals and achieve success in this world. Gibfried enjoys playing drums kits, shaving, writing, golfing, running Chicago streets, college football (go Bucks!) and Cincinnati Reds baseball.

Kevyn Giggers, Assistant Dean of Attendance and Truancy

Ext: 5016

• B.A. Morehouse University

Kevyn Giggers is a Chicago native who was born and raised in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood and attended St. Sabina Academy. Mr. Giggers earned his undergraduate degree in International Relations from Morehouse College in Atlanta, while matriculating as a two-sport student athlete in football and track & field.

Mr. Giggers currently serves the Ralph Ellison community in his second year as an Assistant Dean, football coach, track and field coach (shot put/discus) and team player. “Coach K” as he is often called, currently monitors the attendance of all students while focusing on student retention and reducing the truancy rate. Mr. Giggers is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity inc. where the ideals are “brotherhood, scholarship, and service.” He has recently been accepted to Loyola University Chicago, and is a candidate for an M.A. in Social Justice and Community Development.

Toni Gonzales, SPEd Team Lead

Ext: 5223

• B.S. Metropolitan State College
• M.A. University of Illinois – Chicago

Ms. Gonzales has worked at CICS-Ralph Ellison for five years and is a founding member of the school staff. She currently works as Student Services Team Lead, Case Manager and teaches English and Writing to students with special needs and is currently working on her National Board Certification.

She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Land Use Planning from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1998. She is a graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago in 2005 with a Master’s of Special Education. Prior to working for Ralph Ellison, Ms. Gonzales worked for Chicago Public Schools. In her free time, she enjoys reading, biking and working in her garden.

Jodi Goode, Humanities Teacher

Ext: 5020

• M.Ed. University of Illinois – Chicago

Merle Green

Ext: 5001 

Carmen Teague-Hall, Social Worker

Ext: 4127

• B.A. DePaul Unversity
• MSW Loyola University

Now in her third year at Ralph Ellison, Mrs. Teague-Hall came to Civitas after receiving her MSW from Loyola University in Chicago and a B.A. from DePaul University. She completed her student internships at Lutherbrook Academy, a therapeutic day school and Congress Park Elementary School in Brookfield, IL.

She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband and four year old son, Kai Christopher.

Mona Hicks

Ext: 5021

Joel Hoekstra, Humanities Teacher

Ext: 5062

• B.A. Calvin College

Mr. Hoekstra teaches United States History, World History, and Writing 3 at Ralph Ellison. He graduated from Calvin College in 2007 where he majored in History and Secondary Education with a minor in Psychology. Following graduation he moved to Yuma, Arizona where he had the opportunity to teach History for the past three years, and was privileged to be part of the founding AVID program at his high school. When outside of the classroom you will probably find him searching out that next great meal in the Chicago area, or reeling in that next great catch while fishing.

Lamont Holifield, Math Teacher 

• B.A. Mathematics
• M.A. Training & Development
• M.A. Secondary Education 

Mr. Holifield joined CICS-Ralph Ellison High School after successfully completing two years as a Mathematics teacher at John Hope College Prep High School (JHCP).  In addition, he successfully completed his student teaching experience at John Hope where he taught two sections of Algebra I and Algebra I/Extended (Freshmen) and one section of Algebra/Problem Solving (Seniors).  Mr. Holifield served as one of two founding Freshman Academy leads at JHCP in the 2009-2010 school year.  He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), American Society of Training and Development Professionals (ASTD) and was a presenter at the Chicago’s Gear Up IMathination Conference (January, 2010).  His hobbies include running, public speaking and swimming. Holifield currently serves as Coach and Mentor for the Ralph Ellison Debate Team.

Josef Horvath, English Teacher

Ext: 4145

• B.A. Butler University
• M.A. University of Indianapolis

Mr. Horvath was born in Mishawaka, IN and attended Mishawaka Public High School. In 1999 he attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where he received his Bachelors in Journalism. Once completing college he worked for three years as a marketing research specialist at a small locally own company in Indianapolis. In 2006 he went back to school at the University of Indianapolis and graduated with a Masters in Teaching Language Arts in 2008. Since 2007, Mr. Horvath worked at Speedway High School in Indianapolis, IN as a Language Arts teacher, Drama Department Chair, and Junior High School swim coach. Currently he is teaching four sections of Junior Writing and one section of Junior English. 

Mr. Horvath enjoys international travel; he has lived in three different countries besides America. In high school he lived as an exchange student in Elmshorn, Germany. In undergrad he studied abroad in Florence, Italy and in graduate school he taught at the American School of the Hague in Wassenaar, The Netherlands. He enjoys spending time with family and friend, watching the Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame football, and Butler basketball! He also enjoys going to the gym and Target.

Lara Jaffe, SPEd Teacher, Special Education Teacher

Ext: 5001

• M.A. Northeastern Illinois University

Lara Jaffe joined Ralph Ellison in March of 2010 after graduating from Northeastern Illinois University, majoring in Special Education.  She completed her student teaching at Lane Tech High School where she taught Algebra 1 and Spanish 1.  Prior to joining CICS, she was a paraprofessional at Jewish Children and Family Services Therapeutic Day School, where she assisted in multiple subject areas and extra curricular activities.  Jaffe is a foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. Other hobbies include biking, music, cooking and engaging in various forms of the creative arts.

Ayanna Jenkins

Ext: 5023

Patrice Jones, Humanities Teacher

Ext: 5060

• B.A. Chicago State University

Ms. Patrice A. Jones is the World History and Humanities educator. She is a graduate of Chicago State University, majoring in both History and Geography. Ms. Jones completed her student teaching experience at Thornridge High School in Dolton, Ilinois. 

Ms. Jones, a Chicago native, is returning home from Indianapolis where she instructed English at Pike Township High School. She also has instructed third graders through the Summer Advantage program with Mr. Earl Phalen. Ms. Jones hobbies includes walking, reading, and working with her mentoring program.

Kendra Jones-Scott

Ext: 5001 

Kristin Lindenmeyer, SPEd Teacher

Ext: 5001

• B.A. Loras College
• M.A. Roosevelt University

Ms. Lindenmeyer was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. She attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA where she majored in English Literature and minored in Business. After spending several months in the work force, she went back to school for her teaching certification. Ms. Lindenmeyer now has her M.A. in Secondary Education, a teaching certificate in English, and an endorsement in Special Education from Roosevelt University.

Ms. Lindenmeyer is currently in her third year of teaching at Ralph Ellison. She is also involved in extra-curricular programs, including coaching the Ellison “Lady Lions” softball team. She values urgency for education and a passion for life and purpose. Ms. Lindenmeyer loves her family pets and road trips are her favorite kind of vacation.

Karen Long, Health/Fitness Teacher

Ext: 5026

• B.A. Central Michigan University

Ms. Long is excited to be starting her fourth year teaching health and fitness at Ralph Ellison Academy. She grew up in Brighton, MI where she enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, boating, swimming, wakeboarding and snowboarding. She attended Central Michigan University where she earned a bachelors degree in secondary education, double majoring in health and history. In addition to attending classes, she was also an active member of the National Delta Zeta sorority and the Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Association. 

After graduation, she made the move to Chicago and began her beloved career at Ralph Ellison. Currently, Ms. Long is teaching freshmen health and fitness by day and working towards a masters degree in Special Education at National Louis University by night.  In her spare time, Ms. Long loves spending time with friends/family, going for walks, going out to dinner, traveling to new places, and most of all hanging out with her 5 pound Yorkshire Terrier Bailey!

Lyniece Lush, In-School Suspension Coordinator

Ext: 5028

Marc Malone, College Counselor

Ext: 4110

• B.A. Morehouse College
• M.S. Purdue University

Mr. Malone joined CICS Ralph Ellison in 2008 having after working in student personnel in higher education for over fifteen years. Most recently he served as the Dean of Student Affairs at Ivy Tech Community College Northwest. Prior to his tenure at Ivy Tech, he was as the Director of the Conaway Achievement Project at Columbia College Chicago.

Malone is also a past president of the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP). The Association assists low-income and first generation students in overcoming the economic, physical, academic, and most barriers that make accessibility to higher education difficult, if not impossible.

Malone received his Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and went on to complete his Master’s at Purdue University-Calumet. He is currently pursuing his PhD. in Educational Administration at Indiana State University.

Stephanie Manis, Math Teacher

Ext: 5030

Jillian McDonald, English Teacher

Ext: 5067

• B.A. Butler University
• M.A. DePaul University

McDonald joined CICS Ellison after graduating from DePaul University with her M. Ed in Secondary English Education. Ms. McDonald completed her B.A. at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana where she double majored in Philosophy and English Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing.

McDonald teaches Sophomore English and Writing classes at Ralph Ellison. In her free time, she loves to read, write, and coach cheerleading. She also loves to watch the Butler Bulldogs play in the Men’s NCAA Basketball tournament each year!

Mike McGlennon, Physical Education Teacher

Ext: 4152

• B.S. Eastern Illinois University

Michael McGlennon joined Civitas Schools in the fall of 2008 after graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. Mr. McGlennon completed his student teaching experience at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, IL. There he taught strength and conditioning and 3 levels of physical education. His hobbies include soccer, softball, swimming, and exercise.

Bernadette Molczan

Ext: 5032

Earnest Mondie, Director of College and Career Counseling

Ext: 4106

• B.S. Alcorn State University
• M.S. Alcorn State University

Mondie joined CICS Ralph Ellison in August 2010 as the Director is Counseling. He earned his MS in Guidance and Counseling from Alcorn State University and has worked as a QMRP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) at Hudspeth Regional Center, Mississippi’s leading mental health facility.

In 2005, Mr. Mondie moved back to Chicago were he was employed at Kenwood Academy as a professional school counselor. Mr. Mondie joined CICS Ralph Ellison in August 2010.

Adrienne Nathan, SPEd Teacher

Ext: 5001

• B.A. Ball State University
• M.A. Ball State University

Ms. Nathan earned her undergraduate degree in education and her Masters in Special Education from Ball State University. Upon graduation, she officially moved from NY to Chicago to teach at the Chicago Public Schools. During her time at CPS, Ms. Nathan also coached the Boys Varsity Track team, among other activities. She then created and implemented the Special Services program and was an administrator at Luther North High School in Chicago.

Following the great success of this program, she moved on to teach at Evergreen Park High School. Upon the birth of her first daughter, she stayed home for 4 years to raise her 2 children and returned to teaching in the spring of 2009 here at CICS Ellison.

In her spare time, Ms. Nathan loves to spend time with her 2 girls and enjoys traveling the US to visit her family, especially to NY. Ms. Nathan loves sports, the outdoors, music, and television. She is very excited for another year here at Ellison, and knows it will be a fantastic year!

William Newman, Ph.D, Math/Science Team Lead

Ext: 4129

• Ph.D Purdue University

James Otto 

Audry Peden, English Teacher/Afterschool Programs Advisor

Ext: 5035

• B.A. Chicago State University
• M.A. Chicago State University

Audry Pritchett-Peden started her educational career in 1993 at Pivot Point International. There she served as an educator, platform artist, and school administrator. It was also at Pivot Point International where she discovered how much she loves helping young people advance. Because of this love, she pursued a degree in English Literature and secondary education at Chicago State University. Peden currently holds a Bachelors in English, a Masters in English (Both from Chicago State University), and a Masters in Educational Leadership from American College of Education.

Peden currently serves the students of CICS Ralph Ellison as an educator, senior class moderator, an after school club coordinator and a mentor.

Aaron Pollack, Humanities Team Lead

Ext: 5066

• M.A. Boston College

Cynthia Potocki, English Teacher

Ext: 5037

• M.A. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Maureen Rabbitte, Certified School Nurse

Ext: 5024

• B.S. University of Illinois – Chicago

Maureen Rabbitte is currently serving her 2nd Year as Ralph Ellison’s certified school nurse. Prior to joining Ralph Ellison she spent 8 years as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Francis / MetroSouth Hospital in Blue Island.

Mrs. Rabbitte has always wanted to be a school nurse and 4 years ago she returned to school to complete her school nurse certification course at UIC. She loves her students and what she does I love what I do. A lifelong Southsider, Mrs. Rabbitte is married with 3 small children and spends her free time traveling and doing outdoor activities.

Victor Rollins

Ext: 5001 

Rachael Rosen, Spanish Teacher

Ext: 5039

• B.A. Vanderbilt University
• M.A. Vanderbilt University

Rachael Rosen joined CICS Ralph Ellison after graduating from Vanderbilt University, majoring in both Child Studies & Spanish. Ms. Rosen also earned her master’s degree from Vanderbilt in Secondary Education (Spanish).

Rosen previously taught at two schools in Nashville and is entering her second year teaching at Ralph Ellison, where she teaches both Spanish I & Spanish II. Rosen is a Chicago native and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Chantel Rubio

Ext: 5025

Emily Schoch, Math Teacher

Ext: 5048

• B.A. Smith College

Vijay Shah, Humanities Teacher

Ext: 5033

Craig Shaman, Athletic Director

Ext: 4140

Melonie Smith, Math Teacher

Ext: 5034  

Raymond Smith 

Ext: 5036

Tina Steele, Science Teacher

Ext: 5001

• M.S. Concordia University

Samantha Velazquez, English Teacher

Ext: 5011

• B.A. Chicago State University
• M.A. Chicago State University

Samantha Velazquez joined the Ralph Ellison family in May 2008 after completing her B.A. in Education at Chicago State University. She recently finished her Masters in English, also at Chicago State, and is looking toward continuing her education.

Outside of her Ellison students, Valazquez occupies her time with her husband, Ray, and three dogs, Chico, Gizmo, and Lil Bit.

Shawn Walsh, Dean of Students

 Ext: 5046

• B.A. Edinboro University
• M.A. Gannon University
• M.A. Immaculata University

Mr. Walsh is excited for his third year at CICS Ralph Ellison! He comes to Ellison after being Dean of Students at North Philadelphia Community High School, Principal of Wordsworth Academy, and Assistant Principal at Harborcreek Youth Services. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from Edinboro University, has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Gannon University, and Master’s from Immaculata University in Educational Leadership. He is currently working on his MBA at Capella University and hopes to one day stop being a full-time student! 

In addition to his duties as Dean, he is the head boys Cross Country coach and head girls Softball coach. He enjoys watching the Phillies, being a weekend warrior, and spending as much quality time with his 3 year old son Sammy as possible!  

Full Calendar

CICS Ralph Ellison
1817 West 80th Street
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 478-4434
© 2012 Civitas Schools