Chicago Hope Academy is a college and life preparatory high school dedicated to nurturing and challenging the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – to the glory of God.

We Offer

A challenging college preparatory curriculum that balances physical, mental, and spiritual development.

Gifted teachers who encourage and mentor students.

Athletics which teach the value of teamwork, discipline, sacrifice, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

Opportunities for students to appreciate and practice the arts.

A school that impacts the student, family, and surrounding community for Christ.

A school that teaches and exemplifies a servant attitude.

The Triangle Philosophy

Chicago Hope Academy invests in the development of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – to the glory of God.

Servant Attitudes

Chicago Hope Academy reaches beyond the student, encouraging family involvement in the education process. Click here to read our Statement of Faith.

Christ Centered Education

The Bible is taught as a core subject emphasizing the authority of God’s word.

Academic Excellence

Chicago Hope Academy is committed to holding faculty and students to a high academic standard.

Family Focus

Students are taught to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love their neighbor as themselves. The staff models this principle with passion and conviction. (Mark 9:35; John 15:12, 13; Philippians 2:1-8)

Leadership

Ike Muzikowski

President and Principal

The son of Hope founders, Bob and Tina Muzikowski, Ike graduated CHA in 2011 before studying Economics at Columbia University. He served as the College Counselor, Admissions Director, long-term sub, International Student Program Director, and varsity soccer coach prior to earning a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Harvard. Ike lives in East Garfield Park, and enjoys international travel, soccer, classic novels, stand-up comedy, and announcing Hope sports games.

Patrick Ahern

Financial Controller

Pat Ahern is a financial executive with extensive experience working with large and small organizations. Most recently, Pat was the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Mutual Chicago. Pat holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he was an Evans Scholar. He also earned an MBA in Corporate Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Pat has served as the President of the 1900 Club at Immaculate Conception Grade School for more than 10 years. He serves on the board of the United Cerebral Palsy of Chicago Foundation. He also serves as a mentor for the Bridge Communities transitional housing program. Pat lives in Elmhurst with his wife and their four boys. Pat enjoys golf, running, college football, coaching his son's basketball and football teams, and spending time with his family.

Charles Landrum

Dean of School Culture

Charles has been a part of the Hope community for over 6 years. While serving as the pastor of Harvest House Church on the west-side of Chicago, Charles was invited to preach at a chapel service at Hope Academy. The mission and vision of Hope aligned so perfectly with how He had been praying for God to use him in the communities where he grew up. He applied his experience and training in real estate and business to come alongside the mission of Hope Cafe and Hope Homes from 2017 to 2021. In 2021, Charles transitioned and began to serve in the role of Dean of School Culture with Hope Academy. With the combination of his military background, experience in youth leadership and pastoral wisdom, Charles is tasked with leading the charge to inspire and direct Hope students and families to embrace the culture that makes Hope unique and distinctive from any other program of its kind.

Christopher Mallette

Director of Community Engagement

Christopher is the Director of Community Relations and Outreach, a member of the Development Team and the Head Football Coach at Chicago Hope Academy. He is the former Executive Director of the Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy and the former City of Chicago Director of Community Safety Initiatives where he worked to reduce group and gang violence in the City of Chicago.
Christopher has devoted his life to public service, advocating for social justice and serving residents and children in urban communities. He has coached football for more than twenty-five years and has also served the City of Chicago as an Assistant Corporation Counsel; the Faith Community of St. Sabina as General Counsel and Executive Director of the youth center, and the Chicago Public Schools, as a Magnet Schools Cluster Coordinator. Mallette has an A.B. from Princeton University graduate and a J.D. from the University of
Pennsylvania School of Law. Christopher and his wife Kendall have four children.

Rebecca Rodriguez

Dean of Academics

Rebecca Rodriguez, born and raised in Illinois, received her BS from Middle Tennessee State University in Art, History, English, and Human Development. She then went on to receive her MA in Literature and her Teaching Certificate from the University of New Hampshire. Over the years, Rebecca has taught writing, grammar, film, literature, and science at various high schools and colleges, including the University of New Hampshire, Harold Washington College, Malcolm X College, College of DuPage, Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, and several Chicagoland Christian homeschool co-ops. She loves to chill at home in Humboldt Park with her three school-aged sons (two of which attend Hope!), her husband of 21 years, and their Irish Terrier pup. She enjoys yoga, camping, road trips, birding, and hanging out in her backyard around the fire pit. Rebecca serves at Chicago Hope Academy with this quote in mind: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ― Aristotle

Joe Salituro

Athletic Director

Joe Salituro was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago. After attending Loyola Academy, he went on to graduate from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts – Communications degree. Prior to joining the Athletics Department at Chicago Hope Academy in 2020, Joe spent almost two decades working in sports marketing and event management. He was in charge of numerous sporting events including, The Under Armour All-America Football Game, The College Slam Dunk and Three Point Championships, and The College Home Run Derby. Joe’s main responsibilities at Hope include leading the Athletics Department and managing the Athletics Campus, which includes Hope Gym, Hope Track, and Hope Field at Altgeld Park. Joe currently lives on the northwest side of Chicago with his wife and two sons.

Amy Sexton Stanislavski

Chief Advancement Officer

Amy is a seasoned fundraising professional with a B.A. in English and a Certificate in Special Education and Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive and holds a Philanthropic Leadership Certificate from Indiana University. With extensive experience across various organizations, including dioceses, schools, and nonprofits, Amy specializes in major capital campaigns, donor cultivation, and development strategy. She founded AES Consulting in 2017 and The RD Coach in 2023, aiming to empower nonprofit professionals. A dedicated community leader, she serves as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest IN and is actively involved with several charities. Outside of her professional endeavors, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and has completed the Chicago Marathon—though she vows never to run another! Residing in St. John, Indiana, she shares her home with her husband, daughter, and beloved dogs.

Teachers

Latausha Allen, born and raised on the west side of Chicago, received her AS in Criminal Justice with a BA in Political Science, minor in Sociology, and Criminology from Northern Illinois University. Latausha loves family and spending time with her husband of 16 years and their five children. She enjoys serving others and lending a helping hand when needed. Outside of family and serving others, she spends her free time studying God’s word with her bible study group, watching crime shows, shopping, painting and attending women’s conferences and support groups.

Latausha Allen

Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice

This is Ms. Brooks’ second year at Chicago Hope Academy. She graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in May 2022 and is currently seeking a Master´s in Marine Science. When Ms. Brooks is not at school enjoying time with the students, she is probably at home with her husband, Dominic, and her son, Beckham. Also part of their little family is their three dogs and cat! She loves any opportunity she can get to be outside enjoying nature by doing anything from kayaking to photography!

Cheyenne Brooks

Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, Physics, STEAM Initiatives

Nathaniel Brumbaugh has been at Hope for 3 years as the Foundations of Faith teacher and has lived in Chicago for the past 10 years. He has a M.A. from Moody Theological seminary and works as the assistant director of student ministries at the Moody church. In his free time he enjoys trying new restaurants, coffee shops, and festivals with his wife of 7 years, Emily. You’d often find him playing games, painting miniatures, reading, or doing just about anything as long as it’s with other people. He’s energetic and passionate about helping youth grow into their God given potential.

Nate Brumbaugh

Foundations of Faith

Aidan Busch grew up in the northwest Chicago Suburbs, and graduated from Wheaton College with a BA in History and Secondary Education. He is passionate about helping students understand the complexity of history, and his favorite time period to study (and teach!) is the lead-up to the Civil War. In his free time, Aidan loves to do anything outside with his wife Courtney and dog Strider and leads a small group at church. Most weekends, he can be found with a good book, podcast, and cup of coffee.

Aidan Busch

US History, AP US History, Social Studies Department Head, Electives Department Head, Leadership Intern

Daniel Cameron, SoCal native at heart, received his Ph.D. from The University of Aberdeen. He holds a B.A. from Moody Bible Institute, an M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Certificate in Youth and Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has taught Bible, Theology, Worldview, Christian Education, Popular Culture, and Church History at the Jr. High, High School, and College level. In his spare time, he loves hanging out with his wife of 13 years and his dog. He enjoys traveling, fishing, reading, and writing. His current editing project is entitled “Theology, Religion, and The Office.”

Daniel Cameron

Systematic Theology, Finding God in Film, Biblical Studies Department Head, Director of Spiritual Life

Johanna DeHaven has her MA in the History of Christianity from Wheaton College. She also majored in Biblical and Theological Studies for her undergraduate degree at Wheaton. In addition, she is trained and licensed to teach social studies and history at the secondary level by the state of Illinois. She enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family’s dogs in her free time. This is her fifth year teaching World History at Chicago Hope Academy.

Johanna DeHaven

World History, AP World History

Mr. Fischer first discovered his passion for teaching math at University when he collaborated with fellow students on homework assignments and projects. He later decided to get his Masters in math education from Northeastern Illinois University. He enjoys working with students and helping them grow academically. When not teaching math, Mr. Fischer enjoys running on the lake front or cooking up something new in the kitchen.

Jake Fischer

Algebra I

Angel Galan

Spanish, Art, Computer Science

Mr. Gerald grew up in sunny, Jacksonville FL. He holds a BA degree from Harding University, and a MA in archaeology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is currently working on his PhD in archaeology from Andrews University. He often travels to Jordan to excavate at Khirbet Safra, a site from the Biblical Judges period. This is his third year teaching at Hope and he teaches Archaeology for all Juniors. He played catcher at Harding University and was an assistant coach for the TIU baseball team. When Mr. Gerald is not teaching archaeology at school or church, he is spending time with his wife and 1 year old daughter, watching football with friends, riding bikes and grilling out.

Talmadge Gerald

Archaeology: Society, Language, and Culture

Jordan Gracia, the new college counselor at Chicago Hope Academy, brings a dynamic blend of creativity and dedication to his role. A proud alumnus of Hope, he went on to earn a BA in Modern Culture and Media from Brown University. With a profound passion for the fine arts—dancing, acting, and film—Jordan infuses his work with artistic flair. A true Chicago native, he revels in the city’s rich coffee culture as an avid connoisseur. Outside of guiding students, you’ll find him strategizing over a game of chess or engaging in a lively pickleball match. Jordan’s unique blend of talents and enthusiasm makes him an inspiring advisor for students.

Jordan Gracia

College Counseling

Ben Hanson de Pretis grew up in northern Wisconsin, where he spent his childhood canoeing, running through the woods, and writing stories. He graduated from Wheaton College in 2020 and has taught at Hope since 2022. When he’s not in the classroom, Mr. Ben still loves running and writing stories, as well as exploring Chicago with his wife, Tess.

Ben Hanson de Pretis

Statistics, Pre Calculus, Creative Writing, Math Department Head

Mr. Kolmer was born in St. Louis, MO, where he studied English at Saint Louis University and earned his Masters in Education at Lindenwood University. After three years of elevating his teaching craft in St. Louis, he packed up his belongings and headed for Chicago to start the next chapter of his life. Now living in Lincoln Park, he enjoys walking the busy streets of Chicago, trying new restaurants, and most of all, going to Wrigley Field when the Cardinals are in town. This year, he looks forward to helping the students of Chicago Hope tap into their true potential.

Charles Kolmer

English II, English III

Hailing from the wonderful state of California, Mr. Lawlor has made Chicago his home since 2016. He graduated from the Moody Bible Institute with a BA in Bible and Youth Ministry and is currently completing his Masters of Letters in Bible and Literature at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Outside of academia, you can catch Mr. Lawlor eating diverse foods from all around the world, tearing up the turf playing Ultimate Frisbee, watching potentially pretentious movies, and reading classic novels whilst basking in the sunshine of his porch.

Adam Lawlor

English I, Honors English I, AP Literature & Composition, English Department Head

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Ruby Yao Lorenzo speaks Hokkien, Filipino, English, and Mandarin. Mrs. Lorenzo has a BS in Chemistry, an MS in Chemistry Education, and a Postbac from UIC. After teaching for 11 years, she became an administrator in two Christian schools in Manila before migrating to the US in 2005. Since 2007, she has continued her teaching career at Hope. She has fond memories of her travel in 9 countries. In her spare time, Mrs. Lorenzo enjoys watching sci-fi, listening to classical music and preaching. Her favorite quotation is from C.T. Studd — ‘Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Ruby Lorenzo

Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry Foundations

Kirsten Madsen attended Wheaton College, where she played basketball and earned a degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics. In her fourth year at Hope, she will be the Math Department Chair and teach Algebra 2 and AP Calculus. In her free time, Kirsten enjoys playing pickleball, listening to Brandon Lake, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kirsten Madsen

Algebra II, AP Calculus

Emily Nerem is a graduate of Wheaton College where she was on the Women’s Basketball team and earned a degree in Biology. This will be her second year at CHA. Originally from rural Minnesota, Ms. Nerem enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside and at the lake. In her free time she loves going to the movies, reading, trying new restaurants and traveling. Ms. Nerem interned for a veterinary clinic where she got to take care of baby pigs and learn more about modern farming practices. She also spent time in the Dominican Republic serving with GO Ministries. She is passionate about these experiences and ties them into her classroom as much as possible.

Emily Nerem

Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Science Department Head

Mr. Ortiz grew up in Puerto Rico, where he graduated with a BA in Psychology. He has worked in a high school setting for the last 19 years. He served both as a teacher and a Spiritual Life Coordinator for an ACSI accredited school in Puerto Rico (Wesleyan Academy), and has been working at Chicago Hope as a teacher for the last 9 years. Mr. Ortiz is passionate about working and serving not only as a teacher, but also as a mentor for students.

Jose Ortiz

Geometry

Meet the new English IV and EYE instructor, Luke Petro. Luke graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University (’13), where he earned a B.A. in history. In 2015, he completed a teacher certification program at Northeastern Illinois University. While this is his first year at CHA, he brings eight years of experience teaching literature and entrepreneurship on Chicago’s South Side. Additionally, he teaches an entrepreneurship program to students from all over the world at the University of Michigan during the summer. He calls Bridgeport his home, where he resides with his wife and three children. When he is not teaching, he loves spending time with his family, reading, watching baseball, grilling in the backyard, or working on his own entrepreneurial ventures.

Luke Petro

English IV, Honors English IV, Entrepreneurial Youth Program

Travis Shannan

Civic and Geography, AP Government and Politics

Mr. Schreiber teaches philosophy. His teaching is in large measure shaped by two contexts. First, he grew up in Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire where his family cared for a menagerie of wild animals, including apes, monkeys, deer, a civet, a crocodile, and a bush baby. “You can take the boy out of the wild, but you can’t take the wild out of the boy.” Second, he became acquainted with Plato years ago and has been enjoying a deepening friendship ever since. “Choose your friends wisely.” Speaking of wisely, philosophy is defined as the “love of wisdom.” With each passing year, Schreiber senses a growing need for wisdom. Philosophy is a depository of human wisdom which, when viewed in the light of divine Wisdom, is a worthy map on this Journey of Life.

Stephen Schreiber

Honors Philosophy, Honors African Literature, Greek I

Mr. Walters is an experienced union electrician with over 20 years of experience in residential, industrial, and commercial electrical installations, maintenance, and repair. He has a proven track record of successful projects and various infrastructures with a commitment to safety and efficiency. His goal at Hope is to prepare students for a registered apprenticeship program by offering structured pre-apprenticeship training.

Kevin Walters

Career and Technical Science

Staff

Je Taun Barron is an accomplished Executive Assistant with over a decade of experience in non-profits, marketing, and business. A Certified Public Notary, author, and publisher, she is passionate about creating opportunities that uplift and empower others. Her commitment to community engagement drives her mission to make a lasting impact. A devoted wife and mother of three, Je Taun enjoys cooking, reading, fishing, Pilates, and appreciating the beauty of sunsets with her family. A woman of faith with a heart for service, she is excited to contribute to the mission of Hope Academy and looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the community. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.”- Romans 15:13

Je Taun Barron

Executive Assistant to the President

Kristen Blevins is from Knoxville, TN. She earned her Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Lee University and is a two-time NCAA All-American in Track & Field. She’s the only girl and the middle child among two brothers. Kristen enjoys a good laugh, is quite silly, and strives to be the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-16). She also loves reading, hiking, and watching movies. To give you a sense of her enthusiasm, she’s the person who claps in the theater at the end of a good movie. 🙂

Kristen Blevins

Student Success Coordinator

Gail Clark has been a pillar in her community for many years and is passionate about the students and families in which she serves and brings to the table over 15 years in education and more than 25 years in a role of leadership and development. She comes to Hope in the capacity of the Executive Assistant to the President. Gail studied Psychology Pre-Med at the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Leadership and Development at National Louis University. Gail is currently pursuing her M.S. in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) at NLU.

Gail Clark

Director of Operations

Jenellie is a Chicago native (GO CUBS!) born and raised in the West side of Chicago in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Jenellie is the first generation of her family to graduate from college receiving her Master’s in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University. Jenellie loves to encourage, support, and empower students and staff at Hope. Her favorite things are dancing, laughing, and cuddling her fur baby (JAXX).

Jenellie Coleman

School Counselor

Julia grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago and attended CPS throughout elementary and high school. After graduating from Wheaton College with a BA in English Writing, she worked at several mission-driven organizations doing events and communications. Julia is excited to be at Hope because of the energy of the students and the compassion and diversity of the whole school community. Her favorite things to do in Chicago are to explore bookstores and swim in Lake Michigan.

Julia Dennis

Marketing Communications Manager

Barbara Escobar, born and raised in Los Angeles, moved to Chicago 3.5 years ago. She graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles with a bachelors in English and went on to the University of Notre Dame (go, Irish!) where she graduated with her Masters in Theological Studies. After serving within the Catholic Church in various ministerial roles, Barbara pivoted in her career to focus on marketing and communications. She joins Chicago Hope Academy following two years as the Associate Director of Civic Relations and Partnerships at the Art Institute of Chicago and is honored to step into the role of Director of Mission Advancement. Outside of work, Barbara enjoys reading, spending time with her cats (Valkyrie and Theodora), supporting the arts, boxing, and traveling.

Barbara Escobar

Director of Mission Advancement

Born and raised in Chicago, Ronnie Fields played at Farragut Academy from 1992–1996 and was a teammate of Kevin Garnett. In Fields’ senior year, he made the ALL-USA first team while averaging 32.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks. Just weeks before the state playoffs, Fields was involved in a car accident that resulted in a broken neck. For a lot of people, that would be the end of the story, but Ronnie Fields kept playing. He declared himself eligible for the 1996 CBA Draft and was selected 73rd overall by the LaCrosse Bobcats. Fields also suited up as an import in the Philippine Basketball Association. He went on to play in many other countries all over the world as well as in the ABA, reuniting with Joey Meyer in the 2000-2001 season with the Chicago Skyliners. Today, Ronnie Fields is a dedicated coach and mentor to young athletes from across Chicago.

Ronnie Fields

Head Basketball Coach

Tess Hanson de Pretis was born and raised in the East Bay Area of California. Prior to teaching at Chicago Hope Academy, Tess spent a few years participating in volunteer work throughout Central America, Central Asia, and Eastern Africa. She studied philosophy at Las Positas College and then went on to complete her bachelor’s degree with honors in anthropology at Wheaton College. Tess is happily married to her best friend, Ben, and the two of them live in Little Italy together. In her spare time, you will find her propagating plants, painting, or going on walks with her husband.

Tess Hanson de Pretis

Registrar

Kewa Marshall

Facilities & Maintenance

Dionne is a mom of four wonderful children who resides on the near north side of Chicago. Dionne attended Chicago Public Schools during her childhood and made her way to Carbondale at SIU for undergrad. When she returned to Chicago, she attended Chicago State for graduate school, where she soon quickly entered into the teaching profession. Dionne’s most favorite pastime is hopping in her minivan with her children and mom for adventurous road trips.

Dionne McKenzie

Learning Specialist

Daniel Mendez

Assistant Athletic Director

Melissa Montiel is a proud Hope alumna and a first-generation college student who received her BA in Sociology and Spanish from Wheaton College. She is passionate about college readiness and access to equal opportunities available to first-generation students. She is also a Director of Academics with HFS Chicago Scholars.

Melissa Montiel

School Operations Manager

Stephanie Montiel is from the South Side of Chicago. She has been part of the Hope family for 10 years starting with her oldest daughter, Melissa, followed by her current senior, Angel, and sophomore, Emileny. She loves spending time with her family and adores her pet dogs, Oreo and Nena, and her two birds, Chiquis and Palomo. She loves to go to the movies, enjoys reading a good book, and loves Mexican food.

Stephanie Montiel

Office Administrator

Scout Muzikowski works as a Director of Admissions & Student Life, Girls Rugby Coach, and Assistant Girls Basketball Coach. Scout is a daughter of Hope founders, Bob and Tina Muzikowski, and graduated from Hope in 2015. Upon graduating, she attended the University of Notre Dame where she captained the women’s rugby team and enjoyed growing YoungLife programs serving inner city students in the local South Bend community. Scout then spent time as a commercial real estate broker before returning to her alma mater. The 7th of 8 siblings, Scout is passionate about relationships, creating opportunities for students, sports as a tool for community building, college counseling, and career mentoring.

Scout Muzikowski

Director of Admissions and Student Life, Pre-Algebra Teacher

Jose grew up in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago and is a Chicago Hope Academy alumni. After obtaining a degree in Business – Finance from Calvin University, he worked at the City of Grand Rapids doing community and business development and at Bank of America doing personal banking. Jose is excited to be back at Hope and be part of Hope’s supportive and compassionate community. His favorite things in Chicago are trying new coffee shops and restaurants, playing pick-up basketball, and exploring different neighborhoods.

Jose Nietes

Career Advancement Director

After surviving two kidney transplants and a pancreas transplant, Lissette battled diabetes, lost her vision, and lived in the ICU for nearly two decades. Once she was restored to full health in 2016, Lissette began volunteering at Hope to give back to the school that provided wrap-around services for her son. Since then, Lissette has served as the Admissions Coordinator. With one son in the penitentiary and one son at an Ivy League, she is passionate about mentorship and Christian education because she knows how much of an impact they can have on a child’s life.

Lissette Ortiz

Alumni Relations

Stephanie Ritchie

As a varsity student-athlete, Dorian Robinson graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, NY, where he majored in Communication & Media Studies. He then spent a year in Rome earning a masters degree in Sports Business while playing basketball at the professional level. His previous work experience includes an internship at Coyote Logistics, helping to lead Hi-Five Sports Camp, and working in the Admissions Department all while being inducted into the communication honor society, Lamba Pi Eta.

Dorian Robinson

Associate Admissions Director

Keith Sanders is a lifetime Chicagoan with a passion for mentoring youth to combat the temptations and accessibility of negative lifestyles in Chicago. After leaving his position as a Sports Coordinator for the Chicago Park District, Keith spent two decades in Chicago Public Schools as a Security Guard and Basketball Coach before taking on his role at Hope. He enjoys coaching basketball, softball, and volleyball for students of all ability levels. He celebrates students for pursuing a passion before excelling in a passion, and is determined to help educators see the potential and goodness in every student.

Keith Sanders

Assistant Building Manager

Shavon was born on the West Side of Chicago. She has been married 16 years and has 3 wonderful sons. Shavon a.k.a. Mrs. Peaches has been serving the Hope community since 2016 when her middle son was at Hope. Starting as a volunteer in Mrs. Irma’s Cafeteria, Mrs. Peaches has been a BIG advocate for Chicago Hope Academy working in any area of the Hope community that God places her in. She has since applied her experience at the Hope Homes real estate office and the school main office. Mrs. Peaches also has been serving after school lunches to the Hope community since December 2016. Her favorite songs are: Jack Black-Peaches, Justin Bieber- Peaches and The Ikettes-Peaches & Cream!

Shavon Stephens

Office Administrator

Valerie Thomas

Staff Accountant

As the Grants and Database Manager, Leena Tyagi blends her passion for funding with her knack of organization. With over 4 years of experience in both the non-profit and corporate sectors, Leena has honed her skills in securing resources that make a difference. She also previously interned with the Office of Chicago Elections, learning the ins and outs of civic engagement — talk about a vote of confidence! In her free time, you can find Leena painting or reading. She is an avid hiker, dancer and yogi. Leena describes her humor as delightfully lame and is always looking for a dad joke.

Leena Tyagi

Grants and Database Manager

Board of Directors

Brian Sir currently serves as a member of the Audit Committee of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm with more than $270 billion in assets under management, where he previously worked as the Chief Operating Officer. Brian also served as a member of numerous of the Firm’s internal governance and operating committees, was a senior advisor to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and a co-executive sponsor of WIIN (Women’s Innovation and Inclusion Network). Prior to joining Guggenheim, Brian was a partner and Executive Committee member of the law firm of Schuyler, Roche & Zwirner. He is a graduate of Quincy University, passed the CPA examination, and received a J.D. from the University of Illinois School of Law.

Brian Sir

Board Chair, Finance and Investment Committees

DeRondal Bevly is the founder and managing director of RubyRose Strategies, LLC, a strategic communications boutique firm that specializes in creating platforms for managing, marketing and distributing brand content. He has nearly two decades of combined professional and philanthropic experience and is deeply passionate about developing and leveraging relationships within Chicago’s non-profit and philanthropic community. He is a Chicagoland native, earned his bachelor’s of business administration in economics at Western Michigan University and currently resides in Forest Park, Illinois.

DeRondal Bevly

Executive and Marketing Committees

Josh is an attorney at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C., concentrating his practice on the needs of middle-market businesses, their owners, and entrepreneurs. Josh earned his bachelor’s from Huntington University and a law degree from Loyola University Chicago. Before his work as an attorney, he taught English and Speech, Logic and Debate, as well as coaching boys’ soccer for three years at Chicago Hope Academy. He and his fellow coaches were named 2010 Coach of the Year in the Chicago Prep Conference. Josh has continued his dedication to adequate and equitable K-12 education after law school.

Josh Cauhorn

Executive Committee, Corporate Secretary

Mike is a Business Development Analyst in the wealth management division at Merrill Lynch. With over 25 years in Finance, Mike serves on Chicago Hope’s Board and Finance Committee and manages the school’s funds. Involved with the school since its founding, Mike coached Hope’s Varsity basketball team and helped underwrite Chapel reconstruction. He and his wife Kristie attend Willow Creek Church and he is the proud father of Jackson, Kate and Clayton. He played baseball at Valparaiso and is an avid golfer and mentor to many.

Michael Edwards

Executive and Investment Committees

Matt Gerdes is a Principal and Managing Director of Freeport Financial Partners LLC, a Chicago-based investment management firm. He is responsible for structuring and managing middle-market private credit investments for Freeport’s funds and is a member of the firm’s investment and management committees. Mr. Gerdes graduated with a B.S. in Finance from Northern Illinois University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Western Springs and have two college-age children. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with family and friends on Delavan Lake in Wisconsin and coaching youth basketball.

Matt Gerdes

Committee Member

Kristin Jackson is an entrepreneur with a passion for presenting news and information in a free and fair way. Kristin launched Freespoke.com in 2022, where she is now the President. She is also the CEO of Paycheckology. Kristin previously served as a senior advisor to the Kemp Foundation and The Policy Circle. Earlier in her career, Kristin was a public servant on Capitol Hill and an Associate Program Officer at an institute promoting democracy and combating authoritarian regimes in Latin America. Kristin has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Psychology and Spanish from Missouri State University and a master’s in Government from Georgetown University.

Kristin Jackson

Marketing Committee

Gene is the Executive Director of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – National Electrical Contractors Association (IBEW-NECA) Technical Institute (IN-Tech). Over his 25-year career Gene has developed a passion for the unionized electrical industry. He spent years as an electrician before shifting into an instructor position developing apprentices into journeypersons. Now, as Director of IN-Tech, Gene’s passion has changed to help support and develop the people of the unionized electrical industry. Gene has earned a B.S. from Illinois Institute of Technology, a M.S. in Education Design from Purdue University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University. Gene has an amazing wife and three wonderful young children.

Gene Kent

Committee Member

David Lewis is the founder and CEO of Circumspect Capital, a private investment firm focused on acquiring and building lower middle-market companies. David leads career development efforts in partnership with Chicago Booth Alumni Club for Hope’s student body. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. David is a graduate of Hampton University, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. David and his wife, Dr. Dakisha Lewis, live in Oak Park with 3 sons – Joshua, Jacob, and Noah.

David Lewis

Finance Committee Chair

Tom Luick is a Managing Director with Protiviti, leading Protiviti’s Technology Consulting solution for Midwest US. Tom is a member of Protiviti’s global Technology Consulting leadership team, helping set the solution’s strategy and manage its operations. He is also the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion champion for Protiviti’s Chicago office and a leader in the firm’s advocacy for education in the community. Tom and his wife Rachel have two children, Hailey and Michael, both attending St. Ignatius College Prep. The Luick family lives in the Lakeview neighborhood and are active members of St. Josaphat parish, enjoy city life in Chicago, traveling, and sports.

Tom Luick

Committee Member

James E. McGill co-founded Stotan Industrial in 2021 and serves as President-Principal, overseeing investment opportunities, strategic direction, and daily operations. Under his leadership, the company grew from 2 to 12 employees by 2024 and expanded into new markets. Stotan has completed over 2.5 million square feet of development projects, with $316 million invested across five states. Before Stotan, Jim was Executive VP at CA Industrial, where he helped grow the platform and completed $50M in assets and $95M in construction. Jim holds degrees in finance from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa.

James McGill

Committee Member

Traci Melcher is from Springfield, Massachusetts and holds degrees from University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Georgetown University. Traci served in the Navy for 23 years with a variety of sea and shore assignments, most notably as Commanding Officer of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six. Following retirement from Naval Service in 2007, Traci embarked on a career of education and community activism. Traci also has a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu. She actively serves at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest. Traci and her husband Chuck reside in Oak Park and enjoy traveling and spending time with their four grown children.

Traci Melcher

Invest in Kids Specialist, Committee Member

Antonia Mills Wesselink is the owner of Antonia L Mills, Attorney at Law, PC. After receiving her Bachelors of Science degree from DePaul University in Political Science with a minor in Economics, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Chicago Kent College of Law and was admitted to the Illinois State Bar in 2011.While her early career was spent in the not-for-profit sector, Antonia started her real estate law practice in 2016. Antonia currently holds many volunteer leadership positions. In addition to Antonia’s law practice and volunteer work, she is the Co-Founder of a tech start-up company called AIRESync, which seeks to automate the real estate transaction process.

Antonia Mills Wesselink

Executive Committee

Chris Porter is an Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield. Since joining C&W in 1987, Chris has been involved in the successful completion of more than 900 transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $2.5 billion and is a consistent top producer. He represents sellers, purchasers, landlords, or tenants, in the sale or lease of industrial facilities, land or build-to-suits in the Chicago marketplace. In addition, he provides advisory/strategic and transaction services for clients with multi-market (national and international) commercial real estate portfolios. Passionate about social change in Chicago, Chris joined the Chicago Hope board in 2013.

Chris Porter

Committee Member

Gregg is President of Admiral Advisory Group in Naperville, IL. He has 30+ years of tax and risk management experience and has served for 12 years in the Hope community. He is a graduate of the Booth school of business and is on the Finance and Executive Committees.

Gregg Vann

Investment and Finance Committees

A little bit of History

In 2004, a group of Christian businessmen purchased the shuttered St. Callistus School and parish from the Archdiocese of Chicago. The parish included school facilities, a chapel, a gym, a rectory, and a convent. With the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, future students, and eventually private contractors, Chicago Hope Academy began a full year of renovation. Highlights included hosting 200 volunteers from Aurora Christian High School who spent their spring break living on our gym floor by night and executing the demolition plan and chapel stage reconstruction by day. August 29, 2005 after a memorable grand opening ceremony, Chicago Hope Academy welcomed its first freshman and sophomore classes. It soon became clear in 2006 that future enrollments would necessitate additional classrooms and athletic facilities. Construction began on a new wing and continued through the summer. In fall 2007, five additional classrooms were added, in addition to a reception area for the chapel, and a state-of-the-art weight room and cardio room. A beautiful artificial turf surface was added to Hope Field and Altgeld Park in 2013. The Hope track was completed in 2019. Chicago Hope Academy continues to expand in the Near West Side community.