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NEW STAFF AT FXW

Katherine (Katie) Agbontaen is joining FXW as a Grade 8 ELA teacher. She has spent the majority of her career teaching fifth grade ELA in Chestnut Hill, MA — the home of her alma mater, Boston College, where she earned a bachelor's in English with a minor in secondary education. Her teaching philosophy is inspired by Immanuel Kant’s philosophy sapere aude or “dare to know.” She encourages her students to develop an intellectual curiosity and imagination that empowers them to continually ask questions and seek answers.

Sabrina Dirk is joining FXW as a Grade 5 learning specialist. Sabrina is originally from Maryland and received her bachelor's in English at Indiana University. She completed Teach For America in Indianapolis and taught 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th grades over the past three years. She has a master's in teaching and a graduate certificate in teaching English language learners. She enjoys cooking, reading, and being with her two cats.

Lindsey Dues is joining FXW as a Kindergarten teacher. This will be Lindsey's second year teaching and first year at FXW. Lindsey received a bachelor’s in visual communication technology from Bowling Green State University and a master’s in early childhood education from The University of Illinois Chicago. Lindsey has been a member of the FXW community for the last six years as a parent and volunteer and is thrilled to be joining the exceptional teaching team.

Melissa Gardner-Bilek is joining FXW as the Social Worker at the OSP campus. Melissa comes to us with almost 10 years of experience, having served youth and their families in various settings including school, court, residential care, and hospitals. Melissa is well versed in providing individual and group supportive services and creating a safe space for students to grow socially, mentally, and emotionally. Melissa received a bachelor’s in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master’s in social work from Fordham University in New York.

Abby Hadel is joining FXW as the Advancement and Admissions Project Manager. Abby received a bachelor’s in theatre performance from the University of Kansas and is currently performing in the Chicago theatre scene. Currently, she is also taking classes with General Assembly to become a certified UX Designer. Abby is thrilled to be joining the FXW community and cannot wait to meet you all.

NEW STAFF AT FXW

Olivia Killian-Tarr is joining FXW as the Grade 4 and 5 science teacher. Olivia was born in Chicago and lived in the Bay Area for five years. She has worked with elementary school children since her freshman year of high school and received a bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Elias Landeros is joining the FXW security team. His parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico in the '70s and he was born and raised in Chicago. Elias is a proud firstgeneration American. He attended Florence Nightingale Elementary School and Gage Park High School, which are located on the South Side. One of his favorite things to do is travel and visit new places. His favorite team is the Bears but he watches and supports all of Chicago's sports teams. He is very excited to begin working at FXW and looks forward to meeting the staff and students.

Patricia Meza is joining FXW as a Kindergarten teacher. Patricia graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana with a bachelor's in elementary education and minors in ESL and early childhood education. For the past three years, she taught first grade at a Catholic school in Berwyn. Patricia is excited to grow and learn more in this new community.

Morgan Richmond is joining FXW as a Grade 5 math teacher. She has more than three years of experience, including having served two years as an assistant at Latin School of Chicago and one year as a Grade Center teacher in Glenview. She has taught three grade levels and worked with preschool special education students. Morgan received a bachelor’s in elementary education from Illinois State University and a master’s in teaching, learning, and assessment from National Louis University.

Kelly Sweeney is joining FXW as a Grade 3 teacher. Kelly comes to us with eight years of experience, having served as a second grade teacher at Dayton Early College Academy in Dayton, Ohio, as well as a second & third grade teacher at Immaculate Conception St. Joseph School in Chicago. In June of 2020, Kelly completed her master's in reading from DePaul University. Kelly received a bachelor’s in early childhood education from Miami University of Ohio.

NEW STAFF AT FXW

Brooke Valentine is joining FXW as a Grade 1 teacher. Brooke comes to us with more than four years of experience, having served as an assistant teacher at an independent school as well as the Chicago Public Schools system. Recent accomplishments have included developing project based learning with her team of teachers and also managing hybrid learning. She received a bachelor’s in health and human physiology from the University of Iowa and a master’s in elementary education from National Louis University.

Megan Vinicky is joining FXW as a Grade 3 teacher. Megan comes to us with more than eight years of experience, having served as a teaching assistant for students with Autism at the Helping Hand Center and then teaching third grade for the past five years at Immaculate Conception-Saint Joseph School. A recent accomplishment of hers includes becoming certified in the Orton Gillingham Approach to reading instruction. Megan received a bachelor’s in applied psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s in elementary education from DePaul University.

Sarah Wilson is joining FXW as a Grade 5 social studies teacher. Sarah comes to us with three years of experience teaching at both the middle school and high school level, including DePaul College Prep where she taught U.S. history, world history, global issues and solutions. She also coached the DePaul cross country team. Sarah earned her bachelor's in history from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN and later received her master's in education from DePaul University.