Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Christopher Christensen - 6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher - Chicago, IL - cachristense1@cps.edu
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago. My wife, Kimberly and I have been happily married for ten years, have a two-year-old son named Gunnar, and live in the Lincoln Square neighborhood on Chicago’s north side.
I chose teaching as a profession because I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. Teaching allows me to make a valuable contribution to the community and positively impact the lives of my students. In addition, I enjoy being a mentor to my middle school-age students, just as some of my better teachers were mentors to me.
Over the last few years of my career, I’ve developed a good idea of what works and what doesn’t in regard to effective teaching. I understand what it takes to retain the attention of the class, and how a good disposition and an understanding of the student mindset can make a difference. For example, as a history teacher (a subject many students find boring), I have learned that the use of analogies and enthusiasm during class lectures, as well as the application of hands-on exercises, are strong tools in helping students understand and retain the information they learn every day in class.
Lanie Kafkis - 6th Grade Diverse Learner Specialist Teacher - 2021 - Wilmette, IL - lkafkis@cps.edu
Ramona Elementary School
High Crest Middle School
Wilmette Junior High School
New Trier Township High School
University of Missouri
Columbia College Chicago
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
National Louis University
I have always been an advocate for ensuring diverse learners have access to learning environments that meet their individual needs. What I drew me to Peterson was their belief in providing inclusive experiences as well as resource and interventions for students who required more support; all this with an understanding that when supports are provided students will be able to fade back into general education learning with more ease and more self-advocacy skills.
Something special about Peterson is that my grandfather actually went here! I love how close it is to the community and how the school is always looking for ways to support the families who attend this school.
I love to do yoga! I also love cleaning and organizing!
Nicholas Mata - 6th Grade Science Teacher - 2025 - ncmata@cps.edu
Hana Puskar - 6th Grade Math Teacher and Science - 2025 - hpuskar2@cps.edu - Chicago, IL - hpuskar2@cps.edu
Waters Elementary
Lane Tech High School
Loyola University
Wright College
Northeastern University
Currently pursuing Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University
I grew up on the North side of Chicago in a Bosnian household. My mom immigrated to the United States from Bosnia in the 1990s, and growing up in a bilingual household helped shape who I am today. As a former English learner myself, I understand what it feels like to learn between two languages and cultures, which is something that continues to influence the way I teach and connect with students and families.
I have worked with kids since I was 15 years old through coaching, camps, tutoring, and school programs, and those experiences helped me realize how much I enjoyed building relationships with students and supporting their growth. I later attended Northeastern Illinois University, where I studied Middle Level Education with endorsements in math and science. Throughout college and student teaching, I knew I wanted to work in a diverse school community where students’ cultures and languages are seen as strengths. That is what led me to Peterson. I was drawn to Peterson because of its strong community, diversity, and commitment to supporting all learners. I especially appreciated how welcoming and inclusive the school feels for students and families from many different backgrounds.
My favorite thing about Peterson is the strong sense of community. I love how diverse the school is and how students from so many different backgrounds come together to learn from one another every day. It creates a welcoming environment where students feel supported, valued, and connected both inside and outside of the classroom.
I enjoy coaching soccer, painting, spending time with family and friends, and staying active. I also love traveling, especially visiting home in Bosnia. Soccer has always been a big part of my life, both playing and coaching, and I enjoy being able to mentor students through sports as well as in the classroom.
