Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Michelle Correa - School Counselor - 2023 - Medellin, Colombia - mcorrea27@cps.edu
Gabriela Mistral, Colombia until 5th grade
Waukegan High School
University of Illinois at Chicago for BA
National Louis University for Masters in Counseling.
I spent my primary education in Medellin Colombia and came to the United States for my middle school years and beyond. I was a English Language Learner which is when my passion for language education began.
My journey in education began as a 6th grade teacher in Waukegan. I have since taught and coordinated English Language Learner programs in Waukegan, Zion, and Belmont Cragin. My interest for social emotional learning grew as I coordinated a ELL program in a charter school on the west side of Chicago. In 2017 I went back to school to get my masters in school counseling. I am very excited to be your new bilingual school counselor and learn about the Peterson Elementary community!
Peterson is a very welcoming space. I am so happy to be a part of this close community!
I enjoy traveling to Colombia to see my family and I also go indoor rock climbing on the weekends.
Svetlana Vasilev - School Counselor - 2019 - Chicago, IL - svasilev1@cps.edu - Ext. 18422
Budlong Elementary
Amundsen High School
The University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor of Arts-Applied Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Master of Arts-Counseling Psychology & Child and Adolescent Treatment
Northeastern Illinois University - Master's Program-School Counseling Certification
While at NEIU, it was a requirement to do a year long internship and I always preferred CPS schools around this area as I am a product of a neighborhood CPS school. I've known about Peterson for a very long time as we played against team in many sports years ago. Peterson was one of my top choices to apply to and have always heard good things about the school. I reached out to Michael Coleman about an interview, we set up a date and I was ecstatic. A few days later he emailed me offering the intern position and of course I accepted!
“My favorite thing about Peterson is everyone treats each other like family. I also love the diversity of the staff and students within the school.”
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love traveling and continue to add new places on my list. I also enjoy shopping, music, reading books, watching movies, and going to concerts.