Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Miguel Caban - Security Officer - 2013 - Chicago, IL - macaban@cps.edu
St. Philomena Elementary
Kelvyn Park High School
I am a retired baggage handler from American Airlines.
"Great colleagues, great kids, and best of all a great school!"
Playing Baseball And watching good college Basketball.
Nydia Rodriguez - Bilingual Clerk - 2017 - Chicago, IL - nrodriguez161@cps.edu
Scott Elementary School in Franklin Park, IL
West Leyden High School in Northlake, IL
Loyola University Chicago IL
After working for many volunteer organizations, I decided to find a more stable position. I was referred to Peterson as a great place to work.
I love the welcome I have received from teachers and staff.
I love spending time with family and taking mini-getaway trips. Also, I'm a baker, so I love decorating wedding cakes and birthday cakes.
Robert Murphy - Building Engineer - 1993 - Chicago, IL - rmmurphy@cps.edu
St. Matthias Grammer School
St. Patrick's High School
I was brought to Peterson because I was the highest in seniority in grade level.
"My favorite thing ...well, how from students and staff, everyone enjoys coming to school and work."
Now a days. ...getting home from work and plopping on the coach and relaxing
Brian Bochenek - Case Manager - Joliet, IL - bpbochenek@cps.edu
Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Arts in Education - Summa Cum Laude
I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, where I played in garage bands, read comic books, and "learned to love" the outdoors. Prior to my career as a teacher at Peterson Elementary, I worked as a graphic designer for a short time and as a paralegal. However, none of my "prior-lives" come close to the enjoyment I get from being a part of the Peterson community.
"The greatest privilege to working at Peterson is getting to know families and individuals from a multitude of cultures. As an avid traveler, removing myself from my comfort zone and celebrating the uniqueness of others is something I now get to enjoy on a daily basis. I consider myself fortunate to have had incredible some experiences and to have met some amazing people in my time her sat Peterson and look forward to many more years of being a part of this diverse learning community."
Outside of Peterson, I enjoy running with my wife, playing guitar and singing in several bands, reading comic books, playing video games, and traveling to different countries throughout the world.
Alexandria Lopez - School Assistant - 2022 - Chicago, IL - alopez649@cps.edu
Walt Disney Magnet School
Buffalo Grove High School
Malcolm X College - City Colleges of Chicago
I’ve always wanted to be an educator I began my journey two years ago I started as a preschool teachers assistant and I wanted to expand my horizons and help the community. I always heard great things about Peterson I love how diverse the Peterson community is.
The people at Peterson are the best thing everyone working together . We are truly a team and a family together we help the school days flow even and chaotic situation we managed to strategize work together and have positive outcomes throughout each day.
I enjoy live music and dancing. I like crafting and crocheting. Any DIY project is right up my alley
Gremlin Menez - Security Officer - 2019 - Chicago, IL - gmenez@cps.edu
Stockton Elementary
McPherson Elementary
Hayt Elementary
Mather High School
Oakton Community College
Loyola University
The University of North Texas
I moved back home to Chicago after nearly my entire adult life in Texas, thought it was time to come home. I am at Peterson because I was a former teacher and wanted to be involved in the school system still.
“The administration and staff. They work hard to try to make this a great school for the children and it shows.“
Movies. I LOVE movies. I also enjoy going to comiccon conventions.
Sarah Cohen - English Language Program Teacher - 2023 - Massachusetts - slcohen@cps.edu
Ecole Bilingüe and Peabody Elementary Schools
Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School
Michigan State University (BA English Literature)
University of Illinois Chicago (MA Elementary Education)
University of Toronto, Canada (PhD Second Language Education)
I grew up learning French in a small bilingual elementary school in the Boston area. I moved to Chicago to teach in CPS and taught here for 12 years with a one year break to live and teach in Mexico. I left CPS to pursue my doctoral degree in second language education in Toronto, Canada. I loved Canada and having the opportunity to dig deeper into research and practice on bilingualism and bilingual education. After teaching for the last several years at the university level, I am so excited to be back in such a multilingual school community like Peterson working directly with children and families.
I was drawn to the multilingual and multicultural school community of Peterson and the vibrant and welcoming nature of the staff, students, and families.
I love swimming, reading, gardening, taking long walks, and cooking. I love to travel and spend time getting to know people and places around the world.
Nectaria Kolovos - Clerk - 2022 - natsiaousis@cps.edu
Mitchel Meighen - STEAM Instructional Coach - msmeighen@cps.edu
Neil Armstrong Elementary School: K-6
Independence Middle School: 7-8
Bethel Park High School: 9-12
Gannon University: BA English/Secondary Education
Clarion University: MEd Educational Technology
Gannon University: PK-12 Principal Certification
After high school, I moved out of Pittsburgh to pursue a Division II swimming scholarship in Northwestern Pennsylvania while I went to school to complete my undergraduate teaching license. I then taught high school English in Pennsylvania for 5 years before moving to Chicago. Once in CPS, I taught middle school ELA and science before joining the Peterson staff.
At Peterson, I love getting to find ways to create new and exciting experiences for the school community, as well as how many different programs and opportunities Peterson creates for students and staff.
Outside of Peterson, I enjoy traveling and exploring new or different parts of Chicago with my partner Nick. I also love music, spending time at the lake, and being active any way that I can.
Chuck Deters - Technology Coordinator - 2011 - Chicago, IL - csdeters@cps.edu
St. James Lutheran Elementary
Von Steuben MSC High School
Loyola University of Chicago - Bachelors of Arts in History, Minor in Political Science