I’ve been a special education teacher since I earned my baccalaureate from Winona State University in 2005, with about 10 years I took off to be a stay-at-home mom to my four kids. I chose Special Education as a career after growing up with my sister Alicia, who has Down Syndrome. After observing how my very happy and loving sister could be undervalued in certain environments, my heart is for students never to be or feel undervalued or overlooked. I believe every person has value, a story, and something to offer. I love being a student of my students, giving kids the gift of maintaining a sense of positivity and curiosity about who they are, so that I can help them reach their fullest potential.

I have been a special education teacher since 2010 and have been working with youth in some capacity since 1992. I have my LBS I, ESL, Middle School Language Arts, and Social Studies endorsement. Additionally, I hold high school endorsements of History, World History, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, and Psychology. The journey that led me to be a special education teacher is truly a calling and not a job to me. I believe in seeing the best a student has to offer and not their limitations. I do not see what a student cannot do, but rather what a student can do, and I work to teach them from that point forward. Since each student is uniquely gifted and special, I believe it is of utmost importance to be the best educator for them both socially/emotionally and academically. This is why I enjoy special education so much. I love seeing students accomplish something they originally believed they could not do. It is a reward that lasts a lifetime. 

I am entering my 8th year teaching at both the middle school and high school levels and am excited to be teaching at Wallace Academy. I strive to make a difference in our community by forging a deep and lasting relationship with each student. Teaching is fulfilling, rewarding, and I take pride in my work with young people. I believe that all students are capable of success in a myriad of different ways. My main goal is to foster a passion for exploring and learning while developing critical thinking skills. I want my students to know that I care about each of them; and I value their diverse experiences. Students might not remember everything that I taught, but I hope they will remember how I made them feel.

From cracking math problems to cracking jokes in the classroom, I began my teaching escapade 15 years ago with a love for numbers and a knack for connecting with students. A decade back, a detour led me into the heart of special education, where every day became a lesson in empathy, patience, and the boundless capacity of the human spirit. Along the way, I've worn many hats – from co-teaching to case management, summer school stints to resource room rendezvous. I've witnessed students achieve monumental successes, defying odds and graduating when it once seemed an insurmountable challenge. And now? I find myself in the Windy City, proudly part of the illustrious Wallace Academy. Here, surrounded by an administration as esteemed as our syllabus and colleagues who redefine 'elite,' I'm more invigorated than ever. Let's tackle math, dreams, and everything in between!

I have been a Special Education Teacher for 7 years. I spent my first 6 years teaching in Houston with one of the largest Special Education populations in the state. I am certified in Special Education, ESL, and Social Studies. I moved to Illinois with my wife and 2 children because we wanted to be closer to family. Wallace Academy has been a great school to work for because it allows me to help students that wouldn't get the time and attention they need in large school settings.

As an accomplished special education teacher and case manager with over 13 years of experience, I am committed to creating a nurturing and motivating learning environment that addresses students' social and emotional needs. With an unwavering belief in the potential of every child to excel, I am pursuing my Slant System Certification to become a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist, enabling me to provide specialized support to students with Dyslexia. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education from Illinois State University, a Master of Art in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Master of Art in Education: School Leadership with a Type 75 General Administrative Certificate from Olivet Nazarene University. I take pride in returning to teaching after a decade spent nurturing my own three children. I am driven to make a positive impact on students' lives and am confident that my experience, skills, and education will enable me to inspire students to achieve their full potential. Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion for teaching and making a difference in the lives of students.

I am embarking on my 34th year as a special education teacher and truly excited about having the opportunity to join Wallace Academy. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of teaching a wide range of students with behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and learning disabilities. One consistent hallmark of my teaching approach has been my ability to develop and maintain strong and meaningful connections with my students. I've worked with students facing many challenges. At the heart of my teaching lies a passion to work with students who need the most help. I look forward to this new chapter and am eager to share my wealth of experience and dedication into the Wallace Academy Community. “It’s Amazing What Can Be Accomplished When No One Cares Who Gets The Credit”

I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology, and have obtained my LCPC. I have experience in working with children, adolescents, and families from a diverse population in different treatment settings such as community mental health, outpatient services, and therapeutic day schools. I have always had a passion for helping others succeed. I believe that it is very important to create a safe, comfortable, and empathetic environment to help students achieve their goals. I aspire to provide our students with the right instruments, support, and education to help them conquer the many different barriers they may experience throughout their life. I’m very compassionate about my job, and consider it a privilege to help one grow and achieve happiness.

My greatest joy in life has been assisting adolescents and families with transitioning into adulthood and consciously creating future plans. My past clinical experience has consisted of working with youth and adolescents in the private practice setting. I have always had a strong desire to help others which led me into the social work field. I completed a Masters degree in Social Work from Aurora University and am a Licensed Social Worker. I am passionate about helping others find their own path, moving forward in life with confidence and trust in their decisions. 

I am a graduate of Judson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management.  My professional background includes working in administration with the City of Chicago. I also hold both a Paraprofessional and Substitute Teacher License. I am professionally trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Crisis Prevention (CPI). I have worked in special education for many years, including working with students diagnosed with ADHD and on the Autism Spectrum. I joined Wallace Academy as a Program Assistant in November 2023. I enjoy being a part of the Wallace team, where I have the pleasure of building relationships with my co-workers as together we support students and their families in meeting their educational needs. I pray that my contribution will help our students grow and succeed in their lives.

I have worked in a school setting for 6 years. In my role, I have learned to wear many hats to be able to help out as best as I can. I value having the ability to build relationships with students, families, and staff. I take great joy being in a position where I am able to advocate for families or students. I also serve as a bilingual translator, and I ensure that all communications between the school and families are effective and accurate to help ease language barriers. Throughout the years, I have learned the importance of being organized, reliable, and trustworthy to be able to serve as a team player for the building to continue to grow and strive. I love to be able to help others and I am a strong believer that you do your best when you do something you love.

Mr. Allen is a substitute teacher at Wallace Academy. He enjoys building rapport with students, bringing positive energy to the team, and leading live lessons and groups. He has several years of experience working with students, families, and as a mentor. 

Ms. Cranmer is a substitute teacher at Wallace Academy. She brings a wealth of experience, and a true passion for working with students that struggle to attend school. She provides a high level of support to students on both an academic and a social emotional level to propel them forward at school and in life.