Faculty Biographies
Tracy Aiden
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Joined Baker in 2006
taiden@bakerdemschool.org
M. Ed, National-Louis University
M. Ed, National-Louis University
Tracy Aiden earned a master's degree in Human Services from NLU and previously worked in several different capacities as a crisis worker, peer mediation coordinator, and family therapist. Ms. Aiden returned to NLU for a second master's in early childhood education. Before joining the Baker faculty, she taught three and four year olds at the School for Little Children in Evanston.
Kate Anderson
Fifth Grade Teacher
kanderson@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Lake Forest College
M.A.T., National-Louis University
Kate Anderson is a graduate of Lake Forest College, where she earned her B.A. in English, and NLU, where she earned her M.A.T. in Elementary Education. After working as an associate teacher in the Winnetka Public Schools and student teaching here at Baker, Kate taught in the Chicago Public Schools. She is pleased to be back in the Baker community.
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Sheri Barth-Johnston
Student Services Coordinator
Joined Baker in 1993
sjohnston@bakerdemschool.org
B.S., Ball State University
M.A.T., National-Louis University
C.A.S., National-Louis University
Sheri Barth-Johnson has her B.S. in sociology, her M.A.T. in education, and her Certificate of Advanced Study in special education with a focus in learning disabilities and behavior disorders from National-Louis University. She brings a variety of experiences to Baker including teaching experience with students ages two through twenty-one. She had taught and worked as a caseworker in public and private schools as well as therapeutic day schools and mental health centers. Ms. Barth-Johnston started the student service program at Baker fifteen years ago.
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Tom Beck
Athletic Director
Joined Baker in 1985
tbeck@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., University of Illinois, Chicago
M. Ed, National-Louis University
Tom Beck has been teaching at Baker for over twenty-one years. He brings a variety of experiences to the classroom with his interests and abilities in art, music, history, philosophy, construction, engineering, and recreation. Before coming to Baker, Mr. Beck was a dance instructor.
"The purpose of education is to stimulate and guide the self-development of students in order that they become well rounded, humanitarian participants and contributors in the world."
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Aya Borchers
First Grade Teacher
Joined Baker in 1997
aborchers@bakerdemschool.org
A.B., Smith College
M.A.T., National Louis University
Aya Borchers first joined Baker as a First Grade Associate. She is committed to raising children with respect and strongly supports the preservation of a child's spirit. Her past lives include work in the fields of Japanese marketing at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago and Four Seasons Hotels, and Asian American Affairs at the State of Illinois Office of the Governor. Ms. Borchers' daughters are both '04 graduates of Baker Demonstration School.
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Stacy Buehler
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Joined Baker in 2006
sbuehler@bakerdemschool.org
BA, Salisbury State University
M. Ed, Erikson Institute
Stacy Buehler received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis in musical theatre. In 1995 she began working at The Old Town School of Folk Music where she learned to play guitar and began a long career of teaching families with young children in Old Town's Wiggleworm's program. She has released two children music cd's. Her interest in early childhood led her to get her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute-An Advanced Study of Child Development. Ms. Buehler has taught both pre-kindergarten and first grade in Chicago Public Schools for 6 years.
"My goal is to provide a learning environment that emphasizes joyful expression, compassion and self-confidence."
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Megan R. Cawley
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Joined Baker in 2007
mcawley@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Northwestern University
J.D., DePaul University School of Law
M.A.T., National-Louis University
Megan R. Cawley earned her Master of Art in Teaching in secondary education from National-Louis University (NLU). She has Middle School Endorsements for both Social Studies and Language Arts. Before coming to Baker, Ms. Cawley taught Language Arts, Social Studies and Science in the Winnetka Public Schools.
"I want to impart a love of learning, an ability to ask questions and the ability to find answers with my students."
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Rickie Crown
Latin Teacher
rcrown@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Brown University
M. A., University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
M. Ed., University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Ph. D., University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Rickie Crown earned her Bachelor of Arts in Latin and Greek from Brown University and a Master of Arts (Latin), a Master of Arts (Education), and a Ph. D. in Educational Psychology with a cognate in Latin from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
She has taught at Baker for over twenty-two years. Her prior teaching experience includes teaching Latin at the high school level. Dr. Crown teaches the classical language methodology course and NLU and co-facilitates the Illinois Classical Conference/NLU Latin Pedagogy Workshop. She also serves as co-chair of the American Classical League’s Middle School Committee. Her interests include teacher training, multiple intelligence theory and instructional design. All these interests have been fostered and continue to grow in the Baker Latin program.
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Jackie Downey
Dean of Faculty
Fifth Grade Teacher
Joined Baker in 2005
jdowney@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., University of Colorado
M. Ed., National-Louis University
Jackie Downey is a graduate of the University of Colorado - Boulder where she earned a B.A. in Anthropology and NLU, where she earned her M.A.T. in Elementary Education. She has traveled abroad and worked as an "English as a Second Language" teacher at the International Language Academy in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam. Ms. Downey has also taught in Chicago and Glencoe, respectively.
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Patrick R. Dunafin
Lower-Elementary Physical Education Teacher
Joined Baker in 2007
pdunafin@bakerdemschool.org
B.S., Michigan State University
Patrick Dunafin received his Bachelor's degree in Science with an emphasis in Kinesiology and a minor in History at Michigan State University. While attending MSU Mr. Dunafin assisted with the adapted physical activity courses while earning the Janet A. Wessel Award in Adapted Physical Activity; he also assisted with the undergraduate gross anatomy lab courses. He has extensive experience in coaching at all levels especially in tennis, volleyball, basketball, baseball, football and the Special Olympics. Before coming to Baker, Mr. Dunafin taught physical education at the k-8 levels for Chicago Public Schools.
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Lauren Fiamingo
Third Grade Teacher
Joined Baker in 2008
lfiamingo@bakerdemschool.org
M.A., Boston College
B.S., University of Dayton
Lauren Fiamingo earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Dayton, where she received the Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education. She began her professional career teaching third grade in Boston, MA while earning her M.A. in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College. Prior to teaching at Baker, Ms. Fiamingo also worked as Assistant Director of the Inner-City Teaching Corps and taught third grade for Chicago Public Schools. She especially enjoys the creative aspects of teaching, and has had original Language Arts lessons published in Mailbox Magazine. Lauren is thrilled to be part of the Baker community, and strives to foster a life-long love of learning in her students.
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Karrie Fisher
Librarian
Joined Baker in 2008
kfisher@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Northern Illinois University, Photojournalism
MLS, Rutgers University
Karrie earned her Masters in Library Science from Rutgers University, and began working at Glenview Public Library as a reference and young adult librarian. She developed reading programs for the library but decided that she would rather work directly with students in a school. She was the Library Director at Roycemore School for eight years, and was awarded the School Librarian of the Year Award from North Suburban Library System in 2004. She has served on the American Library Association's Best of the Best Committee, the Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award reading committee, and presently serves on the North Suburban Library System Director's Advisory Council. Karrie enjoys encouraging children to be life-long readers, talking about books with everyone, gardening and walking her dog.
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Mike Gnutek
Art Teacher
Joined Baker in 2005
mgnutek@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Bradley University
M.A.T., Columbia College
Mike Gnutek earned his B.A. at Bradley University in English and Graphic Design and his M.A.T. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Educational Studies at Columbia College, Chicago. His professional experience includes five years in the graphic design business working for Rolling Stone Magazine as a web designer and later at Publications International, Ltd. where he was associate art director.
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Diana Kodner Gokce
Music Teacher
Joined Baker in 200o
dkodner@bakerdemschool.org
M.A., Northwestern University
Diana Kodner Gokce has a double M.A. in Music from Northwestern University specializing in voice/opera and conducting. She has been a flutist in the Minnesota Orchestra; director of the Mozart Sinfonia; and conductor of choirs at Loyola University, NLU, and Holy Name Cathedral. She has authored several books including Handbook for Cantors and Sing God a Simple Song V.I and II. She was the editor of A Sourcebook about Music and the Gather Comprehensive Hymnal, first edition. She was also the conductor for the choral recordings: Catholic Classics, V.I and II.
"We are limited only by what we believe we can and cannot do."
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Melissa Makagon
First grade teacher
Joined Baker in 2006
mmakagon@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., San Francisco State University
M.Ed, Pepperdine University
Melissa Makagon earned her master's degree in education, as well as a C.L.A.D. (Cross-cultural, Language & Academic Development) Endorsement from Pepperdine University. She has been teaching children from pre-school to second grade for over twelve years. She hopes for children to take from the classroom the ability to problem solve, work effectively with others, and develop the desire to become life-long learners.
Anne Patrick
Technology Teacher
Joined Baker in 2007
apatrick@bakerdemschool.org
B.F.A., Northern Illinois University
M.A.T., National-Louis University
Anne Patrick earned her MAT in Elementary Education with specializations in technology and fine arts from National-Louis University. She founded and has managed a web solutions business for seven years. Ms. Patrick considers it essential for young people to obtain the basic concepts and skills of technology. With this knowledge, students can become innovators as they move towards full participation in our society.
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Nancy Perla
Extended Care Director
Joined Baker in 1999
nperla@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., National-Louis University
M. Ed, National-Louis University
Nancy earned her bachelors and master's degrees at NLU. She is no stranger to Baker having worked as an associate teacher for two years and as a middle school resource teacher for the past five years.
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Jennifer Rappin
Second Grade Teacher
Joined Baker in 2005
jrappin@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Tufts University
M.A.T., Tufts University
M. Ed., University of Auckland
Jennifer Rappin received her B.A. in Child Study from Tufts University and her M.A.T. focusing on early childhood education and young children with special needs. Ms. Rappin was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and attended the University of Auckland, New Zealand, where she received a master's degree in Literature in Education. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in curriculum, teaching, and educational policy at Michigan State University. Jennifer taught in Northfield for nine years and at Francis Parker School for two years. She has held positions as a kindergarten, first and second grade teacher.
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Sarah Riggs
Learning Specialist (Student Services)
Joined Baker in 2007
sriggs@bakerdemschool.org
M.A., Northwestern University
B.S., Northwestern University
Sarah Riggs earned both her M.A. specializing in Learning Disabilities and her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders allowing her to develop an academic background in language, learning, and cognitive development with an emphasis on the diagnosis and remediation of specific learning disabilities. She recently completed two clinical practicums at Northwestern University's Learning Clinic, where she provided reading intervention and individualized instruction across all areas of the curriculum. While at Northwestern, she received the H.R. Myklebust Award for scholarship and clinical excellence. This is Ms. Riggs first year in the student services department and she is thrilled to be working with such a talented group of teachers and students.
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Juli Ross
Fifth Grade Teacher
Joined Baker in 1994
jross@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Michigan State University
M.A.T., National-Louis University
Juli Ross has an undergrad degree from Michigan State University in retail management and a master of arts in teaching from NLU. She has taught at Baker for twelve years. Prior to coming to Baker, she taught at Francis Parker School for four years. She is a National Board Certified teacher and serves on the Baker Board of Directors.
"I teach at Baker for the rich community of compassionate, inspiring, and brilliant students, parents, and faculty. We touch each other's lives like no other place I have ever experienced."
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Linda Semel
Toddler Teacher
Joined Baker in 2007
lsemel@bakerdemschool.org
B.S., University of Illinois
Linda Semel has a B.S. from the University of Illinois in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. She has taught at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago as well as at North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka. There she designed and implemented a comprehensive, developmental art curriculum for young children. Linda has a particular interest in art education for young children, is currently a docent for the Cool Globes Exhibit at the Field Museum and has recently completed an intensive program in Landscape Architecture at Harvard University.
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Jane Stenson
Kindergarten Teacher
Joined Baker in 1985
jstenson@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Lawrence University
M. Ed., Erikson Institute of Loyola University
Jane Stenson earned her B.A. in history, English and secondary education and a M.Ed. in child development. She has taught at Baker for over twenty-two years. Ms. Stenson's prior experience includes teaching English and Social Studies at the high school level, teaching at Chiaravalle Montessori, and at National College of Education. She is also a professional storyteller and brings this talent to the classroom everyday.
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Alexandra Vastardis
Middle School Latin Teacher
Joined Baker in 2004
avastardis@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Northwestern University
M.S. Ed., Northwestern University
Alexandra Vastardis earned her B.A. at Northwestern University in Art History and Classics and her M.S. Ed. degree also from Northwestern in Latin Education. While at Northwestern, Ms. Vastardis was awarded the The Joseph Clyde Murley Prize for Outstanding Senior in Classics and ACL's Maureen V. O'Donnell/Eunice Kraft Teacher Training Scholarship. In related educational experience, she served as the residential coordinator at the Center for Talent Development of Northwestern University during the summer of 2006.
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Peggy Young
Third Grade Teacher
Joined Baker in 2001
pyoung@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., University of Illinois - Chicago
M. Ed., University of Illinois - Chicago
Peggy Young has a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in Reading. She has been on the Baker Faculty for seven years. Ms. Young has thirty years of experience in the field of education with emphasis on beginning literacy. She has taught in classrooms in Chicago, Justice and Glenview Illinois. For six years she was a remedial reading specialist and is the author of a supplemental reading program, Training Wheels for Reading and Spelling.
"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." - Frederick Douglass
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