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
Fourth 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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Kimberly Arfsten
Middle School Science Teacher
karfsten@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Miami University of Ohio
M.A.T., National-Louis University
Kimberly Arfsten joined the Baker Demonstration School faculty in 2009 as
the middle school science teacher. She earned her B.A. in Zoology, minor
in Molecular Biology at Miami University of Ohio in 2002 and a M.A.T from
National-Louis University in 2009. Before coming to Baker, Kimberly
worked internationally as a pharmaceutical consultant and more recently as
bench scientist at a non-profit organization in DC followed by a position
as a research associate at the University of Chicago.
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Liz Barlock
Kindergarten Teacher
Joined Baker in 2006
lbarlock@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Illinois State University
M. Ed, National Louis University
Liz Barlock has been 'playing' in Kindergarten B since 2006. On a typical day, you may find her and her students swinging on the monkey bars, testing out theories on what objects sink or float or composting leftovers from lunch. Past teaching experience includes teaching Pre-Kindergarten for District 59 and working at Baker as an associate teacher in a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. Liz loves being a part of Baker's community of life-long learners, who believe in the value of play and hands-on learning. When she's not teaching, Liz enjoys running, yoga, traveling and exploring new places.
"Learning is not a 'race' of information it is a 'walk' of discovery." -Unknown
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-five 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
B.A., 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
B.A., 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 Language Arts/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 obtained 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. Ms. Cawley received her Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and her Juris Doctor from the DePaul University School of Law. Before coming to Baker Demonstration School, Ms. Cawley taught Language Arts, Social Studies and Science in the Winnetka Public Schools. Ms. Cawley’s prior professional background as a lawyer, as well as her experience as a mother has enabled her to establish clear expectations for the academic and social/emotional growth of her students. She provides challenging activities, builds the type of support system that allows for all students to be successful, in addition to maintaining a dialogue with families to foster the concept of shared responsibility between home and school.
Ms. Cawley’s goal is to impart both a love of learning to her students as well as an ability to ask questions and find answers about their world.
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Leslie Finn
Reading Resource Teacher
Joined Baker in 2006
lfinn@bakerdemschool.org
B.S., Cornell University
M. Ed, Northwestern
University
Leslie Finn received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University,
and then a masters degree in Learning Disorders from Northwestern
University where she earned the Myklebust award for academic excellence.
Prior to Baker, she completed her internship for certification at New
Trier High school where she taught Algebra and resource room. Before
entering teaching Leslie worked in science and natural history museums
designing exhibits and educational programs. This is her third year at
Baker.
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Jackie Haug
Instructional Coordinator
Joined Baker in 2005
jhaug@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., University of Colorado
M. Ed., National-Louis University
Jackie Haug 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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Eliza Drake
Middle School Math Teacher
Joined Baker in 2008
edrake@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Trinity College
M.S., Bank Street College of Education
Eliza Drake joined the Baker Demonstration School faculty in 2008 as the
middle school math teacher. She earned her B.A. at Trinity College in Art
History in 2003 and her M.S. in General Childhood Education from Bank
Street College of Education in 2007. Eliza taught in the elementary grades
and coached high school lacrosse for five years in New York City before
moving to Evanston.
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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
Second 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
M.L.S., 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 2000
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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Terri Nitahara
Learning Specialist
Joined Baker in 2009
tnitahara@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., University of Illinois- Chicago
M.Ed., University of Illinois- Chicago
C.A.S., National-Louis University
Terri Nitahara earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she also received her M.Ed. in Special Education. In 2008, she earned her Certificate of Advanced Studies (C.A.S.) from National-Louis University in Educational Administration and Supervision. Mrs. Nitahara has taught first grade and has over 10 years of experience teaching special education in Chicago and Evanston.
"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn." -John Cotton Dana
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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.
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Gretchen Faith Miller - Señora Margarita
Spanish Teacher
Joined Baker in 2009
gmiller@bakerdemschool.org
B.A. Western Oregon University
Gretchen Faith Miller graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Specialty in Spanish and Support Areas in Painting and Theatre/Dance from Western Oregon University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education in Reading from Dominican University, with an anticipated completion date of March 2010.
Gretchen joined Baker in 2009 as the Pre-K through Grade 5 Spanish Teacher. As a teacher at Baker Demonstration School, she is excited to be able to share her talents and skills in a way that she has never been able to before. The Spanish language classroom atmosphere is a colorful cultural infusion that includes a collection of cultural items from Spanish-speaking countries as well as the children's work. Music, literature, puppetry and other arts are an integral part of every Spanish classroom experience as well. Children are encouraged to take risks and feel safe in a supportive environment where fun is a priority to enhance language learning. "I believe children all have special gifts and talents that are revealed through the style of guidance and education that envelops each child here at Baker. This is a place where everything I bring can come together, much like the colors in a painting; a place where I am valued and respected."
Gretchen has taught 2nd grade in a bilingual classroom, has owed her own yoga therapy business, Yoga Tree, and taught Music Together classes to young children. Gretchen also has extensive graduate work in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Oregon.
Did you know?
Gretchen was raised in Colombia, South America, as well as Guatemala, Guatemala and the Navajo Indian Reservation in Kayenta, Arizona. As a child she was a ballet dancer and was accepted to the National Ballet School of Guatemala. Upon graduating from an International High School program, she volunteered a Bahá'í Youth Year of Service in Russia, taking the train across the country from Xabarovsk to St. Petersburg on the Tran-Siberian Railway and spending the winter in the middle of Siberia! Interesting fact: In 2003 Gretchen competed in the Colgate Country Showdown as a singer with the songs Blue Bayou and Don't be Stupid.
If teaching was not her current career focus, she would be pursuing all the arts to varying degrees... music, theatre, dance, painting, and writing children's books of course! Or rather, she would have a lot more time to focus on them! When Gretchen is not in the classroom she and her husband and four children frequent the Chicago Botanic Gardens, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Canela(Cinnamon), the basset hound, keeps them company at home and on walks to the park.
Dana O'Brien
Second Grade Teacher
dobrien@bakerdemschool.org
M.A.T., DePaul University
Dana O'Brien earned an AB in Psychology from the University of Chicago. After this accomplishment, she decided to explore the world of improvisational comedy while waiting tables at some fine establishments to survive. Once this world was explored (but not finished), she followed her other passion, teaching. After teaching for two years in a small Catholic school on the south side of Chicago, she realized, she needed to learn more. The Latin School of Chicago helped her out with this - she learned while associate teaching in the kindergarten classrooms there by day, and earned her MAT from DePaul University by night. After being an associate for two years and then teaching full time for a year at Latin, her husband pulled her to the west coast. Four years of teaching third grade at John Thomas Dye School and one at the Willows Community School later, Dana is back in her home town of Chicago loving life and teaching at the Baker Demonstration School. Now, she teaches 2/3 grade by day, improvises by night, and is mommy to Spencer (6) and Amy (2) 24 hours a day. That, by far, is her favorite job.
Whether it is a dance party, a painting party, or a publication party, learning is always a celebration in Mrs. O'Brien's classroom.
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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
Third 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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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.
"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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Kerah Sandler
Fourth Grade Teacher
Joined Baker in 2009
ksandler@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Northwestern University
M.A.T., National-Louis University
Kerah Sandler is a 4th grade teacher at Baker. She has a BA in History and a Certificate in Jewish Studies from Northwestern University and an MAT in Elementary Education from National-Louis University. At Northwestern, Kerah had the opportunity to take coursework in Creative Drama, and she is thrilled that drama is an important facet of the curriculum at BDS. Kerah also completed continuing education coursework through the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Program of Hebrew University.
Kerah was delighted to join the Baker Faculty and Staff in 2009. Prior to
working at Baker, Kerah taught 4th grade for many years at North Shore
Country Day School in Winnetka. While at NSCDS, she was a member of the
Community Service Committee, participated in the Seeking Educational
Equity and Diversity (SEED) program, and chaired Lower School
contributions to the all-school literary magazine. When she became a mom,
Kerah went into private practice as a tutor. Now that her son has started
kindergarten, she is thrilled to be back in the classroom. Kerah has also
worked for Northwestern University Center for Talent Development,
One-to-One Learning Center, and Learning Forum.
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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-four 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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Lizanne Wilson
Drama Teacher
Joined Baker in 1995
lwilson@bakerdemschool.org
B.A., Washington University
M.F.A., University of Minnesota
Lizanne Wilson earned her B.A. in English literature and her M.F.A. in acting. Ms. Wilson has worked as an educator, actor and singer for 25 years. At The Children's Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis, Ms. Wilson was a member of the acting company, and she designed and implemented the Performing Apprentice Program, a professional training program for young adult artists. In Chicago, she appeared as Ida in Die Fledermaus at The Lyric Opera of Chicago. Ms. Wilson also worked as an educational consultant and guest artist in the Chicago Public Schools and throughout the country. She has published articles about drama and education for the Illinois Theatre Association, the National Association for Laboratory Schools and in "The Storytelling Classroom" by Norfolk, Stenson and Williams. Her essays on motherhood and teaching have been featured on National Public Radio. In 2002, Ms. Wilson received the Illinois Theatre Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to Creative Drama.
"My life’s work is to use art to help children to create an internal coherence of the world and when they do, to peacefully challenge the status quo and to work to make our world a better place."
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Peggy Young
Reading Specialist
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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