THE CONNECT ACADEMY TEAM
Get to know our dedicated staff members! Here, you'll find more information about our team and our commitment to providing exceptional education and support to our students. Each team member brings unique expertise and passion to help every student thrive.
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ALYSSA DALY
Art Therapist | Connect Academy Alyssa Daly is an art therapist and school counselor at Connect Academy. She earned a degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Adler University. Alyssa has experience as an eating recovery clinician, case manager, and private practice art therapist. She is dedicated to fostering creativity and connection in her students through expressive art-making.
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AMIE KACZMAREK
Program Director | Connect Academy Amie Kaczmarek joined Connect Academy in August 2022. She has a background as a Public School Special Education Administrator, with a career dedicated to supporting students and fostering their academic and personal success. Amie holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education, along with a Master of Science in Education/Teaching Individuals with Multiple Disabilities from Northern Illinois University.
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BRANDON ADJOUMANI
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy Brandon Adjoumani is passionate about teaching and mentoring individuals with special needs. He holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and is about to begin a Doctorate in Education Leadership. Brandon is committed to providing a fun, challenging, and nurturing educational experience for his students.
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BRANDON KELLER
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy Brandon Keller is the Middle School teacher at Connect Academy. He earned his Master’s degree in Special Education from The American College of Education and is committed to supporting each student to reach their greatest potential.
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CARRIE FISHER
Classroom Teacher | Pathways Academy Carrie Fisher is a special education teacher at Pathways Academy. She is entering her sixth year of teaching, having previously worked as a self-contained pre-K teacher before joining Connect Academy. Carrie is passionate about supporting her students’ growth and success in the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, listening to country music, and spending time with her husband and two sons. She also shares her home with three dogs, a collection of fish, and is an avid Chicago Blackhawks, Bears, and Cubs fan.
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CHLOE DEDE
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy Chloe Dede is a classroom teacher at Connect Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Aurora University and an endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language. Chloe is passionate about creating an inclusive classroom where students feel supported, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, reading, making art, and spending time with family and friends.
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EVA PETERHANSEN
Occupational Therapist | Shared Resource Eva Peterhansen is an Occupational Therapist at Pathways Academy with over 15 years of experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois Chicago. Eva has worked across medical, clinical, and school settings, specializing in supporting children with sensory processing, executive function, and learning challenges, as well as fine motor and visual processing delays. She is passionate about creating therapy that is individualized, playful, and rooted in connection, while collaborating closely with teachers, specialists, and families to help each child thrive.
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GLENN POWELL
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy Glenn Powell is a classroom teacher at Connect Academy with 15 years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree from Lewis University. Passionate about fostering student growth, Glenn integrates his love for fitness and well-being into his teaching, believing that physical and mental health are key to academic success. Outside the classroom, he is a certified CrossFit trainer, a former CrossFit Regionals competitor, and currently trains in jiu-jitsu. Glenn is excited to bring his holistic approach to education and make a lasting impact at Connect Academy.
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HEATHER BRUEN
President | The Connect Academy Heather Bruen is a lifelong special education professional with a career dedicated to doing what is best for students. She has served in a wide range of roles, including special recreation camp counselor, residential staff member, special education teacher, school counselor, IEP coordinator, and with the Illinois State Board of Education. Heather also served as a Partner with Proficio Consulting Group, where she evaluated and strengthened special education programming for schools and districts. Today, as President of Connect Academy, she leads with a student-centered vision focused on excellence, equity, and meaningful outcomes for learners with special needs.
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HEATHER BUSCH
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy Heather Busch is a Classroom Teacher for grades 2–4 at Connect Academy. She graduated from the University of Iowa (go Hawkeyes!) and began her teaching career in general education in Naperville. After becoming a parent to three children, Heather transitioned into ABA therapy, where she discovered her passion for special education. She is thrilled to support her students’ academic and personal growth as part of the Connect Academy community.
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HEATHER TOMAINO
School Counselor | Pathways Academy Heather Tomaino is a dedicated school social worker at Pathways Academy, passionate about supporting the emotional and social well-being of all students. She provides counseling, crisis intervention, and vital resources to students and their families. Heather is committed to collaborating with staff to foster safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environments where every learner can thrive.
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JAN DONOVAN, Ph.D.
Site Administrator | Connect Academy High School Jan Donovan is the Site Administrator for Connect Academy High School, bringing over 27 years of experience in special education and alternative schools. Before joining Connect Academy, he served as principal of two therapeutic high schools and spent six years consulting with public schools across diverse communities. Jan holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies and has his administrative certification. Passionate about student independence and staff collaboration, he is committed to building a school culture where every student has the chance to thrive.
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JULIANNA BARTELLO
Classroom Teacher | Pathways Academy Julianna Bartello is a classroom teacher at Pathways Academy with a deep passion for working with younger students. She has extensive experience in special education, particularly in self-contained settings. Julianna creates a unique and supportive classroom environment designed to meet the needs of every child.
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KELLIE KREFFT
Speech and Language Pathologist | Connect Academy Kellie Krefft has over a decade of experience working in therapeutic day schools and pediatric clinical settings. She specializes in working with children and young adults with Autism, ADHD, and various other disabilities. Kellie is passionate about providing inclusive, relationship-based speech therapy that focuses on functional skill building.
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KELLI TYLER
Human Resources Director | The Connect Academy Kelli Tyler serves as The Connect Academy’s Human Resources Director, bringing extensive experience across multiple industries in human resources and organizational support. She holds a B.S. in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources and a minor in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Kelli is passionate about fostering a positive work environment and ensuring staff have the support and resources needed to thrive every day.
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LAURA DUCHARME
Physical Education Teacher | Shared Resource Laura Ducharme is the Physical Education Teacher at Pathways Academy. She is excited to join the Connect Academy team and bring her enthusiasm for movement and student engagement to the classroom. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her dog and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in all sports.
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LINA WERT
Administrative Assistant | Pathways Academy Lina Wert is the Administrative Assistant at Pathways Academy, bringing many years of experience in administrative support to her role. She is passionate about being part of a team that makes a meaningful impact in the lives of children. From organizing schedules to supporting staff and families, Lina is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for the entire school community.
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LINDSEY LUTHER
Administrative Assistant | Connect Academy High School With over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with diverse abilities, Lindsey is passionate about advocating for and assisting the special needs community. As an Administrative Assistant at Connect Academy High School, she brings dedication, organization, and heart to her role every day. Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys visiting her two beloved nephews in Indiana and rocking out to her all-time favorite band, New Kids on the Block.
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MARY BAUER
Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Pathways Academy Mary Bauer is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Pathways Academy with six years of experience in the ABA and behavioral health field. She is passionate about helping students reach their full potential and finds great joy in watching them grow while having fun at school. Outside of her work, Mary enjoys cooking and baking, hiking, photography, and spending time with her family and dog.
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MARY VICICH
Executive Administrative Assistant | Connect Academy Mary Vicich has an Associate's degree in Business Administration and over 15 years of experience working in education. Her recent focus has been on special education. In her spare time, Mary enjoys reading and being a devoted pet parent.
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MEAGAN BRAYTON
Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Connect Academy Meagan Brayton is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Connect Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Aurora University. Meagan has nearly four years of experience as a BCBA, working with children aged 2 to 18, and is passionate about promoting independence in academic, social, and daily living skills.
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MELISSA GOCHIS
Social Worker | Connect Academy High School Melissa Gochis is a School Social Worker at Connect Academy High School. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Domestic Violence. Melissa is deeply passionate about working with children and empowering them to reach their full potential. She is proud to call Connect Academy her home and is dedicated to supporting the social-emotional growth and well-being of every student she serves.
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MICHELLE ROFSTAD
Occupational Therapist | Connect Academy Michelle Rofstad holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She joined The Connect Academy in October 2023 as an Occupational Therapist, bringing over ten years of experience in pediatric settings. Michelle specializes in sensory integration, fine motor development, and adaptive strategies.
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MOLLIE MARSHALL
Site Administrator | Connect Academy Mollie Marshall is the Site Administrator for Connect Academy, with over nine years of experience as a self-contained special education teacher. She joined Connect Academy in 2022 and has since served as both K-2 teacher and assistant principal. Mollie holds a degree in special education from Illinois State University and two master's degrees in special education and educational leadership. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive.
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NAIHA SIDDIQUI
School Social Worker | Connect Academy Naiha Siddiqui is a social worker at Connect Academy with over seven years of experience in outpatient clinics, therapeutic schools, and public schools. She is committed to implementing social-emotional goals to help students regulate and address challenges that may impact their learning.
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PEGGY MCDERMOTT
Site Administrator | Pathways Academy Peggy McDermott holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of St. Francis and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Governor State University. She has over 14 years of experience teaching various grade levels and has served as Interim Assistant Principal. Peggy also directed a preschool for six years and owned a tutoring business, where she supported students from preschool to college level. Additionally, she has been an advocate for students and families in 504/IEP meetings.
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SAM JOUDEH
Finance Director | The Connect Academy Sam Joudeh serves as Finance Director for Connect Academy, supporting the organization as a shared resource across all programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois and an MBA in International Finance from St. Xavier University. Sam brings extensive experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operations management, and he is passionate about collaborating across teams to align financial strategy with organizational goals.
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SAMANTHA SALVO
Speech and Language Pathologist | Pathways Academy Samantha Salvo is a Speech and Language Pathologist serving students at Pathways Academy and Connect Academy High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University and completed her Master’s degree at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. Samantha is passionate about helping students strengthen their communication skills and build confidence, supporting them throughout their educational journey.
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SAMANTHA WALSH
Art Therapist | Connect Academy Samantha Walsh is an art therapist and counselor at Connect Academy. She earned her Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from Adler University in 2018 and has since worked in therapeutic day schools. Samantha is dedicated to helping children explore their social and emotional well-being through creative and artistic expression.
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TAYLOR THOMPSON
School Psychologist | Shared Resource Taylor Thompson is a School Psychologist at The Connect Academy dedicated to advancing equity in education and fostering inclusive, strengths-based learning environments. She has experience working with students from early childhood through high school, including therapeutic and specialized settings. Taylor brings a whole-child perspective to her practice, integrating evidence-based assessment with collaborative problem-solving to support academic, social, and emotional growth.
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