THE CONNECT ACADEMY TEAM
Get to know the Connect Academy Team! Here, you'll find our dedicated staff who are committed 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 East Alyssa Daly is an art therapist and school counselor at Connect Academy East. 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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AMANDA MELLEN
Student Support Team | Shared Resource Amanda Mellen is the Student Support Assistant at Connect Academy, bringing extensive experience in special education. She has previously worked in various roles, including paraprofessional and support for adults with special needs. Amanda is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those around her.
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AMIE KACZMAREK
Program Director | Shared Resource 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 Main 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 Main 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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CAREY MURPHY
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy Early Childhood Carey Murphy is a dedicated classroom teacher at Connect Academy Early Childhood, bringing over 25 years of experience in both general and special education. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and an LBS1/Special Education endorsement from St. Francis University. Carey is passionate about teaching children of all ages and abilities, using hands-on learning and play to help each student reach their full potential.
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EDGAR RAMIREZ
Finance Director | Shared Resource Edgar Ramirez serves as Connect Academy's Finance Director, bringing over five years of experience in finance and accounting, along with more than a decade of operational expertise across industries including convenience, retail pharmacies, and restaurants. He holds multiple certifications and has a broad range of hands-on experience, making him well-equipped to drive success in his role at Connect Academy.
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FATIMAH CHAUDHARY
Occupational Therapist | Shared Resource Fatimah Chaudhary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is a licensed Occupational Therapist with six years of experience. She joined Connect Academy Early Childhood with a background in both teaching and therapy, having worked with children from preschool through 8th grade as well as with older adults. Fatimah is passionate about using play-based and purposeful therapy to support children’s growth in motor, sensory, and daily living skills.
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GLENN POWELL
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy Main Glenn Powell is a classroom teacher at Connect Academy Main with 14 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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IRENE FIGARELLI
Student Support Team | Shared Resource Irene Figarelli is a dedicated member of the Student Support team at Connect Academy, with 13 years of experience in special education. She is passionate about advocating for students and helping them thrive in their educational journeys. A proud mother to a 23-year-old daughter who also works in education, Irene finds joy in spending quality time with her family outside of work. Her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children reflects her lifelong passion for working with young learners.
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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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JESSICA BURKOTH
Site Administrator | Connect Academy Early Childhood Jessica Burkoth is the Site Administrator at Connect Academy Early Childhood, bringing 15 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and an Early Childhood and Special Education Endorsement. Jessica is dedicated to creating a holistic, nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow through individualized care and educational enrichment.
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JESSICA MEILAHN
Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Connect Academy Early Childhood Jessica Meilahn has over six years of experience working across schools, clinics, homes, day programs, and community settings. She specializes in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Her passion lies in helping children learn lifelong skills through fun and play.
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JULIANNA BARTELLO
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy East Julianna Bartello is a K-2nd grade teacher at Connect Academy East 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 | Shared Resource Kellie Krefft has over ten years 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 | Shared Resource Kelli Tyler serves as 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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MARY VICICH
Executive Administrative Assistant | Connect Academy Main 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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MATTHEW MORALES
Physical Education Teacher | Shared Resource Matthew Morales is a dedicated Physical Education teacher with five years of experience. He is passionate about teaching lifelong fitness and team sports. Additionally, he serves as the Head Varsity Boys Volleyball coach at Chicago Christian High School and Ultimate Volleyball Club. Mr. Morales is also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.
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MEAGAN BRAYTON
Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Shared Resource 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 three 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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MICHELLE ROFSTAD
Occupational Therapist | Connect Academy Main 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 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 Main Mollie Marshall is the Site Administrator for Connect Academy Main, with over eight 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 Main Naiha Siddiqui is a social worker at Connect Academy with over six 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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PAULINA GILL
School Counselor | Connect Academy Early Childhood Paulina Gill is a school counselor at Connect Academy Early Childhood, having joined the team at its inception in 2022. She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Lewis University. Paulina is dedicated to strengthening students' social-emotional skills and creating a nurturing environment where they can thrive.
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PAULINA RAMIREZ
Classroom Teacher | Connect Academy East Paulina Ramirez is a passionate and dedicated K-2 teacher at Connect Academy East, bringing many years of experience in early childhood education. She has a particular love for working with kindergartners, nurturing their curiosity and instilling a lifelong love for learning. Paulina is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and positive classroom environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
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PEGGY MCDERMOTT
Site Administrator | Connect Academy East 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 13 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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SAMANTHA WALSH
Art Therapist | Shared Resource 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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