Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Diana Platt - 1st Grade Teacher - 2010 - Highwood, IL - dmcampagni@cps.edu
DePaul University - Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Concordia University - Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction
American College of Education - ESL endorsement
I have been a CPS teacher for 11 years. I love teaching and learning!
"...the collaborative staff, supportive parents, and amazing students."
I love being with my family and traveling.
Kelly Ortigara - 1st Grade Diverse Learner Specialist Teacher - 2014 - Chicago Ridge, IL - kmortigara@cps.edu
Ridge Central Elementary School, Chicago Ridge, IL
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, Chicago, IL
DePaul University, B.A. (Art and Anthropology)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Historic Preservation and Conservation)
Northeastern Illinois University (Special Education)
Before coming to Peterson, I studied archaeology and historic preservation. Later, I obtained my Masters in Special Education and student taught in Chicago Public Schools. I joined the Peterson community shortly after graduating.
Favorite part of Peterson is, "My students!"
I love to travel, read, cook, paint, and spend time with my family and friends.
Mariacarmen Mazin - 1st Grade Teacher - 2005 - Guanajuato, Mexico - mmazin@cps.edu
Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelors Degree in Science
Columbia College - Masters Degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Bilingual and ESL Education
Prior to Peterson, I had been teaching Bilingual Spanish and Monolingual students for many years in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.
"I love working at Peterson Elementary School. I enjoy working with students of diverse cultural backgrounds and I am committed to ensure that all my English Language Learners and Monolingual students have a positive academic experience where they will gain the necessary tools and be prepared to excel academically. "
I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and our four children.
Jasmine Young - 1st Grade Teacher - 2017 - Philippines - jyoung73@cps.edu
Haugen Elementary
Lane Tech High School
Hawaii Pacific University
Northeastern Illinois University
Kendall College
I wanted to spend more time with my kids (who are currently students at Peterson). I loved the school for them, so it was an easy choice to want to work here too!
"I love the welcoming nature and the support that comes from all teachers and staff. I don't feel intimidated asking questions or for help, because I know there will be someone who can help me!"
I love reading books, spending time with my family and friends, teaching cooking classes to kids, and snowboarding!
Wendy Chung - 1st Grade Teacher - wschung@cps.edu
National-Louis University - Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education
National-Louis University - Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in ESL
"My favorite thing about being a teacher is witnessing the growth within each child during school year."
Yasmin Rihani - Diverse Learner Classroom Assistant - 2019 - Mount Prospect, IL - ynrihani@cps.edu
St. Raymond School
St. Viator High School
Northeastern Illinois University
As far back as I can rememberI've always wanted to work with children. While looking for an internship to complete my undergrad, a professor/local community member suggested I look into Peterson. I really enjoyed my time at Peterson while completing my hours in 1st grade. I was lucky enough to find an opening as a Diverse Learner classroom assistant and the rest is history.
I love seeing the diversity in the community! Also the passion and support that comes from the educators.
I enjoy yoga, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family!
