Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Sandra Devarenne - 4th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher - 2007 - Chicago, IL - sadevarenne@cps.edu
Mary Gage Peterson Elementary
Von Steuben
Calvin College
North Park University
Chicago State
During college I worked as a waitress at Al Johnson's in Door County WI. After graduating college, and before I went back to complete my teaching degree, I worked at Winter Park Ski Resort and the National Forest Service in Colorado for a year. My first year of teaching was at Our Lady of Mercy. The following year I was hired to work at Gray Elementary School, located near Six Corners. I met my husband there and worked there until my two girls were born. I was fortunate to be able to stay at home with my daughters, and work part time, for the first six years of their lives. I went back to work for CPS in 2006 at Mark Sheridan Elementary school. In 2007 I was hired at my alma mater, Peterson School.
"The students, my colleagues, and the families of the Peterson students."
Hang out with family and friends.
Jessica Klenck - 4th Grade Reading Teacher - 2015 - Chicago, IL - jnklenck@cps.edu
Grover Cleveland Elementary
Lane Tech High School
Western Illinois University
Studied Elementary Education at WIU, followed by student teaching at Peterson.
"I love the sense of community."
Spending time with family and friends.
Hiba Barhoumeh - 4th Grade Math Teacher - 2015 - Jordan - hbarhoumeh@cps.edu
High School - Jordan
Oakton Community College - Associates
Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelors of Arts with a Minor in Middle School Math and Science
"How all teachers are always willing to help each other to ensure the success of each and every student."
I enjoy playing soccer the most!
Nicolas Cima - 4th Grade Diverse Learner Teacher - nrcima@cps.edu
Abby Mneimne-Zodo - 4th Grade Writing Teacher - 2014 - Montreal, Canada - amneimne@cps.edu
Elementary school in UAE
High school in Montreal
Undergrad Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design in VA
Master's of Education in Chicago
I did my student teaching at Peterson and fell in love with the community and students.
"The diversity in the community and students. The passion that every staff member has enriching the lives of all students. Academically, emotionally, an all around."
Outside of Peterson, I attend festivals, spend time with family and friends, and travel.
Emily Briggs - 4th Grade Diverse Learner Classroom Assistant - 2019 - Davenport, Iowa - ecbriggs@cps.edu
John F. Kennedy Catholic School
Davenport North High School
Millikin University- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and Dance
Before moving to Chicago in 2016, I spent 15 months teaching children's theatre all over the United States, as well as four foreign countries. After completing my contract, I quickly realized I wanted to be in the education field. After this discovery, I took my first CPS position as a teaching assistant in a pre-k classroom to gain some hands on experience in a classroom. After working for two years as a teaching assistant, I decided that I wanted to learn more about working with diverse learnings. With this new switch of positions, I found my home at Peterson.
“My favorite thing about Peterson is the supportive community. At Peterson, we work together to grow as individuals, and as a community. Students and staff work together to build each other up! We support each other through not only the good times, but the challenging times as well.”
Outside of school, I like to spend my time planning future travels! I have a goal to visit all 50 states, and I am well on my way to achieving it. I like spend my time researching the places I am going. I like to scout out national parks, theme parks, speciality foods, and different museums that I might like to visit on these trips. I love traveling, because I get to the chance to see how people live in other parts of our country.
Martha Figueroa - 4th Grade Diverse Learner Classroom Assistant - 2021 -Chicago, IL - mfigueroa61@cps.edu
Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher. I loved school and the opportunity to learn new things. Over the years, I started to notice not all my friends/students felt the same way. I thought being an early childhood educator could have a positive influence on my students. My hopes were to inspire them to enjoy learning, to feel safe, to continue onto higher education, and live a happy fulfilling life with a career they are passionate about. Unfortunately, with everything going on at the time, I thought teaching might not be for me. I switched my major to Psychology, trying to pursue something else instead. After learning about the brain, development, and trauma, I decided I still wanted to work with children. I then took on a minor in Child Advocacy Studies. This was the turning point in my life, and is ultimately the reason I am here now. Thanks to my wonderful professor who is also a Peterson Parent and Community member, I was able to complete my internship here and also interview for a position after graduation! I am grateful my position here at Peterson allows me to advocate for children (and their families), while still inspiring them, making them feel safe, and encouraging them to do their best, not just in school but also in life.
My favorite thing about Peterson is the diversity and how quickly we are to lend a hand.
Outside of Peterson I like to spend time with my family, friends, and my dog, Ness. I love going to the beach, traveling, reading, being in nature, and learning new things.