Lisset Larios - Kindergarten Teacher - 2020 - Michoacán, Mexico - llarios4@cps.edu

Federico Garcia Lorca Elementary School
Carl Schurz High School
Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago - Associate's Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Loyola University Chicago - Bachelor of Science in Psychology
National Louis University - Master of Arts in Teaching- Early Childhood Education

I was part of the CPS Teacher Residency Program. I completed my residency year in a general Kindergarten classroom at Peterson Elementary, and I loved my mentor, the students, and the community that is Peterson.

My favorite thing about Peterson is the sense of community! Since day one, I have seen how supportive and caring everyone, staff and students, are of one another- making working at Peterson such a joy!

I love spending time with my family- my mom, two younger sisters, my partner, and 2 cats.

Jennifer MacFarland - Kindergarten Teacher - 2002 - Chicago, IL - jacommon@cps.edu

"I love being at a school with so much diversity. At Peterson we embrace each others ethnic, cultural, and academic differences."

Daniel Boone Elementary School
Mather High School
Knox College in Galesburg, IL

I was a kindergarten teacher at an elementary school in Sycamore Illinois.  My husband and I missed the diversity of the city so we moved back to Chicago.

I love to read and I enjoy going to baseball games with my family.

Diana Platt - Kindergarten 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 - Kindergarten 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.