Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Miguel Caban - Security Officer - 2013 - Chicago, IL - macaban@cps.edu
St. Philomena Elementary
Kelvyn Park High School
I am a retired baggage handler from American Airlines.
"Great colleagues, great kids, and best of all a great school!"
Playing Baseball And watching good college Basketball.
Nydia Rodriguez - Bilingual Clerk - 2017 - Chicago, IL - nrodriguez161@cps.edu
Scott Elementary School in Franklin Park, IL
West Leyden High School in Northlake, IL
Loyola University Chicago IL
After working for many volunteer organizations, I decided to find a more stable position. I was referred to Peterson as a great place to work.
I love the welcome I have received from teachers and staff.
I love spending time with family and taking mini-getaway trips. Also, I'm a baker, so I love decorating wedding cakes and birthday cakes.
Consuelo Pacheco - Bilingual Clerk - 2024 - cpacheco16@cps.edu
Jose de Diego-Elementary
Roberto Clement-High School
Phoenix University
I have resided in Chicago for my entire life. My journey began with volunteering at my son's school, which subsequently led to my role as a Special Education Classroom Assistant (SECA) for several years. I was later presented with the opportunity to transition into a clerk position, a role I have thoroughly enjoyed ever since.
I love spending time with my family, cooking up delicious meals, and going shopping!
Robert Murphy - Building Engineer - 1993 - Chicago, IL - rmmurphy@cps.edu
St. Matthias Grammer School
St. Patrick's High School
I was brought to Peterson because I was the highest in seniority in grade level.
"My favorite thing ...well, how from students and staff, everyone enjoys coming to school and work."
Now a days. ...getting home from work and plopping on the coach and relaxing
Brian Bochenek - Case Manager - Joliet, IL - bpbochenek@cps.edu
Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Arts in Education - Summa Cum Laude
I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, where I played in garage bands, read comic books, and "learned to love" the outdoors. Prior to my career as a teacher at Peterson Elementary, I worked as a graphic designer for a short time and as a paralegal. However, none of my "prior-lives" come close to the enjoyment I get from being a part of the Peterson community.
"The greatest privilege to working at Peterson is getting to know families and individuals from a multitude of cultures. As an avid traveler, removing myself from my comfort zone and celebrating the uniqueness of others is something I now get to enjoy on a daily basis. I consider myself fortunate to have had incredible some experiences and to have met some amazing people in my time her sat Peterson and look forward to many more years of being a part of this diverse learning community."
Outside of Peterson, I enjoy running with my wife, playing guitar and singing in several bands, reading comic books, playing video games, and traveling to different countries throughout the world.
Mark Caldwell - Restorative Justice Coordinator - 2022 - Chicago, IL - mccaldwell@cps.edu
Jamieson Elementary
Lane Tech High School
Southern Illinois University
National Louis University
I have been working for CPS for 15 years. For the majority of my career I was in an elementary setting at Belding School. For the past several years I worked as a Dean at Taft High School, and during that time, I realized how much I missed working with a younger student population. Thankfully, I have made my way here, to Peterson School!
The thing I love the most about Peterson is the student body. Everything we do here is for the children, and I love helping them learn, grow, and thrive.
My favorite thing to do outside of Peterson is hang out with my two little girls, and my family.
Lauren Slanker - STEAM Coordinator - 2023 - Orland Park, IL - lslanker1@cps.edu
St. Michael Elementary School
Carl Sandburg High School
Loyola University
National Louis University
I have wanted to be a teacher since 3rd grade. I started my middle school teaching career in Berwyn, IL as a middle school science teacher. I then joined the Museum of Science and Industry's Teacher Professional Development team and worked there for 5 years. I moved to the NW side of the city in 2021 and missed being in a school environment, so I decided to look for a school close to me with a strong focus on science teaching. Peterson was the perfect fit!
My coworkers are amazing! They are funny, kind, and always willing to give a hand.
I love to snuggle with my 2 dogs, ride my bike, and curl up with a good book. I am also a yoga teacher and teach on the weekends.
Alexandria Lopez - School Assistant - 2022 - Chicago, IL - alopez649@cps.edu
Walt Disney Magnet School
Buffalo Grove High School
Malcolm X College - City Colleges of Chicago
I’ve always wanted to be an educator I began my journey two years ago I started as a preschool teachers assistant and I wanted to expand my horizons and help the community. I always heard great things about Peterson I love how diverse the Peterson community is.
The people at Peterson are the best thing everyone working together . We are truly a team and a family together we help the school days flow even and chaotic situation we managed to strategize work together and have positive outcomes throughout each day.
I enjoy live music and dancing. I like crafting and crocheting. Any DIY project is right up my alley
Gremlin Menez - Security Officer - 2019 - Chicago, IL - gmenez@cps.edu
Stockton Elementary
McPherson Elementary
Hayt Elementary
Mather High School
Oakton Community College
Loyola University
The University of North Texas
I moved back home to Chicago after nearly my entire adult life in Texas, thought it was time to come home. I am at Peterson because I was a former teacher and wanted to be involved in the school system still.
“The administration and staff. They work hard to try to make this a great school for the children and it shows.“
Movies. I LOVE movies. I also enjoy going to comiccon conventions.
Chuck Deters - Technology Coordinator - 2011 - Chicago, IL - csdeters@cps.edu
St. James Lutheran Elementary
Von Steuben MSC High School
Loyola University of Chicago - Bachelors of Arts in History, Minor in Political Science