The Gary Comer College Prep Team:
Reading Teacher: Stacy Arenson
College(s): The George Washington University B.A.
Stacy Arenson is a 9th-grade literature teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Arenson graduated summa cum laude from The George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in English. While living in D.C., Ms. Arenson worked on the finance team to raise money for President Obama’s presidential campaign. A Chicago-area native, Ms. Arenson returned to Chicago after graduating, joined Teach For America, and taught at two other South Side high schools before coming to teach at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Arenson loves being part of a community that is committed to creating well-rounded and successful college graduates. She can’t wait to get another class of students on their way to being college-ready readers!
Paraprofessional: Jim Breihan
College(s): Fordham University B.S.
Jim Breihan graduated from Fordham University in New York City with a bachelor’s degree in history and psychology. Mr. Breihan has previously worked at the New York Center for Autism and the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md. As a paraprofessional, he looks forward to helping all students strive in the tremendous academic program at Gary Comer College Prep.
Physics Teacher: Chris Carlson
College(s): Indiana University B.S.; National-Louis University M.A.
Chris Carlson is the physics teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Carlson was awarded his bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University and his master’s in teaching from National-Louis University. Prior to coming to Gary Comer College Prep, he was a Teach For America corps member and recruiter, where he made significant contributions to student achievement and bringing in other dedicated educators. This is his second year as the GCCP physics teacher, and he is excited to work with the new students and team. Mr. Carlson is committed to ensuring each of his students will be capable of success in their college education.
Spanish Teacher: Kathleen Cook
College(s): Purdue University B.A.; Dominican University M.A.
Kathleen Cook is the Spanish teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and political science and earned a master’s degree in teaching from Dominican University. As a former Teach For America corps member, Ms. Cook taught for the last four years at South Shore High School and Walter H. Dyett High School. Ms. Cook is excited for students to use their Spanish outside the classroom, in real world contexts. She hopes that her love for Spanish transfers to all her students!
Coordinator of Specialized Services: Dan Cooley
College(s): St. Olaf College B.A.
Dan Cooley is the coordinator of specialized services and a special education teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Cooley graduated summa cum laude from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at the University of Chicago. Prior to coming to Gary Comer College Prep, Mr. Cooley was a Teach For America corps member in St. Louis, where he taught 6th- through 9th-grade students with special learning needs. Mr. Cooley is honored and excited to join the GCCP community and is dedicated to supporting the college aspirations of the classes of 2012 and 2013.
Dean of Instruction: Nicole Cooley
College(s): St. Olaf College B.A.
Nicole Cooley is the Dean of Instruction at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in German and political science. Before joining the Noble Network, Ms. Cooley taught middle school social studies in St. Louis through Teach For America. While at GCCP, she has taught algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, and trigonometry to her 9th and 10th grade students. She has also served as a coach to the Math Team and Softball Team and advisor to the Student Council. She loves being part of a community of hard-working, passionate, and dedicated teachers who are focused on helping all students see and meet their potential.
Special Education Teacher: Gayle Echales
College(s): Bradley University B.S.; Northeastern Illinois University M.A.
Gayle Echales is one of the special education teachers at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Echales graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., with a degree in criminal justice and sociology. She earned her LBS 1 and master’s degree in special education from Northeastern Illinois University and has worked with special education programs in high schools and elementary schools in the Chicago area. As a new team member at Gary Comer College Prep, Ms. Echales is looking forward to helping all the students in the school reach their full potential and achieve success at GCCP and beyond.
Dean of Operations: Adetokunbo Fatoke
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; University of Illinois at Chicago M.Ed.
Adetokunbo “Ade” Fatoke, Gary Comer College Prep's dean of operations, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Before joining the Noble Network, Mr. Fatoke was an admissions counselor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mr. Fatoke attended Paul Revere Elementary School and currently resides in the same neighborhood as Gary Comer College Prep. He believes that GCCP is the answer to helping students believe that college is a reachable goal.
Reading Teacher: Nicole Gealy
College(s): Indiana University B.A.
Nicole Gealy is the 9th-grade literature teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Gealy received her bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from Indiana University, where she graduated with highest honors. Before joining the Noble Network, Ms. Gealy taught middle school English as a Teach For America corps member in St. Louis. She has also worked for Teach For America as a corps member advisor at their summer training institute and at Empire Gardens Elementary School in San Jose, Calif., as a School Improvement Fellow. She is excited to continue teaching on a team of committed, talented teachers, and is dedicated to the success of each student.
Math Teacher: Ashley Gibson
College(s): University of Florida B.A.
Ashley Gibson is a 10th-grade math teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She is a Teach For America corps member alumnus, where she taught in Miami-Dade, Fla. Ms. Gibson graduated from the University of Florida, where she majored in religion and minored in women’s studies. Ms. Gibson enjoys listening to music, reading, and teaching mathematics to her students. She is very excited to be living in the Windy City and to be a part of the GCCP family!
Choir Teacher: Keith Hampton
College(s): Westminster Choir College B.M.; Marywood University M.A.; Northwestern University D.M.
Keith Hampton, the choir teacher at Gary Comer College Prep, is charged with developing and implementing a multilevel choral program that includes advanced, intermediate, beginning and male choruses. Before joining the Noble Network, Dr. Hampton taught K-8 vocal music at the Chicago International Charter School-Bucktown. As a professional musician, Dr. Hampton is a published composer, concert organist, conductor, and recording artist. His CD, entitled “Celebrate,” recorded by the Keith Hampton Singers and Friends, contains 12 of his original compositions. Dr. Hampton is very excited to be helping to instill a love for music in the disciplined and eager students of GCCP. He believes that music is life; the rest is details.
Dean of College and Citizenship: Mike Huguelet Jr.
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; Loyola University M.Ed.
Mike Huguelet Jr. is the dean of college and citizenship (DoCC) and the early college scholars teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s degree in school counseling from Loyola University Chicago. As the DoCC, Mr. Huguelet coordinates all of GCCP’s college planning, community service, and enrichment programs. Before joining the GCCP team, Mike taught in Minneapolis and ran the Visitation Scholarship Program in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Mr. Huguelet also had a brief career as a professional mascot for the Quad City Steamwheelers in the Arena Football League. He looks forward to helping establish a model high school for Chicago while at the same time revitalizing the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.
Math Teacher: Gavin Lamb
College(s): University of Notre Dame B.A.
Gavin Lamb is one of the algebra teachers at Gary Comer College Prep, as well as head football coach. Mr. Lamb received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and earned his teaching certification at Dominican University in Chicago, where he is currently pursuing his master’s in teaching. While a student at Notre Dame, Mr. Lamb helped found Slice of Life, an after-school tutoring program in South Bend, Ind. He moved to Chicago in 2005 and, before joining GCCP, taught fifth grade at CICS Wrightwood on the South Side as part of Teach For America.
Math Teacher: Pilar Landon
College(s): Boston College B.A.
Pilar Landon, a freshman algebra teacher at Gary Comer College Prep, graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a degree in biology. While at BC, she served as the editor-in-chief of the university’s independent student newspaper and was also a campus tour guide. She is a Teach For America corps member and is committed to leading her students toward significant academic gains in the study of mathematics. New to Gary Comer College Prep, Ms. Landon is excited to join a team of such enthusiastic and supportive educators. She looks forward to the day when all her students graduate from GCCP and from college.
Security Officer: Mark Lansdown
College(s): Southern Illinois University B.A.
Mark Lansdown is the security officer at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Lansdown earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Prior to coming to GCCP, he worked with disadvantaged, abandoned, and abused children as a family educator with Maryville Academy for 16 years. The experience at Maryville, combined with having three of his own children attending universities (starting in fall 2009 at DePaul University and Robert Morris University) has shaped his compassion and commitment to ensuring the safety and success of all GCCP students.
Dean of Students: Linda Mendez
College(s): University of Kansas B.A.
Linda Mendez is the dean of students at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Mendez received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. Last year she made the move to Chicago from Houston, where she worked supporting 5th- to 12th-grade English teachers as a program director with Teach For America. Before her work at Teach For America, Ms. Mendez taught high school English in Houston and worked as a victim advocate for the Kansas Department of Corrections. She is excited to continue her work with the college class of 2016 and to welcome our second class of Catamounts!
Special Education Teacher: Dan Rhee
College(s): Columbia University B.A.
Dan Rhee is a special education teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Rhee received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Columbia University in New York and earned his special education certificate (mild/moderate and moderate/severe) from Humboldt State University in California. He was a member of the wrestling team and vice president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Columbia University. He recently moved back to Chicago from California where he worked teaching students with severe physical and developmental delays.
Human Geography Teacher: Jon S. Robertson
College(s): University of Georgia B.A.; Georgia State University B.S.
Jon S. Robertson is the human geography teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Robertson had the pleasure of attending college at the nation’s oldest public university, The University of Georgia. He was awarded a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and returned to college for a second bachelor’s degree in urban policy studies at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Mr. Robertson taught middle school social studies for four years in Miami as a Teach For America corps member. While there Mr. Robertson served as debate coach, 6th-grade team leader, and social studies learning team leader. He also worked for Teach For America as a corps member advisor at their summer training institute. Mr. Robertson recently moved to Chicago and is excited to learn how to stay warm during the winter!
Security Officer: Lanthier Scott
College: Mississippi Valley State University B.A.
Lanthier Scott is pleased to join the Gary Comer College Prep team as a security officer. Mr. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Mississippi Valley State University, where as a linebacker he helped his football team win the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship. He is committed to special education and working with the mentally ill. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He is proud of his daughter, who recently graduated from high school with honors and is now attending the University of Mississippi. Mr. Scott looks forward to helping ensure the safety of the students at GCCP.
English Teacher: Rachel Seymour
College(s): Northwestern University B.A.; Loyola Marymount University M.A.
Rachel Seymour is the freshman English teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Seymour received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her master’s degree in secondary teaching from Loyola Marymount University. Before joining the Noble Network, Ms. Seymour worked in Los Angeles, Calif., teaching English as a second language and English at Fremont High School. She also worked as a corps member advisor at Teach For America's summer training institute. In July 2007, she relocated to Chicago to become a founding team member at GCCP. Last year, she delighted in watching her 9th-grade composition students develop as writers. Now, she is so excited to be working with the college class of 2017. She has big, hairy, and audacious hopes for what they can learn, master, and accomplish in English this year!
Reading Teacher: Aubrey Sharman
College(s): Bowdoin College B.A.; National-Louis University M.A.
Ms. Sharman is Gary Comer College Prep's sophomore world literature teacher. She received her bachelor's degree in English and women's studies from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and her master’s degree in teaching from National-Louis University. Ms. Sharman's teaching career began at Bowdoin as a tutor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Falcon Friends. Those roles led her to Chicago as a literature teacher for schools on Chicago's South and North sides as a Teach For America corps member. Most recently, she worked as a communication consultant for Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Despite her interest in professional writing and consulting, Ms. Sharman's passion for literature and teaching brought her back to the classroom. In addition to teaching, Ms. Sharman co-leads the GCCP Book Club.
Administrative Assistant: Deysy Soto
College: Coe College B.A.
Deysy Soto, an administrative assistant at Gary Comer College Prep, recently graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a double major in psychology and Spanish. While attending Coe College, she helped start the Multicultural Fusion Organization, which was dedicated to community development and creating a more inclusive campus. Ms. Soto is also an alumnus of Noble Street Charter School; she is part of the graduating class of 2005. Ms. Soto is excited to be reunited with the Noble Network!
Dean of Discipline: Gerald Stewart
College(s): Chicago State University
Gerald Stewart is the founding dean of discipline of Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Stewart served in the U.S. Army for three years before going on to pursue his bachelor’s degree. Mr. Stewart worked previously at Walter Payton College Prep, where he served as security supervisor. In that role he supervised a team of officers, worked closely on discipline and safety concerns, and helped put into practice a school culture where education was seldom disturbed. Mr. Stewart works tirelessly as the catalyst that implements a safe culture that is conducive for success in and outside the classroom. He believes that discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.
English Teacher: Megan Thole
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; National-Louis University M.A.
Megan Thole, the sophomore writing instructor at Gary Comer College Prep, is a graduate from the University of Iowa’s honors English program. Upon graduation, Ms. Thole joined the Chicago Teach For America corps and started her teaching career at Howard Area Leadership Academy on the city’s North Side. She is coming to GCCP with three years of literature and English teaching experience and a master’s degree in the teaching from National-Louis University. In addition to teaching writing at GCCP, Ms. Thole will co-lead the GCCP Book Club.
Physical Education/Health Teacher: Orlandus Thomas
College(s): Chicago State University B.A.
Orlandus Thomas is the physical education/health teacher and boys’ basketball coach at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Thomas received his bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University and is pursuing his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Prior to becoming a Catamount, Mr. Thomas was the physical education/health teacher at Noble's original campus. Prior to joining the Noble Network, he served as a special education teaching assistant in the Crete-Monee School District. When he's not working with students in the gym or on the court, Mr. Thomas can be found performing as a lead vocalist with his band, The Voices, across the Chicagoland area. Mr. Thomas is excited about the opportunity to share his commitment to lifelong fitness/healthy lifestyle with the students of GCCP.
Principal: James Troupis
College(s): Northwestern University B.S.; National-Louis University M.Ed.
James Troupis is the founding principal of Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Troupis received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University. Before joining the Noble Network, Mr. Troupis taught 5th and 6th grade in New Orleans, supported first- and second-year teachers as a program director with Teach For America in Los Angeles, and interned as the assistant principal at Noble Street College Prep. In his second year as principal of Gary Comer College Prep, Mr. Troupis continues to directly coach teachers, search the country for the nation’s best teachers to join the team, and ensure GCCP continues to climb the ranks as Chicago’s top college preparatory option.
Social Worker: Melissa Wade
College(s): University of Maryland B.A.; University of Chicago M.A.
Melissa Wade is the social worker at Gary Comer College Prep. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in English language & literature and Afro-American studies and received her master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago. Ms. Wade brings more than six years of experience working with young people as a social worker, counselor, teacher, and mentor. Her interests and accomplishments span from guiding teens through acute family trauma to helping students overcome issues with poverty, anger, self-esteem, and loss. Along with serving as the school social worker, Ms. Wade is also the liaison for the Upward Bound program at the Gary Comer Youth Center and the GCCP girls’ volleyball coach.
Administrative Assistant/Student Recruiter: Dominique Winston
College(s): Southern Illinois University B.A.
Dominique Winston, Gary Comer College Prep’s administrative assistant and student recruiter, is a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in administration of justice. While at SIUC, Ms. Winston became a member of the Criminal Justice Association and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Not only is she a founding team member at Gary Comer College Prep, she is also a proud member of the first ever-graduating class of Noble Street College Prep (2003). As a graduate of Noble Street, she knows what it means to work hard and believes that the best part of being at GCCP is encouraging students to do the same!
Chemistry Teacher: Liz Alf
College(s): Barnard College B.S.; Pace University M.A.
Liz Alf is the chemistry teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. She received her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Barnard College in New York City and her master’s degree in secondary education from Pace University. Before moving to Chicago, she worked for three years as a high school chemistry, biology, and earth science teacher in Brooklyn, N.Y., as a Teach For America corps member. She has also worked as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She is excited to help develop the scientific investigation skills of GCCP students.