LEAP Team

A seasoned brand storyteller and word-of-mouth sparker, Emily gathers, shapes and communicates the inspiring stories of LEAP Innovations.

Jessica has spent the last decade marrying her PR skills with a passion for transforming the learning experience for Chicago's youth. As LEAP's Events Manager, she executes experiences that connect the broader education community to learning innovation.

John spent ten years as an educator working with a variety of public, charter, and independent schools throughout the east coast. At LEAP, John works with high schools to implement personalized learning practices to help prepare students for post secondary success.

Courtney's professional experience spans the Shedd Aquarium, Guaranteed Rate, and Chicago's theater community. At LEAP, she curates a fantastic culture by supporting internal administrative functioning and events.

As a former teacher and instructional coach, Annie has benefited from LEAP at the school level, witnessing its positive impact first hand. At LEAP, she now supports the professional learning design and facilitation.

A former Chicago Public Schools instructional leader, Erin has experienced the transformational power of personalized learning with her students. At LEAP she helps educators create innovative teaching and learning models in their own classrooms and schools.

Jordan has a rich background serving as an organizer of political campaigns. At LEAP, he works on research and data collection efforts to help schools and partners identify how best to support students and teachers in the transformation to personalized learning.

Joseph is an innovator with experience across private, public and social sectors to advance learning environments, programs and products. With passion for equity-centered innovation, he supports LEAP's development and scaling of transformative tools.

Beth brings more than ten years of experience building new initiatives. She helped to launch Science in Society, Northwestern University’s office for science outreach and public engagement. A founding LEAP member, Beth has led work across the organization, from ecosystem-building, to communications, and now as Chief of Staff.

Jilliam has dedicated her career to measuring effective teaching practices. At LEAP, she provides psychometric leadership for LEAP's personalized-learning instructional and leadership competencies, and certification initiative.

Silvia has over 20 years of experience in senior executive administrative and office management roles, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations at LEAP. As a founding member of LEAP, she is dedicated to creating opportunity for every student.

Alex has an arts administration background, most recently in development for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She incorporates her experience as a theatre maker and improviser to LEAP's survey and research development.

Jannette is a former CPS educator, who worked with LEAP to create unique learning experiences to reach students of diverse cultural backgrounds. At LEAP, she continues to work with educators to ensure that all students have the tools necessary to succeed.

Amy comes to LEAP with 15 years of teaching experience both in Chicago Public Schools and the Archdiocese; including, three years as a K-12 instructional coach. At LEAP, Amy works with the professional learning team to create and facilitate personalized learning development for teachers.

Connie is a former middle school teacher and instructional coach, who transformed learning experiences for her students and teachers with LEAP. At LEAP, Connie works with teachers to create learning experiences that are relevant, rigorous and engaging.

Jen brings 15 years of passionate experience in instructional coaching, evaluating instructional practice and teaching. She works with the LEAP professional learning team to ensure educators are supported and empowered to innovate in their classrooms.

Barbara has over 20 years' experience directing the business functions of nonprofit organizations, many in the education space. Her three school-aged children have taught her the importance of LEAP's work.

Jake brings six years of teaching experience at the elementary and high school levels. He serves as Manager of Data & Research at LEAP, overseeing data and analytics systems, and measuring program impact.