Administration

MIKE PACOUREK

Principal
My name is Michael Pacourek and I am proud to serve as principal of this magnificent school. I graduated from UIC and have been a teacher, lead teacher, tech coordinator, and assistant principal at Shields over the past 28 years. I enjoy being part of the school community and helping our students learn, grow, and succeed. My favorite subject is social studies (world history) and in my free time I like to travel, cook, exercise, go fishing, hike, play chess, and read good books.

Mi nombre es Michael Pacourek y estoy orgulloso de servir como director de esta magnífica escuela. Me gradué de la UIC y he sido maestro, maestro principal, coordinador de tecnología y subdirector en Shields durante los últimos 28 años. Disfruto ser parte de la comunidad escolar y ayudar a nuestros estudiantes a aprender, crecer y tener éxito. Mi materia favorita son los estudios sociales (historia universal) y en mi tiempo libre me gusta viajar, cocinar, hacer ejercicio, ir de pesca, caminar, jugar al ajedrez y leer buenos libros.

MARIAN SANTOR

Assistant Principal
My name is Marian Santor and I feel fortunate to serve as the Assistant Principal of our wonderful school. Shields Elementary has been my home for the past 30 years. I enjoy watching “Da Bears”, as they are my favorite Chicago sports team. In my spare time, I love golfing and playing board games with my family and friends. I treasure my reading time and appreciate various genres. My favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree. 

Mi nombre es Marian Santor y me siento afortunada de servir como subdirectora de nuestra maravillosa escuela. Shields Elementary ha sido mi hogar durante los últimos 30 años. Disfruto viendo “Da Bears”, ya que son mi equipo deportivo favorito de Chicago. En mi tiempo libre, me encanta jugar golf y jugar juegos de mesa con mi familia y amigos. Valoro mi tiempo de lectura y aprecio varios géneros. Mi libro infantil favorito es The Giving Tree.

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Clerks

ALEXANDRA HERNANDEZ

Shields Clerk
My name is Alexandra Hernandez.
I graduated from Columbia College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. I have been part of the Shields family for 15 years. I started as Teacher’s Assistant in 2006 and in 2008; I got the opportunity to be one the School Clerks. I absolutely love my job! My favorite hobbies are spending time with my family/friends, cooking and traveling.
 
Mi nombre es Alexandra Hernández.
Me gradué de Columbia College con licenciatura en mercadotecnia. He sido parte de la familia Shields por 15 años. En el 2006 comencé como asistente de maestra y en el 2008 me dieron la oportunidad de ser una de las secretarias de la escuela. ¡Me encanta mi trabajo! Mis pasatiempos favoritos son pasar tiempo con mi familia/amigos, cocinar y viajar. 
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LIVY DE LEON

​Shields Clerk
My name is Livy De Leon, I have been living in the Brighton Park community for 24 years. I have been part of the Shields family as a parent for 19 years because my 4 children are or have been students from Shields.  I had the pleasure of helping our students and teachers as a teacher assistant for 12 years. Now, I have the opportunity to be one of the office clerks. I enjoy spending time with my family and going to the movies!

TEACHERS

AMELIA COSTELLO

Teacher - PreK 001 
​I have been teaching Preschool at Shields since 2014 and working as a teacher for over a decade. I absolutely love being able to mold and transform our youngest children into students and prepare them for their academic career.

ANABEL GOMEZ

Teacher - PreK 002
Hola! My name is Anabel Gomez and I am a Bilingual Pre-k teacher at Shields Elementary school. I come from a Family that loves teaching. My mother was a teacher and so is my Sister.  I was born in Michoacan, Mexico where I graduated as an Educator. I completed my education earning a Master's degree in Education here at Chicago. I have worked for CPS for over 18 yrs . in different positions and schools. I enjoy working with families that like me have migrated from their country and are learning a second language. Merging both cultures with respect is my goal. Teaching Preschoolers is my passion and compromise. 
¡Hola! Me llamo Anabel Gomez y soy la Maestra Bilingue de Preescolar aquí en la escuela Shields. Vengo de una familia que ama enseñar. Mi madre fue maestra y mi hermana es maestra. Nací en Michoacán, México donde me gradué de lic. En educación preescolar. Continué mi educación completando una Maestría en Ciencias de la Educación. He trabajado en las Escuelas Públicas por más de 18 años en diferentes escuelas y posiciones. Disfruto trabajar con las familias que migran de un país a otro que como YO han aprendido un segundo language y se acoplan a la cultura de este país Ensenar a los niños pequeños es mi pasión y compromiso. 

JANET ANAYA

Teacher - PreK 004
​My name is Janet Anaya, I completed my first year with CPS here at Shields as a Bilingual Pre-k teacher. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Child Development at Northern Illinois University and my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education at National Louis. Prior to CPS I was a teacher at a daycare center in the West Loop, I have been working with young children for about 12 years. I love working with our young children and I can't wait to continue growing with my Shields family. In my free time I enjoy crafting and outdoor adventures.

MAURA WINTERS

Teacher - PreK 121

BETH RUPPE

Teacher - PreK 122
Beth Ruppe has taught preschool for 15 years. This is her second year at Shields.  She returned to the classroom after 8 years as an administrator in private schools because she felt she should be more directly serving children.  Ms. Ruppe's undergraduate degree is from Purdue University, and she has graduate degrees in early childhood education and school administration.  Ms. Ruppe loves working with preschool children because they are so open and honest.  Her favorite children's book is A Porcupine Named Fluffy.  In her spare time, Ms. Ruppe likes to exercise, read and spoil her grandchildren. 

MILAGROS VAZZANA

Teacher - Kg 123

JODIE BERRY

Teacher - Kg 224

ROSA SALGADO

Teacher - Kg 225
My name is Rosa Salgado. I’ve been a teacher at Shields School for 19
years and I graduated with a Master’s degree in Instructional
Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. My favorite
children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? And my
favorite food is sea food. In my free time I love swimming and spending
time with my family and dogs. I also love being a part of the Shields
family!​

PATRICIA HERRERA

Teacher - 1st 220
First Grade Bilingual Teacher
My name is Patricia Herrera and I have been teaching first grade bilingual for 19 years at Shields.  It is a pleasure to work with an amazing staff and be part of the Brighton park community.  My passion is working with children.  I currently hold a degree in Education, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Leadership. I love to spend time with my family and friends. My favorite pastimes are traveling, gardening and going to the movies.

Maestra Bilingue de Primer Grado
Mi nombre es Patricia Herrera y tengo 19 años de ser la maestra de primer grado en la escuela Shields.  Es un placer trabajar con un personal increíble y ser parte de la comunidad de Brighton Park. Mi pasión es trabajar con niños.  Actualmente tengo una licenciatura en Educación, Maestría en Currículo e Instrucción y Liderazgo. Amo pasar tiempo con mi familia y amigos. Mis pasatiempos favoritos son viajar, hacer jardinería e ir al cine.

LAURIE ROVANO

Teacher - 1st 226
My name is Laurie Rovano and I have been a first grade teacher at Shields for 26 years!  I feel fortunate to have begun my teaching career at Shields and consider it my home away from home.   My passion for children’s literature has allowed me to create and inspire young readers.  I earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Special Education from Lewis University.  I enjoy reading, creating memories and traveling with my husband and sons, and taking long walks.

SUZANNE WARD

Teacher - 1st 320

MIRNA MARTINEZ

Teacher - 1st 321

COLLEEN KELLY

Teacher - 2nd 104

LISA RAMOS

Teacher - 2nd 103
My name is Lisa Ramos. I have been teaching for 20 years. My favorite subject is reading. I love teaching, spending time at the lake with my family and reading books. 
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ARACELI CALVILLO

Teacher - 2nd 106
-Si puedes soñarlo, puedes hacerlo Mrs. Calvillo, maestra bilingüe de segundo grado. Soy alumna de la Escuela Shields, Kelly High School y de la Universidad de Illinois at Chicago. Yo crecí en la comunidad de Brighton Park y Tengo mas de 25 años de experiencia trabajando con alumnos en CPS. Soy orgullosamente mexicana, nacida en Chicago con padres de Jalisco y Coahuila México. Estoy orgullosa de los logros que he completado en mi vida y me da mucho placer trabajar con los alumnos y la comunidad de Brighton Park. Me gusta leer, ir de viaje y pasar tiempo con mi familia. 

My name is Mrs. Calvillo. I teach bilingual second grade. I am an alumni of Shields School, Kelly High School and of the University of Illinois at Chicago. I grew up in the Brighton Park community and I have more than 25 years of experience working with children in CPS. I was born in Chicago; I am of Mexican American descent. My parents are both from Mexico. I am very proud of all the accomplishments I have made in my life. I love working with the students and the community of Brighton Park. I enjoy Reading, visiting new places and spending time with my family. Motivating quote “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
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MARI MORALES

Teacher - 2nd 109
My name is Mari Morales, and I have been a teacher at Shields for 20 years.  I love to read all kinds of books. I love to spend time with my family and friends. 
Mi nombre es Mari Morales y he sido profesora en Shields durante 20 años. Amo leer todo tipo de libros. Amo pasar tiempo con mi familia y amigos.

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JAVIER FERNANDEZ

Teacher - 3rd 204

CONCEPCION LARA

Teacher - 3rd 205
3rd Grade Bilingual Teacher
I’ve been a teacher at Shields for 18 years. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Governors State University.   My favorite book is How to Catch a Star. My favorite hobby is reading and swimming. I am happy to be part of the Shields family!
Maestra de Tercer Grado Bilingüe
He sido maestra de la escuela Shields por 18 años.  Mi libro favorito es Como Alcanzar una Estrella .  Mi pasatiempo favorito es leer y nadar. Me gradué de la universidad Governos con una Maestría en currículo  e instrucción . Estoy muy feliz de pertenecer a la familia de la escuela Shields.       

JESSICA PRADO

Teacher - 3rd 206​
My name is Jesscia Prado.  I taught at Shields for many years! ;) The  grades levels that I taught are Kindergarten, Second and Third Grade.  My favorite things to do are reading, playing board games,  walking, bike riding, and watching movies. (It is so hard to choose just one thing.)    But above all, my most favorite thing to do is spend time with my son. ​

CARRIE ERWINSKI

Teacher - 3rd 210
My name is Carolyn Erwinski and I have been a teacher at Shields Elementary for eighteen years!  Shields has the  best students, families, and staff and I am so fortunate to have called Shields my home since I first started teaching. I have had experience teaching first and third grade and love watching the students grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout these formative years.  I graduated from Western Illinois University  and have a master’s degree from Concordia University.   My hobbies include reading, exercising, traveling, spending family time with our four sons, and cheering on the White Sox! 

MARIA LOPEZ

Teacher - 4th 302
My name is Maria Lopez. I have been a teacher for 20 years. My favorite subject is Reading. I have experience teaching 4th graders and 1st graders. My hobbies are reading, riding my bike, and spending time with my family.

VICTOR ARROYO

Teacher - 4th 304

YOLANDA BATRES

Teacher - 4th 305

SHERYL SYNAL

Teacher - 4th 309

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SPECIALIZED SERVICES

THERESA KARPIERZ

Teacher - 121

CAITRIONAGH O'CONNOR

Teacher - 122

STASIA FIALKOWSKI

Teacher - 201

KARA GRIFFIN

Teacher - 306
My name is Kara Griffin  I have been a teacher for 7 years.  My favorite subject is Language Arts I have experience teaching Special Education Reading, Writing and Math for 2nd through 4th grade.  My hobbies are cooking nice dinners, listening to live music, gardening, going on long walks, and reading great books.

DAWN CASA

Teacher - 213
My name is Dawn Casa. I have been a teacher for 9 years.  My favorite subject is Math. I have experience teaching Special Education students Writing, Language Arts, and Math in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and 8th grade.  My hobbies are roller blading, going to the lake, and spending time with my family.

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RESOURCE SUPPORT

MICHELLE FLORES

Teacher - Drama 203
​Mrs. Flores has been the Drama Teacher at Shields Elementary since 2014. She received her bachelor's degree in Theater Arts from Columbia College Chicago and her Masters in Teaching from Dominican University. She believes the arts, particularly theater, can foster community, identity, and creativity.

CARMEN SALCEDO

Teacher - Health 324
My name is Carmen Salcedo.  I have been teaching for 21 years.  I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and have a masters from Concordia University.  I love teaching my students different ways to stay healthy.  I love to spend time with my family and friends.  I love all kinds of animals, especially dogs.  I have a dog named Bingo and a bird named Lucky.  ​

VICKI SZILLAGE

Teacher - Music B09
Mrs. Vicki started her career as a music teacher in 1995. She is a certified teacher in both Taiwan and the U.S. After nearly 30 years of working experience with children in private, charter and public school settings, she understands how important the learning environment and  connection are for students to thrive and succeed. She LOVES the time spent in creating, exploring and performing music with her Shields students. Outside of School,  Mrs. Vicki enjoys cooking, music, audiobooks, biking, travel, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Vicki holds a bachelor degree in music education from National Taipei Teacher College; a master degree in Secondary Education from Chicago State University and a master degree in Music Performance from Roosevelt University. Her post-graduate studies include Orff-Schulwerk Teacher Certification Level 3, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, World Drumming, and Music Together Teacher Training.

MONICA SKOWRONSKI

Teacher - Phys. Ed
I don’t teach a subject, I teach a child.
Education:  I Graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education.  I started teaching in 1989 and have been teaching Physical Education at Shields since 1996.  The best thing about teaching is watching the kids meet their goals and helping them grow. If I wasn’t a teacher I would be a surgeon or working with a professional sports team.
My Favorites:
Color: Blue
Season: Summer
Sport Teams: White Sox, Blackhawks and Bears
Animal: Giraffes and dogs
Hobbies: Traveling, Cycling, Fishing
Sport: Baseball and football
Food: Ice cream

MARIA CARMONA

Teacher - BIL
My name is Maria Carmona. I am the Bilingual Coordinator at Shields Elementary School. I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico and grew up in the  Little Village Community. I am a product of the Chicago Public School System. I have worked with children since I was 14 years old. I have always enjoyed working with children and ensuring that they have the best learning experience possible. It is an honor to be a part of the Shields Community! ​

JACQUELINE DAVILA

Cadre

CHRIS SZILLAGE

Cadre

TRENT WENNLUND

Techco
My name is Trent Wennlund. I worked for CPS as a technology consultant for over 20 years before becoming a tech coordinator.  I like to spending time with family,  fishing, and watching cubs games in my free time.

MAYRA TELLEZ

BPNC

NEREIDA OROPEZA

BPNC

STEPHANIE DAVILA

BPNC

VICTOR GALARZA

SECA

JUANA GARCIA

SECA

ANGELINA ORDUNA

SECA

ANILENI PANGANDAMAN

SECA

MARISELA RANGEL

SECA

IRMA ZAYAS

SECA

DIANA GONZALEZ

SA

GABRIELA MARTINEZ

Teacher Assistant
My name is Gabriela Martinez. This is my first year at shields.
I have experience in teaching pre-k, 1st grade and 2nd grade. 
My hobbies are cooking, running, watch hockey and spending time with family. 

SELENY ALBOR

Teacher Assistant

JACQUELIN FERNANDEZ

Teacher Assistant

MARIA HERRERA

PREK PARAPROFESSIONAL
​Hi! My name is Maria Herrera, I have been part of the Shields family for 30 years. I have been in Preschool for close to 25 years now and I absolutely love it. I am a mother of 2 beautiful kids. My hobbies are reading, hiking, and spending time with my family.

ESPERANZA RIVAS

PREK PARAPROFESSIONAL
Welcome to Shields! My name is Esperanza Rivas. I attended Daley College in 1994 as an accountant major. During my college experience, I decided to be in a work-study program and was placed at the Daley College Child Development Center. Having the opportunity to work with children ages 3-5, allowed my passion for Early Childhood to emerge and I decided to change my career path. I graduated from Daley with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1998.  I have been a Teacher Assistant for 20 years, proudly servicing students at Shields for seven years. Currently, I attend National Louis University and am working towards my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in English as a Second Language. I hope to one day have the opportunity to teach the students in the community of Shields and help them make a difference in their lives. <3

RAMONITA ZAYAS

PREK PARAPROFESSIONAL

MARTHA DURAN

SOC-B

GABRIELA CARBAJAL

Speech Language Pathologist - Bilingual 

KATE DINEEN

Speech Language Pathologist

LYLETH RODRIGUEZ

Occupational Therapist

ELIDA DELATORRE

Psychologist - Bilingual 

ANDREA WEGNER

Counselor / Case Manager

Laura Cleary

Nurse

STAFF

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Nutritional Services

MARY MITCHELL

Manager

GEORGINA GALVAN

Nutrition Staff

DIANE JANDA

Nutrition Staff

ROSARIO LEON

Nutrition Staff

ERIK SMITH

Nutrition Staff

DANA WHITE

Nutrition Staff

ROTANYA JONES-WILSON

Nutrition Staff
My name is Rotanya Jones-Wilson I am the cook in the lunchroom in the main building at Shields  I been working for Shields for 3yrs and been cooking for over 25yrs I love cooking for the children ​

TANIYAH WILLIAMS

Nutrition Staff

CUSTODIAL SERVICES

TONI LARA

Engineer

JAN HILL

Custodial Staff

MARIA SANDOVAL

Custodial Staff

KIM SMITH

Custodial Staff

MANUEL TREJO

Custodial Staff

JOSE CORRAL

Custodial Staff

YULY GALLARDO

Custodial Staff

SECURITY

RUFINA ORTEGA

Security

HUGO VILLASANA

Security

KEN PRATCHER

Police Officer

LONNELL WILLIAMS

Police Officer

GEORGE KOVARSKY

Police Officer

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