Dr. Andrew Rhodes

Executive Director

Andy spent 14 years as a teacher and leader in Chicago schools.  As one of the founding members of TST, Andy is a firm believer in driving solutions toward the betterment of the teaching profession.  He received his Doctorate in Urban School Leadership from the University of Illinois Chicago, work which brought him to CPS through the Chicago Leadership Collaborative.  Andy has served as an administrator in Charter and CPS schools where his passion for this work and recognition of the humanity within it were ignited.

Ann Persson

Chief Operating Officer

Ann has worked as a teacher, teacher leader and principal in Chicago schools.  Most recently she has worked as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at DSST in Denver, Colorado. She received her Masters Degree in Literacy from the American College of Education and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Relay Graduate School of Education. Ann is a data-driven, solutions-focused leader with a proven ability to close gaps, meet goals, and move the needle on achievement for students and schools.

Jen Madden

Program Lead

I am an experienced and dedicated teacher in both the General Education and Special Education classroom settings. My experiences range from having taught in public, charter, and private schools. I spent the first 9 years of my teaching career as a Special Education teacher in both resource and self-contained settings. Currently, I am in my 7th year of teaching 4th grade. I have my Masters degree in the area of School Leadership and have served as the 4th grade team leader, as well as an ELA vertical team facilitator. I am excited to partner with other coaches and work together to achieve the goals set for the year.

James Jensen

Program Lead

I am a lifelong learner using adult education theory to push the limits of educational consulting and coaching. My classroom experience has taken me from Detroit to Chicago teaching in both intermediate and middle school contexts. In my current role, I am a Distributed & Supportive Leadership Specialist in the Chicago Public Schools Office of Teaching & Learning. My work allows me to develop school leaders capacities to effectively lead, solve complex instructional challenges, and elevate their teacher leaders beyond traditional roles. I hold an MaED from the Michigan State College of Education with a concentration area in P-12 School Leadership & Administration as well as a Graduate Certificate in Adult Learning Theory & Practice. I am looking forward to partnering with TST Coaches and supporting them in meeting their goals.

Merrilynn Martin

Program Lead

Rochelle Rolle

Program Lead

Minerva Garcia Sanchez

Manager of Programming and Coaching