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.

Dr. LaVerne E. Coke Wright

Manager of Programming and Coaching

With 29 years of experience in the field of education, LaVerne has dedicated her career to serving as a teacher, teacher leader, and administrator across both public and charter schools. She has been a staunch advocate of TST since its inception, having been introduced to the program while pursuing her EdD at the University of Illinois Chicago. Currently, as a School Improvement Specialist for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), LaVerne is passionate about ensuring that TST continues to operate efficiently and effectively. She is also eager to share this successful resource with other educational leaders.

Nora Sullivan

Grant Writing Associate

Nora is currently a preschool teacher in Chicago Public Schools. She began working at Columbia Explorers in Brighton Park and now teaches at Audubon Elementary in Roscoe Village. Nora earned her first Masters Degree in Elementary Teaching from the University of Pennsylvania and her second Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction for English as a Second Language from Lewis University. Nora believes in the power of connection between teachers and students & families and knows that these connections are strongest when teacher leaders are supported and nurtured in the classroom.

Breeze Fromm-Sarto

Administrative Assistant

Breeze Fromm-Sarto has worked in the non-profit field since she completed her undergrad degree. She received her BS in Business Management at DePaul University in Chicago. Since then has 6 years of non-profit program management experience and a specialty in grant writing, project management, & event coordination. Breeze enjoys working with organizations that provide solutions and resources within the communities they serve.

Jen Madden

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

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.

Jenna Fisher

With 15 years of service in Chicago Public Schools, I have cultivated a diverse career as an educator, coach, and district leader. My journey spans roles in the classroom teaching grades K-3, coaching fellow educators, and designing and facilitating professional learning district-wide. Currently, I serve as an Assessment Specialist in the CPS Department of Teaching & Learning. I am deeply committed to the belief that every individual possesses unique gifts and a distinct purpose, and I strive to cultivate these talents to foster extraordinary outcomes for our students. A lifelong learner, I am inspired by innovative educational research and continually study leadership strategies to support transformative practices in urban education. My passion lies in advancing student agency, implementing democratic practices, and shifting community structures from “Power Over” to “Power With.” I am committed to understanding students’ perspectives and improving their daily experiences through student leader engagement initiatives ensuring student partnerships shape our educational approaches and drive equitable outcomes.

Latoya Irwin

I am a versatile and dedicated child advocate with a solid focus on the individual needs of General and Special Education students. I have taught for 26 years and served in roles such as lead coach for the department of teaching and learning at CPS, Early childhood teacher, Special education teacher, adjunct professor teaching undergrad and graduate studies in the area of early childhood and special education. I am currently wrapping up my dissertation and preparing for my defense. Through my doctoral journal I have sharpened the skill of using research and data to address root causes and to create and meet goals. I am looking forward to using my experience and skills to support other coaches to enhance their coaching crafts.