Mrs. Amanda Patti, Associate Superintendent of Equity, Innovation and Accountability
Mrs. Amanda J. Patti is a lifelong resident of Waukegan and a WHS Graduate. She has fifteen (16) years of experience in the field of education, ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Mrs. Patti holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts Degree in Reading with an emphasis on foundational literacy from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Curriculum from American College of Education.Throughout her years at WPS60, she has served as a first grade classroom teacher, a reading specialist, a Response to Intervention coach, an Assistant Principal, the Early Childhood Coordinator, and the Director of Federal Programs. Currently, Mrs. Patti serves as the Associate Superintendent for School Leadership and Development (Area II) in Waukegan Public Schools. Mrs. Patti has led work on close reading, balanced literacy, school and district improvement planning, as well as coaching principals on the implementation of best practice aligned to Common Core Standards. As a certified trainer on formative assessment, she has also supported the work of grade level and content teams on the use of data to improve instructional delivery.
Dr. Josue Cuevas, Chief Information and Technology Officer
With more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology, Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Senior Management in the higher education industry, Dr. Josue L. Cuevas brings unique insight and expertise to his position as Chief Information and Technology Officer.
Dr. Cuevas was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on June 7, 1976. He graduated from Leonides Morales High School in Lajas, Puerto Rico in June 1994. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico at San German campus in December 1998. He obtained a Master Degree in Computer Science in March 2002 and a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education in August 2008 from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Cuevas is a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and a data quality specialist.
During his professional career, Dr. Cuevas has worked as IT Director for Nova Southeastern University, Associate Vice-President at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and as a Business Consultant for Informatica Corporation and the CSC Consulting Group. Dr. Cuevas has experience on building project management offices (PMO), IT disaster recovery plans, SharePoint, E-Learning platforms, service level agreements (SLAs), software and hardware implementations. Furthermore, since 2003 to the present Dr. Cuevas has been an adjunct faculty member at Nova Southeastern University, Broward Community College, and National University.
In his free time, Dr. Cuevas enjoys spending time with his wife Mariana and daughter Emma. He loves to read about IT, Finance, process improvement, and has a passion for international food.
Dr. Jacqueline Menoni, Area Superintendent for School Leadership & Development
Jacqueline is a dedicated instructional leader with ten years of principal experience leading Chicago's schools and teaching experiences across a variety of instructional models such as: neighborhood, magnet, gifted, and International Baccalaureate at both the elementary and high school levels.
Jacqueline holds an EdD in urban educational leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA in educational leadership. She participated in the Civic Leadership Academy Fellowship at University of Chicago's Center for Effective Government, she was selected as an Ally for the Cahn Leadership Fellowship at Columbia University, and she participated in a one-year literacy fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
In addition to leading her school, Jacqueline has been an adjunct professor within the PhD program at DePaul university and the EdD program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
In her free time, Jacqueline is a competitive runner, an avid reader, and enjoys spending time with her son.
Dr. Shanele Andrews, Area Superintendent for School Leadership & Development
Dr. Shanele Andrews brings 21 years of dedicated educational experience, having excelled in various key roles including Assistant Principal, Math/Science Department Chair, and Teacher. For the past 8 years, she has served as the Principal of Orr Academy High School, where she has significantly improved instructional outcomes, established a robust student intervention system, and enhanced the school’s culture. Dr. Andrews is deeply committed to continuous improvement, designing personalized professional development plans, and utilizing data-driven decision- making to strengthen school leadership and educational practices. Dr. Andrews is recognized for her commitment to developing educational leaders, having mentored new principals and fostering the growth of educational professionals throughout the community.
Ms. Jennifer Rice de la Sanchez, Director of Teaching & Learning (K-12)
Ms. Elisabeth Ambroiggio, Director of Bilingual and Multicultural
Dr. Gregory Bublitz, Director of Diverse Learners
After I received my Bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism at Loyola University Chicago in 1992 and a Master’s in Writing at DePaul University in Chicago in 1996, I knew that I wanted to help others with barriers to their education. I enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University for a Master’s in Special Education and graduated in 2003. During this time, I worked as a paraprofessional and as a teacher in therapeutic days schools and adult education throughout Chicago.
Upon Graduation from NEIU, I began my Public School career in East Maine SD 63 at Gemini Junior High in Niles, Illinois as a resource Teacher. Over the next 15 years at East Maine, I served as a Resource Teacher, Special Education Facilitator, and Director of Special Services. During my tenure in SD 63, I finished my Dissertation and Doctorate at Loyola in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Last year, I served as the Director of Student Services in Lyons SD 103. I am incredibly excited to start my 8th years as a special education administrator here as your Director of Diverse Learners for School Year 2020.
Mr. Eric Christianson, Director of Academic Support Programs
Mr. Christianson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Winona State University in 1991. He served as a band director in Iowa and Minnesota before coming to Abbott Middle School as a band and music teacher in 1996. After earning a Masters of Education degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, Mr. Christianson became the assistant principal at Abbott Middle School in 2004 and went to the district office in 2007.
In 2008, Mr. Christianson led the creation of the Welcome Center to be a "one stop shop" for families who are new to Waukegan to register for school, incorporating services from various departments to assist in student placement for bilingual needs, diverse learner needs, medical compliance review, and homeless assistance. His department also provides much of the state reporting for student data and calculates enrollment and schedule section projections for the schools.