The Gary Comer College Prep Team (alphabetical):
Specialized Services Coordinator/Instructor: Shalema S. Blue
College(s): University of Minnesota B.S.; Minnesota State University, Mankato M.A.
Shalema Blue is the specialized services coordinator and specialized services instructor at Gary Comer College Prep. She previously worked in two district-level leadership roles in Minneapolis, including a role as special services (special education) coordinator for Hopkins Public Schools. Ms. Blue received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and master’s of arts, special education (SLD and EBD) from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She considers herself a servant educator and servant leader invested in and committed to the long-term academic success of all students. Ms. Blue is honored to be working on behalf of students and families at Gary Comer College Prep with an outstanding team of professionals.
Math Teacher: Nicole Cooley
College(s): St. Olaf College B.A.
Nicole Cooley is one of the algebra teachers at Gary Comer College Prep. She graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in German and political science. Before joining the Noble Street team, Ms. Cooley taught middle school social studies in St. Louis through Teach For America. While in St. Louis, Ms. Cooley also served her school as the girls’ basketball coach and drama club leader, and was the social studies Team Leader for Teach For America — St. Louis. Ms. Cooley looks very forward to being part of a community of hard-working, passionate and dedicated teachers, who are focused on helping all students see and meet their potential.
Physics Teacher: Chris Carlson
College(s): Indiana University B.S.; National-Louis University M.A.
Chris Carlson is the physics teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Carlson was awarded his bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University and his master’s in teaching from National-Louis University. For the past two years Mr. Carlson has been working in West- and South-side schools teaching biology, earth/space science and physiology. He was a Teach For America corps member and recruiter, where he made significant contributions to student achievement and bringing in other dedicated educators. As a first-year teacher he was nominated for the CPS Golden Apple Award. Mr. Carlson is committed to ensuring each of his students will be capable of success in their college education.
Dean of Operations: Adetokunbo Fatoke
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; University of Illinois at Chicago M.Ed.
Adetokunbo “Ade” Fatoke, Gary Comer College Prep's dean of operations, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s in instructional leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Before joining the Noble team, Mr. Fatoke was an admissions counselor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mr. Fatoke attended Paul Revere Elementary School and currently resides in the same neighborhood as Gary Comer College Prep. He believes that Noble Street is the answer to helping students believe that college is a reachable goal.
Literature Teacher: Nicole Gealy
College(s): Indiana University B.A.
Nicole Gealy is the literature teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Gealy received her bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from Indiana University. Before joining the Noble Street team, Ms. Gealy was a Teach For America corps member in St. Louis, where she taught middle school English. Ms. Gealy also has worked for Teach For America as a corps member advisor at their summer training institute. This past year, she worked at Empire Gardens Elementary School in San Jose, Calif., as a School Improvement Fellow. In this position she worked with teachers and mid-level leaders to initiate schoolwide changes and ensure quality classroom instruction. She is excited to teach on a team of committed, talented teachers, and is dedicated to the success of each student.
Technology/Early College Scholars Teacher; Head of Community Service: Mike Huguelet
College(s): University of Iowa B.A.; Loyola University M.Ed.
Mike Huguelet is the technology/early college scholars teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s degree in school counseling from Loyola University Chicago. Mr. Huguelet began his career as a history teacher at a junior high school in Minneapolis. Most recently, he ran the Visitation Scholarship Program in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, which provides scholarships for students to attend Catholic high schools. Mr. Huguelet also had a brief career as a professional mascot for the Quad City Steamwheelers in the Arena Football League. He looks forward to helping establish a model high school for Chicago while at the same time revitalizing the Grand Crossing neighborhood.
Specialized Services Teacher: Tiara Jordan
College(s): Ohio University B.S.
Tiara Jordan is one of the specialized services teachers at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Jordan received her bachelor’s degree in special education (mild to moderate disabilities) from Ohio University. There she was a member of the women’s track and field team, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Student Council for Exceptional Children, NPHC and Order of Omega. She has spent time working with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint (Michigan), mentoring young girls through the SMART Girls program. Ms. Jordan is eager and excited to move to Chicago to start her career at Noble Street with a team of very accomplished individuals.
Math Teacher: Gavin Lamb
College(s): University of Notre Dame B.A.
Gavin Lamb is one of the algebra teachers at Gary Comer College Prep. He also is a football coach. Mr. Lamb received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and earned his teaching certification at Dominican University in Chicago, where he is currently pursuing his master’s in teaching. While a student at Notre Dame, Mr. Lamb helped found Slice of Life, an after-school tutoring program in South Bend, Ind. He moved to Chicago in 2005 and for the past three years has taught fifth grade at CICS Wrightwood on the South Side.
Dean of Students: Linda Mendez
College(s): University of Kansas B.A.
Linda Mendez is the dean of students at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Mendez received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. She is making the move to Chicago from Houston, where she has spent the last year supporting fifth- to 12th-grade English teachers as a program director for Teach For America. Before her work at Teach For America, Ms. Mendez taught high school English in Houston, Texas, and worked as a victim advocate for the Kansas Department of Corrections. She is thrilled to be part of the Noble team and is excited to meet the college class of 2016!
English Teacher: Rachel Seymour
College(s): Northwestern University B.A.; Loyola Marymount University M.A.
Rachel Seymour is an English teacher at Gary Comer College Prep. Ms. Seymour received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her master’s degree in secondary teaching from Loyola Marymount University. Before joining the Noble team, Ms. Seymour worked at two different high schools, both of which served students from South Los Angeles, Calif. Initially, she taught English as a second language and English at Fremont High School. This past year, she was the 10th-grade English teacher and ethnic studies teacher at Ánimo Justice Charter High School. Ms. Seymour has also worked as a corps member advisor at Teach For America's summer training institute. She looks forward to relocating to “sweet home” Chicago and reuniting with family and friends.
Dean of Discipline: Gerald Stewart
College(s): Chicago State University
Gerald Stewart is the dean of discipline at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Stewart served in the U.S. Army for three years before going on to pursue his bachelor’s degree. Mr. Stewart worked previously at Walter Payton College Prep, where he served as security supervisor. In that role he supervised a team of officers, worked closely on discipline and safety concerns, and helped put into practice a school culture where education was seldom disturbed. Mr. Stewart’s passion for mentoring and professionalism will go a long way in serving the students, family and staff of Gary Comer College Prep. He is excited to be a part of a team striving for excellence in education, community and maturity.
Physical Education Teacher: Orlandus Thomas
College(s): Chicago State University B.A.
Orlandus Thomas is the physical education/health teacher and boys’ basketball coach at Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Thomas received his bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University and is pursuing his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Prior to joining the Noble family, he served as a special education teaching assistant in the Crete-Monee School District. He enjoys spending free time with his wife and three children. Mr. Thomas is excited about the opportunity to share his compassion for students, their success in college, and a commitment to lifelong fitness/healthy lifestyle with a determined and motivated team of colleagues, family and community members.
Social Worker: Melissa Wade
College(s): University of Maryland B.A.; University of Chicago M.A.
Melissa Wade is the social worker at Gary Comer College Prep. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in English language & literature and Afro-American studies. She received her master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago. Ms. Wade brings more than five years of experience working with young people as a social worker, counselor, teacher and mentor. Her interests and accomplishments span from guiding teens through acute family trauma to helping students overcome issues with poverty, anger, self-esteem and loss. On any given day, expect to see Ms. Wade wearing 50 different hats and moving at 50 mph—she is a busy bee with a heart of gold!
Nonfiction Literature/Social Studies Teacher: Brian Wittenwyler
College(s): University of Illinois at Chicago B.A.
Brian Wittenwyler is proud to be the founding nonfiction literature/social studies teacher for Gary Comer College Prep. Mr. Wittenwyler graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in the teaching of history. In his five years with Chicago Public Schools, Mr. Wittenwyler has enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for learning and helping students develop connections between current events and history. He spent much of his time at Crane High School working with students outside of the classroom on programs such as Close Up and Academic Decathlon. Mr. Wittenwyler also has spent time developing projects focused on improving student achievement. When not teaching, Mr. Wittenwyler enjoys gardening and spending time with his family.