Teachable moments abound at Center for Talent Development (CTD), so everyone who interacts with CTD students is an educator – from outstanding instructors to dedicated residential staff to administrative coordinators who ensure that programs run smoothly. Given CTD’s longevity, our educators also include a good number of CTD alumni!
CTD students are diverse in every aspect but one: they all love to learn. Given this commonality, they excel at exploring, understanding and appreciating one another’s differences. They share opinions, debate issues and explain worldviews. Students wealthy and not collaborate on science projects; students from every race analyze literature. They hail from every continent and all across the country – attending public schools, private schools and homeschools – and yet at CTD, they all feel at home. It is this level of comfort, combined with a healthy dose of challenge, that makes CTD the perfect place for gifted students to do what they love…learn!
All Center for Talent Development (CTD) staff, regardless of role or responsibilities, share a commitment to education, a passion for excellence and enthusiasm for serving the gifted community.
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| Randee Blair |
| Associate Director, Center for Talent Development |
| Having spent 30 years in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 as a teacher and curriculum coordinator for math and gifted education, Randee Blair is well equipped for her role as associate director of Center for Talent Development’s Saturday Enrichment Program and Gifted LearningLinks. She is an esteemed conference speaker, having presented at the National Association for Gifted Children and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She is also author of several professional development books for teachers. Today, Randee applies her expertise to enhancing the professional development of CTD instructors. She loves to witness gifted students’ creativity and enthusiasm for learning, knowing they are precursors to the innovations and accomplishments these students will produce later in life. Randee holds a master of education degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University and a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Randee spends baseball season watching Cubs games with her family and spends the rest of her free time working out at the gym, traveling to see her grandchildren, doing needlepoint and reading. Her book club recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and she has been a diehard Cubs fan even longer than that! |
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| Victoria Blanas |
| Apogee Program Coordinator |
| As Apogee program coordinator, Vicky Blanas enjoys developing positive relationships with Apogee instructors, meeting students and their parents and ensuring that students have the best possible experience in the program each summer. She loves being witness to the joy Apogee students display when learning alongside other talented students. Vicky brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She taught high school social studies for 16 years, served as department chair for five years and received repeated nominations for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching as well as a Disney Teacher Award nomination. She also led numerous educational tours overseas for high school students. Those trips, combined with her personal travels, have taken her to 25 countries on three continents. Vicky has a bachelor of arts in history from Loyola University and is currently working toward a master of arts in history, concentrating on genealogical research, through the University of Toronto. She is also a certified hypnotherapist and uses this skill to facilitate pain relief, improving people’s health and well-being. |
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| Lauren-Ashley Buchanan |
| Assistant Coordinator |
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| Chuck Chang |
| Technical Specialist |
| Someone needs to keep track of the 37,000 students enrolling in Center for Talent Development (CTD) programs each year, and Chuck Chang does it with ease...and a fair amount of technical savvy. Chuck designs and analyzes CTD’s online applications and databases, ensuring that the information needed by staff, students and their families is only the touch of a button away. He cites “nice folks, flexible hours and interesting work” as top reasons for working at CTD. A problem solver by nature, Chuck also loves that he can put his talents to work and help people at the same time. Chuck earned his bachelor of science from Northwestern University and then went on to DePaul University for a master’s degree. In his spare time, he is a traveler, photographer and tournament bridge player. For transportation, he prefers his spiffy red bike. |
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| Cynthia Cho |
| Coordinator, Gifted LearningLinks |
As a coordinator for Gifted LearningLinks (GLL), Cindy Cho supports the course instructors and ensures the smooth running of the program. She has been a classroom teacher in both the lower and middle school grades and is well versed in educational technology. She has a BA in Cognitive Science/Education from Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, a MA in Educational Technology from the Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, and a MA in Educational Administration from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Cindy is excited by the opportunity to work at Northwestern University and to be a part of an organization with such “positive energy.” She also finds it exciting to contribute to cultivating the potential within the “future thinkers and doers for our world.” When not juggling the myriad tasks of GLL, she loves to watch NHL games, especially those of the Flyers and her new hometown Blackhawks!
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| Maureen Connell |
| Leapfrog Program Coordinator |
| With three years of elementary teaching experience, Maureen Connell is well-suited to her position as program coordinator for Leapfrog, which serves students completing PreK through grade 3. She oversees Leapfrog admissions, instructor recruitment, course planning and logistical coordination, ensuring that the program runs smoothly and that participant expectations are met or exceeded. Maureen is inspired by the curious, authentic and engaged people – children and adults alike – whom she meets in her role. Given Leapfrog’s growth, she has also enjoyed being able to help an increasing number of people each of the four years she has been with the Center for Talent Development. Maureen double-majored in English and human development at Boston College, earning a bachelor’s degree there and a master’s degree in elementary education from Northwestern University. When not working at CTD, Maureen can be found running along Chicago’s streets or lakefront. Her greatest athletic achievement? Completing the Boston Marathon in less than four hours! |
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| Susan Corwith |
| Associate Director, Center for Talent Development |
| Susan Corwith is passionate about the field of gifted education and has been converting that passion into action for more than 15 years. She has held leadership roles in a number of institutions serving the gifted population and brings that experience to bear in her role as associate director for Center for Talent Development (CTD). Her primary responsibilities with CTD include overseeing marketing and outreach as well as the Summer Program, Civic Education Project and PreK through grade 3 testing. She appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the gifted education field in myriad ways: through direct contact with students and their families, program development and research. Her multifaceted role, combined with CTD’s commitment to excellence, allow Susan to feel as though she is helping to reveal gifted students’ incredible potential, which, she believes, often goes untapped. “It’s exciting to see what students can do and who they really are in an environment that nurtures and supports them,” she says. Susan holds a PhD in educational leadership and policy analysis, an MS in curriculum and instruction and a BS in secondary education, all from University of Wisconsin-Madison. |
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| Ann Gadzikowski |
| Leapfrog Program Coordinator |
Ann Gadzikowski’s affiliation with Northwestern University began as a music student. An accomplished violist, Ann majored in Music and English at NU. Although she maintains a strong interest in music, Ann went on to earn her masters from the Erikson Institute for the Advanced Study of Child Development in Chicago. Ann worked as a teacher and director of preschool programs in the Evanston community for many years, wrote a book, Story Dictation: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals, and authored and edited a variety of educational materials including curriculum guides, early readers and textbooks. So she was well prepared for her current role as coordinator of the Leapfrog Program for the Evanston and Wilmette sites and the one-week Apogee program. She is also committed: “As a parent myself, I feel that one of my primary responsibilities is to communicate with and support parents and families. I understand that parents want the very best summer experience for their child.” Ann describes herself as “bookish” and enjoys visiting libraries wherever she travels. One of her favorites: the library on Mackinaw Island – it’s housed in a cottage along the water and the back has a sheltered deck with rocking chairs facing the channel and Round Island.
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| Roxanne Greenberger |
| Director, Saturday Enrichment Program and Gifted LearningLinks |
| Sixteen years of teaching experience and six years in school administration prepared Roxanne Greenberger well for her role as director of Center for Talent Development’s Saturday Enrichment Program and Gifted LearningLinks. Her wide-ranging responsibilities include instructor recruitment, staff development and program expansion. She enjoys the stimulation of working with insightful and talented educators and loves creating courses that challenge students’ intellect and inspire them to venture into new subject areas. Roxanne also seizes opportunities to share her knowledge with fellow professional educators, presenting at conferences such as those hosted by Illinois Computer Educators, the Illinois Association for Gifted Children and the North American Council for Online Learning. Roxanne has a master of arts in education administration and supervision from University of Phoenix. She also holds a bachelor of arts from University of Cincinnati. While there, she completed course requirements for majors in four different subjects, evidence of a love for learning that continues to this day. |
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| Amy Gyarmathy |
| Coordinator, Saturday Enrichment Program |
As coordinator for the Saturday Enrichment Program, Amy Gyarmathy places students into SEP courses and makes sure the classes continue to prompt rave reviews. The needs of children have always been important to Amy, from her days as an inner-city teacher until now, as she works to provide high-quality, challenging classes to the underserved gifted population. Amy joined the Center for Talent Development (CTD) after being amazed by what her own daughter learned through participation in a CTD program and relates to the challenges that parents of gifted children can face. Her respect for parents who tirelessly provide their children with opportunities is equaled only by her admiration for children who determine that seeking knowledge is a worthy pursuit. Amy holds a bachelor of science in English education from Illinois State University and is working toward a master of arts in public policy and administration at Northwestern University.
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| Maureen Hanrahan |
| Coordinator, Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS) |
For the past 17 years, Maureen Hanrahan has been the Coordinator for NUMATS. She works closely with parents to ensure that increased opportunities are available to students as a result of participation, including summer programs, distance-learning programs, awards at school, more appropriate curriculum, accelerated courses, and sometimes grade skipping. She also works closely with the schools to encourage them to make this opportunity available. As a former teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and the former coordinator of the Center for Talent Development’s Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP) and Gifted LearningLinks (GLL) distance learning program, Maureen is an expert on the opportunities available to gifted/talented students. She feels that this program provides something worthwhile for everyone—students, parents and schools.
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| Nicole Hayden |
| Program Assistant, Summer Program |
In her role as program assistant, Nicole Hayden talks with gifted students and parents, asking insightful questions and suggesting the CTD programs and services that best suit their needs and interests. Her administrative responsibilities include processing student applications and tuition payments as well as ordering books for the Summer Program. Nicole says that her love of academic settings has prompted her to apply to Northwestern’s master’s degree program in higher education administration and policy. She holds a bachelor of arts in international studies and political science as well as a certificate in African Studies, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and enjoyed studying abroad in London, England, during her junior year. In her free time, Nicole is a jazz, modern and hip hop dancer.
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| Victoria Hutchen |
| Spectrum Program Coordinator |
| Victoria Hutchen coordinates the Spectrum program for students completing grades 7 and 8. By managing everything from admissions to program evaluation, Victoria makes certain that Spectrum students, families, instructors and staff all have a positive summer experience. As a former teacher in classrooms from kindergarten through grade 7, Victoria appreciates that the Summer Program gives gifted students opportunities to explore subjects in greater depth than time allows during the school year. Victoria admires Spectrum students for their genuine pursuit of knowledge and their desire to continually challenge themselves. Her own academic achievements include earning a bachelor of arts in anthropology and film studies from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree in elementary education from DePaul University, where she was selected to the Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society. In addition to her work at CTD, Victoria and her husband are busy raising their young daughter, a prospective Spectrum student in summer 2020. |
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| Jody Koizumi |
| Program Assistant, Civic Education Project |
As program assistant for the Civic Education Project (CEP), Jody manages day-to-day operations, corresponds with students and families and does whatever else she can to support the work of CEP staff in organizing school break and summer service-learning programs. Jody is well suited for the job, having worked in non-profit/educational settings for more than 10 years including as a middle school teacher for the Chicago public school systems and as an ESL teacher for immigrant adults. Obviously Jody has put her bachelor in arts in sociology in race and ethnicity from Macalester College and her masters in education in instructional leadership to good use. She is inspired by working with amazing CEP program staff who embody civic engagement in their personal lives and seeing kids in the programs engaged, intellectually challenged and motivated to take what they are learning back to their communities.
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| Deborah Lee |
| Summer Program Director |
| When asked in high school to be a teaching assistant for one of Spectrum's Chemistry Honors classes, Deborah Lee had no idea what an impact the experience would make on her career. She has never ventured far from the Summer Program since, teaching in public schools in the Chicagoland area and then serving as Equinox program coordinator. In her current role as coordinator of the Summer Program, Deborah works with Summer Program teachers and staff to develop high-quality programming for gifted students completing PreK through grade 12. She enjoys seeing students excel and appreciates the opportunity to further the education of tomorrow’s leaders. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and an advanced teaching credential, all from Northwestern University. Ever an educator, she spends free time teaching drawing and painting at a local community center. |
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| Mary Ellen Lydon |
| Department Assistant, NUMATS |
Department Assistant Mary Ellen Lydon is a former teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and has also worked as an editor and production manager. She assists parents and teachers when they have questions about NUMATS, and helps out on some of the CTD programs.
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| Sara (Sally) Macnamara |
| Department Assistant, Saturday Enrichment Program and Gifted Learning Links |
As department assistant for Center for Talent Development (CTD), Sara (“Sally”) Macnamara manages CTD’s academic evaluations for students in PreK through grade 3 and applications to the Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP) and Gifted LearningLinks. This job requires great attention to detail – making Sally the perfect person for the job. Whether she is scheduling appointments, greeting families, proofreading or mailing testing reports, Sally is organized, prompt and friendly. In addition to her work with the PreK through grade 3 academic evaluations, Sally processes applications and payments, answers phones and responds to general inquiries. She makes sure that office equipment and supplies are stocked and in working order, and she is the SEP point person in the Tech building at the Evanston, Illinois, location. Sally really enjoys her interactions with CTD parents and students, and she has a huge respect for her fellow coworkers, whom she rates in that top 5% -- just like CTD students!
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| Jill Manske |
| Assistant Coordinator, Civic Education Project |
| Jill Manske has been involved with service-learning and leadership development since she was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan. After graduating with a degree in biopsychology, she spent several years working with the Walt Disney Co., where she led tours, assisted with event planning, consulted on executive leadership development programs and facilitated educational programs in the Magic Kingdom. When she wasn't "making magic" at the Happiest Place on Earth, she kept herself busy with graduate coursework in counseling psychology. While earning her master's degree in higher education and policy at the University of Maryland, Jill worked in the school's Office of Community Service-Learning, implementing their first schoolwide Alternative Spring Break program. Subsequently exploring the field of outdoor experiential education in the Washington, D.C., area, she facilitated challenge course activities and camping trips. Jill has played several roles in various national youth conferences on leadership, including that of faculty advisor, office coordinator and site director. |
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| Sara Morrow |
| Program Assistant |
| As program assistant for the Summer Program, Sara Morrow helps families navigate their way from Leapfrog to Apogee, Spectrum and Equinox. She processes applications and payments, answers countless questions and ensures that staff and instructors alike have all the supplies they need. Put simply, she keeps the Summer Program running smoothly! Prior to joining Center for Talent Development, Sara’s education experience included teaching English as a Second Language for two years in Lamia, Greece, and serving as a substitute teacher and swim team coach for a junior/senior high school in Erie, Pennsylvania. Sara earned a bachelor of arts in communications, with minors in English and international studies, from The Pennsylvania State University and enjoyed a semester abroad at the University of Manchester in England. She continues to be inspired by travel and loves meeting Summer Program students, who hail from all over the world! |
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| Paula Olszewski-Kubilius |
| Director, Center for Talent Development |
| Professor, Education and Social Policy |
| Paula Olszewski-Kubilius is director of Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) and a professor in the School of Education and Social Policy. After 25 years with CTD, she is still excited to come to work each day. Paula has designed, implemented, assessed and improved outstanding educational programs for learners of all ages. She has also conducted research and published over 80 articles and book chapters on talent development issues, particularly the effects of accelerated educational programs and the needs of special populations of gifted children. By creating research-driven program models, assessing those programs and then writing about them, Paula strives to make CTD programs replicable, for even greater impact. Her own impact stretches beyond CTD through her advocacy initiatives. Paula currently serves on the board of directors of the National Association for Gifted Children and the Illinois Association for Gifted Children and serves on the board of trustees of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. She is also a member of the editorial board of Gifted Child Today and Gifted Child Quarterly. In the past, she has edited, co-edited and served as consulting editor and editorial advisory board member on numerous gifted education publications. Paula earned her master's and doctorate degrees from Northwestern University in educational psychology and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Xavier University in Chicago. Hard work and perseverance inspire her, just as she inspires the CTD staff with her own hard work on behalf of the gifted education community. |
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| Margo Pearson |
| Financial Administrator |
| Margo Pearson has a head for business and a heart for kids, which is why she has spent nearly 15 years in business positions with educational organizations. As Center for Talent Development’s financial administrator, she oversees all budget and finance related operations, including budget preparation, analysis, monitoring and reconciliation, revenue handling, payroll, accounts payable and purchasing, equipment inventory, training and compliance. Prior to joining CTD, Margo worked as business manager for the One-to-One Learning Center, a tutoring and testing facility for children with learning disabilities. Margo’s degrees are from Boston University, where she earned both a BA in mathematics and an MBA. Her spare time, she says, is spent working out in the gym, walking with friends, practicing yoga and reading. |
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| George Peternel |
| Associate Director, Center for Talent Development |
George Peternel serves as an associate director at Center for Talent Development, overseeing Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search, technology, accreditation, community outreach and several programs focusing on the needs of underserved gifted students. He takes great pleasure in stimulating the intelligent thought needed around the world and is inspired by witnessing CTD students’ genius at work. George’s gifted education expertise comes from both teaching and administrative experience, including 28 years as an elementary and middle school principal. He has taught at the college level, presented at numerous conferences, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Association for Gifted Children, and been actively involved with teachers and parents as a speaker and workshop facilitator. While mastering his craft as an educator, George has also become a rock and roll trivia expert, specializing in music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
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| Jody Rosenbaum |
| Department Assistant |
| Jody initially started working at Northwestern University in the Dean’s Office for the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP). While there, she acquired the task of handling label rentals for Center for Talent Development (CTD). Impressed with CTD’s programming, she decided to make CTD her new employment home. As a department assistant, Jody is responsible for all label rentals and data pulls, enabling gifted students to discover additional learning opportunities. She also provides coordination for special projects and helps with event planning. Jody received her bachelor of science in housing and environmental design (a.k.a. interior design) from Illinois State University, and SESP and CTD both have benefited from her space planning knowledge. Jody lives with her three kids and has enjoyed that all of them have been able to participate in CTD programs. In her spare time, Jody enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, swimming, rollerblading, reading and attending all her kids’ activities. She is proud to be a soccer mom! |
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| Veronica Ryskin |
| Program Assistant, Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search |
| Veronica Ryskin is the uber-organized program assistant for Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS). It is her keen attention to detail that enables NUMATS to assist 30,000 students each year. Though she guides thousands of families through the process of choosing and enrolling in tests appropriate to each child, Veronica forms such close relationships that families often call just to inform her about their children's progress and other family affairs. This is one of the many aspects of her job that Veronica finds rewarding. She also enjoys on-the-job problem solving and says her graduate training comes in handy, given the volume and complexity of issues she addresses. Veronica holds a master's degree in biotechnology from the Institute of Technology in St. Petersburg, Russia. She is fluent in Russian, loves gardening and has even been known to plant vegetables in the garden behind Center for Talent Development! |
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| Elfi Sanderson |
| Coordinator, Gifted LearningLinks |
| As program coordinator for Gifted LearningLinks, Elfi Sanderson deftly balances roles of manager, troubleshooter and counselor by applying skills developed during a long and illustrious career as an educator. Her 23 years of service as gifted coordinator at Bannockburn School District 106 in Illinois make Elfi the perfect sounding board and adviser to parents seeking to advocate on their children’s behalf with local schools. Her experience as a teacher for 34 years gives her credibility with GLL instructors as well, and she capitalizes on this experience when she plans staff development initiatives. Elfi is certified as an elementary teacher, special education teacher and an administrator, with a type 75 certificate. Her degrees include a master of education in educational leadership and a bachelor of arts in elementary education. She has also completed 35 hours of graduate course work in curriculum and instruction through National-Louis University. Likening teaching and working with gifted students to gardening, Elfi enjoys nurturing students according to their individual needs, and she is always impressed by how quickly and beautifully GLL students grow! |
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| Susan Stephenson |
| Manager, Marketing & Communications |
| Susie Stephenson is an award-winning writer and editor who started her career at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City, traveled around the world as a food industry editor and media relations manager and then chose to give up a very successful corporate career to devote her expertise to Center for Talent Development (CTD). As marketing manager, Susie unifies CTD’s programs under one highly respected and well known brand. Her creativity allows her to craft appealing messages, while her business sense helps her work cost-effectively and achieve desired results. It pleases her that when she does her job well, more kids benefit from CTD programs. Susie’s own education includes an MBA in marketing, finance and organizational behavior from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a bachelor of arts in English from University of Wisconsin – Madison. As an adult, she has learned to juggle, walk on stilts and swing on a trapeze. In her free time, Susie plays tin whistle in an Irish ensemble group, despite not having a drop of Irish blood in her veins. And after a high-profile career in the food industry, she also now enjoys being a “foodie” just for fun. |
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| Tammie Stewart |
| Manager, Community Outreach |
As the Center for Talent Development (CTD) community outreach coordinator for the last three years, Tammie Stewart has connected with thousands of students, parents and school personnel to educate them about Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS) and the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program. She enjoys introducing people to programs that can be academically enriching and life changing as well. She is especially passionate about providing students in financial need with opportunities and options that can lead to a future brighter than they or their parents ever dreamed possible. Prior to joining CTD, Tammie produced and edited television programs and taught television production, too. Tammie holds a bachelor of arts in communications from Northern Illinois University and is continually honing her communication skills through courses in American Sign Language and Spanish. She is active in the community, working part-time at a communal living shelter for battered women and children. For fun, Tammie has been hot air ballooning, white water rafting and skydiving. She has also flown a four-passenger Cessna airplane and is currently seeking her next adventure!
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| Christa Suk |
| Department Assistant, Saturday Enrichment Program and Gifted LearningLinks |
Christa Suk considers her role as department assistant with Gifted LearningLinks (GLL) a wonderful opportunity and appreciates that GLL gives bright students an outlet for developing their talents and individuality. She also enjoys Center for Talent Development’s fast-paced environment and commitment to its mission. As she processes applications and ensures that the program runs in an organized fashion, her admiration for GLL students grows. “I love working with students who are truly challenging themselves in their life and education,” she says. Christa graduated with a bachelor of arts in English from Purdue University. She loves to cook and says her seven-layer bars are “world famous!”
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| Christine Thom |
| Department Assistant, NUMATS |
Christine Thom is a master at management as a program assistant for Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS). But, in contrast to her former life, her managing activities these days rarely involve coordinating rehearsal schedules, planning set changes or calling shows. That was certainly not the case for the previous eight years when Christine was an Equity stage manager in Chicago. She worked for both Steppenwolf and Lookingglass theatres but says, “My home was Remy Bumppo Theatre Company for whom I stage managed 10 shows.” (Her favorites were “Man and Superman,” “Hapgood” and “Top Girls.”) Now Christine answers questions from parents, educators and students about the NUMATS program and registration process. She processes registrations, assists with mailings and helps proofread printed materials – all critical to the success of NUMATS. She came to work as a temporary employee in the fall of 2008 and happily accepted a full-time position six months later. She believes that “A good education is empowering, and what we do helps students find their optimal/customized education – the one that serves them best because it matches their ability.” Christine holds two bachelor of arts degrees, English and Theatre, from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
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| Dana Turner Thomson |
| Research Director |
| During her 10-year CTD tenure, Dana has assisted director Paula Olszewski-Kubilius with a variety of research and grant-related projects, co-authored two articles with Paula and served as assistant editor of Gifted Child Quarterly and editorial assistant for the Journal of Secondary Gifted Education. As a former program coordinator with Gifted LearningLinks, Dana enjoyed directly helping students pursue their passion for learning and ensuring that their curiosity is encouraged, fed, cultivated and treasured. Dana received a bachelor of arts in philosophy from Carleton College and a master’s degree in education, with a concentration in gifted, from Northwestern University. When not surrounded by CTD students, she receives inspiration from her two young children and their boundless curiosity about the world. |
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| Celino Ullegue |
| Assistant Manager, Marketing & Communications |
| As assistant marketing manager for nearly four years, Celino Ullegue has learned something new each day about promoting Center for Talent Development (CTD) effectively. As a result, gifted students, parents and educators are more aware of CTD’s benefits, and Celino has become a master marketer. He coordinates activities in all different media, from print pieces to the web site to special events, and he enjoys working with his bright and passionate colleagues. Celino says he is inspired by systems that properly execute their goals: recipes that produce just the right flavors, offensive lines that run winning plays and all CTD programs. Celino earned his undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Chicago, spent some time as a pastry chef and now loves making Neapolitan pizzas any chance he can get. If he won the lottery, he’d buy an Italian wood burning pizza oven…after setting up college funds for his two kids, of course. |
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| Diane Unger |
| Assistant Coordinator, Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search |
As the Assistant Coordinator for NUMATS, Diane Unger ensures that NUMATS works optimally for students, parents and educators. She answers participants’ questions, oversees the EXPLORE test that CTD administers, updates explanatory materials, and generally makes sure that everything runs smoothly. With an English Literature degree, years of experience as an editor, and an academic family background, Diane understands not only the challenges that families face in receiving the best services for their gifted children, but also how hard educators work to ensure those same services. She is continually inspired by parents and educators who are committed to providing the best options for their children/students, sometimes in the face of limited finances and time.
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| Lindsay Wall |
| Equinox Program Coordinator |
| Lindsay Wall joined the Summer Program team after a successful stint with the Center for Talent Development’s Civic Education Project. As the Equinox program coordinator, she oversees all aspects of Equinox, including student admissions, hiring of summer staff, course development and program evaluation. Lindsay’s recent work experience includes collaborating with the Cleveland Municipal School District as an Americorps volunteer and youth organizer and managing community-based projects for an international non-profit organization. She is passionate about youth development initiatives that provide young people opportunities to reach their full potential. Lindsay earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics and political science from Augustana College and a master’s degree in social work and non-profit management from Case Western Reserve University. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, baking chocolate desserts and reading the newspaper. |
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| Katrina Weimholt |
| Project Coordinator, Civic Education Project |
| Katrina Weimholt has been involved with the Civic Education Project (CEP) since its inception. Katrina has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political communication from Northwestern University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in public policy and administration. During her 10 years with CEP, Katrina has served as a program staff or administrator on numerous spring and summer service-learning programs throughout the country. Katrina also spent several years with a community-based education reform initiative on Chicago’s northeast side, where she worked with Chicago Public School teachers to help connect classrooms with the world outside the school walls. Most recently, Katrina has helped to create a network for young, Chicago-area nonprofit professionals. |
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| Aaron Whetstone |
| Financial Assistant |
Aaron Whetstone works to make Center for Talent Development (CTD) business processes run smoothly. As the financial assistant, he works closely with the financial administrator to manage CTD's revenue collection and processing, coordinates payroll and assists CTD staff with purchasing and reimbursement processes. He enjoys working with CTD staff and assisting teachers and temporary staff with necessary - and fun! - paperwork. Before moving to Center for Talent Development, Aaron worked in the Dean's Office at Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy. Aaron graduated from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, where he majored in mathematics, played collegiate soccer and learned the ins and outs of Ultimate Frisbee. In his spare time, he breeds exotic fish.
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