Ms. Clarke has BSE in Communication Disorders from University of Arkansas, a MAT in Special Education from National Louis University, a CAS in Administration from National Louis University, an EdS in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University, and is working on an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. Ms. Clarke began her teaching career in a large suburban school district in Illinois teaching children with significant emotional needs and well as learning disabilities at the junior high level. In that district, Ms. Clarke spent time teaching younger elementary students with multiple special needs. Ms. Clarke has served within public schools over twenty years as an administrator starting first as a building leader at a middle school and then at three elementary buildings, and then moved to central office as a coordinator, director, and assistant superintendent.

Ms. Bhardwaj has served as the Director of Student Services in District 102 since 2018. Prior to this, she spent nine years as an elementary principal in the district. She has also held the roles of assistant principal, instructional coach, dean of students and classroom teacher at the middle school level during her more than twenty-five years in education. Ms. Bhardwaj earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Elementary Education from Illinois State University and received her Educational Specialist degree from Northern Illinois University. 

Ms. Cox leads the directing of the overall financial management and direction of the business operations of the district. Before joining The Exceptional Learners Collaborative in July 2021, Ms. Cox served as the Accounting Manager for Aptakisic-Tripp CCSD #102 since 2012. Prior to this, she spent over three years as their Payroll Specialist in the district. She has also held a wide range of accounting and finance positions during her more than twenty-five-year career. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.

Mr. Graham has a Bachelors of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Keller's Graduate School of Management.  Mr. Graham began his career in educational technology first as a repair technician and then as a technology manager for a large high school district in Illinois.  In these roles, he learned the values of serving the school community with grace and patience and is excited to bring this service to Exceptional Learners Collaborative.

Mr. Medina has a BS in Special Education from Illinois State University, MA in Reading Education from National Louis University, and an EdS in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. Mr. Medina began his teaching career in a private therapeutic day school serving students with significant emotional and behavioral needs at the elementary school level before moving to the public school setting. Upon entering the public school setting, Mr. Medina gained experience as a district office coordinator and assistant director for early childhood and elementary school levels. Since joining the Exceptional Learners Collaborative, Mr. Medina continues his administrative experience in the high school and transition setting supporting students with a variety of needs including significant emotional needs, ASD, and multiple special needs. 

Ms. Burgess has a BA in Elementary Education from Trinity International University, LBS-1 from Western Illinois University, and an MA in Education Leadership from Aurora University.  Ms. Burgess began her teaching career in a large suburban public school, teaching General Education elementary-aged students for eleven years.  She then moved into administration as an Assistant Principal and Special Education Supervisor.  Ms. Burgess has supported students in General Education and Special Education from preschool through elementary school levels, with a wide range of disabilities.  She is excited to join the ELC and support the students and families in District 96.

Ms. Goldberg attended District 96 as a student herself and she is excited to return to her roots. Ms. Goldberg earned her BA in Special Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her MA in Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University. She began her teaching career as a Special Education Teacher and Assistant to the Principal in Glenview School District 34. For the past several years, Ms. Goldberg has worked in Los Angeles in a variety of different positions. She has held roles as Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Director of Special Education for ages Pre-K through 8th grade. Outside of school, Ms. Goldberg has been involved with Buddy Baseball, a recreational baseball league for individuals with disabilities, for two decades.  

Ms. Lamb has a BS of Science in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University, a MA in Reading Instruction and a MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. During the past twelve years, Ms. Lamb has held various titles in education including Special Education Teacher, Reading Specialist, Dean of Students, and Division Leader of Special Education. Ms. Lamb is excited to bring her passion for education to the ELC and Stevenson High School. 

Ms. Robbins is passionate about inclusive school communities where all students can thrive through learning and connection. Over the past 20 years in education, Ms. Robbins has served in various roles, including Teacher, School Psychologist, Assistant Principal, and Social-Emotional Wellness Coordinator within both general education (District 230 in Orland Park, IL, and Summit School District in Frisco, CO) and therapeutic day school settings (North Shore Academy/True North Educational Cooperative). With each role, Ms. Robbins utilizes collaborative leadership to engage in continuous improvement to ensure academic and social-emotional best practices are embedded in daily practice with students and families. Her degrees are from the University of Illinois (BA in Secondary Education), Loyola University (Ed.S in School Psychology), and Concordia University (Master's in Educational Leadership). Building strong and meaningful relationships is at the heart of Ms. Robbins' work within education. She brings her commitment to these values to the ELC and Stevenson High School