Staff & Faculty - INFINITY

Leadership

Erin Walker

About Me

Mrs. Walker has been the principal at Infinity since 2023 and had served as the AP since 2014. Prior to that, she was a CPS English teacher for 16 years. She has her Bachelor's Degree in English Education from the University of Georgia, a Master's in Teaching and Leadership from the University of Illinois, and a Master's in Educational Administration from DePaul University. Additionally, she holds an LBS-1 Certification from National Louis University. She is a rabid fan of both the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.

Salvador Venegas

Assistant Principal
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About Me

Dr. Venegas has been part of the Infinity HS team since its inception. He formed part of the school design team from 2003 - 2005 and has served as math teacher, athletics coach, and instructional team lead, Dr. Venegas earned his bachelor in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics and a masters in bilingual-bicultural education from DePaul University. Dr. Venegas earned his doctorate degree in mathematics curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois (UIC).

Administration

Isela Contreras-Ramos

School Operations Manager
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About Me

Ms. Contreras has been with the Chicago Public Schools since 1999 and has been the campus operations manager on the Infinity/LVLHS campus since 2007. She obtained her Bachelors in Business Management from Robert Morris University and her Masters in Business Administration from National Louis University. When she is not taking care of campus finances, she enjoys spending time with her new daughter, traveling, and exercising.

Juanita Saucedo

Clerk
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About Me

Ms. Juanita has been proudly serving as the Clerk for Infinity Math Science & Technology High School since June 2005. Throughout her years of service, she has had the pleasure of supporting the needs of the administration, students, parents, teachers, substitutes, and guests with a wide range of tasks. She greatly enjoys working with the Infinity Math, Science, and Technology community

Teachers

Roger Dausman

Mathematics Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Dausman has been teaching mathematics at Infinity since 2013. He teaches dual-credit precalculus, dual-credit calculus, and transitional math. He earned his bachelor's in fine art from Bradley University and a master's in teaching mathematics from UIC. Mr. Dausman enjoys chess and all kinds of puzzles - especially those that get his students thinking. When not teaching, Mr. Dausman enjoys reading, playing guitar, making art, and cooking.

Jonathan Luna

Mathematics Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Luna joined Infinity in 2021 and has been with CPS since 2017. He acquired a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from UIC and a Master of Education in Secondary Education Mathematics from DePaul University. Mr. Luna mathematics courses. He is currently the head coach for Track & Field.

Madhur Karki

Mathematics Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Karki has taught at Infinity since 2019 and teaches Geometry and Advance Algebra. He completed a Master's from DePaul University.

Kyle Birch

STEM Integration Specialist / Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Birch serves as the STEM integration specialist and has been with Infinity since 2016.

Victor Yu

Physics, Engineering, APCS, STEM Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Yu has been part of the Infinity school community since 2012. Mr. Yu teaches physics, engineering and robotics. Mr. Yu helps prepare students for robotics competitions and currently serves as the junior grade level team lead. Formerly, Mr. Yu worked for the Toyota car company as a mechanical engineer.

Todd Boatman

Web Design Teacher
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About Me

Bianca Montoya

Early College STEM Specialist
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About Me

Ms. Montoya graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021. She joined Chicago Public Schools in April 2021 and has been serving as the Early College STEM Specialist since December 2022. In her role, Ms. Montoya is committed to enhancing STEM education and supporting students in their journey through the early college program. She has successfully developed new pathways and secured valuable partnerships, reflecting her dedication to advancing educational opportunities and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Nancy Andrade

Social Science Teacher
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About Me

Ms. Andrade has been teaching at Infinity since 2013 and teaches World Studies and Academic Decathlon.

Jacob Weatherred

Social Science Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Weatherred has been teaching at Infinity since 2012 and teaches U.S. History and AP Human Geography.

Cristina Lara

Chemistry and Forensic Science
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About Me

Ms. Lara began working for Infinity in 2023, but she has been a CPS teacher since 2021. She graduated from Loyola University with a biology bachelor's degree and National Louis University with a master's degree in science education. She enjoys spending free time with her two cats, watching TV, and cooking.

Tammy Pheuphong

Science Teacher
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About Me

Ms. Pheuphong has a Bachelors in Chemistry and a Masters degree in Science Education. She teaches Chemistry and Forensic Science at Infinity. She also facilitates the Girls Who Code club after school, in partnership with Enlace.

Reza Alrifai

Computer Science Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Reza has been teaching Computer Science at Infinity High School since 2013 and has been with CPS since 2004. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from DePaul University and a Master's degree in Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.

Sarah Baumann

English & Social Studies Teacher
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About Me

Ms. Baumann has been teaching at Infinity High School since Spring of 2022. She teaches English, Civics, and Dual Credit Latin American History and U.S. Latinx History. Ms. Baumann holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Kalamazoo College, a Master of Arts in History from the University of Alabama, and a Master of Science in Education from Northwestern University. In her spare time, Ms. Baumann enjoys rooting for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago White Sox, as well as the Alabama Crimson Tide, in every sport. #RollTide

Ms. Baumann's favorite piece of literature is Tennesee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, and enjoys studying the Cold War era in her spare time.

Sarah Dickinson Coogan

English Teacher, English Department Chair
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About Me

Ms. Coogan has been teaching English at Infinity High School since 2013 and has taught everything from Freshman English to AP Literature. She currently teaches Sophomore English and Dual Credit Composition. She has a Bachelors in Education, Creative Writing, and Literary Study from Beloit College and a Masters in Creative Writing from Northwestern University. In 2021 she completed her National Board Teacher Certification. When she's not teaching, she likes to be outdoors and spend time with her family. She truly loves teaching English at Infinity and can't wait to see you all in class!

Dianne Conn

English Teacher, ELPT, Academic Interventionist

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About Me

Ms.Conn has been teaching English and Spanish at Infinity since 2015. Before teaching in Chicago, she also taught English and Spanish in Michigan, Spain, and France. She studied English and Spanish for secondary education at Western Michigan University, where she also completed a Masters in Spanish Literature and Linguistics. In her spare time, Ms.Conn loves to spend time with her family, travel, and garden.

Jeremiah Johnson

English Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Johnson has been an educator for over ten years as evidenced by his thinning hair. He appreciates grammar more than one should, and he also respects punctuality and arbitrary deadlines too much. If you are interested, he can dislocate his right digitus minimus manus upon request. He truly enjoys his time in the classroom and looks forward to supporting your academic endeavor.

Katherine Watts

English Teacher
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About Me

Ms. Watts has been teaching at Infinity since 2015. She currently teaches multiple sections of ENG II, ENG III, and Policy Debate. She earned a BA in Music with a vocal performance concentration and a BA in Theater from Denison University in 2009. She later went on to earn a Masters in Education from DePaul University in 2015. Ms. Watts is currently an active member of Infinity's LSC and ILT, and has fostered educational partnerships with The Gilder Lehrman Foundation, The Chicago Debate League, CAPE CoLab, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Education Program. In her free time she likes to make art, cook delicious food, garden, experience live theater and music, and explore all that our beautiful city has to offer.

Dana Zions

English Teacher
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About Me

Ms. Zions has been teaching at Infinity HS since 2012. She earned her Bachelors in English and teaching certification from Illinois State University and her Masters in English through the Writing Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She enjoys helping students find a love for reading. When not at work, she loves being with her family and friends, working out, gardening, practicing photography, going to the beach, and exploring everywhere with her son.

Ellie O'Connor

Spanish and English Teacher
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About Me

Ms. O'Connor has been teaching at Infinity High School since 2013. She was a double major at Fordham Univeristy in both English and Spanish and has her Master's in Secondary Education from Loyola University. She is certified K-12 in both English and Spanish and teaches both at Infinity. Ms. O'Connor also sponsors the GSA club for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. In her free time, Ms. O'Connor likes to spend time with her family, run, laugh, and watch the Chicago Cubs.

Jason Flores

P.E. & Drivers Education
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About Me

Mr. Flores has been teaching Phsyical education and Drivers education at the LVLHS campus since 2005. He has taught at all 4 schools. He started the wrestling program, helped to start the football program and is currently a Girls Soccer assistant coach.

Frankie Melendez

Dean of Climate and Culture
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About Me

Labeeba Samayoa

Visual Art Teacher
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About Me

Since 2022, Ms. Samayoa has been the Visual Art Teacher at Infinity High School but has taught PK-12 Visual Art with CPS since 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from Columbia College Chicago and a Graduate Certification in Visual Art Education from the University of Kansas. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Leadership and Cultural Management at Colorado State University. Her years of experience include art programs in public parks and art centers and providing arts access to children in rural communities. In her classes, students explore how the arts are important to critical thinking, personal identity, and community. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, nature, and puns so bad you can’t help but laugh.

Beatrize Santin

Biology Teacher
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About Me

Michael Zagorski

PE/Health Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Zagorski has been teaching at IMST since 2017. In addition to teaching, he is also the Head Football and Wrestling Coach. He has a Bachelors from NEIU with a minor in Health Education.

Carolina Bustamante

Spanish Teacher

About Me

Diverse Learners Department

Grant Petersen

Diverse Learner Teacher
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About Me

Mr. Petersen has been teaching at Infinity since 2008 and is part of the Diverse Learners department. He teaches math and science. He completed his Masters degree from Natuiinal Louis University.

Vanessa Ayala

Diverse Learner Teacher
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About Me

Ms. Vanessa has been apart of the Diverse Learning Department at Infinity since 2012. She earned her Bachelor's in Diverse Education in 2022 from Roosevely University. She currently teaches English across all grade-levels. She started the international travel program in 2017 and has traveled with students to Spain 2018, Greece 2019, Paris 2020.

Kerrie Treacy

Diverse Learner Teacher
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About Me

Ms. Treacy serves as the Case Manager of the Diverse Learners Department. She began teaching at Infinity in 2013 and has worked in Chicago Public Schools since 2000 as a special education teacher, citywide teacher mentor, and school counselor. She earned her B.S. in Special Education from Illinois State University - Go Redbirds! - and has an M.Ed. from Loyola University.

Amanda Pohrebny

Diverse Learner Teacher

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About Me

Ms. Pohrebny is starting her second year at Infinity MST High School the fall of 2024, but has worked in schools since 2013. She earned her Bachelor's of Education from Aurora University and earned her LBS I Endorsement from University of St. Francis. She recently completed her ESL and Bilingual (Spanish) Endorsements at the University of St. Francis. Ms. Pohrebny absolutely loves being a part of the Infinity Community, and she can't wait to continue to create meaningful relationships and foster academic success with her students in the classroom.

Martha Ayala

Diverse Learner Teacher

About Me

Ms. Treacy serves as the Case Manager of the Diverse Learners Department. She began teaching at Infinity in 2013 and has worked in Chicago Public Schools since 2000 as a special education teacher, citywide teacher mentor, and school counselor. She earned her B.S. in Special Education from Illinois State University - Go Redbirds! - and has an M.Ed. from Loyola University.

Maria Piscitelli

Special Education Teacher- Bilingual/ESL

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Maria Ranieri

Special Education Teacher & Academic Interventionist

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About Me

Ms. Ranieri has been working in CPS since 2017, and began at Infinity in 2020. Ms. Ranieri is one of our Special Education teachers, as well as one of our Academic Interventionists. She earned her Bachelors in Special Education as a Learning Behavior Specialist from Illinois State University.

Margarita Macias

Special Education Classroom Assistant
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About Me

Ms. Margarita Macias-Rosiles joined the Infinity HS community in 2018. Ms. Macias serves as a Special Education Classroom Assistant (SECA) and her school role has profoundly influenced her career path. Her work as a SECA has inspired her to pursue higher education with the goal of becoming a Special Education Teacher. Ms. Macias is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, not only within the classroom but also for the entire school community. Ms. Macias believes in the power of education to uplift and empower, and is excited to continue her journey to make a meaningful impact in the field of special education.

Maria Macias

Special Education Classroom Assistant

About Me

Giovanni Hernandez

Special Education Classroom Assistant

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About Me

María Sánchez

Special Education Classroom Assistant
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About Me

Angel Contreras

Special Education Classroom Assistant

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About Me

Kyara Gutierrez

Special Education Classroom Assistant

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About Me

Student Support

Jeannette Perez

Professional School Counselor
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About Me

Ms. Perez is a CPS graduate and southside native. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology & Media Studies from Roosevelt University and Masters Degree in Counseling from National Louis University.

Amy Y. Soto

School Social Worker
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About Me

Mrs. Soto has been a Chicago Public School Social Worker since 2008. She has been working with Infinity Math Science and Technology since 2009 part time and has been the full time social worker for the past 3 years. As a school social worker, Mrs. Soto provides social emotional support, links students and families to needed resources and provides tier interventions.

Marina Barboza

College and Career Coach
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About Me

Ms. Barboza is the College and Career Coach at Infinity MST HS. She holds a B.A. in History/Latin American Studies from Dominican University and an M.Ed. from DePaul University in Bilingual/ Bi-Cultural Education. As a first-generation college student, Ms. Barboza understands many first-generation and underrepresented students' challenges and fears. She enjoys helping ALL Infinity students and parents navigate the world of higher education. Fun fact: Ms. Barboza is an avid TEA drinker and lived in London, England

Joaquin Leyva

Miscellaneous

About Me

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