Meet Ellen

Ellen has been an involved parent for all four of her children, all of whom attended CPS K-12 schools. As an education professional, she taught 3rd grade at Hartigan and Dulles Elementary Schools, served as a Local School Council parent representative and chairwoman, and served on the Local School Council Advisory Board. Ellen’s dedication to education goes even further—she currently works as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist at CPS and helps run a Parent University.

Ellen has a personal connection to CPS as a parent, a teacher, and a community member. She has seen firsthand where CPS has been successful and where they face challenges. Her belief is that every child, regardless of income, race, religion, or circumstances, deserves a safe, rigorous, high-quality education. In her 30 years as an education professional, she has witnessed children and families thrive at CPS, while others struggle. Ellen’s diverse experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the education system, particularly in Chicago Public Schools.

Ellen resides in Northcenter on the North Side of Chicago with her husband, Paul, and four children, all CPS graduates. She earned her  Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Arizona State University and her Master of Education from the University of Illinois At Chicago.