Kristin Baldino
Director of Academic Achievement
Email
Kristin Baldino holds an M.A.T from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Her career in education began in Redwood City, California where she taught first and second grade for eight years. As a natural extension of her teaching talent, Ms. Baldino participated in the Literacy Collaborative, a long-term professional development program focusing on early literacy skills and served as a district mentor teacher, supporting and coaching teachers new to the district. In 2002, she accepted her first administrative position with Chicago International Charter Schools. As Primary School Team Leader, she served as an instructional coach and teacher trainer, supervising and mentoring a team of eight teachers.
Most recently, Ms. Baldino spent five years as the Director of CICS West Belden. During her tenure, her team worked to create a positive school culture and raise student achievement as test scores increased from the 53rd percentile in 2005 to the 92nd percentile in 2011. CICS West Belden consistently met Academic Yearly Progress (AYP) under her guidance and currently ranks as the number one performing charter school in the city of Chicago. Ms. Baldino’s work at Ohio State University and her ongoing work with charter schools in Chicago form the basis for her belief that a strong primary literacy foundation and a commitment to developing teacher capacity are essential to raising student achievement and closing the achievement gap amongst inner city school children.
Katie O’Connor
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Email
Katie O’Connor received a B.A. from Miami University and a Masters of Education from DePaul University. Ms. O’Connor spent eight years as both a teacher and Elementary Team Leader at CICS Bucktown. Prior to joining Distinctive Schools, she was a Literacy Specialist, working for seven Chicago charter schools. In each role, Ms. O’Connor has been able to put her love for teaching literacy into practice through consistent collaboration with colleagues. Her expertise in literacy instruction and learning standards has also launched the creation of meaningful professional development sessions for Distinctive Schools teachers. Ms. O’Connor is currently pursuing a Masters degree in School Leadership from Concordia University.
Karin Breo
Director of Special Programs
Email
Karin Breo, B.A. Illinois State University, taught second grade at CICS Bucktown for seven years before serving as Fine Arts Team Leader. Ms. Breo’s ability to advocate for students and the school community was soon evidenced as she built and directed the after school program at CICS Bucktown. In her role as Coordinator of After School Programs, Ms. Breo established several solid partnerships with outside providers, giving students a wide variety of life experiences. She is passionate not only about finding programs that will benefit students and families, but also about implementing and advancing these agendas. Ms. Breo is currently working towards her Masters in School Leadership from Concordia University.
Scott Frauenheim
Director of Student Services
Email
Scott Frauenheim obtained his undergraduate degree from Johnson & Wales University and attended Rutgers University for Education and Teaching programs. In addition to his role of Coordinator of Student Services, Mr. Frauenheim serves as Dean of Students at the CICS Bucktown Campus. Experienced in both elementary and secondary educational settings, Mr. Frauenheim also served as a Director of Student Activities and Athletics for a K-8 elementary school. His familiarity with fundraising, development, facilities, transportation and coaching, both at the school and district level, make him a valuable resource for students and parents. Mr. Frauenheim is currently attending National Louis University in pursuit of his Masters in Education- Supervision and Administration.
Amanda Rychel
Director of Instructional Support
Email
Amanda Rychel graduated from Mount Union University with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and received her Masters of Education in Language, Literacy and Specialized Instruction from DePaul University. Ms. Rychel worked as a kindergarten assistant at CICS Bucktown and a special education teacher at CICS West Belden prior to serving as Lead Case Manager at CICS West Belden, where she created and facilitated a Response to Intervention model. Ms. Rychel is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Educational Leadership at Concordia University.
