Jonas Cleaves Founding Dean of Discipline
Jonas G. Cleaves was born and raised in Chicago, IL. After high school, he joined the United States Army Reserves and enrolled in college. He was called to serve our country in active duty, which included a 14 month deployment to Kuwait/Iraq. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army (2007) after serving 8 years. He resumed his studies at Northeastern Illinois University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Recently, he worked in the non-profit sector assisting young adults who were recently released from prison in obtaining employment. Jonas is also actively engaged with the youth at his church. He is excited to help prepare and motivate “future leaders.”
Lauren Craft Founding Dean of Students
Mrs. Craft, a native of South Bend, Indiana, attended the University of Notre Dame. In 2005, she graduated with a degree in American Studies and Computer Applications. After two years of teaching in Memphis, TN with the Alliance for Catholic Education, she earned a Master’s Degree in Education. She moved to Chicago to work at the Knowledge Is Power Program: Ascend Charter School for the 2007-2008 school year. Following her career as a teacher, Mrs. Craft worked at KPMG as a college recruiter, where she brought in many high school students to educate them on accounting careers. It was at KPMG where she met Noble Network Students and decided to move back into a positive, successful, educational environment.
Roxana Flores Founding Administrative Assistant
Roxana Flores was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and raised on the North side of Chicago, IL. She graduated from the original Noble Street Charter High School Campus in 2005. Roxana is continuing her education and is working toward her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. Her biggest inspiration is her daughter Anaya. Roxana has been working in the corporate sector for the last few years, but is interested in making an impact in the lives of others. Roxana’s exceptional customer service and organizational skills are fully utilized in her role as Administrative Assistant. Her wealth of knowledge is an asset to Muchin College Prep.
Sarah Gagle
Assistant Dean
Sarah Gagle is from Lafayette, Indiana. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN in 2006, where she majored in English Literature. As an undergrad, she worked as a tutor at DePauw’s writing center and with teacher recruitment and preparation as a Teach for America campus campaign manager. For the past four years, Sarah has been teaching reading and writing in Bronx, New York while also earning her M.A. in education from Hunter College. When she is not at Muchin College prep, Sarah can be found at DePaul University, where she is a first-year student in the Masters of English program and Graduate Assistant in the Writing Center. Although Sarah is not in the classroom as a teacher this year, she is energized by the creative and rigorous instruction and advisement of her colleagues on a daily basis.
Kimberly Neal
Founding Principal
Ms. Neal is a native St. Louisan. Ms. Neal earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She began her career in education as a Teach for America corps member teaching Language Arts in St. Louis, MO at Vashon High School. While in St. Louis, she earned a Master of Social Work from Washington University. Ms. Neal then moved to New York City where she was an administrator, disciplinarian, social worker, and dean of students and families. During that time she earned a Master of Education and School Building Leader Certification (NY), Teachers College-Columbia University. She moved to Chicago to found Muchin College Prep. Ms. Neal's passion for education has definitely been an inspiration to others. And she truly feels that all of the students at Muchin College Prep will certainly be destined for greatness.
Laura Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant
Laura Rodriguez was born and raised in the South side of Chicago, IL. She graduated from Kelly High School in 2004, and graduated from Fox College December 2009. She received her Associates Degree from Fox and is now a certified Administrative Assistant. Laura is continuing her education and working on finishing her general education courses in order to transfer to a university in the future. She is still unsure of what career she is interested in but she believes she is on a journey to find herself. She is excited to have recently joined the Muchin Staff and is looking forward to making the future years the best.
Yara Shadid
Program Specialist
Yara Shadid was born and raised Chicago and has just started her second year at Muchin College Prep. As a college student, she enjoyed being involved in many cultural clubs which led her to travel abroad to Cairo, Egypt and do her research for her senior year. After attending UIC and graduating with an Anthropology degree, Yara was an AmeriCorps Project Yes! member and served her year at Knowledge Is Power Program: Ascend on the West side. That is where she was introduced to the Noble schools and made it her goal to work alongside a dedicated and hardworking staff. Ms. Shadid is slowly finding her groove in the education world and is currently in the process of going back to school to get a Master’s degree in Education. Yara is enthusiastic and is passionate about helping her students grow and learn to reach their full potential. She is very pleased to be a part of the Muchin College Prep team and is looking forward to another successful year with both staff and students.
Tanesia Simmons Founding Dean of Operations
Tanesia Simmons, Muchin College Prep’s Dean of Operations comes to Chicago via St. Louis, MO. After graduating high school, Mrs. Simmons went on to become a licensed cosmetologist. While pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Harris-Stowe State College, she was fortunate enough to combine the two fields that she loved, cosmetology and business, into a successful career as a salon manager. When the opportunity to relocate to Chicago and be a part to the founding Administrative team at Muchin College Prep arose, Mrs. Simmons jumped on it. She is very eager to use the skills that she has acquired over the years to ensure that the students, and staff, at Muchin have all of the materials necessary to begin their journey into excellence.
Dionte Thigpen
Assistant Dean of Discipline
Dionte Thigpen was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, IL. After graduating from high school, he obtained a basketball scholarship to Olney Central College and Northeastern Illinois as a student athlete. Mr. Thigpen joined the United States Army to serve his country, before being honorably discharged. He felt it was it was important to father his Education and help direct youth to healthy life styles. He has since pursued a Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Governors State University. Dionte worked as a Teacher Assistant in Special Education high schools for seven years. Working with youth is where he found himself in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Education to continue to guide outstanding youth to their dreams.
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