Creating possibilities for life
Tiana Bogard is a dedicated Math Teacher’s Assistant currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. With a passion for education, they hold a robust teaching certification in Robotics and Engineering, bringing a unique blend of mathematical expertise and practical engineering knowledge to the classroom. Their commitment to fostering student learning and enthusiasm for problem-solving make them an invaluable asset in the field of education.
With great enthusiasm, Ms. Roxana Sudderth joins the Leo team this year as a Spanish Teacher. She is originally from the south side of Chicago, but has lived in Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Florida. She moved back to the Windy City in 2019, and is still trying to get used to the winters again! She received a Bachelor’s in Spanish with a minor in Communications from the University of North Florida and has taught Spanish from preschool to college levels for five years and loved every bit of it. For fun, she enjoys bike riding, crafting, and exploring new parks, especially to see waterfalls. She loves guacamole, fried shrimp, and orange chicken. She and her family are big Ohio State fans; and absolutely love watching the “Buckeyes” play their hearts out every season. She looks forward to an awesome 2023-2024 school year at Leo!
Mylie Lane enjoys helping and assisting others to achieve their goals in life.She has worked at various Chicago public and charter schools, and in organizations that services children with developmental disabilities, group homes, and after school programs focused on the growth and development of individuals ages 2-21 years old. Ms. Lane obtained a Bachelors in Applied Psychology, Master degrees in Youth Development, and Elementary of education from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She is currently working at Leo Catholic High School as the Freshman Seminar teacher. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing darts.
Mr. Croce joins Leo Catholic High School having taught creative writing in Iowa City and Chicago for numerous years before pivoting to teaching high school English full-time in 2019. He believes that teaching English is, at the end of the day, a vehicle to embolden stronger, more aware, empathetic communicators (who hopefully develop a love for the art of literature). He also believes in a multi-media approach to learning while integrating social-emotional and trauma informed practices. When not at Leo, you can find Mr. Croce on a yoga mat, at a concert, or coaching.
Justin Ramirez arrives at Leo High School with a passion for academia and education having previously served as a Chemistry teacher at Epic Academy as well as a teaching assistant at the University of California, Merced, where he worked to support teaching of various courses within the fields of Engineering, Cognitive Science, Philosophy, and Mathematics. He finds tremendous merit and personal reward in having an impact on our future generation. As an undergraduate at Northeastern Illinois University, Justin pursued and accomplished a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Physics. Continuing into graduate school, he spent several years conducting research in electrochemical capacitors in addition to conductive polymers with application in wearable electronics. Ultimately, he acquired his M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and aims to share his educational, technical, and personal experience with the students at Leo High School. After spending several years outside of academia, working in nuclear energy and as an electrician, Mr. Ramirez is immensely excited to return to his passion of teaching and is truly honored for the opportunity to serve the students of Leo High School. He will be teaching Mathematics and Solar Science.
Justin Curran is a native of the south side of Chicago. He grew up in the Beverly/Morgan Park Area. He attended Indiana University on a wrestling scholarship where he earned Academic All Big Ten Honors. Following college, Mr. Curran attended Officer Candidate School for the United States army. He finished his term of service as a Captain. Mr. Curran is currently working on his master’s in education, with a specialization in Special Education. Mr. Curran will be a member of the theology staff, helping the young men at Leo on their spiritual journey. He is extremely excited to be part of such a storied educational institution and looks forward to the school’s growth. He will also help with the wrestling team.
Mr. Solis is excited to join the Leo Family. Mr. Solis brings in a lot of enthusiasm as a young Latino educator and a child of immigrants. Born and raised in Chicago has given Mr. Solis a passion for mentoring and educating the youth of Chicago. Mr. Solis previously taught for CPS and brings experience in teaching mathematics in both English and Spanish while creating culturally relevant lessons for his students. Mr. Solis hopes he can make math class fun and engaging for Leo students while helping develop community leaders.
Introducing Bria Polk, the latest addition to the Leo family as the new Biology teacher. Hailing from the south side of Chicago, she has been shaped by both public and charter school education. A top graduate of her high school class, Bria continued her academic journey at Tuskegee University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. With a passion for teaching, she has dedicated 5 years to the field of education and is currently pursuing her MAT in Secondary Education at Western New Mexico University.