Jason Patera has been part of the Academy community for over 20 years, serving as a faculty member, Chair of the Music Department, Assistant Head of School, Principal, and now Head of School.
Elizabeth Cunningham is the Dean of Students as well as the Student Services Coordinator. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and a Master of Education in Special Education at Loyola University.
Elizabeth also serves as the Director of Learning Resources.
Amanda LePard joins The Academy with over 10 years of Admissions experience in independent schools. A lifelong dancer, Amanda is classically trained and received a degree in Dance and Communication from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point before moving to Chicago to pursue a professional dance career.
Sarah Langford was a high school teacher for fifteen years and is now College Counselor at The Academy. Sarah attended the University of Missouri and holds a Master of Education from The University of Illinois (Chicago).
Evan joins us with a lifelong passion for the arts and years of experience in the non-profit world. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Ferris State University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University.
Emily is a seasoned professional with multiple years of teaching experience at the Denver Center Theatre Academy. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Oklahoma.
Prior to assuming the role of Director of Strategic Initiatives, Joseph (Joe) Hulbert worked as Director of Partnerships at The Academy since the fall of 2014. Joe has over a decade of experience working at the intersection of education and community arts through his work at both The Academy and the Center for Community Arts Partnerships (CCAP), at Columbia College Chicago.
Gavin Schultz graduated from DePaul University in 2021 with a B.A in Communications. Prior to joining The Academy, Gavin worked in marketing for Do312, Phoenix Theatres, and various restaurants around Chicago.
Stacey Talbert is a Chicago native of diverse cultural background. She has a strong history in administrative and management support along with education. One of her specialties is building a positive rapport with students. Her passion is working with a team of varied backgrounds.
Libby recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied Communication Arts and Theatre & Drama. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Libby was eager to move down to Chicago to continue working in the non-profit sector while simultaneously working as an actor. She is thrilled to be joining the wonderful Academy community.
August graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2022 with a B.A. in Computer Animation. He comes to The Academy with previous experience working in design and community engagement at Columbia College and Snow City Arts. A longtime advocate for breaking down educational barriers, August is excited for the unique opportunity to continue his work in both arts education as well as the non-profit sector at The Academy.
Carly graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Acting. She has worked and acted in non-profit theatre in Chicago since 2016 and has experience in grant writing and event planning through her previous position as Managing Director of Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble. She is excited to be an advocate for arts education funding at The Academy.
