Connect With Us

Managing Director, Partnerships

My name is Jessica Sullivan-Wilson and I am the Managing Director, Partnerships for Teach for America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana. I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. My passion for education is deeply rooted in following in the footsteps of my Grandmother who was a First Grade Teacher and my Mother who was a College Professor. I have a B.A. in English and Theatre Arts Secondary Education from Elmhurst University, Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies- English from Valparaiso University, and Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University Law School. At my core, I am a connector, storyteller, and cultivator of communities that lie at the intersection of education, advocacy, policy, and equity. I have more than a decade of experience from teaching and working in the Chicagoland education community. My current role is to cultivate work with our school partners and graduate school partners in the region. Come to me with your questions about school placement, graduate school, and general information about the education landscape in our region. I’m so excited for your TFA journey!

Managing Director, Matriculation Generalist

My name is Steven Grosso and I’m the Managing Director, Matriculation Generalist for the Midwest Hub. I’m originally from Bourbonnais, Illinois (an hour south of Chicago) and attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where I studied history & psychology. My background in history and working with kids in non-profits inspired me to become a 2015 St. Louis Corps Member where I taught Freshmen English Language Arts. I’ve previously served as the point person for AmeriCorps and Licensure & Certification so feel free to approach me about those. My current role will help you navigate the onboarding experience to make sure you’re set-up for success on the first day of Pre-Service in June. Come to me with your general TFA questions!

Manager Director, Learning & Development

My name is Katie, and I am a Managing Director of Leadership Development on our Greater Chicagoland team. I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and have been passionate about education my whole life. I had several challenging experiences growing up that helped me understand how pivotal both teachers and education are in students’ lives and inspired me to go to school to be a teacher. Following this I decided to join Teach for America in 2011 because I wanted to partner with others who truly believed all students can & will succeed. I taught on both the south & west side of Chicago until I joined Teach for America Staff in 2017. I have had the privilege of working with corps members throughout my time on staff and can truly say I love my job. Getting to see the arc of the corps member experience from onboarding to alumni hood is truly such an incredible experience & I welcome you to reach out to me with any questions or support you may need.

Managing Director, Leadership Development

My name is Jetaun Whittlesey, and I am a Managing Director of Leadership Development on our Greater Chicago- Northwest Indiana team. As a 2014 TFA corps member, I’ve educated students on both the south and west sides of Chicago as a 9th and 12th grade English Language Arts and AP Literature teacher. After my tenure in the classroom, I coached and supported teachers across multiple grade levels and content areas in my capacity as a Chicago Public Schools Instructional Coach and Assistant Principal. My mission is to empower people, particularly those who work in the field of education, to be the change that they want to see in the world. I understand the importance of exploring the power of young leaders, their voice, and their increased, infinite potential when we as adults back their brilliance! Please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or need additional support. I look forward to connecting with you soon!

Managing Director, Leadership Development

Christine Nicholson currently serves as the Managing Director of Leadership development for Teacher for America’s Greater Chicago Northwest Indiana region where she supports a cohort of educators in their professional and instructional development. Her personal experience with influential educators drove her to pursue education after college. Christine began her professional journey in education in 2013 as a Teach For America corps member teaching high school English in Gary, Indiana. Her passion for instruction and leadership led her to Columbia University Teachers College where she received her masters in school building leadership and school system innovation. She continued her leadership in Gary as a founding Director of Student Matriculation and Instruction, designing post secondary pathways for students and developing a team of teachers. Chrisitne holds a BA from University of Illinois, a MA in Secondary Education from Calumet College of St. Joseph, and a M. Ed from Columbia University New York.

Managing Director, Leadership Development

My name is Whitney Knight. I’m a Managing Director, Leadership Development for the Greater Chicago Northwest Indiana region. I was born in Chicago and raised in the South Suburbs. I’m a proud Spelman College Alumna, with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. I also attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where I obtained a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. I’m a career changer! I made the pivot to education in 2012 through TNTP’s Chicago Teaching Fellows program. I began my teaching career as a high school mathematics and engineering teacher on the southside of Chicago. I initially joined Teach For America’s staff in 2014, as a Manager, Chicago Partnerships. I transitioned to the Alumni Team in 2015 and became the Director of School Leadership, working to build the capacity of current and aspiring school leaders. After 4 years in the role, I desired to make a more direct impact for kids and became a STEM Real Time Teacher Coach at a high school in Chicago. After a short time, I was promoted to Director of Instruction. I was tasked with driving a team of coaches & teachers toward our student achievement, culture, and post-secondary goals. In both of these roles, I received training and support from CT3, a professional learning organization that supports K-12 schools across the country. This led me to become the Director of Business Development at CT3, building and sustaining partnerships with school and district leaders to expand our work and impact. In July of 2023, I departed from CT3 and rejoined the TFA Greater Chicago Northwest Indiana team. I’ve centered my career around equity, dismantling oppressive systems, and advancing high-needs schools and communities. I’m excited to continue to push this work forward, coaching and developing my cohort of 1st and 2nd year corps members, in my current role.

Managing Director, Leadership Development

My name is Ben Davis (he/him) - I’m one of a team of Managing Directors, Leadership Development. I’m originally from Long Island and attended Middlebury College in Vermont. Before moving to Chicago at the end of 2022, I lived in New Orleans for 15 years, where I was an ‘07 corps member. After my corps experience, I spent 13 years with Collegiate Academies, first as an Algebra teacher and then as the founding Principal of two high schools in the network. I’m a proud husband, dad to the objectively adorable kiddo in my picture, and pet dad to 3 dogs and a mean cat. I love supporting teachers as they begin their education careers and am excited to help with your leadership development.