U-46 Welcomes New Administrators

District’s team in place for the 2024-25 school year 

ELGIN - School District U-46 is preparing for the 2024-25 school year with new leaders stepping into top administrator roles. Some of these professionals have recently joined the District, while others have been promoted from within U-46 to serve in a new position.

U-46 District and school administrators oversee schools, District-wide programs and services, collaborate with staff and teachers, and guide our families to help students achieve academic success.

“We are proud of the team we have in U-46, and the District will only become stronger with the addition of new individuals taking on key roles and longtime employees who are taking on new challenges,” said Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Lela Majstorovic. “Their energy, experience, and intelligence will benefit the District’s more than 34,000 students and their families.”

The following individuals have been named to vacant positions due to retirements, resignations, or other opportunities within the District.

Cabinet Positions

Dr. Leatrice L. Satterwhite - Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation. 

After serving for 10 years as U-46’s Director of Specialized Student Services, Dr. Leatrice Satterwhite was selected as the Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation. In her new role, she will lead the efforts to sustain a culture of inclusion and belonging for all students by working to increase academic achievement, opportunities, and access and narrowing the gaps between student groups.

As Director of Specialized Student Services and Assistant Director of Special Education at School District U-46, Dr. Satterwhite ensured compliance with federal and state mandates, developed and managed substantial grant funds, and facilitated critical disproportionality efforts. Her leadership extended to overseeing professional growth activities for more than 1,400 staff members, updating District-level special education policies to meet current rules and regulations, and piloting a teletherapy program to address bilingual service gaps.

Prior to joining School District U-46, Dr. Satterwhite served as the Coordinating Supervisor of Support Programs and Services for five years at Prince George’s County Public Schools in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She’s also held leadership roles in Chicago Public Schools.

Dr. Satterwhite earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in special education, both from Eastern Illinois University. She holds a second Master of Science in education administration from Roosevelt University, and a Doctorate in education administration from Northern Illinois University.

Executive Directors 

Mr. William J. Johnson - Executive Director of High Schools 

Mr. William Johnson joins U-46 as its Executive Director of High Schools after serving for three years as the Principal of Marlowe Middle School in Huntley Community School District 158, which is the sixth-largest middle school in the state of Illinois. A rise in state assessment scores, the successful implementation of the RULER approach for social and emotional learning, the expansion of co-curricular activities and the expansion of the District’s middle school dual language program were among his accomplishments.

Previous roles include Director of Curriculum and Instruction for grades 6-12 in the same Huntley district and the Division Chair of World Languages, Fine Arts, Business and Family and Consumer Science in Plainfield School District 202.

In addition to his educational career, which started as a Spanish teacher, Mr. Johnson served for nearly 20 years in the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. Johnson earned his Bachelor of Arts in international business and Spanish from North Central College. He holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Saint Xavier University and a master’s in educational leadership from Lewis University. Mr. Johnson is working on his Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Elementary School Principals

Ms. Lauren McDonald - Clinton Elementary School 

Ms. Lauren McDonald was the Assistant Principal at Clinton Elementary School for two years before being appointed as its Principal for the 2024-25 school year.

Her experience includes serving as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Lead at Tefft Middle School from 2019 to 2022. There, she worked with teams to develop social-emotional and academic interventions for students and created culturally responsive training for staff. She also collaborated with community partners to support school initiatives. Ms. McDonald joined U-46 after serving for eight years as a reading specialist and literacy coach in Bloomingdale School District 13.

Ms. McDonald graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Benedictine University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education. She is also a proud product of U-46.

Mrs. Katherine Stan - Principal of Coleman Elementary School

Before assuming the leadership role at Coleman Elementary School, Mrs. Katherine Stan served for five years as the Assistant Principal of Otter Creek Elementary School. There she was known for her skills with restorative behavior practices and helping to improve staff understanding of different cultures and students in trauma.

Mrs. Stan’s experience also includes serving as an instructional coach in U-46, leading teams of teachers in Title 1 buildings. She modeled lessons and coached teachers, supporting them while also ensuring their practice aligned with state standards and District goals. Mrs. Stan began her full-time career as an educator in U-46 as a classroom teacher at Channing Memorial Elementary School.

Mrs. Stan graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She received a master’s degree in teaching from Aurora University and a master’s degree in education administration from the American College of Education.

Ms. Sandra Flor-Vazquez - Principal of Hanover Countryside Elementary School 

Ms. Sandra Flor-Vazquez was hired to lead Hanover Countryside Elementary School after serving as an Assistant Principal at Glenbrook Elementary School for the past five years. There, she played a crucial role in curriculum planning, professional development, and fostering a safe and effective learning environment. She also brings a strong advocacy for integrating technology into education.

Ms. Flor-Vazquez joined U-46 in 2012 as a teacher at Creekside Elementary School. Other roles include serving as the Assistant Principal at Ontarioville Elementary School.

Ms. Flor-Vazquez earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from Columbia College Chicago, and her master’s degree in education from Concordia University Chicago.

Ms. Laura Fazio - Principal of Harriet Gifford Elementary School 

Ms. Laura Fazio was chosen as the next Principal of Harriet Gifford Elementary School after serving there as its Resident Administrator. In that role, she led the implementation of advanced MTSS systems, and enhanced the technological infrastructure and administrative efficiency. She is also skilled in crisis management, having completed comprehensive CPI training.

Previously, Ms. Fazio served as the Resident Administrator at Washington Elementary School. Before her administrative roles, Ms. Fazio was the fine arts teacher at Parkwood Elementary School.

Ms. Fazio earned her bachelor’s degree in art education and a master’s degree in educational administration, both from Northern Illinois University.

Ms. Marcella Sheler - Principal of Huff Elementary School

Ms. Marcella Sheler arrives to lead Huff after serving for four years as the Assistant Principal of Innovation at South Elgin High School. There, she was responsible for directing the Beacon Magnet Academy of Digital Media Arts, managing teacher evaluations, and leading professional development initiatives.

Before joining U-46, she held administrative roles at St. Charles East and St. Charles North high schools in St. Charles Community Unit School District 303. Those included working as an instructional support coach. Ms. Sheler started her career in education as a teacher of social studies and English across various grades.

Ms. Sheler holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Wheaton College, a master’s degree in history and political science from the University of Memphis, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University.

Ms. Lisa Cardenas - Principal of Laurel Hill Elementary School

Ms. Lisa Cardenas was appointed as the next Principal of Laurel Hill Elementary School after working for the past 10 years as the Principal of Sycamore Trails Elementary School. There, she inspired and guided a diverse team, developed comprehensive improvement plans, and fostered strong relationships with students, staff, and the community. Her expertise in data analysis, budget management, and crisis management has consistently driven academic excellence and a positive learning environment.

Prior to joining Sycamore Trails, Ms. Cardenas was a teacher at Ontarioville and Laurel Hill elementary schools, teaching various grade levels and holding leadership roles.

Ms. Cardenas holds a bachelor’s degree in bilingual/bicultural elementary education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

Ms. Mayrena Guerrero - Principal of Lincoln Elementary School

Ms. Mayrena Guerrero was hired to lead Lincoln Elementary School after serving as its Assistant Principal during the 2023-24 school year, collaborating closely with the school principal to support student success, evaluate teaching practices, and assist in developing school improvement goals.

Ms. Guerrero has worked in U-46 for nearly two decades and also served for four years as the Assistant Principal at Highland Elementary, as a classroom teacher, and as a Bilingual Itinerant, during which she developed and implemented Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.

Ms. Guerrero earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from Aurora University, a master’s degree in higher education administration from Robert Morris University, and a master’s degree in education administration from Roosevelt University. She is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Loyola University Chicago.

Ms. Natalie Poli - Principal of Lowrie Elementary School

Ms. Natalie Poli was chosen as the Principal of Lowrie Elementary School after serving for the last two years as the Assistant Principal at Laurel Hill Elementary School. There, she collaborated regularly with the school’s instructional coach, developed and implemented professional development opportunities for staff, and created an action board to help chart progress on school goals regarding core instruction, data, and attendance.

Before joining U-46, Ms. Poli was a district instructional coach for Roselle School District 12, which serves elementary and middle school students. Ms. Poli transitioned to a career in education about 10 years ago after working for several years as a paralegal and corporate recruiter and serving on her local school board.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in elementary education from National Louis University, and an education specialist degree in educational leadership and administration from Walden University.

Middle School Principals

Mrs. Jennifer Reyes - Co-Principal of Abbott Middle School 

Mrs. Jennifer Reyes will serve as the Co-Principal of Abbott Middle School for the 2024-25 school year after two years as the Assistant Principal of Freshman Success at Bartlett High School. In that role, she coordinated AVID, College Jumpstart, and the Hawk Study Center, as well as co-coordinated student support teams, facilitated all freshman events and orientations, supervised data coaching, and played a key role in academic teaming and rigor walks.

Prior to joining U-46, Mrs. Reyes served as the Assistant Principal of Student Services at East Aurora High School in East Aurora School District 131. She also served as the Dean of Students at Metea Valley High School in Indian Prairie School District 204 and Plainfield North High School in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

Mrs. Reyes started her career in education as a Spanish teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in foreign language and secondary education from Eastern Illinois University and her master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University.

Mr. Nicholas Baird - Principal of Ellis Middle School 

Mr. Nicholas Baird is leading Ellis Middle School after serving as the Assistant Principal there since 2017. His priority has been to grow social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and create a respectful educational space.

Before arriving at Ellis, Mr. Baird worked in a number of positions at Streamwood High School, including as Dean of Students, a special education teacher, and an in-school intervention coordinator. During this time, he coordinated 504 Plans, significantly reduced referrals and suspension days, and oversaw some of the school’s extracurricular activities. He also developed and implemented differentiated lesson plans that enhanced student comprehension and participation.

Mr. Baird earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a second bachelor’s degree in political science, both at Northern Illinois University. He also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at Concordia University Chicago. He is a graduate of U-46.

High School Principals

Mr. Timothy Brodeur - Principal of Bartlett High School

Before joining U-46 as the Principal of Bartlett High School, Mr. Timothy Brodeur was the Principal for three years at Caruso Middle School in Deerfield Public School District 109. There, he implemented the Caruso Way, a Tier 1 social-emotional learning initiative that positively impacted student and staff behavior. He reimagined the building leadership team to better align with the School Improvement Plan and supported the implementation of a less restrictive special education model. His efforts included a $6.5 million auditorium renovation and a school-wide remodel, significantly enhancing the learning environment.

In addition to his role at Caruso, Mr. Brodeur has been an adjunct professor at North Central College in Naperville. He also has experience as the Principal of Freedom Middle School in Berwyn South School District 100 and as an Assistant Principal at Morton West High School in Sterling Morton High School District 201.

Mr. Brodeur graduated from North Central College with a bachelor’s degree in art education. He earned a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University. Mr. Brodeur is currently working to obtain his doctorate from Concordia University Chicago.

Ms. Avelira Rodriguez Gonzalez - Principal of Elgin High School 

Ms. Avelira Rodriguez Gonzalez was selected to lead Elgin High School after serving for two years as the Principal at Waukegan High School’s Brookside Campus. Under her leadership, the school experienced an increase in the number of freshmen and sophomore students on track for graduation, an increase in daily student attendance, and improvement in the 5Essentials Survey in the areas of effective leadership, ambitious instruction, collaborative teachers, and involved families.

Other leadership roles include serving as the Assistant Principal of the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies in Evanston Community Consolidated School District 65, the Assistant Principal for student services at the Technology Center of DuPage, and the Dean of Students at Glenbard East High School District 87. Ms. Rodriguez Gonzalez began her career in education as an ELL teacher at an elementary school in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Arecibo Campus. Ms. Rodriguez Gonzalez holds two master’s degrees from the University of Phoenix - one in adult and distance learning and another in administration and supervision. She earned a master’s degree in education administration from Concordia University Chicago, as well as an Ed.D. from Concordia with a superintendent endorsement.

Mr. Jonathon Miquelon - Principal of South Elgin High School 

Mr. Jonathon Miquelon was hired to lead South Elgin High School after serving as the Principal of Clinton Elementary School for the last four years. There, he successfully guided staff, students, and community members through organizational change and focused on promoting equity through instructional practices. Mr. Miquelon managed the renovation of the school library, reduced chronic absenteeism, and achieved consistent growth in students meeting and exceeding expectations on various assessments.

Previous roles include serving as the Assistant Principal at Tefft Middle School, and as a social studies teacher at Elgin High School.

Mr. Miquelon earned a bachelor’s degree in history at Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in teaching with a special education endorsement at Northern Louis University. He holds a second master’s degree in educational leadership with a superintendent’s endorsement from National Illinois University. He is a U-46 graduate.

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School District U-46 serves families in 11 communities: Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, South Elgin, Streamwood and Wayne, as well as portions of Carol Stream, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Schaumburg, and West Chicago. In total, the District encompasses 90 square miles within the Fox River Valley, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago, and includes communities within Cook, DuPage and Kane counties. More than 34,000 preschoolers through 12th graders attend the 55 District schools and programs. To learn more, visit the U-46 website, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.