Mr. Morgan-Dunham:
Mitch Morgan-Dunham–who also goes by Mr. MD–is the new Associate Dean of College Counseling. In addition to his role in college counseling, he is a dorm parent in Warner and will coach JV boys’ volleyball in the spring. As the Associate Dean, he largely helps students with their college applications and decision-making process from the second-semester junior year through the end of senior year. Morgan-Dunham has been in college admissions and counseling for the past 11 years, spending five years in admissions at Lake Forest College and, since then, working in counseling at a college access organization called the Schuler Scholar Program. He first found out about LFA from Andrew Poska, Dean of College Counseling, in 2019 while touring schools and has been interested in working at LFA since. The senior retreat has been his favorite part of the community; he observed students in their “natural habitat.” He is excited to help and “support students in many different facets” with their college applications.
Ms. Choi:
Seoyoun “Stella” Choi will be teaching Computer Science and Conceptual Pre-Calculus this school year. She recently graduated from New York State University with a degree in Computer Science. In addition to teaching, Choi is taking on the role of girls’ swimming coach, bringing her passion to the team. Her favorite aspects of LFA are the beautiful campus and diverse community. She expressed the sentiment that “everyone at LFA is so nice”. She was born and raised in South Korea, Choi pursued her education in California as a transfer student, then completed high school in Canada, and went to college in New York. Through these experiences, she appreciates the global nature LFA possesses through international students. Choi stated, “I’m excited to share all my ideas and see how students interpret Comp Sci”. Her new role reflects the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award given to LFA in 2023. This honor was only given to 225 schools internationally and reflects when there are 50% or higher female exam takers in AP computer science courses, or a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female student population. Choi hopes to spread her passion for Computer Science to her students.
Mr. Faia:
Daniel Faia is joining the LFA community in the math department as well as on the field. He teaches Algebra 2, AP Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus all while coaching JVB Soccer. He studied physics in graduate school while also helping as a teaching assistant. After that, he began his career as a software engineer for an aerospace manufacturer where he developed machines for large companies such as Firefly, Blue Origin, and Boeing. Faia left engineering to become an educator because he wanted a more interpersonal role. Faia said, “I am most looking forward to developing relationships with LFA students.” He first learned about LFA through a recruiting firm and immediately applied for the job. Faia was happy to accept when he got the “unexpected” call back. He was delighted to return to the area after having gone to Lake Forest College. He is thrilled with the warm welcome and accommodation he received from both faculty and students and is overjoyed to be part of our community.
Mr. Gordon:
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate Alexander Gordon is an addition to the LFA math department, teaching Algebra I and II and coaching both the boy’s and girl’s swim teams. Having prior state swim experience, coaching the swim teams is an exciting challenge Gordon looks forward to tackling this year, and it is one of the main things he is excited about. As a student, he taught Stevens Point Area Senior High for one semester, but this will be his first role as a full-time teacher. Gordon saw the proximity to his home in Highland Park as a factor for moving to LFA, saying, “It is a nice and short commute.” He remains where he grew up, able to keep connections with his friends from high school. So far, his favorite parts of LFA are the schedule and the beautiful campus; Gordon commented, “It all seems so free: having both an open, outdoor campus and the changing schedule is interesting, but so far I’ve enjoyed it.” He has a lot of free time to plan lessons, have cycle meetings, and coordinate swim practices.
Mr. Driscoll:
Michael Driscoll is the new Director of Theater at LFA. He teaches acting classes and will direct the fall play and winter musical. He taught at the Senn Arts High School in Chicago for five years, where he had a very similar position to the one he has at LFA. Prior to arriving at LFA, Driscoll spent time in multiple Chicago theaters over the past two decades. In the city, he also taught Arts Education Administration, and was a professional director. Driscoll is excited to get to know LFA’s culture, saying, “I am looking forward to collaborating with students in the classroom and outside the classroom in rehearsal. I’m really interested in getting to know the institution.” Driscoll loves LFA’s mission, hence his decision to come to the school. LFA’s theater program also drew him close to the Academy, and he is excited about what he will accomplish. The students’ academic levels excite him, and LFA is a space for him to be an artist. Right now, the impressive Cressey Theater is Driscoll’s favorite part of LFA so far. He is most looking forward to getting to know everyone, and creating a personal connection with his students.
Ms. Siegel:
Sydney Siegel, having two master’s degrees from DePaul University in Historiography and Secondary Education, has been in the education field for the past 18 years. She is now an interim teacher for the Department of History and Social Science for the 2024-25 school year, and teaches AP World History and regular U.S. History. Also, having 12 years of coaching experience in field hockey, Siegel sought this opportunity to join the community and become the Head Coach of the LFA Junior Varsity Field Hockey team. “I love the idea of working with students who have a global framework or want to develop one,” Siegel said. She appreciates the opportunities that LFA gives to students in classes, sports and clubs. Siegel further presented her passion for involving in this special time for students, and helping them to develop values that turn them into leaders and who can make changes in the world. Reflecting on what her favorite part of LFA is, Siegel said, “the other colleagues are helpful and knowledgeable, and truly just kind and welcoming.” This specifically refers to her History department colleagues. Finally, Siegel was especially attracted by the sports teams and positive attitude LFA has, which does not only emphasize on competition but also sportsmanship.
Dr. Hartke:
Dr. Katelyn Hartke has become the newest addition to LFA’s English department, teaching primarily English 9 and ELL Literature and Composition classes. She holds a doctorate in English literature from Ohio State University, where she also spent time instructing numerous English courses, including those in composition, 20th-century fiction, and sci-fi. In addition to her work at Ohio State, Hartke taught at the IB World School, which is an international school located in downtown Chicago. Alongside serving as an educator, Hartke has been awarded grants from both Ohio State University and the Modernist Studies Association for research centered on literature and sustainability. At LFA, Hartke is enthusiastic about being able to engage with LFA’s diverse student body and shared that she loves how the community is “made up of international students, but also students local to the area and across socioeconomic identities.” This, combined with LFA’s excellent reputation, appealed to Hartke in her decision to become an LFA faculty member. Thus far, Hartke has enjoyed morning meetings and individualized time with students through advisory. She is looking forward to introducing herself to a greater range of students and getting to “learn all about this community.”
Mr. Eleveld:
Mark Eleveld is the new Journalism and English teacher at LFA. He has been teaching high school English for 29 years and college philosophy for 23 years. He also works as a freelance writer and is currently ghostwriting a memoir for a Chicago politician. Eleveld has been coaching baseball for 10 years and is excited to take on the role of the new Assistant Baseball Coach. Before this, he graduated from the University of Chicago with a master’s degree in Great Books and from Lewis University with a master’s degree in philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism. He is most looking forward to “meeting the community at large and seeing how things are done”. The aspect of LFA he enjoys the most is that “the students are here because they want to be” For the school paper, Eleveld plans on ”relying on the capable editors” and working hard to “highlight student interests,” such as pop-culture and more podcast episodes. In addition to hands-on teaching, he wants to incorporate traditional learning, including reading and discussing news articles. Eleveld is excited to work with the Spectator and help his students become better writers.
