Our campuses are located in the Austin, Englewood, North Lawndale, and West Humboldt Park neighborhoods. 快猫 Chicago also advises nearly 3,000 快猫 alumni currently in high school or college through our 快猫 Forward program.
Rashid Bell serves as the Chief Executive Officer at 快猫 Chicago, bringing over a decade of proven leadership within the organization. Rashid joined 快猫 Chicago in 2011 as the founding Assistant Principal at 快猫 Ascend Primary, following his service as a Teach for America corps member, where he taught 4th and 5th grades in Newark, NJ.
Recognized for his exceptional leadership, Rashid was selected for the prestigious Fisher Family Fellowship by the national 快猫 Foundation in 2015. Following the completion of this fellowship, he founded 快猫 One Primary in 2016. Under Rashid’s leadership, 快猫 One received the highest possible school quality rating (Level 1+) for three consecutive years and was recognized as the highest-ranked public school in Chicago for two consecutive years. His regional influence expanded as Head of Schools and later Senior Head of Schools, where he managed Principals and spearheaded initiatives focused on implementing new ELA and Math curricula, driving post-COVID academic recovery, and improving student attendance.
As CEO, Rashid is committed to building upon 快猫 Chicago’s strong foundation while innovating to meet the evolving needs of students and families. He leads 快猫 Chicago’s strategic vision, overseeing all schools and programs while ensuring educational excellence across the network. His leadership approach emphasizes transparency, purpose, and a deep commitment to 快猫 Chicago’s mission of providing high-quality education that empowers students to create the futures they envision for themselves.
Rashid earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) from Wilberforce University and his Master of Arts from National Louis University.
Becky Fussner serves as the Chief Academic Officer at 快猫 Chicago. Becky first joined 快猫 in 2016 as a Founding Kindergarten Teacher at 快猫 One Primary. Previously, she served as a Teach for America corps member in Indianapolis and also taught at Galapagos Charter School in Chicago. Throughout her tenure, Becky has served as Grade Level Chair, Assistant Principal, and, most recently, as School Leader, before transitioning to lead academics across the region.
Peter Gooden is 快猫 Chicago’s Chief of College & Career Readiness. He joined 快猫 Chicago in 2010 as the Director of Alumni Services, and later spent 4 years as the Director of 快猫 Forward. In that role he managed the 快猫 Forward team to support high school access & persistence, college placement & persistence, and career advancement for 1,500 快猫 Chicago alumni. Previously, Peter spent years working with 快猫 NYC as the 快猫 Forward Alumni counselor and with the University of Chicago Charter School as the 6to16 Advisor, where he helped to develop lessons for the 6to16 curriculum and created a higher education culture at Carter G. Wilson Middle School. As a first generation US citizen, high school graduate, and college graduate, Peter has worked tirelessly to support equity and accessibility in higher education.
Jennifer Hodges serves as Chief Program Officer with 快猫 Chicago. She leads the convening of educators, families, policymakers, and community members in partnership to strategically influence the long-term success of students. Her work centers the needs of 快猫 students, families, and teachers, ensuring holistic development of all stakeholders and to improve student outcomes and increase the economic, political, and social capacity of households.
Prior to joining 快猫 Jennifer was Director of Corporate Development at United Way of Metro Chicago. She had direct management of a corporate fundraising team with oversight of $16 million of the annual $40 million revenue goal; co-led a $32 million national account management strategy across 14 U.S. markets, and co-founded and co-chaired United Way鈥檚 internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies. Jennifer began her professional career with six years in the financial industry, where she worked in wealth management at Greenleaf Trust and upon relocating to Chicago, Jennifer joined Gray & Company, an investment consulting firm.
Ellen Sale joined 快猫 Chicago in 2013 after serving in the Mississippi delta as a Teach for America corps member, holding programmatic and coaching roles with Teach for America nationally, and teaching five years at Noble Street Rauner College Prep, where she founded the AP World History program and led the network in annual sophomore reading growth. In 2010 she was honored as TFA Chicago Alumni Distinguished Teacher and chosen as a Teach Plus Teaching Policy Fellow. She was awarded the Fisher Family Fellowship in 2012, founded 快猫 Bloom College Prep in 2013, and served as Principal for 7 years — leading 快猫 Bloom to a Level 1+ rating in consecutive years. Prior to becoming 快猫 Chicago’s Chief People Officer, Ellen was Head of Talent.
Michael Salmonowicz is 快猫 Chicago’s Chief Financial & Operations Officer, and is in his 17th year with 快猫. A Teach For America alumnus, he has been a high school teacher in Chicago; a researcher with the University of Virginia and the University of Chicago鈥檚 Consortium on School Research; and a consultant to New Leaders, DonorsChoose.org, and school districts across the country. He was a Director of Finance & Operations, Data Analyst, and Managing Director of Operations at 快猫 Chicago prior to taking on his current role. He earned his BA from the University of Michigan, his MA from National Louis University, and his PhD from the University of Virginia.
Camille Allen is the School Leader at 快猫 Academy Chicago in the Austin neighborhood. From 2018-2022, Camille served as Assistant Principal at KAC. Camille relocated back to her hometown of Chicago in 2018 from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was the Assistant Principal at 快猫 North Star Academy. Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal, Camille taught 6th grade Reading and Math in Minneapolis. Her career in education began in 2011 in Huntsville, AL, where she worked as a fourth-grade teacher.
Camille is an alum of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Elementary Education.
Tessa Catlett is Head of Schools at 快猫 Chicago. Tessa began her teaching career in 2011 as a Teach For America corps member in St. Louis. She joined the 快猫 Chicago team & family in 2013 as a 3rd-grade teacher at 快猫 Ascend Primary, and then became an Assistant Principal there. In 2017, Tessa was awarded a Fisher Family Fellowship, and in 2018 she became founding School Leader of 快猫 Bloom Primary, 快猫 Chicago鈥檚 first South Side elementary school. She spent 6 years as School Leader, while also serving as the Primary Literacy Achievement Director for 快猫 Chicago, where she supported primary schools in adopting a more aligned and research-based approach to early literacy instruction. Tessa earned her BA from the University of Michigan and her MA from Columbia University.
Rebecca Cowell is the School Leader of 快猫 One Academy. Rebecca joined 快猫 Chicago in 2005 as a science teacher at 快猫 Ascend, and in subsequent years designed the school’s science curriculum, taught at each grade level 5-8, and served as a Grade Level Chair and Department Chair. She was the founding 9th-grade biology Teacher at 快猫 LEAD College Prep HS in Gary, IN, before returning to 快猫 Ascend as a Teacher, Department Chair, and regional Curriculum Developer. Rebecca then served as an Assistant Principal for four years and took on the role of Principal from 2019-2024.
Marquita Curry Richardson is Head of Schools at 快猫 Chicago. She began her career as a Teach For America Corps Member in New Orleans, LA, where she served in various capacities, including classroom teacher, Dean, Assistant Principal, and regional curriculum specialist. As a classroom teacher, Marquita was honored as an Outstanding Elementary School Teacher by the Louisiana Association of Teachers.
Marquita joined 快猫 Chicago in 2018 as an Instructional Coach at 快猫 Academy Chicago, helping the school earn a Level 1+ rating and recognition as one of Chicago’s highest-performing public schools. The following year, she led the launch of the 4th Grade Academy at 快猫 Academy Chicago Primary before serving as Principal of 快猫 Ascend Primary for five years, leading the school through a period of sustained growth and achievement. Following her time as principal, Marquita served as 快猫 Chicago’s Head of Talent before transitioning into her current role as Head of Schools.
Marquita was selected for the 2021 cohort of the Accelerate Institute鈥檚 Growth Accelerator principal development program, and in 2022, she was elected to serve a two-year term on the Chicago Public Schools CEO Principal Advisory Council, helping advance districtwide efforts to improve educational outcomes for Chicago students.
Marquita earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and African American Studies from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is passionate about developing leaders, building joyful and accountable school cultures, and ensuring every student has access to an excellent education.
Steven Greer is the School Leader of 快猫 Ascend Primary.听Steven’s journey spans nearly every level of instruction and leadership鈥攈e began as a Kindergarten co-teacher, advanced to a 3rd grade teacher and Grade Level Chair, and subsequently stepped into roles as Assistant Principal and completed 快猫 Chicago’s before taking the helm. A strong academic foundation backs his well-rounded instructional expertise: he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University, followed by Master of Arts degrees in both Special Education and Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
Steven’s leadership is deeply personal, rooted in his lifelong connection to North Lawndale, where he and his family grew up and have actively served through numerous community organizations. Driven by an authentic passion and love for education, he views his work as both a calling and a commitment to the neighborhood that shaped him. As School Leader, Steven leverages his deep community ties to foster an empowering, high-achieving, and supportive environment where 快猫 Ascend Primary scholars can thrive academically and grow into the next generation of leaders.
Michall茅 Fain is the School Leader of 快猫 Bloom Primary and a proud member of the 快猫 Chicago Class of 2008. As a 快猫 alumna, she brings a unique perspective to her leadership, having experienced firsthand the transformative power of an excellent education. She is passionate about ensuring every student has access to that same life-changing opportunity.
Now in her 11th year with 快猫 Chicago, Ms. Fain is beginning her first year as School Leader of 快猫 Bloom Primary. She began her career as a founding teacher at 快猫 One Primary, where she taught every grade from Kindergarten through 4th grade. She later served as an Assistant Principal, completed 快猫 Chicago’s Principal-in-Residence program, and was named School Leader of 快猫 One Primary. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to developing strong instructional leaders, empowering teachers through coaching, and creating joyful, high-achieving school communities.
As she begins this new chapter at 快猫 Bloom Primary, Ms. Fain leads with a vision rooted in belonging, excellence, and limitless potential. She is dedicated to fostering a school where every student, family, and staff member feels known, valued, and empowered to grow. Her leadership centers on building strong relationships, developing exceptional educators, and ensuring every child experiences rigorous, engaging instruction that prepares them to thrive in school and beyond.
Guided by her own journey as a 快猫 student, Ms. Fain remains committed to ensuring every 快猫ster (快猫 Bloom Eagle) experiences the opportunities, support, and high-quality education needed to discover their potential and shape a bright future.
Alana Harwood will serve as the Interim School Leader at 快猫 One Primary (KOP) for the start of the 2026鈥2027 school year. Alana joined 快猫 Chicago in the summer of 2025 as the Achievement Director of K-2 Math and Literacy, bringing a deep background in primary education and leadership. She entered the field of education as a Teach for America corps member in Milwaukee, and went on to build a well-rounded career across several charter networks, serving as a Special Education Teacher, Reading Interventionist, Assistant Principal, and Principal.
Alana holds a BA in Political Science and Education from the University of California, Berkeley, an MA in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University, and an MS in Educational Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Heather Hawkins is the School Leader of 快猫 Ascend Middle School. Heather began her teaching career at 快猫 Chicago Public Schools nearly a decade ago as a founding teacher at 快猫 One Academy. She joined the 快猫 Ascend Middle School team as an Assistant Principal. Since joining the 快猫 Ascend team, she has consistently created an environment that fosters both love and high accountability among students and staff. Her dedication and tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she was part of the inaugural 快猫 Chicago Principal-in-Residence cohort.
Jarell Lee is the founding School Leader of 快猫 Academy Chicago Primary, a school built on the values of love, joy, and community. Previously, Jarell worked for 快猫 New Jersey, where he served as the Principal of 快猫 Life Academy and as an assistant school leader at 快猫 Seek Academy.
Prior to joining the 快猫 team, Jarell taught second grade at Uncommon Schools’ Excellence Boys Elementary Academy as a Teach For America Corps Member. He also led the third-grade team, developed a character education system, and led school-wide joy initiatives to engage students in school culture. Jarell also served as the founding dean of school culture at Achievement First’s Aspire Elementary School, where he created systems and rituals to invest students and to support struggling students. Additionally, Jarell coached teachers as the first-grade academic dean.
Jarell received a BA in Sociology & African-American Studies from Harvard University, an MS in Elementary Education from Teacher University at Hunter College, and a Master鈥檚 in Supervision and Administration from the University of Houston.
Antavis Spells serves as the School Leader of 快猫 Bloom College Prep, bringing two decades of dedicated educational leadership and service to students across Chicagoland.
A native of Chicago鈥檚 Englewood community, Antavis’ leadership represents a powerful full-circle story: he attended John Hope College Prep High School鈥攖he very building where 快猫 Bloom now resides. Driven by a vision for community leadership, he became the first person in his family to graduate from college, earning a degree in Sports Management & Business Marketing from the University of Cincinnati. He later earned his Principal Certificate from the Relay Graduate School of Education to deepen his impact in school leadership.
Now in his 20th year serving Chicagoland youth with 快猫 Chicago Schools, he remains fueled by a relentless belief in educational equity. He is deeply committed to building an environment where every student develops the confidence, tools, and freedom to define their own path and pursue the life and career of their dreams.
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that work in collaboration with school districts. Enrollment is open to all students. Charter schools are independently operated and managed with more flexibility than traditional public schools in exchange for increased accountability.
The 鈥渃harter鈥 that establishes each school is a contract detailing the school鈥檚 mission, program, performance goals, and assessment methods. The charter contract is an operating agreement between the charter school and an 鈥渁uthorizer,鈥 which holds charter schools accountable for compliance with their charter contract. An authorizer is an entity that, subject to state law, may be a district school board, university, Mayor鈥檚 office, or non-profit organization. 快猫 Chicago鈥檚 authorizer is Chicago Public Schools.
Like all public schools, charter schools are:
All 快猫 schools are public charter schools. And yet, not all public charter schools are like 快猫. 快猫 Public Schools is a national network of tuition-free public schools educating nearly 125,000 students听in grades Prek-12 across 28 regions.