Elizabeth Ide
Elementary School
Support Team
Mrs. Spizzirri - Special Education Teacher
Hello! My name is Betsy Spizzirri and this is my 32nd year teaching special education at Center Cass District 66. I received my undergraduate degree at Illinois State University in special education. I have a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis and a second graduate degree in Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University. I am the proud Mom of 3 adult daughters and a teenage son. I believe EVERY child brings something special and unique to our classrooms; I strive to enable students to see this in themselves. I feel privileged to have a job that affords me the opportunity to positively support children in their physical, mental, emotional and social growth.
Mrs. Tran - Special Education Teacher
My name is Heather Tran and this is my 19th year teaching at Elizabeth Ide. Before beginning my teaching career, I earned my Bachelor degree from Loyola University Chicago in Special Education. I also earned my Masters degree from the University of Illinois Chicago in Literacy, Language and Culture. I have spent the last eighteen years learning a variety of methods of instruction to help my students reach their highest potential. It is my educational philosophy that all students can learn when their individual needs are met. My goal for children is for them to succeed in all that they do and love coming to school!
Mrs. Fletcher - Learning Interventionist/ 2nd Grade
Hello! My name is Brittany Fletcher and this is my second year at Elizabeth Ide. Prior to coming to this district, I worked at Wilson Elementary School in Janesville, WI as a third/fourth grade classroom teacher and Title 1 reading teacher for seven years. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Special Education minor from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I am also working towards my Masters with a Reading emphasis through Viterbo University. I have moved to this area as I was married in November and have a tuxedo cat named Lincoln. I come from a culturally responsive mindset where I believe that every child should feel safe and empowered to learn through their classroom environment. Student-teacher relationships, as well as family-teacher relationships are what I pride myself on as an educator. As an educator, I look at how I can help a student grow not only in their academic needs but also their social-emotional learning. I look forward to working with Elizabeth Ide's families, students, and my fellow colleagues.
Ms. Nessling - Reading Specialist
Hi! My name is Gina Nessling. This is my 13th year at Elizabeth Ide as a Reading Specialist. Prior to coming to this district, I taught 1st grade and 3rd grade at an inner city public school. I received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters in Education from DePaul University. I also earned an advanced degree in reading from National-Louis. I am a mom of twins; they keep me humble and remind me to live life to the fullest. I believe that every child deserves to know they are valued as unique, capable human beings. When students feel respected and a sense of belonging they are able to take the steps necessary for academic and personal growth. I also feel very strongly that it “takes a village;” I thrive on forming positive partnerships with parents and colleagues to help students reach their greatest potential.
Mrs. Nodarse - ELL Teacher
Hello! My name is Alexandra Nodarse, this is my fourth year working at Center Cass School District 66 as an English Language Teacher. It’s beautiful to see the many cultures we have in the district, maybe I’ll pick up another language! I began my teaching career as a Special Education Classroom Assistant in the Chicago Public School District. After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language. I worked for five years in the Chicago Public School District as a Bilingual/ Dual Language Teacher/ Spanish Primary Reading Interventionist. I look forward in learning from the students and collaborating together.
Mrs. Sopha - Social Worker
Hello! My name is Mary Sopha and I am over the top excited to be joining the Elizabeth Ide team for my 3rd year! Prior to joining the "Ide Pride" I worked as a school social worker for nine years in the Frankfort 157c School District and for three years in Troy School District 30c. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work for the University of Saint Francis, Master of Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2009. I believe a holistic approach to therapy, with communication between home and school as essential in order for students to reach their full potential. I feel all students are unique, important and capable of learning when the environment is positive, the student feels cared about and safe; as well as when time is taken to learn each child as an individual learner. Personally, I have been married to my husband for six years and we have an amazing 5 year old at home who keeps up on our toes and busy. I look forward to working in collaboration with the Elizabeth Ide Community and encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child's social and emotional well-being.
Mrs. Forsman - Instructional Coach
Hi there! I am Tania Forsman and this is my third year as Elizabeth Ide’s Instructional Coach. Previously, I worked at Prairieview as the Learning Specialist in 3rd grade for 11 years. I adored teaching students, so this is a big shift for me working more so with teachers now. However, It is a great way for me to reach more students as a result, which I love! I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Youth, Adult, and Family Services with a Minor in Human Animal Interaction from Purdue University and got my Masters in Special Education. I am certified to teach Early Childhood and Gifted Learners as well. I am looking forward to partnering with our Teaching and Learning Experts to help them reach their goals- ultimately achieving unparalled student growth! I live in the district with my husband, two kids (Ella and Cannon), and our Pomeranian (Bear).
Mrs. Pesavento - School Psychologist
My name is Beth Pesavento and I’m the school psychologist at Elizabeth Ide. I began my career in 1993 after receiving my undergraduate degree at Iowa State University and my masters degree at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. It is my absolute pleasure to be working at Elizabeth Ide with such supportive parents, talented staff, and amazing children. As a team, we work hard to bring out the best in children and help them reach their strong potential. Intervention team staff and teachers consult, problem solve, and work together daily to ensure each and every child is set up for success. With the support of parents, I believe every day is an opportunity to make a positive difference in a child’s day, week, year and beyond!
Mrs. Thomas - Speech and Language Pathologist
My name is Allison Thomas and this is my sixth year as the Speech-Language Pathologist at Elizabeth Ide. I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Western Illinois University. I have obtained my Certificate of Clinical Competence and Illinois State License for speech. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings providing speech services to individuals with a wide spectrum of speech and language disorders. Speech sessions allow children to be active and build confidence in communicating while targeting their specific goals. I encourage each child to be themselves and to take pride in their work. Each and every child has so much to offer and I learn just as much from them as they do from me.