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Carlo Giannotta Principal Email: [email protected] Experience: Carlo Giannotta (Mr. G) has been the principal at Grace Christian Academy for the last 25 years. Before taking on the role of principal, he taught grades 5 & 6, grades 3 & 4, and then grades 7 & 8. Mr. G completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Concordia University in River Forest. As principal, he finds himself wearing many different hats. Whether supporting his teachers, planning school improvements, coaching basketball, or tackling a variety of odd jobs around the school, Mr. G continues to enjoy getting to know the wonderful students and families. He is happy to be part of providing quality, Christian education to families in the community. Outside of Grace: When he’s not at Grace, Mr. G enjoys watching his Detroit sports teams, golfing, and spending time with his family. What makes Grace Special: "Grace has great staff, great students, great teachers, and great families. We all work together to give our students a wonderful Christian education." A Word of Encouragement: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 |
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Mrs. Deyanira Gutierrez Pre-K 3 & 4 Email: [email protected] Experience: Mrs. Gutierrez has a background working with Latinos Progressando for 15 years as an Immigration Specialist. She has dedicated her life to helping her community in as many ways as possible. She first came to Grace as a volunteer over four years ago, and recently transitioned to role of Pre-K teacher. She is dedicated to teaching her class independence and life skills they can take with them wherever they go. She also loves seeing the smiles on their faces when they learn something new. Outside of Grace: Mrs. Gutierrez enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. What makes Grace Special: "I love starting everyday teaching about God’s love to my students. Grace is also a welcoming, friendly, and safe environment where students can grow academically." A Word of Encouragement: "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14 |
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Jill Giannotta Kindergarten Email: [email protected] Experience: Mrs. Jill Giannotta (Mrs. G.) has been part of the Grace family for over 20 years. She taught full-time for 13 years as the 1st & 2nd grade teacher and then as the Kindergarten teacher. She was also the extended care director. While her own children were still small, she led and taught the Title 1 tutoring program for 6 ½ years. In addition to her current role teaching Kindergarten, she helps coach volleyball and cheerleading at Grace. She also makes time to teach Sunday School during the school year and lead VBS at her church during the summer. Mrs. G earned her bachelor's degree from Concordia University in River Forest. Outside of Grace: With her oldest daughter in high school, her husband serving as Grace's principal and her youngest 2 daughters attending Grace, finding time outside of school can be a challenge. Any free time is spent watching her children in competitions or concerts and taking them to practices. She enjoys spending quality time with her family. Other hobbies include gardening and sewing. What makes Grace Special: "I love the freedom to share the love of Jesus and His salvation with all of my students. I also has love watching so many children grow up at Grace, including my own!" A Word of Encouragement: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 |
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Mrs. Arleen Diaz Teacher Aid Experience: Mrs. Diaz earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Northeastern Illinois University. Mrs. Diaz loves being a teacher's aid, as she is able to pass on what she's learned, help make learning enjoyable, and create positive relationships with the students. Outside of Grace: Mrs. Diaz loves spending time with her family, working out, cooking new recipes, and shopping! What makes Grace Special: "I love the values that Grace holds and its connection to the Little Village Community. I also enjoy teaching to smaller class sizes!" A Word of Encouragement: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13 Mrs. Arleen Diaz Teacher Aid
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Mrs. Arroz 1st & 2nd Grade Email: [email protected] Experience: Mrs. Arroz is a University of Illinois alumni where she earned her bachelor's in Elementary Education. She also earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Illinois University. This will be her 28th year of teaching. She taught science to elementary and middle school students at CPS for 12 years, taught elementary school grades in District #89 for 4 years, and taught 4th grade at a private school in Skokie for 11 years. Outside of Grace: When Mrs. Arroz is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and fishing with her husband. She also loves musicals and karaoke. What makes Grace special: "Every morning, the staff gathers together for devotion and prayer. Then, we have the wonderful opportunity to not only teach, but to share the love of Jesus with our students. I am grateful to be a part of Grace's Christ-centered community." A Word of Encouragement: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 |
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Mrs. Estrada Teacher Aid Experience: Mrs. Estrada discovered her love of children while assisting at Grace Christian. She is an asset as a teacher's aid and looks out for all of the children who come under her care. Outside of Grace: Mrs. Estrada enjoys spending time with family, going to church, praying for others, and going on walks. What makes Grace Special: "Grace allows students and staff to share their faith through a Christian education. The small class sizes also create space for individualized academic instruction." A Word of Encouragement: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 Mrs. Estrada
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Mrs. Pamela Segal 3rd & 4th Grade Email: [email protected]rg Experience: Mrs. Segal has been teaching for 23 years. She taught 1st grade for 10 years and spent 10 years teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade language arts and social studies at Eberhart Elementary School. She also taught at Eli Whitney for 3 years as a 6th grade social Studies teacher. Outside of Grace: Mrs. Segal enjoys singing for her church worship team, painting, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. What makes Grace Special: "Grace Christian Academy is special because it provides a Christian teaching, moral values, and a stellar education to the students. Grace also has great athletic and music programs." A Word of Encouragement: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 1-4 |
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Mr. Hansa 7th & 8th Grade Email: [email protected] Experience: Joseph Hansa returned to Grace Christian Academy after completing his teaching degree at Concordia University in River Forest 16 years ago. He is an alum of Grace and has taught 7th & 8th grade for his entire teaching career. He also has prior experience as an instructional coach in the Fleetwood area school district. Outside of Grace: Mr. Hansa enjoys life outside of school with what he describes as an ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge and fun. What makes Grace Special: "I enjoy serving the community where I grew up. Being a Grace alum is a part of what makes my teaching experience at Grace so special. I love that Grace provides a Christian education to the Little Village community and offers small class sizes. Grace truly feels like a family environment." A Word of Encouragement: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 |
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Mr. Simonson P.E. Teacher Email: coming soon! Experience: The 2023/24 school year marks Mr. Simonson's first year at Grace and his 29th year teaching physical education and health. Mr. Simonson was born and raised in Wyoming near Yellowstone. He attended Concordia University in Nebraska, and received his Master’s Degree at Concordia University Chicago. He has coached both high school and college football, and is currently the defensive line coach at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Outside of Grace: Mr. Simonson enjoys coaching, writing, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is the author of a youth Christian novel called The Parables of a Pastor’s Kid, he became an ordained minister in 2021, and he has also visited all 50 states! What makes Grace Special: "I truly enjoy the opportunity that Grace provides to spread the love of Jesus to the students." A Word of Encouragement: “For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it!” John 12"47 Mr. Simonson
P.E. Teacher Email: coming soon! |
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Additional Staff:
Dianne Perrin
Office Manager Email: [email protected] Belinda Bjorkland Lunch Coordinator & Drama Teacher Email: [email protected] |
Grace Christian Academy
4106 W. 28th Street Chicago, IL 60623 (773) 762-1234 [email protected] School Hours: 8:30am - 3:15pm Office Hours: 9am-3pm |
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