Dr. Nicole Murphy is an educator and the Program Manager at Innovative Scholars, dedicated to helping students build foundational academic skills that support long-term success. With extensive experience in instructional support, Nicole focuses on closing learning gaps through evidence-based strategies. She is passionate about empowering teachers and students alike, fostering growth, confidence, and connection across all grade levels.
Nicole Murphy
Grace Eason
Grace Eason is a Math Interventionist at Innovative Scholars with over 10 years of tutoring experience, from kindergarten to college-level math. She holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Governors State University and an M.A. in Mathematical Education from DePaul University. After teaching math for 3 years in Chicago Public Schools, she transitioned to helping students overcome math challenges as an interventionist. Passionate about both math and teaching, Grace is dedicated to helping students build confidence and reduce frustration through Innovative Scholars’ supportive programs.
Heidi Wertzler
I am very excited about my career with Innovative Scholars. I have enjoyed every minute of the rewarding opportunities to watch students grow in reading, math, and English skills. I wish to continue to provide encouragement and positivity to my teaching team and my students throughout the school year. Innovative is constantly helping me grow to be the best teacher I can be!
Eliana Echeverry
As Head of Academic Coaching at Innovative Scholars, I draw on nearly 15 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, witnessing how executive functioning shapes student success. I am passionate about helping Title I students unlock their potential by connecting executive functioning with reading and math success. My goal is to contribute to a program that supports academic growth while empowering students with skills that carry beyond the classroom into all areas of their lives.
Julie Johnson
I am passionate about teaching and learning, and I feel a sense of accomplishment, along with students, when they grasp a concept or learn something new. Working with a variety of age groups allows me to stretch and grow as a teacher. I have been teaching for 30 years, and I began part-time with Innovative Scholars in 2023. I strive to meet students where they are academically, and my desire is to help them meet benchmarks for success in the larger classroom.
Maria Lopez
Operations Director | Driving Operational Excellence and Educational Impact
Maria Lopez serves as the Operations Director at Innovative Scholars, overseeing systems, compliance, and operations across all Title I programs, as well as payroll and HR. With over 15 years of experience in education and seven years at Innovative Scholars, she has developed efficient processes that enable specialists to focus on student growth. Inspired by Innovative Scholars’ mission to expand access to high-quality instruction, Maria is dedicated to achieving operational excellence and making a meaningful impact.
Angelica Alvarado
As the Lead Intervention Specialist, I provide direct intervention services to students while supporting our intervention team through coaching and collaboration. With years of experience as a classroom teacher in Chicago Public and Charter Schools and five years with Innovative Scholars, I’m passionate about serving our amazing students and partnering with dedicated teachers to help every learner grow and thrive.
Iris Price
Iris Price is a math intervention specialist with over 25 years of experience in education. She has worked in classroom instruction, curriculum development, individualized student support, and preparation for standardized tests. Her broad experience gives her a unique perspective in helping learners thrive. She hopes to contribute towards a stronger, more equitable community through her role at Innovative Scholars.
Caroline Vroustouris
Lead Academic Coach | Advocate for Equity in Education | Native Chicagoan & Educator
Caroline Vroustouris serves as Lead Academic Coach at Innovative Scholars, bringing over twenty years of experience in Chicago’s schools. With degrees from Indiana University, Loyola University Chicago, and Northwestern University, her practice is grounded in social justice and educational equity. Caroline leads with love—mentoring educators and students alike to reach their fullest potential—while celebrating Chicago’s rich spirit, family life, travel, and architecture.
Sierra Hinzman
Hello! My name is Sierra Hinzman and I am serving as an Intervention Specialist at Grace Christian Academy during the 2025-26 school year. With over seven years of experience in education and a master’s degree in instructional design, I specialize in creating supportive, individualized lessons that build student confidence and skills. At Innovative Scholars, I hope to help students reach their full potential by fostering a growth mindset and a love of learning.
Brianna Martinez
I am an Intervention Specialist with a background as a Center Director and a year of teaching in Spain. I am passionate about creating supportive and engaging learning environments where every child feels valued and capable. At Innovative Scholars, I hope to inspire confidence, spark curiosity, and make a meaningful impact on students’ lives as they grow academically and personally.
Isabella Rosen
My name is Isabella and I am excited to join the team at Innovative Scholars. I have 6 years of experience working in and with schools to support the success of students as a success coach, college counselor, and advisor. I am excited to bring my experience to the students at ICCI School to coach in executive functioning skills and arm students with the tools they need to be their most successful selves!
Ciarra Logan
Hello! My name is Ms. Logan. I’ve been working in education for 13 years and I’m happy to be joining the Innovative Scholars team. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and cooking. Helping students learn and grow is something I find truly rewarding. I’m excited to join the team and I’m looking forward to a great school year!
Stephanie Saranga
As a Math and Reading Intervention Specialist for grades K–8, I’m passionate about delivering personalized instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed and we’re committed to making that a reality. At Innovative Scholars, I’ve had the honor of working alongside teachers who have enriched my practice through valuable strategies, genuine feedback, and guidance. I look forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact in private schools across Chicago.
Lauren Santana
As a Math Intervention Specialist, I am dedicated to transforming math from a challenge into an engaging and enjoyable experience for students. By incorporating hands-on activities, real-world applications, and fostering a growth mindset, I empower students to tackle complex problems with confidence. Through personalized support and a commitment to building positive learning habits, I strive to inspire a lasting love for learning and resilience in every student.
Rachel Brenan
I currently serve as a Title 1 Teacher in both Reading and Math for students in grades K to 8 as well as an Academic Coach. Learning both the instructional and academic needs helps me to craft a tailored intervention strategy for each student. My years as a classroom teacher and my graduate work in Reading instruction also help me create a supportive and rigorous intervention environment. I am looking forward to my seventh year with Innovative Scholars.
Aimee Brown
I began my career in education as a high school English teacher, a role I held for four years until stepping away to focus on raising my children. I later returned to the classroom as an Intervention Specialist, where I now teach both math and reading. As I enter my second year with Innovative, I am committed to supporting my student’s growth by building their confidence and strengthening their skills in both subjects.
Etoya L. Johnson
As a Reading & Math Intervention Specialist at Innovative Scholars, I bring several years of experience supporting diverse learners through evidence-based strategies and data-driven instruction. I strive to foster academic growth by delivering targeted interventions in reading and math, collaborating with teachers, and engaging students through differentiated instruction. My goal is to help every student build confidence, close learning gaps, and reach their full potential.
