Mrs. Monarrez
Let me start with a Acrostic Poem using the letters of my name to describe myself
D emanding of her students
I nspiring to all
A nimal lover
N ever give up
A mazingly patient
Now these are just a few words that describe me right now but they may change as the year progresses. More importantly, I am a wife and mother of three beautiful girls (Jamie, Julia, Jasmine). I enjoy long vacations in New Orleans, Louisiana and eating Creole foods such as a seafood gumbo!
Going into my ninth year of teaching is very exciting because as years pass you’re able to see many students grow in mind, body and spirit. I challenge all my students to think out of the box and to push themselves beyond what is expected of them. I have faith in their abilities and am looking forward to a school year that will bring out many hands on learning experiences to help prepare our students for the world outside of Diego.
You can contact Mrs. Monarrez at: DMMonarrez@cps.edu
Mrs. Reyes-Stone
Hello my name is Veronica Reyes-Stone, and I have been working for CPS for since 2001. I am a graduate of Columbia College where I earned my bachelor degree. I also hold a masters degree in Special Education from Governors State University. I taught first grade bilingual for about six years in the Pilsen neighborhood. This will be my fourth year here at Jose De Diego and I am very thankful to be a part of such a wonderful and supportive team of teachers, students, and parents. You can find me in room 209, feel free to stop by and say hello any time before or after classes. Let’s make this a great year.
You can contact Mrs. Reyes at: vreyes@cps.edusrc
Ms. Bourke
Hello! Hello! My name is Mallory Bourke. This is my fourth year teaching at Jose De Diego. I look forward to working with my students and getting to know each and every one of them.
I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois and earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I earned my master’s degree in Multicategorical Special Education from Governors State University. I am usually enrolled in education classes or attending professional developments to become a better teacher. I enjoy learning new things and keeping updated with new practices in education.
In my free time I enjoy golfing, skiing, reading, shopping, traveling, going to the beach, and just spending time with family and friends. I love working with children and learning new things. I am amazed every year by what my students are able to teach me.
You can contact Miss Bourke at: mabourke@cps.edu
Mrs. Sauceda
Hi!
Hi! My name is Kyrstin Sauceda. This is my fourth year at Diego and my fifth year with Chicago Public Schools. I have a Bachelors of Social Work degree from MacMurray College and a Masters of Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign . Teaching is the most challenging and most rewarding job I have ever had! It’s where my heart is . When I’m not at school I love spending time with family and friends. I have a passion for a variety of literary genres and my favorite series is the Harry Potter books . I’ve read each book four or five times!
You can contact Mrs. Sauceda at: kmhill1@cps.edu
Ms. Coci
Hi! My name is Katie Coci and this is my fifth year teaching at Jose de Diego. I received my bachelor degree in Early Childhood education and Early Childhood Special Education from Eastern Illinois University. I earned a master’s degree in Special Education at Governors State University. I have enjoyed every year of teaching more than the last.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy running, watching and playing sports, shopping and hanging out with family and friends. I am from the South Side of Chicago, so I am a huge White Sox fan and in the summer I work at White Sox Park. I am very excited to be back in the preschool setting and looking forward to another great year at de Diego!!
You can contact Ms. Coci at: kscoci@cps.edu
Ms. Perez
Hello! My name is Veronica Perez and it’s a pleasure to be teaching special education here at Jose de Diego. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois At Chicago and my Master’s Degree in Special Education from Governor’s State University. I have been teaching in the Chicago Public School system since 1998. During my time teaching in CPS, I have taught special education resource both in the primary and middle school grades. I have also taught in inclusion settings.
Away from school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. In the summer, you can easily find me gardening or visiting one of the many street fairs in the city.
I look forward to working alongside my student’s parents to ensure high levels of success in the classroom and beyond.
You can contact Ms. Peres at:
