Learn More About Namaste Charter School

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> The Namaste Way
> Namaste Core Values
> Namaste School Model
> About the Administrators
> About Our Teachers

About the Administrators

Allison Slade, Principal and Co-Founder

Over the past decade, Allison Slade has served as a teacher, professional developer, mentor and curriculum designer in urban and suburban settings. She is certified in bilingual education and has worked as a literacy specialist who has provided professional development workshops and intense, in-classroom coaching and mentoring for Chicago Public School teachers. Ms. Slade also taught in inner city Houston as a member of Teach for America, where she found the challenge of teaching in underprivileged areas rewarding and vitally important thereby deciding to dedicate her life to improving the educational opportunities for all young people in the city of Chicago. Ms. Slade has consulted and presented for the Illinois State Multi-Cultural and Diversity conference, the Rochelle Lee Fund, National Louis University and served as an assessor for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and master's degree in Education Policy from the University of Chicago as a McCormick Tribune Fellow. She completed her Type 75 administrative credential through Loyola University Chicago.

Kathleen Clarke, Director of Operations
Kathleen Clarke serves as Director of Operations for Namaste Charter School. In this capacity, she oversees the financial, facility, compliance, and human resources' operations of Namaste. Ms. Clarke's passion for working on causes that educate and empower children in urban areas began with her service in AmeriCorps. Prior to joining Namaste, Ms. Clarke spent two years actively involved in supporting the creation and successful operation of Chicago charter schools through her work in the Chicago Public Schools' Charter Schools Office. Ms. Clarke has conducted workshops for Chicago Public Schools, Leadership for Quality Education, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Before making the transition to the exciting and rewarding world of charter schools, Ms. Clarke worked in the non-profit finance division of Standard and Poor's and with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Ms. Clarke obtained her BA from Grinnell College and her master's degree in public policy analysis from the University of Chicago as a Levin Fellow.

Stacy Shafer Peterson , Director of Development

As the newest addition to the Namaste staff, Stacy Shafer Peterson has taken on the role of Director of Development. Ms. Shafer Peterson reports directly to the Principal and supports the goals and objectives of the Board of Directors. As Director of Development, Ms. Shafer Peterson oversees all aspects of fundraising, Board coordination and development, marketing and community relations. Prior to joining the Namaste leadership team, Ms. Shafer Peterson served as the Director of Development and Communications at Rush NeuroBehavioral Center building an effective Advisory Board and increasing overall giving by 20% each year. With a keen interest in Chicago’s nonprofit community, Ms. Shafer Peterson chaired the Auxiliary Board of the Chicago International Film Festival and served as a board member of Hearts of the Arts and Associate Board member of The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. Ms. Shafer Peterson earned her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College and her master’s degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University.