Head of School

Melinda Zacher Ronayne, Ed.D., is the Head of School at The Chicago Academy for the Arts. She brings a visionary leadership style shaped by more than two decades of experience in arts institutions across the country.

Chair • Dance

Randy Duncan, a native Chicagoan, has the unique privilege to be a three-time recipient of Chicago’s prestigious Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Choreographer of the year. He teaches worldwide and has been an integral part of The Academy faculty for over 30 years.

Assistant Chair • Dance

Patrick Simoniello began his professional career as a dancer with The Joffrey II Dancers in New York City in 1993. He was soon promoted to the main company of The Joffrey in 1994. 

Co-Chair • Humanities

Anna earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in French Literature from the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she also taught before coming to the Academy. 

Chair • Musical Theatre

Andrew Robinson earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and Religion from Rhodes College, his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, and his Master of Arts in Educational Theatre from New York University.

Chair • Music Department

Praised for her “Gleaming tone and Hollywood glamour” (Chicago Classical Review), Rachel Brown is a Chicago-based chamber musician, soloist, orchestral performer, educator, and arts administrator.

Chair • Media Arts

Sarah Hiatt is an artist and educator born and raised in the Ozarks. She uses photography to explore the ideas of grief, innocence, and growing up. Her work has been shown in various locations throughout the United States and internationally.

Chair • Visual Arts

Margy Stover has taught at The Academy since 2003 and has been Visual Arts Department Chair since 2008. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute and Master of Fine Arts from SUNY Buffalo.

Chair • Theatre

Ben Dicke holds a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education from Sterling College. He has worked as a professional actor for twenty years in regional markets throughout the country.

Chair • Math, Science, and Technology

Melissa Metelits, a faculty member since 2018, combines her passion for math, creativity, and storytelling, teaching advanced courses like AP Calculus and AP Computer Science while inspiring students to approach learning with confidence and curiosity.

Faculty • Dance

MMe Peff, born in New York City, trained with Margaret Craske as well as with the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre School. She graduated from the famous High School of Performing Arts. She taught at Steps NYC for over 30 years.

Faculty • Theatre

Alison Dornheggen worked as a guest artist at The Academy for a number of years before joining the faculty of the Theater department to teach directing in 2024.

Faculty • Dance

Jonathan Schang is one of Chicago’s busiest and most in-demand Modern and Ballet dance accompanists. He has been commissioned to compose and perform for a number of performances, recitals, and classes by companies and schools across the city.

Administrative Assistant

Grania is a proud graduate of The Academy's Theatre Department, having appeared in numerous productions as well as serving as the Director of the annual AIDS Benefit.

Faculty • Visual Arts

An Emard graduated with an MFA from the Art Theory Practice program at Northwestern University and with a BA from Bennington College. They have exhibited artwork in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, among others.

Faculty • Science

Dominique Krason graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a major in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a minor in Natural Resource Conservation. During her time there, she studied abroad in New Zealand and worked in various research labs, deepening her love for science and education.

Assistant Principal / Director of Learning Resources

Elizabeth Cunningham is the Assistant Principal and also oversees Learning Resources for diverse learners. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education and a Bachelor Degree in Art, both from Loyola University Chicago.

College Counselor

Sarah Langford was a high school teacher for fifteen years and is now College Counselor at The Academy. Sarah attended the University of Missouri and holds a Master of Education from The University of Illinois (Chicago).

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Joseph (Joe) Hulbert has worked at The Academy since the fall of 2014, serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives. Joe has over two decades of experience working at the intersection of education and community arts.

Administrative Manager

Stacey Talbert is a Chicago native of diverse cultural background. She has a strong history in administrative and management support along with education.