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.

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.

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.

Facilities Manager

Robert joined The Academy in 2014. Prior to taking the role of Facilities Manager, he worked as a baker at the Archdiocese of Chicago for 27 years.

Facilities Manager

Henry Feliciano has over 30 years of experience in facilities, most notably with Verizon. Henry joined The Academy in 2014.

Senior Development Associate

Libby graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied Communication Arts and Theatre & Drama. She currently serves as the Senior Development Associate at The Academy.

Administrative Assistant

Sean Caron is a professional actor and singer in Chicago primarily on the stage, but is shifting that scope to the film/TV side. He is a proud 2012 Musical Theatre Alumni, having transferred in as a junior.

Marketing and Communications

August comes to The Academy with a B.A. in Animation from Columbia College Chicago, alongside previous experience working in design and community engagement at Columbia College and Snow City Arts.

School Mental Health Counselor

Director of Enrollment Management

Admissions Manager

Admissions Associate

Chief of Staff / Theatre Faculty

Emily Luhrs is a collaborative leader and educator with more than a decade of experience spanning arts education, school operations, and professional performance. She began her work at The Chicago Academy for the Arts in 2017 as a guest teaching artist and director of special programs for Middle School Programs.