Empowering Families Through Community

Megan, a River Forest native and Oak Park-River Forest High School graduate, has a rich background in education and advocacy. She majored in politics at the University of San Francisco and later earned dual master’s degrees in early childhood and special education from Teachers College-Columbia University.

With fourteen years of teaching experience in public, private and charter schools, Megan has worked with students from infancy through fifth grade, equipping her with a deep understanding of diverse learning needs. Megan’s experiences as a teacher inform her understanding of what students need, because she has the experience of implementing strategies with real children in real classrooms.  Megan uses her understanding of the special education system to collaborate with teachers to ensure the program can be implemented as written, and to promote a feeling of teamwork amongst the school staff and family.  

In addition to her work as a special education tutor and advocate, Megan serves as an adjunct faculty member at Erikson Institute, where she instructs and mentors graduate students in the teacher preparation program. She is also a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), where she recently completed the Special Education Advocate Training 2.0 certificate. 

As a working mother living in Oak Park with her husband, Tre, and their three children — Emmett (5), Malcolm (3), and Imani (1) — Megan balances her professional responsibilities with her family life.  Megan’s commitment to education and advocacy continues to drive her work as she supports both students and educators in achieving their full potential.

Tre grew up in South Central Los Angeles, where football became more than just a sport; it was a lifeline. Starting at the age of six, Tre channeled the rage and frustration stemming from his impoverished upbringing and single mother’s struggles into his athletic pursuits. Football not only provided him with a constructive outlet but also offered a profound means of self-discovery and emotional management.

His dedication and leadership on the field were evident early on. Tre earned all-state honors in track and field and football, which provided him the opportunity to play for and captain the Division 1 football team at San Jose State University on a full ride scholarship.  Majoring in sociology with a minor in criminology, Tre explored the complexities of human behavior and the factors influencing decision-making—insights that would later shape his career.

With sixteen years of experience as a behavior specialist, Tre has significantly impacted the field, holding notable positions such as Dean of Students at West Town Academy, an alternative high school for students who have previously dropped out of school; manager of Behavior Services at Franklin-McKinley School District; and a key member of the specialized behavior support team at Chicago Public Schools.

Tre holds a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in moderate to severe disabilities from National University. His work is a testament to his dedication to helping young people find their path and thrive despite past challenges. Tre lives in Oak Park with his wife, Megan, and their three children  — Emmett (5), Malcolm (3), and Imani (1) — balancing his professional dedication with his role as a father.