Director of Professional Learning

With a track record of transforming schools and districts across the state of Illinois, Suzy Dees is a proven leader in K-12 education. She is skilled in Professional Learning and Development, School Improvement, Team Motivation, and Instructional Coaching. Before joining West40, Suzy served in a variety of roles in schools, districts, and on the state level.

She has guided universal professional learning opportunities at the Illinois State Board of Education, served as an educational consultant both independently and for ROEs, taught high school students, and worked as Instructional Support Coordinator at District 87 in Bloomington. Some of Suzy’s favorite content areas in professional learning are Inclusion, Co-Teaching, Mentoring and Induction, and Instructional Strategies.

Professional Learning Specialist

Gina Sierra is a Professional Learning Specialist with West 40. Prior to joining the West40 team, Gina worked in elementary education for 26 years. She spent time working as a reading teacher and taught various grade levels within Kdg-6th. Gina worked as both an Assistant Principal and Principal during her seven years in school administration. In addition to her work within schools, she previously served on the Komarek School District 94 Board of Education and is a current member of the District 208 Riverside Brookfield High School board.

Having this diverse background within the field, she is able to collaborate with schools as they focus on a variety of timely school topics including the school improvement process, mentorship of new teachers, evaluation of staff, assessment, and social emotional learning. It is with this varied background within the educational field that Gina brings a broad perspective to her work with districts.