Professional Learning Specialist DEMIAN LAPOINTE DEMIAN LAPOINTE < Back DEMIAN LAPOINTE More about Demian Professional Learning Specialist Demian LaPointe, MAE., MEd., is a passionate educator with 30 years of experience serving public schools across Chicagoland. He has served as a Coordinator of MTSS at both the building and district levels, as well as a Department Chair and Director of Special Education. Demian has led the design and implementation of MTSS services across more than 15 schools, including an alternative education program, bringing both systems-level vision and hands-on support to some of the most vulnerable learners. Dedicated to the Whole Child, Demian’s work centers on the academic, social, and emotional well-being of youth. He partners closely with educators and administrators to strengthen trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and staff resilience, offering training that empowers schools to navigate compassion satisfaction and fatigue. Known for blending heart and expertise, Demian has become a trusted leader and trainer across the region, equipping schools to better serve families and transform outcomes for students. dlapointe@west40.org Previous Next

Continuous Improvement Specialist MIKE CZERNIAWSKI MIKE CZERNIAWSKI < Back MIKE CZERNIAWSKI More about Mike Continuous Improvement Specialist With almost 30 years of experience, Mike Czerniawski brings deep expertise and a practical mindset to the work of continuous improvement. As West40’s School Improvement Coordinator, Mike partners with educators to focus on the most impactful levers of change—defin and maintaining clear focus, aligning processes and structures, enhancing high-quality instruction, building professional learning networks, and nurturing school climate and culture. Driven by a commitment to success for all students, Mike supports school leaders in designing and implementing systems, structures, and practices that move beyond theory to real-world, sustainable action. He excels at guiding school teams through complex change processes, and ensuring that strategic plans are translated into clear, achievable steps, helping schools build momentum and purposefully move toward lasting improvement. mczerniawski@west40.org Previous Next

Contact Us Our West40 team is ready to help. Get in touch and we’ll get you the assistance that you need. Hours Map Directions LET'S CONNECT! First name* Last name* Email* Phone Department/Area* Write here* Submit West4o Hours Mon - Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Directions To Locate The Doors For: FINGERPRINTING/WEST40 TESTING CHROME BOOK PICK-UP LEXINGTON FRONT ENTRANCE LICENSURE MAIN OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES HEART 2 HEART

Professional Learning Team ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY Professional Learning Specialist Main Office agramspullapally@west40.org More about Anna Mae DR. BEN DITKOWSKY Data Science Specialist Main Office bditkowsky@west40.org More about Ben DAWN DOLBY Professional Learning Specialist Main Office ddolby@west40.org More about Dawn DIANE SCHOENHEIDER Professional Learning Specialist Main Office dschoenheider@west40.org More about Diane DR. ERIKA LUKASIK Professional Learning Specialist Main Office elukasik@west40.org More about Erika DR. JULIE MORRIS Professional Learning Specialist Main Office jmorris@west40.org More about Julie DR. KENNEDI STRICKLAND-DIXON Professional Learning Specialist Main Office kstricklanddixon@west40.org More about Kennedi MALLORY LAWLER Professional Learning Specialist Main Office mlawler@west40.org More about Mallory MIKE CZERNIAWSKI Continuous Improvement Coordinator Main Office mczerniawski@west40.org More about Mike RITO MARTINEZ Professional Learning Specialist Main Office rmartinez@west40.org More about Rito STACY STEWART Professional Learning Specialist Main Office sstewart@west40.org More about Stacy DR. TRACEY GARFIELD Professional Learning Specialist Main Office tgarfield@west40.org More about Tracey ANNE PAONESSA Professional Learning Specialist Main Office apaonessa@west40.org More about Anne COLLEEN ROSS Professional Learning Specialist Main Office cross@west40.org More about Colleen DEMIAN LAPOINTE Professional Learning Specialist Main Office dlapointe@west40.org More about Demian DR. DIANE WOLF Professional Learning Specialist Main Office dwolf@west40.org More about Diane HOLLY MCCARTHY Educational Environment Specialist & Behavior Analyst Main Office hmccarthy@west40.org More about Holly KARLA CHAVEZ Coordinator of Professional Learning Main Office kchavez@west40.org More about Karla DR. LAVERNE COKE WRIGHT School Improvement Coordinator Main Office laverne.cokewright@west40.org More about LaVerne MICHAEL CAMPBELL Professional Learning Specialist Main Office mcampbell@west40.org More about Michael DR. NIMISHA BHATT Professional Learning Specialist Main Office nbhatt@west40.org More about Nimisha DR. SONYA SPAULDING Director of Professional Learning Main Office sspaulding@west40.org More about Sonya TERRI WILCOX West40 Project Manager for CPS/Professional Learning Specialist Main Office twilcox@west40.org More about Terri VANESSA WILLIAMS-JOHNSON Professional Learning Specialist Main Office vwilliamsjohnson@west40.org More about Vanessa

ARP-ESSER FUNDS PLAN Download our ARP-ESSER Funds Plan Download PDF HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. CARA WILEY Director of Grants cwiley@west40.org KATIE ELVIDGE Assistant Director of Grants kelvidge@west40.org

Contact Us LET'S CONNECT! First name* Last name* Email* Phone Area* Write here* Submit PHILIP ABRAHAM Director of Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org STEVE BOGREN Senior Director of Comprehensive Educational Services sbogren@West40.org WIL GAGE Director of School Safety & Threat Assessment wgage@west40.org

How-to videos How to navigate the IARSS online compliance process Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org PHILIP ABRAHAM Director of Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org

Truancy Solving challenges and removing barriers for youth to thrive HOW WE HELP West40 partners with districts to address chronic absenteeism and truancy through early intervention, family engagement, and systems-level support. Our approach prioritizes early intervention while helping schools strengthen attendance practices across all grade levels. Our work supports both individual students and the broader attendance culture within each district. WHO WE SERVE West40 partners with your district to serve K-12 truant students. We develop attainable attendance goals for students and walk alongside them to help remove barriers preventing school attendance. West40’s Truancy Outreach Director also provides consultation to district leaders through the use of the WELCOME Tool. The WELCOME Tool is a school climate and engagement assessment that supports districts in strengthening attendance systems and fostering a culture of belonging for all students and families. ALL SCHOOL ANXIETY IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESOURCES Why Does Attendance Matter for the Illinois School Report Card? West40 Community Resources Page Attendance Works Tips for Starting School (PK-1) What Can Parents Do to Help with Attendance? Why Good Attendance Matters Why do grades PK-3 Matter? The Importance of Attendance in Early Childhood Education How Early School Attendance Sets Children Up for Future Success Riveredge Hospital Compass Health School Avoidance Alliance Podcast - Parenting Teens with School Refusal School Refusal Video When Kids Refuse to go to School -Child Mind Institute Riveredge Hospital School Avoidance Alliance School Refusal Video Compass Health Podcast - Parenting Teens with School Refusal When Kids Refuse to go to School -Child Mind Institute Tips for Starting School (PK-1) What Can Parents Do to Help with Attendance? Why Good Attendance Matters Why do grades PK-3 Matter? The Importance of Attendance in Early Childhood Education How Early School Attendance Sets Children Up for Future Success Why Does Attendance Matter for the Illinois School Report Card? West40 Community Resources Page Attendance Works BY THE NUMBERS IN 2024-25 827 Total Truant Students Served 66.8% of Referrals Exhibited Improved Attendance 552 Home Visits NANCY DEBRE Director of Truancy Outreach and Teen Parent Services ndebre@west40.org HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT.

Forms Easy access to mandated employee checklists, financial reporting forms, building permit applications, and other required school safety documents. ALL BUSINESS OFFICE COMPLIANCE FINGERPRINTING HEALTH/LIFE SAFETY INSTITUTES LICENSURE NON PUBLIC SCHOOLS PERMITTING WEST40 FACILITIES OTHER FORMS AED Example Plan 1. Download PDF Administrative Code 180 (Safety Reference Plan) 3. Download PDF Annual Notice West40 ISC #2 Asbestos Management 7.14.26 5. Download PDF Building Permit Application FY24 7. Download PDF Checklist for Individual Employee 9. Download PDF Concussion Items 11. Download PDF Demolition Permit Application 13. Download Doc Educator Licensure Requirements 15. Link to Webpage Erin's Law 17. Link to Webpage Facility Terms & Conditions 19. Download PDF Guidelines for Individuals Completing an Illinois State Approved Teaching Program 21. Link to Webpage HLS Glossary FY26 23. Download PDF HLS Laws - ISBE Presentation 25. Download PDF Home Schooling 70. Link to Webpage IL Mandated Trainings 28. Download PDF ISBE Forms 30. Link to Webpage Institute Day Application for Approval FY27 32. Google Doc Institute Summary Evaluation Form FY24 34. Download Doc LTC Reference Guide Website Publishing 36. Download PDF Mandated Units of Study FY24 38. Download PDF NDEP School Guide 40. Download PDF NPSR Registration for Recognition FY23 42. Download PDF Non Public Recognition Instrument FY26 44. Download PDF Occupancy Permit Checklist 46. Download Doc Out of State Applicant Requirement Checklist 48. Download PDF Pupils No Longer Enrolled FY25 50. Download Doc Renewal and Reinstatement 52. Link to Webpage Sample Pupil Personnel Services Survey 55. Download PDF School Treasurer's Bond Affidavit FY24 57. Download PDF Sex Equity Survey 58. Download Doc Statement of Completion 60. Download PDF Subsequent Teaching Endorsement Requirements 62. Link to Webpage Treasurer Bond Affidavit 64. Google Doc Website Publishing Requirements for School Districts 66. Download PDF West40 Facility Usage Agreement FY26-27 68. Download PDF When do I apply for Occupancy Permit 70. Download PDF Accelerated Placement Act 2. Link to Webpage Annual Financial Report Form 4. Link to Webpage Annual Review of Crisis Plan 6. Link to Webpage Building Permit Completion Statement Rev. 10.23 8. Download Doc Clarification Immunization Requirements School 10. Download PDF Counseling Service Needs Assessment 12. Download PDF E-Learning Program Verification Form FY27 14. Download PDF Employee Bus Driver Checklist 16. Link to Webpage FY26-27 Blackout Dates 18. Download PDF Facility Usage Paperwork FY 26-27 20. Download PDF HLS Checklist FY26 22. Download PDF HLS Handbook 24. Download PDF HLS Rules - ISBE Presentation 26. Download PDF How To Create An ELIS Account 27. Link to Webage IL Mandated Units of Study 29. Download PDF Illinois Licensure, Endorsement, and Approval Requirements 31. Link to Webpage Institute Participant Evaluation Form FY24 33. Download Doc Integrated Pest Management Plan 35. Download Doc Local Wellness Policy 37. Download PDF Mandated and Recommended Training Requirements FY25 39. Download PDF NPSR Recog-Eval-Glossary FY26 41. Download PDF Non Cert. Personnel Checklists 43. Download Doc Occupancy Permit Application 45. Download Doc Out of Country Applicant Requirement Checklist 47. Download PDF Plan Review Form 36-11-Plan 49. Download Image Renewal and Professional Development 51. Link to Webpage SSDA Requirements FY24 53. Download Doc Schedule an Appointment 56. Link to Webpage Schoool Safety Drill Documentation FY27 54. Download PDF Sex offender and child murder Form 59. Link to Webpage Student Permanent Records 61. Download PDF Transitional Bilingual Education Code 63. Download PDF Verifent Commercial Verifications 65. Download Doc West40 50-03-t-bond FY24 67. Download Doc When a Building Permit Is Required 10.23 69. Download PDF Schedule an Appointment 56. Link to Webpage Administrative Code 180 (Safety Reference Plan) 3. Download PDF HLS Checklist FY26 22. Download PDF HLS Handbook 24. Download PDF HLS Rules - ISBE Presentation 26. Download PDF Annual Review of Crisis Plan 6. Link to Webpage HLS Glossary FY26 23. Download PDF HLS Laws - ISBE Presentation 25. Download PDF Schoool Safety Drill Documentation FY27 54. Download PDF AED Example Plan 1. Download PDF Checklist for Individual Employee 9. Download PDF Concussion Items 11. Download PDF Employee Bus Driver Checklist 16. Link to Webpage IL Mandated Trainings 28. Download PDF Integrated Pest Management Plan 35. Download Doc Mandated Units of Study FY24 38. Download PDF NDEP School Guide 40. Download PDF SSDA Requirements FY24 53. Download Doc Sex Equity Survey 58. Download Doc Student Permanent Records 61. Download PDF Website Publishing Requirements for School Districts 66. Download PDF Accelerated Placement Act 2. Link to Webpage Clarification Immunization Requirements School 10. Download PDF Counseling Service Needs Assessment 12. Download PDF Erin's Law 17. Link to Webpage IL Mandated Units of Study 29. Download PDF LTC Reference Guide Website Publishing 36. Download PDF Mandated and Recommended Training Requirements FY25 39. Download PDF Non Cert. Personnel Checklists 43. Download Doc Sample Pupil Personnel Services Survey 55. Download PDF Sex offender and child murder Form 59. Link to Webpage Transitional Bilingual Education Code 63. Download PDF Institute Day Application for Approval FY27 32. Google Doc Institute Summary Evaluation Form FY24 34. Download Doc Institute Participant Evaluation Form FY24 33. Download Doc 15. Educator Licensure Requirements Link to Webpage 27. How To Create An ELIS Account Link to Webage 31. Illinois Licensure, Endorsement, and Approval Requirements Link to Webpage 48. Out of State Applicant Requirement Checklist Download PDF 52. Renewal and Reinstatement Link to Webpage 21. Guidelines for Individuals Completing an Illinois State Approved Teaching Program Link to Webpage 30. ISBE Forms Link to Webpage 47. Out of Country Applicant Requirement Checklist Download PDF 51. Renewal and Professional Development Link to Webpage 62. Subsequent Teaching Endorsement Requirements Link to Webpage NPSR Recog-Eval-Glossary FY26 41. Download PDF Non Public Recognition Instrument FY26 44. Download PDF NPSR Registration for Recognition FY23 42. Download PDF Building Permit Application FY24 7. Download PDF Demolition Permit Application 13. Download Doc Occupancy Permit Checklist 46. Download Doc Statement of Completion 60. Download PDF When do I apply for Occupancy Permit 70. Download PDF Building Permit Completion Statement Rev. 10.23 8. Download Doc Occupancy Permit Application 45. Download Doc Plan Review Form 36-11-Plan 49. Download Image When a Building Permit Is Required 10.23 69. Download PDF Annual Financial Report Form 4. Link to Webpage Home Schooling 70. Link to Webpage Pupils No Longer Enrolled FY25 50. Download Doc Treasurer Bond Affidavit 64. Google Doc E-Learning Program Verification Form FY27 14. Download PDF Local Wellness Policy 37. Download PDF School Treasurer's Bond Affidavit FY24 57. Download PDF West40 50-03-t-bond FY24 67. Download Doc Annual Notice West40 ISC #2 Asbestos Management 7.14.26 5. Download PDF Facility Terms & Conditions 19. Download PDF West40 Facility Usage Agreement FY26-27 68. Download PDF FY26-27 Blackout Dates 18. Download PDF Facility Usage Paperwork FY 26-27 20. Download PDF Verifent Commercial Verifications 65. Download Doc HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org PHILIP ABRAHAM Director of Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org JEANNE KEANE Director of Facilities jkeane@west40.org

Online Learning Develop your skills with online learning opportunities offered through our partnership with the Kane County ROE. ILLINOIS ONLINE ACADEMY The Illinois Online Academy contains a curated collection of courses for Illinois educators through a partnership between the Kane County Regional Office of Education, Illinois Vision 20/20, and Virtual Education Software. ONLINE COURSES HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TEAM plteam@west40.org MEET THE TEAM

Illinois School Safety Conference Live-Stream Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. SCHOOL SAFETY & THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org PHILIP ABRAHAM Director of Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org WIL GAGE Director of School Safety & Threat Assessment wgage@west40.org RANDY BRAVERMAN School Safety & Threat Assessment Specialist rbraverman@west40.org ALEX CAMPOS CES/STAT Specialist acampos@west40.org ERIC ARNOLD School Safety & Threat Assessment Specialist earnold@west40.org

Professional Learning Specialist ANNE PAONESSA ANNE PAONESSA < Back ANNE PAONESSA More about Anne Professional Learning Specialist Dr. Anne Paonessa is an experienced educator and leader with over 20 years in public education, serving as a teacher, principal, director of multilingual services, and assistant superintendent. As a Professional Learning Specialist with West40, she partners with school teams to design and lead instruction through coaching, leadership development, and job-embedded support. She works closely with administrators and instructional leadership teams to strengthen effective, inclusive practices. Her work focuses on improving outcomes for Multilingual Learners, advancing the Illinois Numeracy Plan, and helping educators design instruction that responds to the variability of student needs. Anne is also an adjunct professor at National Louis University and co-author of Essential Connection Skills (Corwin, 2025). She is passionate about helping schools build meaningful connections that increase student engagement, attendance, and achievement. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, being with her dogs, golfing, kayaking, traveling, and staying active at the gym. apaonessa@west40.org Previous Next