Data Scientist DR. BEN DITKOWSKY DR. BEN DITKOWSKY < Back DR. BEN DITKOWSKY More about Ben Data Scientist Ben specializes in using data to improve teaching and learning. He believes proper use and analysis of data can equip educators with better and well-informed decisions that affect student learning. bditkowsky@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Specialist COLLEEN ROSS COLLEEN ROSS < Back COLLEEN ROSS More about Colleen Professional Learning Specialist For Colleen, STEM, AI, and science education aren't just hot topics — they are keys to unlocking opportunities for students. As a Professional Learning Specialist at West40, she partners with educators to explore how inquiry-based practices can support meaningful teaching and learning. Knowing firsthand that education is a heart-led profession, Colleen strives to create collaborative spaces where educators feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. She facilitates learning by asking thoughtful questions that honor educators' expertise and spark curiosity. Colleen holds an MEd from DePaul University, along with LBS1 and ESL endorsements. After teaching for several years, she transitioned her focus to supporting educators through professional learning, scaling career-connected STEM initiatives, and engaging with education stakeholders throughout Illinois. Today, these experiences fuel her mission to make STEM pathways accessible to all students. In recent years, running has become one of Colleen's greatest teachers, reminding her that growth comes from embracing challenges and taking one step at a time. She brings that same growth mindset to her work, helping educators build the confidence to try something new. cross@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Specialist RITO MARTINEZ RITO MARTINEZ < Back RITO MARTINEZ More about Rito Professional Learning Specialist Rito Martinez, M.Ed., is a seasoned educational leader with over 25 years of experience dedicated to transforming school culture and advancing equity. A former Golden Apple Award-winning teacher and the founding principal of Social Justice High School, Rito has deep roots in public education and a proven track record of strengthening leadership capacity within Chicago Public Schools and districts nationwide. As a professional learning specialist with West40, Rito provides executive coaching to high-level education leaders, helping them implement high-impact initiatives and systemic change. His expertise in leadership development is further highlighted by his previous roles overseeing principal induction programs and supervising large cadres of executive coaches to accelerate school improvement and student success. Rito’s career is defined by his commitment to equipping leaders with the transformative coaching and racial healing tools necessary to foster inclusive, equitable environments. rmartinez@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Specialist ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY < Back ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY More about Anna Mae Professional Learning Specialist Anna Mae Grams-Pullappally is a Professional Learning Specialist at West40, where she partners with schools and districts on continuous improvement and trains leaders to effectively implement teacher evaluation systems. She specializes in coaching, mentoring, and equipping leaders to design professional learning that is engaging, outcomes-driven, and reflective. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, school leader, and leadership specialist, Anna Mae brings deep expertise in facilitation, adult learning, and the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Her commitment to education is underscored by a strong belief in the power of collaboration to foster environments where leaders, teachers, and students can thrive together, driving continuous improvement across schools. agramspullapally@west40.org Previous Next

West40 Facilities Lexington location that houses West40 ISC #2 and our Regional Safe School Program at 415 Lexington Street, Maywood, IL 60153 West40 at St. Joseph, 10900 West Cermak Road, Westchester, IL 60154 Welcome to our Facilities webpage, the heart of our district’s infrastructure management where we are committed to enhancing the learning environment through our facilities. We will meet you where you are. We will be what you need. We will walk further with you. We will stand strong with you. FACILITIES USAGE ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT FACILITY USAGE Below, you will find links directing individuals and organizations to detailed information about our facility usage. 1. West40 Facility Usage Agreement FY26-27 2. Facility Usage Paperwork FY 26-27 3. FY26-27 Blackout Dates ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT 1. Annual Notice West40 ISC #2 Asbestos Management 7.14.26 HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. JEANNE KEANE Director of Facilities jkeane@west40.org

Education Environment Specialist and Behavior Analyst HOLLY MCCARTHY HOLLY MCCARTHY < Back HOLLY MCCARTHY More about Holly Education Environment Specialist and Behavior Analyst A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Holly keeps the best interest of students at the forefront of her consultation. With 15+ years of experience in multiple special education settings, she uses behavior analytic principles, developmentally appropriate practices and a human-centered approach to support the most challenging student behaviors and guiding teams to feel successful in the least restrictive environment. hmccarthy@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Empowering educators empower students AREAS OF SUPPORT MONTHLY STATS WHO WE'VE SERVED LISTEN. COLLABORATE. TRANSFORM. We start by LISTENING to a district's current reality, digging deep into their vision and identifying what we'll need to bring that vision to life. of our districts who take part in a NEED ASSESSMENT engage in a transformative Professional Learning Cycle. 62% 93% of our Professional Learning Cycle participants engage in a MULTI-YEAR TRANSFORMATION with us. LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO Next we COLLABORATE , distributing our time together between co-planning, one-on-one or team coaching and co-facilitating right alongside district we serve. Becoming an active partner to districts we serve is essential to them, which is why 72% of our time together is spent in collaboration. 218 in about days, our collaborative partnerships TRANSFORM districts' visions into a reality WHO WE'VE SERVED Interested in learning more of what resources we have that can help you? CLICK HERE! Resources ACADEMIC & BEHAVIORAL Administrator Academy Co-Teaching Danielson Training Differentiation and Inclusion Evaluative Calibration Growth Mindset Instructional Coaching Instructional Innovation BEHAVIORAL CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES SEL (SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING) HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TEAM plteam@west40.org MEET THE TEAM

School Safety and Threat Assessment We strive to enhance the overall safety of every school and proactively protect students and staff from threats and acts of violence in an effort to foster the best learning environment possible. WHAT WE DO The purpose of West40’s School Safety and Threat Assessment team (STAT) is to enhance the overall safety and security of every school. We strive to help proactively protect students and staff from threats and acts of violence to foster the best learning environment possible. We can provide coaching and training tailored to your needs in areas of safety and threat assessment, including but not limited to: Independent Physical Security Assessments Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Development and Flip Charts Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Assembling an Effective Threat Assessment Team Threat Assessment Plan Assistance Behavioral Warning Signs of Violence Suicide and Violence Prevention through Social Media Awareness Training on Security Awareness, Emergency Preparedness, Crisis Response, and Security Operations Incident Command System (ICS) Training/Certification Assistance with Reunification Planning and Process Tabletop and Full-scale Exercises Where Participants Test Functional Roles They are Expected to Play in Real-time Events Security Related Procedural Needs Evaluation of Staffing Requirements Needed to Address Security Physical Security Architectural Planning Considerations SRO and Law Enforcement Partnership Support WE ARE READY TO HELP. When we say the success of kids is in all of our hands, that includes ensuring a safe environment that they feel confident coming back to every day. Reach out and connect to learn more! BY THE NUMBERS 2024-2025 186 66 Hours of STAT Training STAT + TVTP (Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant) Contracts 610 160 Attendees of Illinois School Safety Conference Participants of "I Love U Guys" Reunification Training 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

Fingerprinting We conduct background checks for pre-employment screening, licensing requirements, and other authorized purposes for educators, business professionals, and community members on a Live Scan fingerprinting system. Appointments last approximately 15 minutes, and prints are submitted to the Illinois State Police and FBI. Results can take up to two weeks but are typically received within a week. SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT Wayfinding When you arrive: Ring the doorbell to the right of the door and it will be the first door on your right. 415 Lexington St, Maywood IL, 60153 Map Directions to Fingerprinting Here! HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. BILLY BALDERAS Pearson Vue/Work Keys Test Proctor West40 Fingerprinting bbalderas@west40.org

Our Mission We will meet you where you are. We will be what you need. We will walk further with you. We will stand strong with you. WEST40 BELIEVES Every single kid deserves a chance at success. We know that they come from a variety of backgrounds and it’s up to all of us - educators, administrators, families, communities, and those here within the walls of West40 to ensure they have every opportunity possible to become who they are meant to be. OUR VISION We will transform every student in West Cook County—regardless of their past or circumstances—into a powerful, influential member of their community. HOW WE SERVE West40 serves 38 school districts and three co-ops in West Cook County, changing lives in one of the most populated areas in Illinois and creating ripple effects throughout the state through various student-centric programs and services. West4o knows life gets in the way sometimes. That’s how we can help. As enablers, we open up pathways for students and the people who surround them so students have a chance to succeed. COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION SERVICES Professional Learning Grants Support Student Programs Heart 2 Heart Program Community Resources Networks Community Resources Yourth Support Programs Roll over the circles to learn more about our programs! HOW WE'RE FUNDED Like other intermediate service centers, West40 was created by Illinois statute. Our core services are funded both by the state of Illinois and by the school districts we serve. Some additional services are made possible through our charitable arm, which is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. We also rely on charitable donations to help fund these services for our communities. BY THE NUMBERS See the annual results of our advocacy, service, and legislative funding efforts. LEARN MORE HEAR THEIR STORIES Explore powerful stories of redemption, success, and creativity. Learn how West40 is affecting lives in our communities. LEARN MORE

Professional Learning Specialist DR. KENNEDI STRICKLAND-DIXON DR. KENNEDI STRICKLAND-DIXON < Back DR. KENNEDI STRICKLAND-DIXON More about Kennedi Professional Learning Specialist I am excited to begin my second year at West 40! This year marks my 31st year in the field of education. Prior to joining the team at West 40, I served as a Director of Special Education for 19 consecutive years. I began my career in education as a special education teacher in Maywood District 89 in 1995 and later served as the Director of Special Education for 8 years. Throughout my journey as a Director of Special Education, I have served in Bellwood District 88, Oak Park and River Forest High School, SASED, and St. Charles School District 303. In addition to serving as a school administrator, I have been an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University , where I taught courses in racial equity with a focus on the inequalities affecting African-American students. I am very passionate about issues of social justice in education. Currently, I am an Adjunct Professor at National Louis University in the Teacher Preparation Program. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working with teachers and staff as we strive to give students and families our very best every day. kstricklanddixon@west40.org Previous Next

Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter! When you subscribe, you will receive the following: The West40 newsletter every two months (Please scroll down to see our past Newsletters.) The semi-monthly Learning BEAT filled with Professional Learning opportunities such as AAs , Empower ED and Networks The Comprehensive Education Services Newsletter twice a year informing you of important dates Which Newsletter(s) would you like to subscribe to?* Learning BEAT: A catalog of Administrator Academies and Empower ED learning sessions CES Professional Learning West40 Newsletter Email* Join Our Mailing List Yes, subscribe me to your newsletters. * A Sense of Belonging August 2026 Download Removing Barriers February 2026 Download Elevating Education August, 2025 Download Meeting Your Needs February, 2025 Download The Stories That Unite Us June 2026 Download Holiday Wish List December 2025 Download Horizons & Highlights June, 2025 Download Give to Grow December, 2024 Download A World Awaits April 2026 Download Let's Be Real October, 2025 Download Forward Thinking April, 2025 Download Everything. Everywhere. October, 2024 Download