Meet The Staff

Mark F. - Executive Director

Mark Fisher opened the school in 1990 and has served as the Executive Director since.  Mark graduated from Northern Illinois University, and prior to opening The Learning House, worked in numerous private therapuetic day schools.  Mark took what he believed to be the good aspects of each of the different schools he worked in order to incorporate those aspects into The Learning House.  When Mark is not working with students, you can usually find him enjoying the outdoors hunting and fishing.

Aneta P. - Clinical Director

Aneta received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Aneta holds her LMFT and has experience working in community and school-based settings. Aneta enjoys helping adolescents and families who have experienced trauma and is trained in Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). In her free time, she loves to spend time with family and travel to new places!

Sandy S. - Educational Director

Sandy Schwartz became the Director of Education at The Learning House in June, 2015, possessing nearly 40 years of experience working with individuals with special needs ages 0-21.  She graduated from Northwestern University with a Masters degree in Educational Administration and from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, with a Bachelors Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education.  Prior to joining The Learning House family, Sandy was a Special Education Coordinator/Teacher at New Trier High School for twenty three years.  Before then, she also worked as the Transition Coordinator for the North Suburban Special Education Department, the Education Coordinator at Charter Barclay Hospital, the Vocational Coordinator at Lambs Farm, the Vocational Coordinator and Early Childhood Teacher at the Julia Molloy Education Center, and as an Executive Functioning Coach and Intake Coordinator for Beyond Book Smart.  Sandy enjoys participating in many outdoor activities and spending time with her family.

Kevin B. - Office Manager

Kevin received his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Roosevelt University.  Upon graduation, Kevin was hired as an associate teacher at East Capitol High School, The Learning House's sister school, as a math teacher.  After East Capitol closed its doors in 2015, Kevin came to The Learning House as a science teacher for a short while, before coming into the Office Manager role, a role he has been in since 2015.  When not at school, Kevin tutors students in math and enjoys spending time with his family, as well as participating in sports.

Alissa L. - Clinician

Alissa received both her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and her Master’s degree in School Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Alissa received her Clinical Social Work license in 2016 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2020. She has experience working in school-based settings and previously worked as a Post Adoption and Foster Care caseworker. When Alissa is not in school, she is a part time private practice therapist for adolescence and teenagers. For fun, Alissa enjoys spending time with family and friends.

 Tom B. - Senior Teacher

Tom has been involved with The Learning House since he helped out with Camp in the summer of 2011.  Since then, he has graduated from The Ohio State University in 2012 where he received a B.A. in Criminology along with a minor in Forensic Science.  Tom has been teaching the math courses at TLH since the 2014-2015 school. In June 2017, Tom received his M.A.T. in Special Education from National Louis University.  Outside of work, Tom enjoys traveling, sporting events, and concerts. 

Matt F. - Senior Teacher

Matt received his Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Operations from the University of Dayton. After graduating, I started as an associate teacher at East Capitol High School and later transferred to my current position at The Learning House. During that time, Matt has taught a variety of subjects including Physical Education, History, Business, Art, and other electives. Matt has coached in the CAAEL sports program at both schools and is a true believer that students can use the lessons they learn through sports both in the classroom and in their future career. 

Matthew M. - Senior Teacher

Matthew is currently a Senior Teacher at The Learning House. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University.  Prior to working at The Learning House, Matthew coached football, cross country and track and field for 8 years at the High School level.  Outside of work Matthew enjoys staying active outside, watching sports and traveling.

Connie W. - Associate Teacher

Connie received an Associate in Fine Arts and Paralegal Certificate in 2017 from Harper College. Connie enjoys working with students and hopes to become a Special Education Teacher. When she is not at school she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Brian M. - Associate Teacher

Brian received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Saint Xavier University. During his time in college, he was a two-sport collegiate athlete and was involved in clubs and various activities. Brian was a previous student at the Learning House and graduated in 2012. Since his graduation, he has helped out in the summer as a Teacher’s Aide. Brian believes strongly in the program here at TLH and appreciates what his teachers did for him during his time here. He wants nothing but to see students succeed and progress to graduation.

Sinatra G. - Associate Teacher

Sinatra earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Midland University.  As a former collegiate athlete, Sinatra shares life experiences and the importance of working hard to persevere.  Sinatra's core values are family, faith and community.  Sinatra coaches high school sports and enjoys playing golf in his leisure time.  

Jasmine G. - Administrative Assistance

Jasmine is studying Special Education at Triton College. She was a previous student at the Learning House, graduated in 2017 and is pleased to be a part of The Learning House family. Outside of work, she enjoys baking sweets but also traveling to new places.

Kelly S. - Student Teacher

Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies from Northern Illinois University and is currently completing her master’s degree in Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University. Kelly has worked in the field of special education for 7 years, primarily with preschool and early elementary-aged students. She is a big Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and enjoys spending time with family.