Staff
MEET THE LEARNING HOUSE STAFF
The Learning House integrates individualized education, vocational support, counseling and experiential activities to encourage a sense of self-worth and mutual respect; healthy decision making; responsibility and accountability; a sense of community; and a respectful future. It takes a team and we have one of the best. Meet The Learning House staff here and send them a note if you need to contact them. They’re always happy to help.
Matt F. - Program Director
Matt received his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Operations from the University of Dayton. After graduating, he started as an associate teacher at East Capitol High School in 2013 and later transferred to The Learning House. During that time, Matt earned two master’s degrees including his LBS1 and Educational Leadership degree. He 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.
Kevin B. - Director of Operations
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.
Tom B. - Educational Director
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.
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 started at The Learning House in 2019 as a clinician and moved into the Clinical Director role in 2021. 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!
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. Alissa has been at The Learning House since 2021. For fun, Alissa enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Jovana G. - Clinician
Jovana received both her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Sociology and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. She has extensive experience working in private practice and community mental health settings. She started at The Learning House in 2025. In her free time, Jovana enjoys spending time with her family and staying active.
Joel G. - Clinical Trainee
Joel received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University. Prior to his start at The Learning House in 2025, Joel worked in Applied Behavior Analysis as a Registered Behavior Technician for 2 years. When Joel is not working, he enjoys taking his dog on walks through the forest preserve and playing sports with his friends.
Matthew M. - Senior Teacher
Matthew began at The Learning House as a student teacher in 2019 and 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.
Ashton H. - Senior Teacher
Ashton began at The Learning House as a student teacher in 2019 and is currently a Senior Teacher at The Learning House. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to joining TLH, Ashton worked for Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED) for 9 years in the Educational Life Skills (ELS) program. In his free time, Ashton enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with his four daughters, and traveling with his family.
Connie W. - Senior Teacher
Edgar S. - Associate Teacher
Edgar received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa before doing in-home counseling for over 10 years in Iowa. Edgar transitioned to working in therapeutic day school settings when he relocated to Illinois and started at The Learning House in 2022. In his free time, Edgar enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with his family.
Hinna A. - Associate Teacher
Hinna received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Lewis University in 2013. She has been an associate teacher at The Learning House since 2025. Before TLH, Hinna worked as a behavioral interventionist in an ABA setting for 10 years and worked as a job coach in a transition program for 5 years. In her spare time, Hinna enjoys playing badminton and nature walks.
Alex C. - Associate Teacher
Alex is currently enrolled at Western Governor’s University and working to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Elementary Education. In 2023, Alex started at The Learning House as an associate teacher, primarily helping with math-related subjects. When Alex is not teaching, they enjoy reading, listening to music, and playing table-top and board games.
Danny D. - Associate Teacher
Danny has been at The Learning House as an associate teacher since November 2022. Danny is currently in school for his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Concordia University. Before working at The Learning House, Danny worked in phone retail and a paraprofessional in Evanston. In his free time, Danny enjoyed playing basketball, listening to music, and making music.
Mark F. - TLH Founder
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 therapeutic 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.