Image shows a background photo with 7 different headshots of Noble Schools' school psychologists. On top of the headshots, there is a blue transparent layer. On top of that, there is blue text with a yellow background that reads "Meet the School Psychologists of Noble". The Noble Schools logo is in the bottom right corner.
Published On: November 10th, 2022Categories: 2022, Staff

In honor of School Psychologist Week this year, we wanted to take a moment to hear from the psychologists who serve all 18 of our campuses about why they do the work they do. Take a look:

MARY BARGI

Image shows a headshot of Mary Bargi, the school psychologist for Baker College Prep, Hansberry College Prep, and Rauner College Prep in Chicago, IL.

What campuses they support: Baker College Prep, Hansberry College Prep, and Rauner College Prep

What do you love most about your work?

Truly, I love getting to know all the students I work with. They’re from all different parts of the city, experiencing a time in their lives right before a major shift happens when they graduate. It’s very uplifting and exciting to be on that journey with them.

LEILANI CASTANEDA

Image shows a headshot of Leilani Castaneda, the school psychologist for Butler College Prep and Mansueto High School in Chicago, IL.

What campuses they support: Butler College Prep and Mansueto High School

What do you love most about your work?

One on one time with each student! As well as getting to witness the academic and personal growth of each unique student with the support of a collaborative school team.

LOUISE DABKEY

Image shows a headshot of Louise Dabkey, the school psychologist for DRW College Prep, Golder College Prep, and ITW David Speer Academy in Chicago, IL.

What campuses they support: DRW College Prep, Golder College Prep, and ITW David Speer Academy

What do you love most about your work?

Love the field. I enjoy working and supporting teachers and students and their families.

DR. CHRIS FALLON

Image shows a headshot of Dr. Chris Fallon, the school psychologist for Gary Comer College Prep, Gary Comer Middle School, and Noble Street College Prep in Chicago, IL.

What campuses they support: Gary Comer College Prep, Gary Comer Middle School, and Noble Street College Prep

What do you love most about your work?

There are many things I love about my job, but the thing I love most is the problem-solving aspect. I love pulling together all of the information and data we have about a student and figuring out something new that I can share with the family and teachers so they understand the student better.

DR. TIFFANI A. FARROW

What campuses they support: Johnson College Prep and UIC College Prep

What do you love most about your work?

The one-on-one interaction with scholars and getting to know them.

NAJEE HOENICKE

Image shows a headshot of Najee Hoenicke, the school psychologist for Chicago Bulls College Prep and Muchin College Prep in Chicago, IL.

What campuses they support: Chicago Bulls College Prep and Muchin College Prep

What do you love most about your work?

Getting to know the students! All of their stories are all so unique and it’s great to get to know what they feel makes them who they are.

MARIA VLANTIS

What campuses they support: Pritzker College Prep, Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, and The Noble Academy

What do you love most about your work?

I love making connections with student and their families, and providing them a space where they feel heard and validated. I also really enjoy breaking down the stigma around mental health! Helping a student understand the positive benefits of therapy and normalizing experiences can be very rewarding.

Learn more about our staff at Noble Schools…

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Photo shows six Gary Comer College Prep students who won Homecoming Court this year. They all stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the football field of the Homecoming game in Chicago, IL.Meet This Year's Homecoming Court at Gary Comer College Prep
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Ensuring Positive and Equitable School Experiences for Noble Students Across Chicago

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