Jane Boyd, Program Director
Jane Boyd earned her original teaching certification in elementary education. While teaching middle school math, she felt the calling to become a special educator. After teaching special education (grades 2-12) for over 10 years, she moved into administration with a degree from Northern Illinois University. Her many years as a special education leader included two positions as the principal of therapeutic day schools, and 10 years as a director of special education in Chicago and the suburban area. She is excited to have joined the SESI team in partnership with U-46, giving her the chance to come full circle and work with students every day.
Jane’s focus on caring for children who face challenges extends to her family life as well. After many years as a DCFS foster parent, she adopted three younger siblings for her son. Her adult children are now giving back: her daughter as a nurse, and her two sons in the military.
Anthony Marasco, Intermediate Classroom Teacher
Anthony has a background in Psychology to go along with his master’s degree in Elementary Education. He attended Benedictine University in Lisle Illinois, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After working as a classroom aide in several different school settings, he decided to pursue his master’s degree. He graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona, with a master’s degree in Elementary Education. Anthony has five years of experience working with both Special Education and General Education students.
Anthony currently lives in Carol Stream, Illinois. He is a big Chicago Cubs fan and is looking to adopt a dog (or 2) in the near future.
Paige Carlson, Social Worker
Paige Carlson went to college in Grand Rapids, MI where she spent her first two years studying special education. Her junior year of college she changed majors to social work where she completed her bachelor’s degree and then went on to get a master’s degree in social work from University of Indianapolis. Her designated specialty is clinical therapy which she has worked in for 6 years and during that time she obtained her clinical license (LCSW). She has worked in many different settings over the years including emergency shelters, partial hospitalization programs, private practice, and with state-funded clients. She has worked with all age groups, pre-K through adults, but her passion has always been working with kids which has been the majority of her experience. She’s passionate about getting to know families and children and being part of their growth.
She grew up in Chicago and has lived all around the Midwest (MI, IN, WI, IL) even though she does not like the cold, she values living near her family and friends. She’s a huge dog lover and adopted her dog a few years ago. She believes that the two best decisions she has made in her life were getting a degree in social work to effect change and adopting her dog. She is excited to announce her recent engagement and is excited to start building a family.
Heide Obrzut-Hofmann (Roate), Intermediate Classroom Teacher
Heide has a Bachelor’s degree in education K-9 from Concordia University Chicago. She has been an elementary school teacher predominantly in 4th through 6rh grades for 23 years, 18 in private schools and 5 years in public education. She also coached high school volleyball and softball. Heide uses restorative circles to get to know students and work on issues within the classroom. She has experience teaching both special education and general education students.
Heide currently lives in Pingree Grove, Illinois with her two 18-year old children and two cats.
Aisha Mohiuddin, Middle School Teacher
Aisha Mohiuddin is the middle school teacher at Bloom Academy. She’s a native Chicagoan and loves all the beauty Chicago has to offer. She is a certified elementary education teacher with endorsements in art and middle school. Additionally, she has a degree in Curriculum & Instruction with Mathematics. Currently, Aisha is working towards a special education endorsement. She always knew she had a special calling in teaching. Her various teaching experiences in different grade levels and various subjects has led her to a greater understanding of the nuances that the field encompasses. Every child is unique and learning preferences vary based on many dynamics. She feels blessed to have this opportunity to work at Bloom Academy!
Christine DiGangi, Special Education Teacher
Christine DiGangi has a background in communications. She completed a bachelor’s in Journalism and Political Science from Marquette University and also earned a master’s in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois-Springfield. She was inspired to become a teacher after volunteering at an orphanage in China. Christine earned a master’s of Special Education from Roosevelt University. She has taught at public and therapeutic day schools. At Bloom Academy, she will be supporting special education students in each of the classrooms.
She enjoys spending time with her two adopted dogs!
Heather Busch, Primary Classroom Teacher
Heather earned her elementary education degree at the University of Iowa, go Hawkeyes! She spent many years teaching 4th and 5th grade in Naperville, where she fell in love with her special education students. She then worked as an ABA therapist for kids with autism at a clinic in Wheaton. After staying at home with three children of her own for a couple years, she was ready to go back to the classroom. This is when she found Bloom Academy. Heather is currently the primary education teacher at Bloom Academy. She loves being able to support her students and families here at Bloom.
