Meet Our Parent Educators

Jennifer Hodgeman: Jennifer was born and raised in Evergreen Park.  She attended Western Michigan University where she obtained both her Elementary and EarIy Childhood teaching degrees. Her education continued at The American College of Education where she received her English as a Second Language endorsement. Jennifer is married and enjoys her time as a mom herself with her son Frankie. This will be her 10th year teaching; 8 of those years were spent teaching 3-5 year old preschool and 2 years have been with the Birth-3 Program.  

Kathy Montesano: This is Kathy’s second year as a Parent Educator in the Birth-3 Program here at Ridgeland School Dist. 122.  Prior to home visiting, Kathy was a preschool teacher for seventeen years, ten of which were spent at Harnew School.  Kathy has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Illinois University, as well as a letter of approval in Special Education and an ESL endorsement.  Kathy is married and a proud mom to Lauren and Jacob who also attended Ridgeland School Dist. 122. 

Sylvia Abu Manneh: Sylvia was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in 2012 where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Middle School Endorsement in Language Arts and Social Science. Prior to being a Birth to 3 Parent Educator, she previously taught Kindergarten and Preschool. 

Rana Abdelrasoul: Rana has over twelve years of teaching experience, and this is her second year as a Parent Educator for the district. Rana attended Saint Xavier University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School endorsement in Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. She also has her English As a Second Language and Transitional Bilingual Education endorsement from National Louis University. Rana is married and loves being a mom to her 3 children.