Education Team

Meet Our Teachers

Hana Herrick, M. Ed, co-leads our hospital-wide School Services Program. Hana Herrick joins us with 18 years of teaching experience in the community. Hana most recently served as a 2nd Grade Math and Science Teacher at Acero Schools, where she worked with a diverse student population, including English and Spanish Language Learners and Diverse Learners. She was instrumental in implementing social-emotional behavior systems like growth mindset, improver’s wall, and levels of autonomy. These initiatives fostered a supportive environment, empowering students to take academic risks and accelerate their learning.

Before her role as a 2nd Grade Teacher, Hana spent 13 years teaching Kindergarten at Acero Schools. There, she utilized data-driven decision-making to personalize instruction based on students’ readiness, interests, and learning styles. Hana holds a Master of Arts in Reading Education and has completed her coursework for a PhD in Early Education at Concordia University. She is also certified in Elementary Education and as a Reading Specialist. Hana's dedication and expertise will be invaluable to our team.

Elizabeth Schill, M. Ed, co-leads the hospital-wide School Services Program. She brings 12 years of teaching experience, having worked with students from diverse backgrounds across various regions. Her focus on social-emotional supports and inclusive learning environments has significantly impacted her students' lives. Elizabeth holds a Master of Arts in Education from Truman State University and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Augusta University. She is a licensed teacher with endorsements in ESOL (PreK-12), Math (5-8), and STEM. She has specialized training in individualized learning and project-based learning form LEAP innovations and PBL world. Additionally, Elizabeth is trained in utilizing the Orton-Gillingham approach, a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy. Elizabeth’s care centered nature combined with her skill set help her reach students daily. 

Meet Our Education Liaisons

Jen Haney, MA, DT-H, is the Hart Family Education Liaison for the Cochlear Implant Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. She is a licensed teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing and credentialed Early Intervention evaluator and provider. Jen holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change from Roosevelt University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education from Illinois State University. Jen joined the Cochlear Implant Team in November of 2015. Since becoming part of the team, Jen has had the opportunity to present at both the state and national level. She provides support and resources to families regarding the education of their child from birth through post-secondary education. Jen also collaborates with educational teams in a variety of school placements keeping them up-to-date regarding a number of aspects pertaining to cochlear implants. She is currently pursuing her Listening and Spoken Language certification to become a licensed Auditory Verbal Educator.

Sarah Johnson is the Education Liaison for the NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program within the Heart Center. Sarah has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, and is a licensed Special Education Teacher with a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS-1) Endorsement. Prior to working at Lurie Children's, she worked as a special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools in both the middle school and primary grades. Sarah brings her experience with special education services, knowledge of educational rights and a passion for access to education to this role. She enjoys partnering with patient families and their school teams to empower patients to achieve at their fullest potential.

Amanda Torres is the Education Liaison for the Pediatric Epilepsy Center. Previous to starting at Lurie Children’s, Amanda worked as a school social worker with Chicago Public Schools serving children with special needs. Amanda also has experience working with general education students in k-12^th grade. Amanda holds a master’s degree in Social Work with a Professional Educator License (PEL). She enjoys supporting her patients’ well-being and educational success by collaborating with their families, schools, and medical team.

Katlyn Treinen, M.Ed is the Education Liaison for the Department of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation. Katlyn has a master’s degree in education with an endorsement in special education. Before coming to work at the hospital, Katlyn taught for 5 years as an elementary special education teacher for Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, Wisconsin. Katlyn brings her experience with special education services, as well as knowledge of educational planning to this role. She enjoys working with patients and their families to set patients up for academic success.

Melanie Uczen is the Education Liaison for the NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program within the Heart Center. Melanie has a Master of Arts in education and is a licensed Special Education Teacher with a Learning Behavior Specialist I licensure, and English as a Second Language endorsement. Prior to working at Lurie Children’s, she worked as a certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and Special Education Teacher in Evanston/Skokie School District and Chicago Public Schools. She has years of dedication supporting specific learning disabilities, program development, inpatient hospital instruction, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs, supporting all patients with social, emotional, and medical needs. Melanie works as a multi-disciplinary team member educating and advocating for patients and families. She enjoys building connections with all patients, families and schools advocating for educational rights and appropriate education to achieve success.