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Our Team

Charlise Berkel, Principal

Charlise Berkel is the daughter of multilingual Dutch Caribbean immigrants, who after attending the University of Chicago for undergraduate studies, began her career in bilingual teaching as a Montessori Elementary teacher. In recent years she has served as Multilingual Coordinator (TWI) in the district’s Multilingual Department, supporting the adoption of a Spanish/English dual Language Arts curriculum in two-way immersion classrooms in six buildings district-wide. She plans and facilitates district wide professional learning for K-5 TWI strands in alignment with school improvement and the district strategic plan, building TWI coaches and dual language teachers in biliteracy instructional strategies and sheltered instructional practices for multilingual learners. Her frontline service, as an ACC teacher, substitute TWI teacher and ESL teacher, keeps her connected to the evolving realities of the classroom and the diverse cultural linguistic journeys of students and their families. Ms. Berkel’s knowledge of literacy, biliteracy, content area instruction and pedagogy is expansive, with more than twenty years of teaching and coaching experience spanning preschool, elementary and middle school levels, across private, parochial, charter and public school contexts.

Sarah Antrim-Graf, Assistant Principal

Sarah Antrim-Graf is a dedicated educator with a rich and diverse background in teaching, leadership, and global experiences. Since the very beginning of her career, Sarah has been deeply committed to equity. Her early work with the Illinois Virtual High School reflected this commitment, as the school’s mission was to “level the playing field” for every student in Illinois. As an inaugural cohort member, she served as a course author, teacher, and regional coordinator, helping to pioneer innovative pathways for student learning that continue to influence education today.

With eight years of experience as a Spanish teacher in District 65, Sarah built a strong foundation in language education and a deep commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding among students. Now in her fourth year as Assistant Principal at Bessie Rhodes—and with more than a decade of service in District 65—she continues to make a significant positive impact on the school community through her leadership in the classroom, extra-curricular activities, and equity-driven projects both locally and globally. Her work has extended to social justice initiatives on the Cheyenne River Reservation, in Naso territory in Panama, and along the Thailand/Myanmar and Poland/Ukraine borders.

Sarah’s passion for equity and innovation is matched by her passion for global exploration. Having traveled to 55 countries and counting, she brings a unique worldview into her educational practice, inspiring students and staff alike to embrace curiosity, broaden their horizons, and celebrate the diverse cultures that shape our world.

With her wealth of experience, unwavering dedication to equity, and genuine love for teaching and learning, Ms. Antrim-Graf is committed to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.