Behind the Scenes with MEF Program Directors

This week more than 800 boys and girls descended upon the Midtown Center and Metro Achievement Center, where they were welcomed by caring staff who have been preparing for their arrival for the past two months.

MEF staff members truly are unsung heroes, giving freely of themselves to help Chicago’s urban youth enjoy an unforgettable summer experience in the classroom, on weekly field trips, and through sports and the arts. They work behind the scenes, with little fanfare, to make summer special for each and every child.

Here are six of these dedicated professionals. They’re the architects of MEF summer programs and the reason the programs work so well for the kids that MEF serves. They also represent many more people just like them – the remaining program staff, academic instructors, volunteer tutors, coaches and advisors – who will nurture Chicago’s at-risk youth along pathways to success throughout this summer and the school year ahead.

Please consider recognizing and supporting their efforts by contributing to MEF’s summer programs!

Staff Profiles
Metro for Girls

Carolyn Madigan, One-on-One Program Director (4th-6th)

Madigan, a 2013 graduate of Marquette University, is a former teacher. She immediately identified with Metro’s unique combination of academics and character education: “In my previous experience as an advisor, I discovered that students hunger for personal development through meaningful conversations that address their struggles, goals, and dreams. Teaching at Metro blends academics with personal development. Students are challenged to develop and live virtues, and their academics consequently improve.”

Tracy Schumitsch, Metro Achievement Program Director (7th & 8th)

Schumitsch, a 2010 graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Industrial Engineering, is driven to help her students find their potential: “I want young girls to understand how much they are worth. They have a value and potential that is innate, unique, and necessary to their family, friends and communities.  They are deserving of individual attention and high expectations, and should set goals and grow their character habits and talents accordingly. They, and the choices they make, matter.”

Christina Villa, College Orientation Program Director (9th-12th)

Villa, a 2011 Fine Arts graduate from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago echoes what so many MEF volunteers say when speaking of helping youth reach their potential: “Nothing draws one more outside of oneself than the opportunity to serve others. It’s a special privilege to participate in the growth of another individual because inevitably you grow from what you give. As each student becomes the best version of herself with her own potential, dreams, and talents, I get to share in all their joy and exploration.”

Staff Profiles
Midtown for boys

Oscar Calderon , One-on-One Program Director (4th-6th)

Calderon, who earned an MBA in Human Resources in 2012, strives to help students excel to overcome the shortcomings of their surroundings: “What keeps me motivated working with the youth is knowing that many of the families who attend my program have come from the same background that I did. These kids may not have as many resources as others do, but they are still working hard and willing themselves to success.”

Brian Parker, Midtown Achievement Program (7th & 8th)

Parker, who has been involved with Midtown programs since 1985, speaks of the passion of the staff, volunteers and families at Midtown: “There are so many caring individuals who really want to go deep and develop meaningful and impactful relationships to help students develop and achieve potential as a person. Giving a student the confidence to say, ‘I can,’ is a great responsibility.” Parker himself is saying “I can”; he’s working toward a master’s degree in organizational development from Roosevelt University. 

Mike Walsh, College Orientation Program Directors (9th-12th)

Walsh, who graduated magna cum laude in political science from Chicago’s Loyola University, explains what truly defines the Midtown experience: “At Midtown I think it is the sense of brotherhood that sets us apart. Many high school students describe Midtown as a second home. What they mean is that, much like a family, we all share similar values, we have coinciding goals, and there is always someone you can turn to for help. It's something that long-time students cherish about the program, and even new students recognize rather quickly as being a special quality.”