PEMSA & PWMSA Academy Director

Ms. Chiganos's first year as Academy Director for the 2020-21 school year marks her eighth year working in the Proviso Township 209 District. After 12 years teaching English at Morton West High School in Berwyn, IL, Ms. Chiganos joined the faculty at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy (PMSA) in Forest Park, where she served as English Department Chair. She is excited to work with such a dedicated and passionate group of teachers for the inaugural opening of the two new selective enrollment Academies in the district - one at Proviso West, and the other at Proviso East. The new Academies mirror the curricular framework offered at PMSA, and the goal is for both PEMSA and PWMSA to become authorized International Baccalaureate schools within the next two years. 

Outside of work, Ms. Chiganos is a voracious reader, often reading a book in a day or two. She also enjoys spending time outdoors gardening and going hiking with her dogs. When possible, Ms. Chiganos loves to travel, and she has been to Mexico and Greece many times - two of her favorite places to visit. 

PWMSA - Social Studies Department

This is my first year in Proviso District 209 as the Freshman Social Studies teacher for our inaugural PWMSA Class of 2024. My courses include AP World History, IH Global Studies, and Research Core. I love stories and storytelling, and I strongly believe that History at its core is the discipline of storytelling. In my classes, I hope my students get a chance to explore the many facets of the human experience across time. I received my Bachelors Degree in History and Theatre from Northwestern University and later returned for my Masters of Science in Education Degree in 2020. I'm passionate about the ways we can add more Empathy to our social studies classes. In addition to my academic work, I've directed shows in New York City, Minneapolis, and Chicago.

PEMSA & PWMSA - Counselor

My name is Araceli M. Avila, and I am the School Counselor for the new Math and Science Academies at Proviso East and West. I have a passion for assisting students in achieving academic excellence, helping them learn and implement social/emotional life skills, and preparing them for the future by focusing on post-secondary options that fit their goals and dreams. I am an advocate for students and familiesc, and I am very excited to be a part of the Proviso Township High School District 209 family.

Before coming to PTHS D209, I worked in community mental health for over 10 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. I completed my School Counseling certification in 2013 from Northern Illinois University. My credentials include: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC); Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC); and Professional Educator License in School Counseling grades K-12 (PEL).

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, listening to music, and traveling.

PWMSA - World Language Department

I am a recent graduate from Northern Illinois University and joined the PMSA team at Proviso West in the summer of 2020 to teach Spanish courses. My aspirations/goals for working at PWMSA is to inspire students to become the best versions of themselves and work towards becoming the leaders and role models of the future. In my free time, I enjoy learning about or traveling to different places and experiencing new cultures.

PWMSA - Math Department

I am excited to join the inaugural year of the Proviso West Math and Science Academy. Before becoming a proud Proviso Panther, I taught IB Algebra I and IB Geometry in Chicago. This year I am pleased to be teaching IH - Integrated Math I and Research Core. My educational experience includes graduating from the Honors College at Kent State University with my Bachelors of Science in Education, majoring in Integrated Mathematics. I am licensed to teach 5th through 12th grade mathematics, though teaching high schoolers is my true passion. As a strong believer in being a lifelong learner, I continue to learn from workshops, colleagues, and my students every day and will undoubtably continue my university journey in the near future. I look forward to sharing that same passion for learning with my students as they become critical thinkers, capable mathematicians, competent researchers, and effective communicators. I am proud to sa that with these skills, my students will one day change the world.

PWMSA - English Department

Greetings! My name is Ms. Kaitlyn Remian, and I joined the staff at Proviso West Math and Science Academy in 2020 and teach IH Survey of Literature as well as Research Core. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University in English Education with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Before coming to PWMSA, I worked at Oswego High School where I taught American Literature and Film Analysis, while also serving as an assistant coach for the Speech Team. In addition to working in the classroom, I have had an essay published in English Journal, which is a national publication produced and distributed by the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE). I entered the teaching profession to help students develop the skills needed to be able effectively communicate in a variety of contexts and to be able to critically analyze the information and narratives that inundate their daily lives.

Outside of the profession of teaching, some of my interests include making jewelry, travelling, cheering on my favorite Chicago sports teams, and listening to true crime podcasts.