Staff
Our Staff
Nina Smith
Ms. Smith joined LEAP team in January 2010. Since then, she has been working extensively with Language for Scholars and is the current Executive Director for LEAP. Ms. Smith has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology and an M.A in Learning Disabilities all from Northwestern University.
Catherine Gottfred
Dr. Catherine Gottfred, President and Founder, received her doctoral degree in Speech Language Pathology from Northwestern University in 1979 and founded LEAP in 1986. She has both teaching and clinical experience and has held numerous positions in the field’s state and national associations. Dr. Gottfred is the 2008 President of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She actively oversees LEAP’s program development and implementation.
John Lybolt
Dr. Lybolt co-wrote Building Language Throughout the Year: the Early Literacy Preschool Curriculum with Dr. Gottfred, which has been used in public and charter schools in Chicago and was published in 2006. Dr. Lybolt holds a doctorate degree in Communication Sciences from Northwestern University and has an extensive background in research, teaching and presenting school-based teaching techniques, programs, in-services, and curriculam development.
Gregory Moses
Mr. Moses is LEAP’s Manager of Communications and Office Solutions. He is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has worked in advertising, sales, and web design and development for over 25 years. Mr. Moses has worked at LEAP since 2012. He has always had a passion for the development of youth in our communities and making sure that they are prepared for the 21st Century.
Raquel Diaz
Raquel Diaz has been a part of the LEAP team for 4 years as a Programming Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Speech Language Pathology where she was a part of conducting research focused on language and learning development in children. Along with that, she dedicated 4 years to research focused on bilingual language development at Loyola University. Aside from her interest in language development, Raquel is passionate about working towards creating more equitable school and work environments where cultural diversity is celebrated.
Roger Anderson
Mr. Anderson is a LEAP Adjunct Instructor. He has been a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist for over 30 years and has worked in virtually every aspect of the profession. He has developed specific expertise through his extensive work with people with developmental disabilities. Along with his work as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Roger maintains a nationally recognized career as a professional singer and actor.
Aja Johnson
Ms. Johnson is a native of Chicago and is currently a Speech-Language Pathologist with Chicago Public Schools. She received a Bachelors of Health Sciences from Governors State University with honors in 2011, majoring in Communication Disorders with a minor in Social Work. She received a Masters of Health Sciences in Communication Disorders in December of 2014. Aja began as a volunteer with Leap in 2011, and currently serves as an adjunct staff.
Nyela Wells
Dr. Wells has been a part of the LEAP team for eight years. Dr. Wells has extensive knowledge in cultural diversity and has written on issues regarding racial inequalities, privilege, and intellectual racism in K-12 education. She has learned a lot about Speech Pathology while working at LEAP. She believes that finding balance in your native dialect and the power language is key to opening doors for individuals to progress. One of her favorite quotes is: “Your Culture is your immune system” – Dr. Marimba Ani.
omani Brooks
13+ years’ experience learning & development specialist and Spanish Linguist on both a national and international level, proficient in implementing creative & learner-centered training materials in multiple modalities comprising e-learning, blended learning content, and presentations. Adept at designing learning initiatives by defining specific measurable actions and providing continuous feedback to learners in meeting learning objectives while creating a comprehensive hands-off for newly onboarded trainees. Proficient in managing programs concerning youth/adult education and employment to foster positive social & emotional behaviors and reshape attitudes of students towards schools and professional development.
