Pam Glynn, Principal

Most of my career, I am proud to say, has been in the Chicago Public Schools. I have worked as a classroom high school and elementary teacher, an instructional coach, a central office employee in Teaching and Learning, and a high school principal at John Hancock College Prep.  I am also very proud to be a product of CPS and a graduate of Taft High School. Working at the CPS Advanced Arts Program has been one of the highlights of my career. The students are amazing, the environment engenders creativity, the teachers are so talented and when students walk in, they have found their people – creative people, from all over the city.  I love seeing them reach heights they may have not believed attainable and watching them evolve as artists. CPS Advanced Arts is a special place and I am so pleased to have the opportunity to be here!

Pam Glynn

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Gaby Lopez, Program Associate

My role at CPS Advanced Arts Program (AAP) is to manage day-to-day operations and keep all operational concerns running smoothly.  A fun fact about me is that I was a student in the Advanced Arts Program for two years during my junior and senior year. I studied photography and video production.  After graduating from John Hancock College Prep High School, a Chicago Public School, I attended Harold Washington City College and took my BFA degree from the School of the Art Institute Chicago.  The highlight of working at Gallery 37, for me, is interacting with the ambitious creative teens coming from all over the city to make art. Another exciting aspect of working at AAP is our showcase events twice a year.  
I love my job!

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Rachel Kestenbaum, Administrator
Joining the CPS Advance Arts Program family is like coming back home again for me both personally and professionally.After studying dance and music early on and dreaming of becoming a concert pianist or a ballerina, then spending my university years focusing on mathematics and my professional years at CPS as a high school teacher, a counselor, an instructional coach, and an administrator, the arts vanished for a while. However, now I am so grateful that I’m back surrounded by Art again!

For me, it’s a joy watching our talented students engage in the creative process guided by gifted CPS teachers and teaching artists.  It's heartening to see our students unlock their highest potential. Their passion and dedication uplift my soul. 

Perhaps Pablo Picasso stated it best, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” And this is exactly how I feel the minute I walk into our CPS Advanced Arts Program classrooms.  It is a magical place!