Staff

Linda Ponce de León - Principal
Ms. Ponce de Leon began her career in education 12 years ago as a core member of Teach for America, a pioneering program to place outstanding college graduates in under-served urban and rural schools. Linda worked as an elementary bilingual teacher in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles and continued teaching elementary school with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Ms. Ponce de León sees her role is to challenge students and parents to set high goals while giving them the support, confidence and tools to achieve them. She effectively serves as an advocate for parents and students and as a bridge between students and opportunity.

Ms. Ponce de León obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Williams College where she received the Lehman Scholar award for outstanding academic achievement and leadership.  She received her Masters in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has served as a master teacher, mentoring student and first year teachers, and has been a speaker on charter schools and school reform at numerous conferences and events.

Monica Garcia - Office Manager
Monica Garcia has a B.A. in Christian Education from Twin Cities Universities. 
Monica worked for Erie Neighborhood House as Intake Coordinator at the Child Care Program for almost five years.  Monica enjoyed working with families and assisting them with their children’s child-care needs and she now has the opportunity to assist them with their educational needs.  Monica believes that “the younger the child is, greater is the responsibility for the community to raise him.” This is where EECS will make a difference.

Rocio Garcia - Receptionist
Born and raised in Chicago, Rocio has witnessed the many issues that our Latino
Communities face and has worked with various community organizations to help combat them. In La Villita, she volunteers her time with Telpochcalli Community Education Project where she facilitates an ESL class for adult students.  Her passion for issues concerning Latinos has landed her the opportunity to become part of EECS.  Rocio hopes to continue working in the non-profit sector and one day becomes a director of a community-based organization. She is currently completing her undergraduate studies in Latin American/Latino Studies at DePaul University.

Mauricio Suarez - Custodian
Before coming to Erie Elementary Charter School, Mauricio had already been employed by Erie Neighborhood House.  At the Center, he insured that the children, teachers and visitors worked together in a comfortable and safe learning environment. He recommends to all parents that, "they have an open communication with their children, but more than anything, to listen to them".  Mauricio says that he and the EECS team have been, "working very hard and it will reflect in a school of excellence and advancement".