Amy Trujillo
Head of School
Amy Trujillo (True He Yo) is an educational leader and innovator with over two decades of experience teaching students from elementary to college, including more than a decade of experience working with gifted students and their families. She recently served as Assistant Principal at Osceola Science School, where she oversaw Human Resources, Gifted, Special Populations, and STEM.
P: 224-213-0087
Kelly McCarney
Master Teacher
20+ Years of teaching experience specializing in advanced math topics and robotics
Aurora University - Aurora, IL Bachelor of Elementary Education
Endorsements in Middle School Math, Art K-12, Middle School Social Science
Jody Ireland
Master Teacher
Certified Orton Gillingham Instructor
Library Media/Communication Specialist
Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, IN Juris Doctor
Augustana College, Rock Island, IL Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Public Administration
Elizabeth Blaetz
Founder
25+ years in gifted education
It's exciting to see my vision for Vanguard Gifted Academy come to life and grow! The Vanguard Model has proven successful in offering young, gifted children intellectual challenge and developing metacognition as they engage in authentic learning alongside their intellectual peers. Having personalized learning levels and pacing encourages our young, gifted children to delve deeply into topics of interest, enjoy the challenge of advanced curriculum, and realize failure is a positive step toward success. S.T.R.E.A.M. engages their busy minds in hands-on innovation as they combine knowledge across domains and creativity to design solutions to authentic problems, simulate historic events, and then share their learning through presentations, interactives, and displays at Showcase. Having taken a role in all aspects of the school from the innovative design created especially for the needs of young, gifted children to teacher and Head of School it is wonderful to see how empowered our gifted children become as they eagerly continue to extend their learning by developing innovative ideas that improve their process and/or final results. Best of all, they are having fun learning every day! As I transition into retirement, I will continue to serve young, gifted children and Vanguard’s mission as a trustee.