Cristina Ramirez

Cristina Ramirez was born and raised on the north side of Chicago. Both of her parents emigrated to the United States from Cuba in the early 60s as teenagers. She was raised by her mother Marta, who instilled in her a passion and love for working with others and serving the community. As a child Cristina tagged along with her mom to numerous conferences and trainings for the parents of the disabled, which taught her about the difficulties and struggles of others. From an early age this became a passion. Cristina began her career in education 29 years ago at Walt Disney Magnet School on the northside of Chicago. She began working as a bilingual teacher. In 2001 she decided to enroll in the School Psychology program at Loyola University. Upon graduation she was offered a position at Maine West High School where she has worked since as a school psychologist, dean and currently as the Associate Principal of Student and Family Services. The new role has provided her with the opportunity to work with students, families and staff in many capacities and to use her skills and expertise as a psychologist to serve the students and families of Maine West High School. In her current role Cristina has pushed her staff to create an school-wide MTSS system that looks at all areas, Social Emotional, Academic and Post Secondary planning through the lens of being more inclusive and challenging. Within her department she is currently developing a system of leadership that supports all members of the department in creating roles of leadership. Within that framework the department has moved to include restorative practices for discipline infractions and an emphasis on family involvement.