Lisa Engelke has been a fixture in the Special Education Department at CHS since 2002. During her tenure, Mrs. Engelke has mentored numerous new teachers and taught every grade level of students and every core subject area in the Special Education Department. After the birth of her first child, Mrs. Engelke took a position as a teacher assistant in a Trainable Mentally Handicapped classroom. During her time as a teacher's assistant, Lisa discovered her true calling – to become a beacon of hope and support for students with diverse learning needs. Mrs. Engelke’s academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Education, specializing in Special Education, from SIUE. A few years after completing her bachelor’s degree, Lisa completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education and Administrative Degree also through SIUE. Lisa has immersed herself in creating inclusive learning environments, tailoring her teaching methods to accommodate the unique needs of each student under her care. Going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that every student feels valued, understood, and supported are areas of strength for Lisa. Whether it is spending extra time providing one-on-one assistance, organizing inclusive activities, or simply lending a listening ear, Mrs. Engelke exemplifies the true essence of compassionate teaching. Mrs. Engelke enjoys traveling, especially to the beach, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family.