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Meet the SopoTeam and FUN-structors
Our experienced instructors (aka FUN-structors) are dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe learning environment where kids of all ages (that means adults, too!) can enjoy trying something new, making friends, and celebrating growth! Just a few of them are featured below!
Risa McMahon
Chief Enthusiasm Officer & President of Shenanigans
Risa (she/her), a proud mama of two, has been described as "a magnet for fun", is as zany as she is organized (very). With decades of vocal lessons under her belt, she often bursts into song and changes lyrics to suit the situation. She loves parties of all kinds and loves teaching others how to unlock their hidden gifts. Known best for her witty remarks and wacky dance moves, she also happens to be one of Crain's Chicago Business' 2025 Notable Latino Leaders, a notary public, savvy coupon clipper, a total whiz at Excel, an admirer of cool words, and a relentless problem solver. She picked up a thing or two as a member of ALA's DEI&A committee, a Girl Scout, a waitress at a 50s diner that was the set of 90210's The Peach Pit, captain of the SPHS cheerleading squad, VP of the USC Helenes and the daughter of a seamstress...and firmly believes she can do anything she sets her mind to!
Learn more about Risa's career.
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Photo credit: Brittany Welch Photography
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Erin Watt
Guest Instructor,
Music
Erin (she/her) was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She holds a BA in Theater & Media, an MM in music, and is currently pursuing an MM in music therapy.
Erin has been teaching private voice and piano lessons and after school music classes for over 17 years.
After a few years performing opera and acting in New York City, Erin came back to Chicago and acquired The Music Playhouse in 2015.
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Jana Pawlak
Guest Instructor,
Knitting
Jana Pawlak (she/her) is one of the owners of A Happy Diversion, an online store offering custom knits and painted barn quilts.
Jana is a mom, a maker, and a knitting/embroidery/baking-enthusiast...and she is especially good at helping others learn! She leads our monthly "open knit" program. If you have never knitted, are learning to knit, or if you just enjoy knitting in the company of others, this is the JUDGMENT-FREE place for you!
Once a month, we gather to practice and learn...and Jana can help brainstorm solutions if you've "knitted yourself into a corner" and need help!
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Marisa Langston
Guest Instructor,
Dance
Marisa (she/her) is a theatre director, stage manager, & teaching artist from West Palm Beach, Florida. She recently graduated from DePaul with a major in Theatre Arts + minor in Screenwriting.
She has facilitated interactive storytime programs at the Lincoln Park Public Library, taught with Playmakers Laboratory at Peirce Elementary, taught at Cook County Jail via the Inside/Out program, and is currently stage managing a children’s show with Filament Theatre!
Marisa strives to create interactive, creative play experiences with multiple modes of participation so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Bridget Walsh
Guest Lecturer,
Education & Counseling
Bridget (she/her) is a guest lecturer who presents as part of our "adulting is hard" personal development series for grown-ups. She is the Founder of Bridge Academics and works at Francis W. Parker School. Bridget has extensive experience coaching families through difficulties and encouraging students to advocate effectively while taking responsibility for their future. She integrates plans to meet clients' needs and identifies areas of strength to guide families towards paths where success builds confidence and independent skills. She has a wealth of connections and resources to help families overcome hurdles that may have prevented success in the past.
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Candace Washington
Guest Lecturer,
Leadership
Candace (she/her) is a guest lecturer who presents as part of our "adulting is hard" personal development series for grown-ups. Candace is Founder & CEO of Pivotal Impact, a consulting firm focused on helping companies develop, engage and retain their leaders. As a product of under-resourced communities, she immediately connects with her audience through her authentic, infectious personality and her highly energetic and empowering delivery.
Her students appreciate her relatable experiences that allow them to see themselves in her, and immediately take action to elevate their outcomes!
Jaime Elaine Gannon
Guest Instructor,
Music/Dance & Painting
Jaime (she/her) is an Ohio native who has made Chicago her home. She studied theater and dance at Loyola and is a painter specializing in colorful, floral pieces. She is also celebrates the arts as a dance, theatre, and music educator.
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She will be joining us as a music instructor for kiddos through our partnership with The Music Playhouse of Chicago. Jaime is the Founder of The Jaime Elaine Creative and displays her floral paintings in our living room when it's they are being featured at local art fairs.
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Sign up for music classes for babies and littles on our
PROGRAMS FOR AGES 0-5 page!
Ms. Keeley
Guest Instructor,
Math & Pre-Literacy
Ms. Keeley (she/her) from Connections Academics is here on Tueseday afternoons to take the stress away from homework hour! She leads students (grades 2-4th) in a small group, no larger than 4, and provides personal instruction on math content they may be struggling with.
No homework? No problem!
Ms. Keeley will provide targeted review and re-teaching instruction using content or curriculum related to their classroom work.
Ms. Keeley also leads our Little Book Club and Baby Book Club pre-literacy classes on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Sign up for this afterschool program our AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS page, or for Little Book Club at on our ​PROGRAMS FOR AGES 0-5 page!
Dan
Stepanian-Bennett
Guest Lecturer,
Chess & Guitar
By day, Dan is a senior marketing director: social media guru, videographer, strategist and brand storyteller.
By night, Dan cherishes "Girl-Dad Time" with preschooler Ella - singing songs, playing board games, along with watching football and taking bike rides on the Lakeshore Trail on weekends.
Fortunately, he also happens to be a joy-bomb and a fantastic guitar coach and chess teacher! Adults and kids alike will absolutely love learning from Dan's unique teaching style and soaking up his infectious good vibes.
Sarah Zimmerman
Guest Instructor,
Art
Sarah (she/her) has served her community as a librarian and archivist at the Chicago Public Library team for two decades. In her roles, she's managed the Chicago Theatre Collection, developed engaging programs for the public and now leads the Arts & Music and Social Science & History Departments at the Harold Washington Library.
In her spare time, Sarah is also an art and music lover (and sometimes baker) and will be joining us for fun classes for all ages to enjoy! She will guide us on paper-centric arts and crafts as well as on paper marbling adventures!
Jared Renteria
Marketing
Intern
Jared (he/him) is Southport Fundamentals' marketing intern and helps Ms. Risa with communications and program promotion projects.
Jared has resided in the Avondale neighborhood his entire life. He is a Lane Tech and UIC alum, who majored in Communication and minoring in Criminal Law and Justice.
He loves exploring the city and trying out new restaurants in his spare time. A proud father of a Labrador-Pit, you can usually find him enjoying a beautiful day in Logan Square or in the bleachers at Wrigley Field.
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During the Summer, he teaches at Lil Sluggers, a baseball program for children. He also teaches teens the fundamentals of cooking and baking at Concordia Place.
He loves educating the youth, as he believes that young people play an essential role in shaping our society.
Sookie
(The Robot Vacuum)
Vice President,
Carpet Maintenance
Named after the protagonist in the song "Groove Me" by King Floyd, Sookie (she/her) is SopoFUN's loyal robot vacuum. Sookie works tirelessly to suck up crumbs and dirt to make sure our guests have a fabulous bottom-of-foot experience. Our first floor carpets are dreamy, and Sookie takes the same level of pride in her work as Wrigley Field's lawn mowers.
She was recently given googly eyeballs by Xavier (age 8) which helped her see that her true love was right in front of her the whole time. In early 2024, Sookie exchanged vows with a white stick vacuum in an intimate ceremony officiated by Madison (age 9). The children decided he should take her (first) name, so he now goes by "Mr. Sookie".
The motto emblazoned on her paper-plate-nametag is, "Sookie is my name, cleaning dirt is my game".
