LFA News

Blanca Berlanga serves as the Human Resources Coordinator for LFA. She has a robust background as a lifelong public servant and her experience is in budgeting, payroll management, account and purchasing management, and event planning, as well as human resources with a focus on assisting high-level executives in local government settings. Her career in finance commenced with the City of Highland Park, where she managed the day-to-day court operations and provided support in the City Manager/Mayor's Office. Before joining LFA, Blanca worked at the Village of Glenview through a financial consulting firm, where she oversaw all aspects of payroll administration, managed personnel budgets, and ensured the accurate balancing of daily cash revenues.

Q: What attracted you to LFA? A: I was drawn to LFA's multifaceted approach, which truly reflects the essence of our vibrant and compassionate community.

Q: What are you most excited about in your first year? A: I'm most excited about the opportunity to immerse myself in the Academy's culture and learn from my colleagues. Building relationships and collaborating on projects that make a meaningful impact is something I'm really looking forward to. Also, I'm eager to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas to help drive innovation and growth within the team.

Q: In what ways are you involved on campus? A: I'm actively engaged in facilitating the integration of our new Hispanic colleagues by ensuring they feel welcoming and assisting with Spanish translations. Moving forward, I aim to expand my involvement across campus initiatives.

Michael Driscoll joins LFA as the new Director of Theater. Michael is a graduate of Illinois State University, where he studied theater education and directing, and an alumnus of the Teaching Artist Development Studio at Columbia College Chicago and the Teaching Artists Development Lab at the Lincoln Center in New York. He comes to LFA after spending half a decade as the drama instructor at Senn Arts High School in Chicago, teaching Acting I and II, Theatre Arts, Theatre Production, Theatre Fundamentals, and Theatre Academy. Previous to that, he worked as a teaching artist and program manager for over a decade. He has taught, directed, or managed education programs for After School Matters, Writers Theatre, Northlight, Chicago Children's Theatre, Skyline Studios, Project AIM, BRAVO Performing Arts, American Theater Company, Stage School, Bailiwick Chicago, and Changing Worlds. 

Q: What attracted you to LFA? A: I am excited about LFA's dedication to shaping the whole student. I appreciate the school's commitment to academic rigor, the arts, and physical wellness.

Q: What are you most excited about in your first year? A: I'm very excited to experience the culture of the school and to be a part of long-standing traditions and events!

Q: What's an LFA event or tradition that you're most looking forward to? A: Opening night of the Fall Play and checking out an LFA hockey game!

Ben Jacobson P’13, ’23 joined LFA's Information Technology team earlier this year as the IT Data and Network Analyst, bringing over 20 years of experience in both higher education and corporate IT. Ben's extensive background includes more than a decade at the University of Notre Dame, preceded by 10 years in the corporate sector working for companies like Nabisco, Kraft Foods, and Charles Schwab. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ben is passionate about photography and cinematography and his creativity and expertise were utilized in the production of the Gala 2024 video, which contributed to raising funds to support arts education at LFA. Ben's wife, Leigh Ann, also works at LFA as the Senior Director of Family Philanthropy and Volunteer Engagement. They are the parents of three children, two of whom are LFA alumni.

Q: What attracted you to LFA? A: As a parent of both a boarding and a day student, and through my connection as an employee spouse, I had visited campus often and attended many events. During these times, I was able to interact with much of the LFA community and every time I was on campus, I found myself wanting to be more involved.

Q: What are you most excited about as you enter your first full school year at LFA? A: I'm most excited to connect with the faculty, staff, and students that I haven't yet had the chance to meet. I'm also really looking forward to seeing and using the new LFA Athletic Center.

Q: In what ways are you involved on campus? A: One of my favorite projects has been working on the Gala 2024 video. The experience allowed me to collaborate with students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the unique stories and talents with the LFA community.

Sydney Siegel joins LFA's History and Social Science department. She holds an undergraduate degree in classical studies and history from Smith College and has earned two master's degrees from DePaul University in historiography and secondary education. With 18 years of teaching experience, she has worked with diverse student populations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her classrooms. For the 2024-25 school year, Sydney will be teaching AP World History and U.S. History, while also serving as the head coach of the junior varsity field hockey team.

Q: What attracted you to LFA? A: The strong sense of community and commitment to developing both academics and athletics and a global sense of self at LFA is what really drew me in.

Q: What are you most excited about in your first year? A: I'm most excited about building relationships with my students and helping them grow as athletes and individuals.

Q: Where's your favorite hang-out spot on campus? A: My favorite spot so far is the field hockey field - it's where I feel most at home.