James joined Chess Scholars/Afterschool Enrichment Solutions in July 2018. Before acquiring the firm, James worked in financial services for over 20 years. During his tenure at companies like Ariel Investments, Goldman Sachs, MFS, and Procter and Gamble, he consistently served education-focused institutions including board service for the Chicago Children’s Museum, Talladega College, and the Ariel Community Academy (Local School Council). James received his Bachelor of Science and Engineering in 1992 from Princeton University and in 1998 he graduated from Northwestern University where he received an MBA and a Master’s in Engineering. Away from the company, James enjoys precious time with family, golf, and he longs for the next Chicago Bears Super Bowl victory.
James joined Chess Scholars/Afterschool Enrichment Solutions in July 2018. Before acquiring the firm, James worked in financial services for over 20 years. During his tenure at companies like Ariel Investments, Goldman Sachs, MFS, and Procter and Gamble, he consistently served education-focused institutions including board service for the Chicago Children’s Museum, Talladega College, and the Ariel Community Academy (Local School Council). James received his Bachelor of Science and Engineering in 1992 from Princeton University and in 1998 he graduated from Northwestern University where he received an MBA and a Master’s in Engineering. Away from the company, James enjoys precious time with family, golf, and he longs for the next Chicago Bears Super Bowl victory.
John is a class A chess player and an expert guitarist. He is a very experienced chess coach, having taught with Chess Scholars for about ten years before becoming an Operations Manager in 2011. John is also fluent in Spanish and enjoys languages and history.
Nicole began working for Chess Scholars/Afterschool Enrichment Solutions in February 2016. Before coming to Chess Scholars, Nicole worked in Recreation for a number of years, with positions ranging from Camp Counselor, Intern, Preschool Teacher up to Recreation Supervisor. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science in 2005 from Truman State University with an emphasis is Sports/Recreation Management and Minor in Business Administration. When Nicole is not working hard for Chess Scholars, she is watching Netflix or hockey (Go Blackhawks!), going to concerts or singing with her brother-in-law's band, where her husband is the bassist as well.
Paul has been with Afterschool Enrichment Solutions since 2013. Initially starting as an instructor, he quickly grew into his current role as one of our Operations Managers. He is experienced in understanding the importance of class management while incorporating positive incentives. He is the father of two boys.
Sheri began teaching classes for Afterschool Enrichment in 2014, and is passionate about creating lesson plans that kids and instructors alike can get really excited about. Before joining the Afterschool Enrichment team, she was the Education Director for a nonprofit organization for several years, serving preschool through high school students. When not at work, Sheri can usually be found performing in community theatre throughout the Chicagoland area, or caring for the newborn kittens she fosters with her family.