Staff Members
Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director
Michelle Gonzales comes to the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation with a wide breadth of experience in the schools, community and as a board member/officer. Being a former educator in Unit 4, she has witnessed firsthand the benefits and support CUSF provides to our public schools. After stepping away from the classroom in 2014, Michelle discovered an infinite world of public service and volunteerism. She became actively involved with various organizations, served under an elected official from 2015-2020 and has a unique perspective on what makes CU thrive. Michelle then went on to work in the Office of Public Engagement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign until 2024. She spearheaded initiatives that bolster the relationship between our flagship university and surrounding area. As the new Executive Director of CUSF, Michelle is thrilled and determined to strengthen the community’s commitment to our public schools, teachers and students.
Erin Tarr, Assistant Director
The CU Schools Foundation is excited to introduce Erin Tarr as our new Assistant Director. Erin brings a background in education, community advocacy, and leadership, uniquely positioning her to strengthen our support for teachers & schools in the Unit 4 and Unit 116 school districts. With over a decade of experience in education as an administrator, volunteer, and advocate, she has excelled in program development, fundraising, and creating inclusive, growth-focused environments.
Erin is dedicated to sharing the best of our schools with the community while fostering lasting connections. Her enthusiasm, strategic vision, and dedication to educational success make her a dynamic addition to the CU Schools Foundation team. We look forward to the incredible impact she will make in this new role!
Kelly Hill, Executive Director
A resident of Champaign Urbana for over 30 years, Kelly is a graduate of the University of Southern California, and the University of Nebraska. Her previous leadership experience as a collegiate basketball coach, and most recently at Girl Scouts and Habitat for Humanity helped prepare her for the non-profit work of leading the CU Schools Foundation. She believes high-quality public education depends on community investment in our teachers–and engagement with our students who will lead in the future. She is proud to lead the organization that offers the community an opportunity to provide resources directly to teachers and students striving for excellence.
Patricia Dessen, Program Director
Patricia grew up an Army brat and lived in many different states and countries before landing in Urbana for junior and senior high school. Patricia graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in secondary education. She lives in Champaign with her husband Jon. She enjoys working as Program Director for the CU Schools Foundation because it allows her to have a positive impact on both teachers and students through the many interesting grant projects that she oversees and helps develop.
Kathy Shannon, Finance Director
Kathy grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and earned associate’s degrees from Madison Area Technical College in Accounting and Computer Programming. She and her husband, Matt Frank, lived in the Boston, Massachusetts area for several years before moving to Champaign in 2002. In 2009, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Math and Computer Science at the University of Illinois. She currently serves on the Champaign City Council and has previously served on the Unit 4 school board. Kathy believes that a strong public education system is the key to making our communities better for everyone.