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.
Jeremy Thorpe, Assistant Director
Jeremy Thorpe is a proud Unit 4 graduate and longtime Champaign‑Urbana community advocate who brings a strong background in community engagement, communications, and partnership‑building to his role as Assistant Director of the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois ,Jeremy has worked across the CU community in roles centered on relationship development, outreach, and collaborative initiatives. Through his work with local nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations, he has focused on expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening connections that support them. He is committed to advancing CUSF’s mission by elevating educator and student stories, fostering meaningful partnerships, and helping grow the resources that fuel innovation across our public schools.
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.