Meet The staff
Tyler Hough, MS
Executive Director
Tyler brings nearly a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofit development, including at the University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and launching a national coalition of colleges focused on education equity with the Coalition for College Access. Tyler has a master’s degree in higher education policy from Northwestern University and studied finance at the University of Chicago and political science at Loyola University Chicago. As an avid runner, Tyler spends his time on the lakefront path during the summer and enjoys visiting Chicago's different neighborhoods for the food, coffee shops, and architecture.
Cameron Dreher-Siefkes
Deputy Director
Cameron fell in love with Chicago in the summer of 2009 as a student of Chicago Center. After graduating from Southwestern College in 2010 with a degree in Communication, she was thrilled to return to the Center for her apprenticeship as the Recruitment and Campus Relations Coordinator. She was hired on as the Administrative Coordinator in 2012 and became the Marketing Director in January of 2016. Cameron loves exploring the city by finding new restaurants and especially bakeries to try.
Ally Franz
Program Manager
Ally attended the Chicago Center’s program as a social work student during the spring of 2017. After graduating from Luther College in 2017 and spending a few years back home in Iowa, she returned to the city for her apprenticeship as Program Coordinator during the year of 2020. She is now excited to transition into her position as Program Manager. Her favorite things about Hyde Park are Philz Coffee and spending time on the lakefront.
Nancy Friesen, MS
Urban Student Teaching Director
Nancy attended the program as an undergraduate and fell in love with the city and the Center’s educational philosophy. She has an MS in Teaching from U of C and over 15 years of classroom teaching experience. She’s worked with Chicago Center for over 25 years and has served as Student Teaching Program Director since ’09. She loves learning and helping others learn. She enjoys creating nature walks, art and music, and attending cultural events in the city.
Julian Thompson, PhD
Urban Social Work Director
Julian brings to the Chicago Center an academic background in both sociology and social work. He utilizes the tools of critical social work to engage students on a wide array of issues related to their field placements and the broader context of Chicago and beyond. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his kids, exploring great restaurants, attending music events, and biking through the city when the weather is nice.
Scott Chesebro, PhD
Urban Education Instructor
Scott has been with Chicago Center for more than 30 years and has served in the position of Executive Director and Academic Director as well as his current position of Urban Education Instructor. His seminars engage students directly with the city and its resources. He earned his PhD in Sociology from University of Notre Dame and taught in the traditional classroom for 8 years. Scott lives in Hyde Park with his wife Norene.
Chelly Cooks
Program Coordinator
Chelly is a recent Chicago Center alumna of the Fall 2020 internship program. She graduated from Alma College this fall and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Now transitioning from a student to Program Coordinator she is excited to complete her apprenticeship and provide a great experience for future students. While Chelly attended the Chicago Center, she fell in love and explored several areas of the city. Some of her favorite things to do are visit museums, try out different restaurants, and view murals.
Greer Anderson
Admissions Officer
Greer Anderson is an alumnus of the Summer 2018 program. After graduating with a Theatre and Communications Studies degree, Greer is thrilled to be back in Chicago as a Program Coordinator helping others to make it their home! Often, Greer can be found listening to podcasts on a range of topics, practicing Swedish, or discovering the haunted places of Chicago.