ILCHS Reviews

Working under the executive director was honestly one of the worst professional experiences I’ve ever had. The environment felt toxic, controlling, and intimidating from the very beginning. She carried herself like a tyrant, creating a culture where both staff and students felt afraid to express themselves in even the smallest ways. Employees with tattoos were told to cover them up, piercings had to be removed, and apparently even having two earrings was considered unacceptable. It felt less like working in a school and more like existing under constant surveillance. She acted as though she was the only educated person in the building, often speaking down to staff and dismissing the experience and qualifications of others. The students were treated with such rigidity and harshness that it felt almost military-like rather than supportive or nurturing, which is the complete opposite of what a school environment should be. People were genuinely anxious when she was in the building — even walking through the halls felt uncomfortable because of the tension and fear she created. What makes the entire situation even more unbelievable is that after I professionally resigned and gave a proper two-week notice, she actually sent me an email telling me not to post that I had worked there, which I still find ridiculous and almost comical. This was after I essentially built and organized the entire special education department from the ground up because there was absolutely nothing in place before I arrived. I was literally the only SPED-certified person there, carrying responsibilities that should have been shared across an actual department. Instead of appreciation, professionalism, or respect, the experience ended with pettiness and control, which honestly says everything about the leadership and culture of that school.