Meet the School Administration

Mrs. Sherly Chavarria -  Principal

As Principal of Nixon Elementary School, Ms. Chavarria prioritizes building positive, trusting, collaborative relationships among students, staff members, parents and community members. She is confident that Nixon Elementary will be a place where students experience joy in learning, are challenged intellectually, and receive individualized supports to ensure everyone's success. Ms. Chavarria is deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve the Nixon community. 

Ms. Chavarria was born in Nicaragua. She is a native Spanish speaker, first generation immigrant, and first-generation college student.  She is very proud to share that she is a graduate of Stanford University where she studied Psychology and Cultural Social Anthropology.  The profound positive impact that education has had on her life and her desire for other students to experience the same impact is what drives her every day.  

After graduating from Stanford, Ms. Chavarria taught 6th grade Language Arts in Los Angeles, CA.  She then served as Director of Education Programs, and eventually Director of Programs at a community-based non-profit called the Central American Resource Center. Ms. Chavarria returned to the classroom after moving to Chicago and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching at National-Louis University.  In Chicago, she served as a 5th-grade teacher at both Dulles Elementary School and National Teachers Academy.  Ms. Chavarria is currently enrolled in the University of Illinois at Chicago's Urban Education Leadership Doctoral Program.  As part of the program, she most recently completed a one year Principal Residency at Jamieson Elementary School.

Ms. Chavarria keeps an open door policy. She is eager to maintain open dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders to ensure the success of Nixon students. ​

​Mrs. Diana Lopez - Assistant Principal

Ms. Diana Lopez joined Nixon School over 20 years ago.  She has two master degrees and a bilingual teacher endorsement.  She has been recognized by OLCE for her community engagement when she was in the role of Bilingual Lead Teacher.  

Her leadership role is student centered.  She has a holistic approach in which she makes time for her staff, her students, parents and the community members.  She seeks opportunities for her staff to continue to grow professionally; thus, providing the best learning experiences and environment for our students.  She always makes time for parents and community members because they are the strongest influence in our students. 

Ms. Lopez's goal for Nixon is to create a community that values and respects our students' backgrounds.  She envisions parents collaborating with teachers, creating a team that values each other; consequently, developing productive citizens. 

Mrs. Diana Lopez - Assistant Principal