Christopher House
Dori Smith has a diverse range of work experience. Dori began their career in 2007 as a Respite Care Provider at the Ray Graham Association, where they worked until 2010. From 2009 to 2011, they served as a Lasallian Volunteer and Resource Teacher at De Marillac Academy. Dori then joined Christopher House in 2014 as a Diverse Learners Teacher, and later became a Case Manager and Diverse Learners Teacher at Chicago Public Schools from 2016 to 2019. In 2019, Dori returned to Christopher House as the Diverse Learners Manager, where they are currently employed.
Dori Smith completed their Master of Education (MEd) degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University in 2020. Prior to this, they obtained their Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Lewis University, which they attended from 2005 to 2009.
Christopher House
Christopher House's family of schools provides low-income children and their parents with high-quality education programs that prepare them for success in school, the workplace, and life. Christopher House’s unique, proven model of education, from birth through high school, levels the playing field for low-income children. We partner with families to provide a continuum of schools serving infant, preschool, elementary, high school, and adult students, as well as support services that create stable, self-sufficient families. Our centers are nationally renowned and have earned the highest ratings in the City of Chicago. High standards and a commitment to continuous quality improvement are the driving force behind all of our work. We group our programs into four schools: Infant and Pre-School, Elementary School, After-School, and Parent School. We focus on each child’s overall growth and development which has a positive, measurable impact on their ability to succeed. Understanding that educating the child is not enough, we also provide supportive services to the entire family that help build stability and self-sufficiency. We serve over 5,000 children and family members every year through our five sites on Chicago’s north and west sides.