Fei Zhang, Co-Treasurer

Fei Zhang joined the Lab community in 2014 and is the parent of two children currently in Kindergarten and 2nd grade. She has volunteered as a room parent and is passionate about supporting the Lab community. Fei has a background in management and finance, and previously worked in the banking sector in China. She has also organized child-focused volunteer initiatives, some of which were featured in national media. In 2025, she was humbled to be recognized as one of America’s Top 20 Women of Excellence for her efforts in volunteerism, leadership, and Chinese-American cross-cultural engagement. She’s always happy to connect—please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Abundio Rodriguez, Co-Treasurer

Vishal Desai, Treasurer-Elect

Vishal Desai is originally from Michigan and currently serves as Co-Director of the Gastroenterology Department at Duly Health and Care. Alongside his medical career, he earned his MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and enjoys entrepreneurship, leadership, fitness, travel, and spending time with family. He and his wife are excited that Kaiden and Aanya will both be attending Lab at Earl Shapiro Hall, and life at home is always busy and fun with a new baby in the house!

Riassa von Doetinchem de Rande, Secretary

Raissa von Doetinchem de Rande and her husband, Omri, are new to Hyde Park and the Lab community. They have a son in 1st grade, and a daughter eager to run (around) ESH in a couple of years. When not chasing her kids, Raissa serves as an Asst. Professor at UChicago’s Divinity School and loves chatting religion, ethics, and politics. Please reach out with any questions or concerns!

Ekaterina Lukianova, Secretary-Elect

Katya Lukianova and her husband Daniel have two children at Lab: Ivan (2nd grade) and Michelle (1st grade). Katya teaches in the Parrhesia Program for Public Thought and Discourse at UChicago. She is passionate about studying and doing dialogue and often serves as a facilitator of difficult conversations. A linguist by training, she is also always eager to discuss literacy, bilingualism and intercultural communication.

Melissa McMahill, Communications Coordinator

Melissa McMahill is the parent of one current Lab student (grade 10) and one Lab alum. She has been an active parent volunteer, having served as a room parent, Lower School Council member, Bookswap Co-chair, Communications Coordinator, Class Event Chair, and PA President. Melissa has strong ties to the University, having gotten her PhD in Genetics in the BSD and also serving as Membership Committee Co-chair for the U of C Women’s Board. She is excited to serve on the PA communications team again, working to make information accessible to the entire parent community. Please reach out to Melissa with any questions about PA communications.

Susie Avratin, Communications Coordinator-Elect

Susie Avratin is the parent of Jackson (1st) and Jordan (N4). She is a corporate immigration attorney, helping companies and their employees navigate the U.S. immigration system. A lifelong Chicagoan, Susie grew up in the suburbs and now calls West Town home. She is deeply committed to supporting and strengthening a diverse school community. Outside of work, she enjoys CrossFit and watching Korean dramas.

Samantha Morales, Middle School Council

Samantha Morales lives in Humboldt Park with her husband, Jaime, their 7th grader, and their dog, Bandon. The Morales family joined the Lab community in 2017, and deeply values the diversity of perspectives and experiences shared through active participation in the community. Volunteering with the Parents’ Association has given Samantha the chance to meet and work with many families, and she is incredibly grateful for the friendships made through those involvements. Samantha is a marketing professional for the University’s Alumni Relations and Development office. Please reach out to Samantha with any questions you have regarding Middle School life at Lab.

Nitasha Puri, Middle School Council

Jacqueline Podewils, Lower School Council

Jacqueline Podewils has a son in Grade 3 and a daughter in Grade 1. Originally from B.C. Canada, she moved to the States many years ago to pursue an artistic route, attracted by the ambitious nature and world of possibility the USA seemed to be. Advocacy back in Canada keeps her busy (Housing is Healthcare!) and her advocacy streak pushed her to the PA, to ensure families are informed on policy change and other important affairs happening at Lab. 

Katie Powell, Lower School Council

Katie Powell and her husband Steve live in Hyde Park and are the proud parents of three Labbies: Izzy (5th), Emory (3rd), and Olivia (N4). Since joining the Lab community, Katie has been an active PA-Volunteer, Room Parent, member of the Early Childhood Parents Association and a member of the Black Family Forum Affinity Group. She enjoys meeting new families and planning events to help foster community at Lab. Katie finds the most joy spending time with her family, traveling and creating. Katie is a brand marketing vet, having worked to build some of your favorite brands over the last 15 years.

Reasheal Watts, Lower School Council

Reasheal Watts is a mother to two boys, Preston (5th) and Parker (N4). She and her husband joined the Lab community in 2019 and are often seen volunteering in various capacities and enjoying the many events hosted by Lab. Professionally, Reasheal is a nurse practitioner in hospital medicine. She has worked for UChicago Medicine since 2009 where she strives for health equity and access to care. Reasheal lives in Bronzeville with her family and enjoys spending time in the community and with her neighbors. 

Lauren Yearwood, Early Childhood Council

Lauren Yearwood and her husband, Ken, have two children at Lab, Hudson (N4) and Harper (N3). Lauren works in medical technology sales with a focus in cardiology. Since joining Lab, she has been an active room parent. The family lives in the South Loop. In her free time, Lauren enjoys staying active, traveling, and exploring Chicago's restaurant scene as a self-proclaimed foodie.

Sarah Wake, Early Childhood Council

Shanele Vaughn, Early Childhood Council

Shanele Vaughn and her husband Chris have been members of the Lab community since 2022 when their daughter Sai entered N-3. They now have three current Labbies, Sai (2nd), Slade (1st), and Cru (N3). Shanele has enjoyed serving as a room parent and looks forward to a year expanding her presence within the magical place that is Earl Shapiro Hall as a member of the Parents’ Association. Professionally, Shanele is a neurologist. Personally, Shanele enjoys physical fitness, interior design, and summers in Chicago!

Angela Whittington, Early Childhood Council

Angela Whittington and her husband, Adam, joined the Hyde Park neighborhood and Lab community in 2022 and are parents to Ada (1st grader) and Aiden (N3). Angela has served as a room parent and enjoyed working with fellow parents and collaborating with teachers to create a fun and memorable year for the classroom.  Her hobbies include exploring museums and zoos with her family, gardening, tennis, and playing video games. Professionally, Angela is a radiologist subspecializing in breast imaging. She is thrilled to get to know more families and to help them navigate Early Childhood at Lab in the upcoming years.