Our Team

Ms. Fishman considers herself a servant leader and holds a firm belief that our schools must see, hear, acknowledge, and be inclusive of the humanity in all students, staff, and families. Prior to joining District 65, Ms. Fishman most recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Assessment at Hillside Public Schools. Throughout her administrative career, she initiated and successfully implemented an Accelerated Scholars Program, improved academic outcomes for students learning English and receiving individualized education services, and initiated and implemented the first Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Strategic Plan. Her many efforts contributed to several state-level recognitions including the Illinois PBIS Recognition Award, Community Library Spotlight Award for Literacy, Prevention of Youth Recidivism Award, BP Science and Math Grant Award, and Abbott Laboratories Renew Award. 

Ms. Fishman first studied at Wilberforce University, then earned her masters degree at Wright State University. She shares in our team’s enthusiasm to be lifelong learners and is expected to complete her superintendent endorsement in May 2025 at the University of Illinois Chicago. Outside of her time at school, you might find her completing a puzzle, enjoying the outdoors, or planning a solo trip abroad. She is also passionate about raising awareness around domestic and intimate partner violence.

Erica Brunson, a New Jersey native, received her Bachelor of Science in Finance from The University of Illinois at Chicago in 2001. She worked as an accountant for years before receiving her master's degree in Teaching from National Louis University in Chicago. She has just completed her master's degree in Educational Leadership from Chicago State University in December 2023.

She taught middle school math and was instrumental in improving student learning in turnaround schools in Chicago Public Schools.  In 2019, her family relocated to Louisville, Kentucky where she co-designed and co-created the Louisville Teaching Residency. 

This program was developed to recruit more teachers of color that would represent the student body in Jefferson County, Kentucky. She aided in the recruitment and placement of 30 student teachers and 15 mentor teachers. In addition, she taught summer classes for the residents at The University of Louisville College of Education and prepared monthly professional developments for the cohort. Today, approximately 80% of those resident students are certified teachers within the district. 

For the past two years, Erica has served as the academic instructional coach at Nichols Middle School. Working intimately with the School Improvement Team, she supports teachers within their professional learning communities and has forged partnerships with district-level staff as the site coordinator for the AVID program. Currently, she is the Assistant Principal supporting 6th grade students and teachers.

She enjoys karaoking, watching movies, reading, scrapbooking, traveling, walking along the lake, and spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Ernvall graduated from North Park University with a double bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Youth Ministry. She also has her EdS in Administrative Leadership from National-Louis University.  She has experience working abroad which she found to be very transformative and deepened her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children. In her most recent position she has been working as a middle school math and science teacher while also serving as an instructional coach. 

When she isn’t working with students she spends her free time with her two-year-old German Shepherd, Kona. You might also find her watching and playing sports, listening to music, being on the beach, and traveling. These activities bring her great joy and help to keep her balanced and energized.