The Paw Print

By Cameron Caprio, Head of Business and Fundraising

As Payton welcomes the class of 2028 into the building for the first time, it also welcomes a cohort of six new teachers, staff, and school administrators joining the WPCP community. I met with Ms. Alameada to hear her story.

Paw Print: What is your role at Payton and what class(es) do you teach?
Ms. Almeda: I am an educator. I help students learn more about themselves, both through both their mental and physical health, and educate students about ways to stay healthy. As an educator, I strive to teach students about finding passion and love for activity and remaining in prime shape in and out of school! I teach four freshman classes and one sophomore class for Physical Education.

Paw Print: What led you to choose a career in education?
Ms. Almeda: I was a personal trainer in San Francisco, which allowed me to properly show people how to take care of themselves and make goals. This made me want to go back to school and educate others. I have always played sports and loved being around physical activity, and I knew that passion for sports would be put towards my career.

Paw Print: What led you to Payton and how is your experience here so far?
Ms. Almeda: I was born and raised in Chicago and was a product  of CPS product myself. I attended Vonn Steuben for high school and I really enjoyed my high school experience. [It was] the environment that helped me open my eyes to becoming an educator and helping students participate in better PE activities. I love Payton so far! It is so different from my previous school, and I love seeing students build their paths for themselves.

Paw Print: How long have you been in education, and have you always taught physical education and /health courses?
Ms. Almeda: This is my 6th year teaching, and I have always taught Physical education and health programs, as well as Drivers’ Education programs. 

Paw Print: Where did you grow up, and where did you attend college?
Ms. Almeda: I grew up in Albany Park, here in Chicago, and attended UIC to stay in Chicago. Yet, I realized UIC wasn’t for me, and [so I] wanted to start anew in San Francisco, where I learned more about myself and started my career as a personal trainer. But, I realized that Chicago was always home.  and I came back to attend NortheEastern and pursued an education degree.

Paw Print: What do you believe are the most important challenges that high schoolers will face?
Ms. Almeda: Perseverance and tough times and how YOU want to build your character. Work ethic: PE is never always free time and have high expectations to take care of yourself and wellness is just as important as academics

Paw Print: What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
Ms. Almeda: I love to be outdoors and around nature, visiting parks, and being with my family. I also own two2 coffee shops and a pizza cafe.  with OoOne coffee space [is] on Damen and Foster and the other [is] in the West Loop. My pizza cafe is in Pilsen, and I love being around that setting!

Paw Print: What are your favorite hobbies to do outside of teaching?
Ms. Almeda: I participate in many sports teams, such as badminton and beach volleyball, and I love checking out new restaurants around Chicago!