Meet Linda 

Linda is a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience teaching Physical Education at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois.  She holds a Master’s degree in education. A trailblazer in the field, she designed and implemented a groundbreaking curriculum focused on relational health, bodily autonomy, and empowerment - so impactful that it became a requirement for all high school students in her district.

A nationally recognized leader in education, Linda was honored as the 2017 National Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE America). Her work has been adopted by multiple high schools across the Chicagoland area and continues to inspire educators nationwide. 

Linda is a passionate advocate for youth, social justice, and education reform. In addition to her work in schools, she has been a certified Rape Aggression Defense Systems (R.A.D.) Instructor since 2003 and an Instructor Trainer since 2014. She holds multiple certifications through R.A.D. Systems and has dedicated herself to teaching self-defense in ways that are accessible, empowering, and rooted in lifelong learning. 

Beyond the classroom, Linda serves on the board of A Long Walk Home, a nationally acclaimed organization that uses the arts to empower youth to end gender-based violence. She is also a board member of Play Ball Like a Girl which provides softball training and mental wellness programming to players of all skill levels, regardless of socioeconomic background. 

Linda's passions include athletics, advocacy, physical fitness, and spending quality time with her family. Whether in the gym, on the field, or in the community, Linda’s work reflects a deep and enduring commitment to equity, empowerment, and the transformative power of education.

She is widely respected for her ability to create honest, engaging, and safe spaces for adolescents to explore complex topics like consent, boundaries, and emotional well-being. Her facilitation style is direct yet compassionate—challenging young people to grow while ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported.