Administration
Dr. Brandi Herrod
Interim Principal, Thornton Fractional Center for Academics and Technology & Center for Alternative Learning
Dr. Brandi Herrod is honored to serve as the Principal of Thornton Fractional Center for Academics and Technology and Thornton Fractional Center for Alternative Learning. She brings more than 25 years of experience in education and a strong commitment to building relationships, supporting students, and creating opportunities that prepare learners for success beyond high school.
Dr. Herrod began her educational career as a music educator, where she developed a passion for inspiring students, building confidence, and helping young people discover their strengths. Her leadership journey has included serving as a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Elementary Principal, High School Principal, and Dual Credit College and Career Coordinator. These experiences have shaped her belief that every student deserves access to meaningful educational opportunities and a supportive learning environment.
Dr. Herrod earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Hampton University, her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Northwest, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. Her doctoral research focused on Early College programs and how schools can strengthen systems that support students’ preparation for college and careers.
As a leader, Dr. Herrod believes that relationships are the foundation of successful schools. She is passionate about creating a school culture where students feel valued, staff members feel supported, and families are engaged partners in the educational process.
Dr. Herrod is excited to join the District 215 family and looks forward to working alongside students, staff, families, and community partners to continue creating opportunities and celebrating student success.
“Every student has a story, every student has potential, and every student deserves someone who believes in their future.”
Cassandra Brackenridge
Assistant Principal, Thornton Fractional Center for Academics and Technology & Center for Alternative Learning
Ms. Brackenridge joins the T.F. Center administrative team as Assistant Principal of Building Control after serving in the same role at TF South for 3 years. Prior to that, she was a Dean of Students, and before that a Special Education Teacher and Career to Work Training Teacher for Thornton Fractional District 215. In addition Ms. Brackenridge has served as assistant softball coach and pep club sponsor in the district. Prior to becoming an educator, Ms. Brackenridge served as a Court Coordinator for the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center and Cook County Department Corrections for 5 years, and for the Department of Children and Family Services for 17 years. Ms. Brackenridge earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice (Chicago State University), and has also earned three Master’s degrees in Human Services and Counseling (Roosevelt University), Special Education (National Louis University), and Educational Administration (Concordia University). In addition, she serves as one of the Directors for the Lansing Association for Community Events and is a Lansing resident.
Dawn Walker
Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services
Dawn is the Assistant Principal for the Pupil Personnel Services Department. She has been an educator over eighteen years, with fifteen years of service in District 215. She has worked as the Assistant Principal at T.F. Center for Alternative Learning, School Counselor at T.F. Center for Academics and Technology and as a Manufacturing and Construction Teacher at T.F. South. Before she became a teacher, she worked as an Industrial Engineer for Douglas Press, Inc. and SK Hand Tools Corporation, Chicago, IL. Dawn has served on numerous committees, served as sponsor for the Cultural Diversity Club at T.F. South, chaired the Gates Scholarship Committee District 215 and served on the T.F. Center Leadership Team. Dawn received a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Carolina A&T State University in Manufacturing Technology, a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Concordia University Chicago and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Purdue University Northwest. She is currently pursuing a Director of Special Education endorsement from National Lewis University.