Art In Motion

Dion Steele | Principal of Art In Motion

For over twenty-five years, Dion Steele has been a youth and community advocate, administrator, entrepreneur, and an educational tour de force. He comes to AIM Academy with over 10 years of experience in school leadership; serving as Director of External Partnerships and the Extended Day Program at University of Chicago Charters, and as Assistant Principal and Principal at Urban Prep Academies, and most recently Assistant Principal and Co-Interim Principal at EPIC Academy. He has taught History, Hebrew Scriptures, Urban Music and Music Production at Hales Franciscan, Urban Prep Academies, and University of Chicago Charters to name a few. In recent years, Dion has served as a college professor, teaching an Introductory course in Ethics for students pursuing careers in Law.

In addition to his work as an educator, Mr. Steele has brought life to his community as a DJ, Music Producer, Graphic Designer, Videographer and a Painter. Dion Steele earned his Bachelors at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and his Masters at the University of Chicago.

Kara May | Director of Partnerships & Creative Development

Kara Bickhem May is an educator with over twenty years experience, and a deep passion for the hearts and development of young people. She knew from her youth that she would be an educator, and earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in French and a dual minor in Music and English as well as a Masters of Arts in Education with an English and French concentration, from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. She earned a second Masters in Educational Leadership from Governors State University in University Park, IL.

Over the last four years, Kara has invested in providing unparalleled opportunities for middle and high school students through her work as Director of Art In Motion. Kara is excited to embark on a new role as Director of Partnerships & Creative Development, to provide a deeper layer of support for the strong partnerships with our founding partners Common and New Life, and working to bring amazing new partnerships, and opportunities to AIM students and the South Shore community.

It is immensely important to Kara that children recognize their potential and are empowered to achieve it. Her leadership encourages her students and staff to grow as individuals, diving deeper into their sense of self, and bringing their whole ‘self’ to their work every day. Kara is a compassionate leader, and strives to make every decision with equity in mind, and provides opportunities for students to see beyond their classroom walls. She believes in creating the future her students want and deserve, and works every day to lead, grow, build, create, and dream with her students and staff. Art In Motion is not simply a school, by design it is a welcoming and joyful community of artists, educators, and leaders.

Kara was selected as one of the 28 most influential leaders in Chicago, by WGCI 107.5 Radio, “The Great 28” by WGCI in honor of Black History Month, and has been interviewed and featured in numerous publications throughout Chicagoland.