About Dr. Nestler

I have proudly spent my entire professional life as an educator in Chicago. I began my career as a classroom teacher teaching preschool, kindergarten, and first grade on the west and south sides of the city. After a brief detour working for CPS at the district level, I joined the Stone Academy team as assistant principal in 2018. In 2022, I was honored to be selected as Stone's principal.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a welcoming, vibrant and supportive school community. Stone is a truly special place and I am deeply honored to be able to lead in such a unique and extraordinary learning environment.

I believe that school should be a place that nurtures all children as learners, individuals, and community members. I think that students thrive when they are given the time and space they need to practice, problem-solve, make mistakes and collaborate with their peers. I also believe that educators work best as a team with open communication and regular, honest reflection on their practice.

I love Stone because it’s truly one-of-a-kind. Every classroom is a place where differences are celebrated as a source of social and intellectual strength and where students strive to learn as much from each other as they do from their teachers. When I look around the building every day, I cannot help but be excited by what I see. Stone students are the future leaders of this country’s next generation and Stone’s teachers, staff and families have the privilege of guiding and supporting them as they work to achieve their boundless potential.