ECA Cohort Bios
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2011-2012 ECA Cohort
Elysyka Rainey
Current Location: Chicago, Illinois
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN).
Years Working in ECE: Two Years
Current Position: I am currently a Case Manager with UCAN's Family Works Department. I provide monthly case management to CHA families, and help them to obtain Self Sufficiency. I have been with my job for 10 months. I work with over 50 families, helping them set, and achieve goals to shape their future. I currently do not work within a Childcare Facility, yet my Career Goal is to co–own an Early Childcare Learning Facility with my sister.
About Me: I am 23 years old (I will be 24 on June 27th classes begin on my birthday). I am a first time mother of a beautiful 7month old baby boy. I obtained my B.A in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I have always had a love, and passion to work with children. I have worked in daycare facilities, and was a babysitter for years. When working toward my B.A. my concentration was Child and Adolescent psychology, and the further along in my Early Childhood classes I fell in love with Early Childhood Education. I love to read, and travel. I cannot wait to begin this new journey in life toward developing a great future, and I look toward to meeting all my fellow ECA classmates :)
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN).
Years Working in ECE: Two Years
Current Position: I am currently a Case Manager with UCAN's Family Works Department. I provide monthly case management to CHA families, and help them to obtain Self Sufficiency. I have been with my job for 10 months. I work with over 50 families, helping them set, and achieve goals to shape their future. I currently do not work within a Childcare Facility, yet my Career Goal is to co–own an Early Childcare Learning Facility with my sister.
About Me: I am 23 years old (I will be 24 on June 27th classes begin on my birthday). I am a first time mother of a beautiful 7month old baby boy. I obtained my B.A in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I have always had a love, and passion to work with children. I have worked in daycare facilities, and was a babysitter for years. When working toward my B.A. my concentration was Child and Adolescent psychology, and the further along in my Early Childhood classes I fell in love with Early Childhood Education. I love to read, and travel. I cannot wait to begin this new journey in life toward developing a great future, and I look toward to meeting all my fellow ECA classmates :)
Vasilya Waddell
Current Location: Chicago, Illinois
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Place of Employment: NLU's McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership
Years Working in ECE: Five
Current Position: I am an Assessor and Training Specialist for the McCormick Center. I conduct program environmental quality assessments for the Illinois Quality Counts Initiative.
About Me: I am a Russian immigrant but have spent most of my life in Hyde Park on Chicago's South Side. I am a life long learner and I am particularly passionate about infant mental health, early childhood education quality improvement, and structuring school systems to support the socioemotional needs of children. I love to travel, spend time with my family, and enjoy the outdoors.
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Place of Employment: NLU's McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership
Years Working in ECE: Five
Current Position: I am an Assessor and Training Specialist for the McCormick Center. I conduct program environmental quality assessments for the Illinois Quality Counts Initiative.
About Me: I am a Russian immigrant but have spent most of my life in Hyde Park on Chicago's South Side. I am a life long learner and I am particularly passionate about infant mental health, early childhood education quality improvement, and structuring school systems to support the socioemotional needs of children. I love to travel, spend time with my family, and enjoy the outdoors.
Barbara Tucker
Current Location: Chicago, Illinois
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Marcy-Newberry, Inc
Years Working in ECE: Over 25 years
Current Position: Education Coordinator for 7 Head Start sites. I monitor the education/disability components, provide training and technical support to teachers and Center Directors. Participate in city trainings and subcommittees. Monitor children's educational records via COPA and/or actual records. Observe teacher's interaction with children and classroom management skills. Assist in room arrangement and etc.
About Me: I am married but separated. We have a young adult daughter who has two children (1 and 3 years-old). I have a female cat who is 22 years-old. She does not like people to invade her space, therefore, she will hiss at them. I am a born-again believer and have re-established my relationship with God recently. I attend a Bible-believing Church and is growing and serving God faithfully. I have some major health issues that prevents me at times in doing things (e.g., walking and playing with my grandchildren). However, I am thankful for each day - be it pain or pain-free.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Marcy-Newberry, Inc
Years Working in ECE: Over 25 years
Current Position: Education Coordinator for 7 Head Start sites. I monitor the education/disability components, provide training and technical support to teachers and Center Directors. Participate in city trainings and subcommittees. Monitor children's educational records via COPA and/or actual records. Observe teacher's interaction with children and classroom management skills. Assist in room arrangement and etc.
About Me: I am married but separated. We have a young adult daughter who has two children (1 and 3 years-old). I have a female cat who is 22 years-old. She does not like people to invade her space, therefore, she will hiss at them. I am a born-again believer and have re-established my relationship with God recently. I attend a Bible-believing Church and is growing and serving God faithfully. I have some major health issues that prevents me at times in doing things (e.g., walking and playing with my grandchildren). However, I am thankful for each day - be it pain or pain-free.
Sherri Drake
Current Location: Kansas City, KS
Hometown: Kansas City, KS
Place of Employment: Danya International, Inc.
Years Working in ECE: 20 years
Current Position: I am a Head Start Reviewer Consultant. I am qualified to review four areas on a Head Start review; Program Design & Management, Early Childhood Development, Infant/Toddler Development, and observe classroom using the CLASS tool. I travel throughout the United States as a team member to ensure Head Start grantees and delegates are following the Head Start standards and other regulations. The main part of my work is to collect data, analyze the data, and write a summary report of the data. Most of my professional career has been with Head Start at some level. I have been a Head Start teacher, Early Childhood Services Specialist, Center Coordinator, Early Childhood Manager, and T/TA Specialist.
About Me: I enjoy living life to the fullest and learning new things. I spend much of my time with friends and family shopping, traveling, and eating. When traveling, I like to eat at the locals favorite restaurants. I am a collector of cookbooks, but I don't like to cook, however I do know how to cook. I like helping others and volunteering. I am currently a member and volunteer at the Kansas City Creflo Dollar Ministries satellite church. One thing I enjoy more than learning something new about Early Childhood Education, is getting a deeper understanding of the Word of God and applying it to my everyday life.
Hometown: Kansas City, KS
Place of Employment: Danya International, Inc.
Years Working in ECE: 20 years
Current Position: I am a Head Start Reviewer Consultant. I am qualified to review four areas on a Head Start review; Program Design & Management, Early Childhood Development, Infant/Toddler Development, and observe classroom using the CLASS tool. I travel throughout the United States as a team member to ensure Head Start grantees and delegates are following the Head Start standards and other regulations. The main part of my work is to collect data, analyze the data, and write a summary report of the data. Most of my professional career has been with Head Start at some level. I have been a Head Start teacher, Early Childhood Services Specialist, Center Coordinator, Early Childhood Manager, and T/TA Specialist.
About Me: I enjoy living life to the fullest and learning new things. I spend much of my time with friends and family shopping, traveling, and eating. When traveling, I like to eat at the locals favorite restaurants. I am a collector of cookbooks, but I don't like to cook, however I do know how to cook. I like helping others and volunteering. I am currently a member and volunteer at the Kansas City Creflo Dollar Ministries satellite church. One thing I enjoy more than learning something new about Early Childhood Education, is getting a deeper understanding of the Word of God and applying it to my everyday life.
Kellli Harris
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Gifford, IL
Place of Employment: Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School
Years Working in ECE: Over 15 years
Current Position: Akiba-Schechter is a private school in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. We have about 165 children in 10 classes in the preschool and about 130 in the elementary school (Grades 1-8.) It is a play-based program with an emphasis on teaching the whole child through activities such as yoga, cooking, Hebrew, music and lots of sensory play and art. I currently work in one of our 2 year old classes, which is my favorite age. The development that occurs in that year is amazing! I spend the mornings in the classroom and work in the office as the Associate Director for the preschool in the afternoons. I've been at Akiba for 9 years as a teacher and in administration for 3 years.
About Me: grew up on a farm a couple of hours south of Chicago, but I've lived in Chicago for about 13 years and in NYC for 5 before that, so I'm pretty much a city girl at this point! Having said that, I live in Hyde Park (one block commute!) and I love the small town feel of this neighborhood. I've done a fair amount of traveling (China was my favorite,) and I like to read, spend time with friends, paint and go to movies in my free time.
Hometown: Gifford, IL
Place of Employment: Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School
Years Working in ECE: Over 15 years
Current Position: Akiba-Schechter is a private school in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. We have about 165 children in 10 classes in the preschool and about 130 in the elementary school (Grades 1-8.) It is a play-based program with an emphasis on teaching the whole child through activities such as yoga, cooking, Hebrew, music and lots of sensory play and art. I currently work in one of our 2 year old classes, which is my favorite age. The development that occurs in that year is amazing! I spend the mornings in the classroom and work in the office as the Associate Director for the preschool in the afternoons. I've been at Akiba for 9 years as a teacher and in administration for 3 years.
About Me: grew up on a farm a couple of hours south of Chicago, but I've lived in Chicago for about 13 years and in NYC for 5 before that, so I'm pretty much a city girl at this point! Having said that, I live in Hyde Park (one block commute!) and I love the small town feel of this neighborhood. I've done a fair amount of traveling (China was my favorite,) and I like to read, spend time with friends, paint and go to movies in my free time.
Kameko Johnson
Current Location: Broadview, IL.
Hometown: Marion, AL
Place of Employment: Family Childcare provider
Years Working in ECE: 3 & 1/2 years
Current Position: Currently, I am a licensed family/home childcare provider which I have been doing for the past 3-1/2 years. I am licensed by the State of Illinois to care for children in my home from 6 weeks to 12 years old, although I enjoy more working with the 3 to 5 age group. I am currently at my capacity which is 12, including my own children - with one full time assistant. I try to run my family daycare like a center, so when I do transition into a center things won't be as hard and unfamiliar
About Me: My name is Kameko Johnson. I have four children – two girls and two boys, who are between the ages of 4 years to 14 years old. I just completed my BA program at National-Louis University majoring in Early Childhood Education. During my time there I also received a minor in Psychology. Upon completion of my ECE courses I was able to attain my Type 04 Certification which allows me to teach K-3 in a school setting. As for pets the daycare has one fish and two frogs that we care for as well, and I would love to add a couple of baby turtles. I really don't have much free time to travel; daycare keeps me busy as well as school. However, when I do find time to vacation, I like to visit various water parks - the Dells being my favorite so far. As for hobbies I enjoy my IPad, from playing games to exploring cool apps. I like to call it "my me time". I look forward to getting to know all my fellow classmates.
Hometown: Marion, AL
Place of Employment: Family Childcare provider
Years Working in ECE: 3 & 1/2 years
Current Position: Currently, I am a licensed family/home childcare provider which I have been doing for the past 3-1/2 years. I am licensed by the State of Illinois to care for children in my home from 6 weeks to 12 years old, although I enjoy more working with the 3 to 5 age group. I am currently at my capacity which is 12, including my own children - with one full time assistant. I try to run my family daycare like a center, so when I do transition into a center things won't be as hard and unfamiliar
About Me: My name is Kameko Johnson. I have four children – two girls and two boys, who are between the ages of 4 years to 14 years old. I just completed my BA program at National-Louis University majoring in Early Childhood Education. During my time there I also received a minor in Psychology. Upon completion of my ECE courses I was able to attain my Type 04 Certification which allows me to teach K-3 in a school setting. As for pets the daycare has one fish and two frogs that we care for as well, and I would love to add a couple of baby turtles. I really don't have much free time to travel; daycare keeps me busy as well as school. However, when I do find time to vacation, I like to visit various water parks - the Dells being my favorite so far. As for hobbies I enjoy my IPad, from playing games to exploring cool apps. I like to call it "my me time". I look forward to getting to know all my fellow classmates.
Karen Young
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Tots Express Learning Academy
Years Working in ECE: 9 years
Current Position: I am the PreK Teacher at a private childcare center in the Southside of Chicago, Illinois. I have 9 Students that are between the ages of 4 to 5 years old. I have been employed at this center for 10 months. The enrollment at this center is at least 60 children. I have work at former childcare centers where I have 5 years experience as a director /Kindergarten teacher for Head Start.
About Me: I am 40 years old and the mother of 3 beautiful teenage girls. They ages are 18,17,16. My oldest daughter is a former student from Northern Illinois University and will be attending Olive Harvey College in the Fall. All of my daughter are honor roll student G.P.A. 4.0 and I am so proud of them. They are my inspiration. As long we have each other being a Single Parent is great it have it times but I am a excellent mom. My hobbies are I work with the youth in Dance at my church every week in I love to dance and I sing in the church choir. I love to sing. I get stress at time if I over work myself. Just need to relax and come back to it. I have a health issue that is only High Blood pressure. One thing about myself I am a hard work and I have never give up on anything. I always tell my kids at home and work we never say never. Our phrase is I think , I can , I think, I can, I know, I can. Beside all of that I keep God in my life and I know he is the only one who help me through all in my life.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Tots Express Learning Academy
Years Working in ECE: 9 years
Current Position: I am the PreK Teacher at a private childcare center in the Southside of Chicago, Illinois. I have 9 Students that are between the ages of 4 to 5 years old. I have been employed at this center for 10 months. The enrollment at this center is at least 60 children. I have work at former childcare centers where I have 5 years experience as a director /Kindergarten teacher for Head Start.
About Me: I am 40 years old and the mother of 3 beautiful teenage girls. They ages are 18,17,16. My oldest daughter is a former student from Northern Illinois University and will be attending Olive Harvey College in the Fall. All of my daughter are honor roll student G.P.A. 4.0 and I am so proud of them. They are my inspiration. As long we have each other being a Single Parent is great it have it times but I am a excellent mom. My hobbies are I work with the youth in Dance at my church every week in I love to dance and I sing in the church choir. I love to sing. I get stress at time if I over work myself. Just need to relax and come back to it. I have a health issue that is only High Blood pressure. One thing about myself I am a hard work and I have never give up on anything. I always tell my kids at home and work we never say never. Our phrase is I think , I can , I think, I can, I know, I can. Beside all of that I keep God in my life and I know he is the only one who help me through all in my life.
Keri Anderson
Current Location: Schaumburg, IL
Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
Place of Employment: Morton Grove Park District
Years Working in ECE: 12 years
Current Position: I teach 4 year olds for the Morton Grove Park District. I teach a morning and afternoon class. I prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans, model appropriate behavior, communicate with parents, prepare and supervise field trips, engage in professional development and training, maintain inventory and supplies, etc. My two classes combined equal 36 students if the classes are full. I do not know the exact number of children enrolled with the park because all our buildings are at different sites and I never asked. I just came in at the end of the school year to replace a teacher who left so I am new to this program. I also work for the UChicago Lab School during the summer, secretly wishing I worked their full time because I love the school!
About Me: I am married with two children. I have a 5 year old girl and a newly 2 year old boy. My daughter is going to kindergarten this year and I am soooooo excited! I don't have any pets even though my daughter just asked for one. I don't have a favorite place to travel but I do love travel especially by car so I can see everything. I love to shop, be with family and friends, eat out, travel, and learn.
Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
Place of Employment: Morton Grove Park District
Years Working in ECE: 12 years
Current Position: I teach 4 year olds for the Morton Grove Park District. I teach a morning and afternoon class. I prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans, model appropriate behavior, communicate with parents, prepare and supervise field trips, engage in professional development and training, maintain inventory and supplies, etc. My two classes combined equal 36 students if the classes are full. I do not know the exact number of children enrolled with the park because all our buildings are at different sites and I never asked. I just came in at the end of the school year to replace a teacher who left so I am new to this program. I also work for the UChicago Lab School during the summer, secretly wishing I worked their full time because I love the school!
About Me: I am married with two children. I have a 5 year old girl and a newly 2 year old boy. My daughter is going to kindergarten this year and I am soooooo excited! I don't have any pets even though my daughter just asked for one. I don't have a favorite place to travel but I do love travel especially by car so I can see everything. I love to shop, be with family and friends, eat out, travel, and learn.
Fallon Brooks
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: YMCA of Metropolitan
Years Working in ECE: 2.5 years
Current Position: I am a ALO Facilitator at Woodson Elementary working with 1st graders. I monitor students online learning through computer software programing that specializes in reading and math that helps the students improve/advance in their overall academic achievement.
About Me: Hello! I'm 27 years old, engaged, and have no children of my own but, can't wait to have them one day. I love traveling, shopping, and reading. They're all what I consider hobbies of mines! I love social media, hearing about the latest in the news really excites me! I have my BA in Liberal Studies and have always had a love for working with children.
Although, I have not had a lot of experience in the ECA/ECE, I'm beyond excited to learn all there is to know about it! I look forward to learning more from those of you who are currently working in ECA and hear about your experiences and journey.
Fallon :)
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: YMCA of Metropolitan
Years Working in ECE: 2.5 years
Current Position: I am a ALO Facilitator at Woodson Elementary working with 1st graders. I monitor students online learning through computer software programing that specializes in reading and math that helps the students improve/advance in their overall academic achievement.
About Me: Hello! I'm 27 years old, engaged, and have no children of my own but, can't wait to have them one day. I love traveling, shopping, and reading. They're all what I consider hobbies of mines! I love social media, hearing about the latest in the news really excites me! I have my BA in Liberal Studies and have always had a love for working with children.
Although, I have not had a lot of experience in the ECA/ECE, I'm beyond excited to learn all there is to know about it! I look forward to learning more from those of you who are currently working in ECA and hear about your experiences and journey.
Fallon :)
Kara King
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: FORD Models
Years Working in ECE: 4 -5 years
Current Position: I am not currently working in the education field. I have in the past but since graduating Undergrad I have spent some time travelling and working as a professional Model. I am excited to get back into the early childhood world! I have learned a lot and had great opportunities but am ready to pursue my career as an early childhood administrator.
About Me: I live in downtown Chicago and think that it is the best city in the world! I love taking advatage of everything the city has to offer!
I have my degree in early childhood education and have spent many years working in various child care centers through out college. I have a passion for early childhood education and have always wanted to own my own educational facility.
I've spent the past 6 years pursuing another career path and have enjoyed the opportunities I recieved from it. I could not be more thrilled to begin working with children and learning how to provide them with the best education and facility I can.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: FORD Models
Years Working in ECE: 4 -5 years
Current Position: I am not currently working in the education field. I have in the past but since graduating Undergrad I have spent some time travelling and working as a professional Model. I am excited to get back into the early childhood world! I have learned a lot and had great opportunities but am ready to pursue my career as an early childhood administrator.
About Me: I live in downtown Chicago and think that it is the best city in the world! I love taking advatage of everything the city has to offer!
I have my degree in early childhood education and have spent many years working in various child care centers through out college. I have a passion for early childhood education and have always wanted to own my own educational facility.
I've spent the past 6 years pursuing another career path and have enjoyed the opportunities I recieved from it. I could not be more thrilled to begin working with children and learning how to provide them with the best education and facility I can.
Kira Pfeffinger
Current Location: Streator, IL
Hometown: Streator, IL
Place of Employment: Step By Step Child Care Center, Inc.
Years Working in ECE: 10 years
Current Position: I am the Director at the Step By Step in Ottawa, IL. We have 72 children enrolled at our center and our license currently is for 64. We are in process of building on to gain another 19 children to our capacity.
About Me: I have been with my husband for 18 years and we have a four-legged son that is a Pembroke Welsch Corgi named Dakota. Currently, we are in the process of adopting another Corgi for Dakota since we just lost our four-legged daughter Bootsie a mixed breed cat of 16 years. My husband and I love to travel the Caribbean and we even got married on St. Thomas island in the Virgin islands. My favorite hobby is shopping though my husband is not a fan.
Hometown: Streator, IL
Place of Employment: Step By Step Child Care Center, Inc.
Years Working in ECE: 10 years
Current Position: I am the Director at the Step By Step in Ottawa, IL. We have 72 children enrolled at our center and our license currently is for 64. We are in process of building on to gain another 19 children to our capacity.
About Me: I have been with my husband for 18 years and we have a four-legged son that is a Pembroke Welsch Corgi named Dakota. Currently, we are in the process of adopting another Corgi for Dakota since we just lost our four-legged daughter Bootsie a mixed breed cat of 16 years. My husband and I love to travel the Caribbean and we even got married on St. Thomas island in the Virgin islands. My favorite hobby is shopping though my husband is not a fan.
Maria A Gandara
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Born in Honduras, Raised in Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Sunshine Learning Home & Day Care
Years Working in ECE: 6 years
Current Position: Owner/Teacher/Director of a Nationally Accredited Family Child Care Program that holds a 3 Star QRS Rating, a Group Child Care License from DCFS and Specializes in Children with Special Needs. We are located in West Humboldt/Logan Square. There are 19 children enrolled in our program of all ethnicities, backgrounds and income levels. We have been in business for 6 years and the program is in my childhood home where we live. The program is truly a family business as it is managed daily by my mom, husband, and myself.
About Me: I have been married for over 17 years to Jose Luis; together we have 5 children- 3 girls and 2 boys. Our eldest child lives in Heaven since she was 3 years old because of a fatal car accident in Mexico. Our children are Anita, 9y, Mariela, 7y, Louie 5y, and Pauly 4y. We live together with my mother in her home (my childhood home) and are a HUGE family! I formerly was a Special Education for high school students with Moderate Cognitive Disabilities, taught for 4 years at Northside Learning Center until our daughter Mariela was born and was born with Special Needs. That's when our family decided I should stay home, care and advocate for her and we opened a family child care program for children with special needs to support other families like ours that were or currently are in the same situation.
I recently have decided that I will be leaving the family child care field as an owner and my mother will be transitioning the business over to her name. I am looking to return to the workforce as a Director, Support Staff, QRS Specialist and any area within Early Education, especially where I can continue to support Family Child Care Providers.
I am President/Founder of a Family Child Care Association called PANN- Proveedores en Accion para Nuestros Ninos (Providers in Action for Our Children) where we have been working hard since 5 1/2 years ago to reach out to the family child care providers who need support, technical assistance, and invite them to join in our advocacy efforts that we participate in.
I'm an observer for NAFCC, participate on the Latino Caucus, participate in Advocacy efforts with Illinois Action for Children and work locally in my community.
I'm very excited to begin this new journey in my life and I look forward to getting to know you all as we embrace this journey together.
Hometown: Born in Honduras, Raised in Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Sunshine Learning Home & Day Care
Years Working in ECE: 6 years
Current Position: Owner/Teacher/Director of a Nationally Accredited Family Child Care Program that holds a 3 Star QRS Rating, a Group Child Care License from DCFS and Specializes in Children with Special Needs. We are located in West Humboldt/Logan Square. There are 19 children enrolled in our program of all ethnicities, backgrounds and income levels. We have been in business for 6 years and the program is in my childhood home where we live. The program is truly a family business as it is managed daily by my mom, husband, and myself.
About Me: I have been married for over 17 years to Jose Luis; together we have 5 children- 3 girls and 2 boys. Our eldest child lives in Heaven since she was 3 years old because of a fatal car accident in Mexico. Our children are Anita, 9y, Mariela, 7y, Louie 5y, and Pauly 4y. We live together with my mother in her home (my childhood home) and are a HUGE family! I formerly was a Special Education for high school students with Moderate Cognitive Disabilities, taught for 4 years at Northside Learning Center until our daughter Mariela was born and was born with Special Needs. That's when our family decided I should stay home, care and advocate for her and we opened a family child care program for children with special needs to support other families like ours that were or currently are in the same situation.
I recently have decided that I will be leaving the family child care field as an owner and my mother will be transitioning the business over to her name. I am looking to return to the workforce as a Director, Support Staff, QRS Specialist and any area within Early Education, especially where I can continue to support Family Child Care Providers.
I am President/Founder of a Family Child Care Association called PANN- Proveedores en Accion para Nuestros Ninos (Providers in Action for Our Children) where we have been working hard since 5 1/2 years ago to reach out to the family child care providers who need support, technical assistance, and invite them to join in our advocacy efforts that we participate in.
I'm an observer for NAFCC, participate on the Latino Caucus, participate in Advocacy efforts with Illinois Action for Children and work locally in my community.
I'm very excited to begin this new journey in my life and I look forward to getting to know you all as we embrace this journey together.
Erin Lutz
Current Location: Itasca, IL
Hometown: Streator, IL
Place of Employment: Two Rivers Head Start Agency
Years Working in ECE: 2 years
Current Position: I am the Center Supervisor Designee for a new ARRA funded Early Head Start Program in Elgin IL. We serve children and families from birth to three. We serve 56 center based children and 24 home based children. Our center consists of 3 infant classrooms and 4 toddler classrooms. We use Creative Curriculum for our center based children and Parents as Teachers for our home based curriculum.
About Me: I studied at Northern Illinois University for my B.S. in Child Development. I have no children of my own but I think of the children from work as my own!
Hometown: Streator, IL
Place of Employment: Two Rivers Head Start Agency
Years Working in ECE: 2 years
Current Position: I am the Center Supervisor Designee for a new ARRA funded Early Head Start Program in Elgin IL. We serve children and families from birth to three. We serve 56 center based children and 24 home based children. Our center consists of 3 infant classrooms and 4 toddler classrooms. We use Creative Curriculum for our center based children and Parents as Teachers for our home based curriculum.
About Me: I studied at Northern Illinois University for my B.S. in Child Development. I have no children of my own but I think of the children from work as my own!
Melinda Martinez
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: The Play Lab
Years Working in ECE: Over 20 years
Current Position: The Play Lab is a progressive home early childhood program that is geared towards preschool and kindergarten aged children and their families. I am the owner and head teacher. Throughout the licensing process I work with three children and once I am licensed I will have 12 enrolled and one additional teacher. Our program is play-based with two rooms for learning centers and interest areas and a small group room for literacy, math, science, art, music, and cooking activities. There will be introductions and exposure to spanish and sign language, health/nutrition, including physical fitness and yoga, a gym for large gross motor development, and community service components that are all integrated into the curriculum.
About Me: Hello, my name is Melinda Martinez and I will be 38 years old in a few weeks. I have a loving, energetic, and gifted son that is now 10 years old. I was blessed to raise my late husband's three little brothers and nephew as well. The middle child had a baby girl, so I am now also a grandma. My grand daughter is now 6 months old. I love all of them dearly! The children in my family are my life and while raising them and taking care of my then sick husband put some of my personal goals on hold, I always knew that when the time was right I would get right back on track and I DID. I am a machine now (laughing), I received three Associates Degrees and my BA was a double major in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. I changed my Master's Degree from Reading to ECA, and plan on getting my PhD in Reading as soon as I complete this program. Having my son at all of my graduations is so powerful! He has seen my struggles, observed how I've overcame them, and now my determination to get that Doctorates and finally opening my own school! He made me blush at the NLU Chicago Campus just the other day when he told the security guard how smart I am and how hard I study. I am JUST as proud of him! More!
As far as hobbies and fun, I love urban art, music, dance, working out, movies, professional development (it's fun for me), my church, community service and volunteering, and most of all spending time with my family. Life doesn't get much better than that.
My new school calendar will afford me the opportunity to travel more often and boy, do we look forward to that! :)
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: The Play Lab
Years Working in ECE: Over 20 years
Current Position: The Play Lab is a progressive home early childhood program that is geared towards preschool and kindergarten aged children and their families. I am the owner and head teacher. Throughout the licensing process I work with three children and once I am licensed I will have 12 enrolled and one additional teacher. Our program is play-based with two rooms for learning centers and interest areas and a small group room for literacy, math, science, art, music, and cooking activities. There will be introductions and exposure to spanish and sign language, health/nutrition, including physical fitness and yoga, a gym for large gross motor development, and community service components that are all integrated into the curriculum.
About Me: Hello, my name is Melinda Martinez and I will be 38 years old in a few weeks. I have a loving, energetic, and gifted son that is now 10 years old. I was blessed to raise my late husband's three little brothers and nephew as well. The middle child had a baby girl, so I am now also a grandma. My grand daughter is now 6 months old. I love all of them dearly! The children in my family are my life and while raising them and taking care of my then sick husband put some of my personal goals on hold, I always knew that when the time was right I would get right back on track and I DID. I am a machine now (laughing), I received three Associates Degrees and my BA was a double major in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. I changed my Master's Degree from Reading to ECA, and plan on getting my PhD in Reading as soon as I complete this program. Having my son at all of my graduations is so powerful! He has seen my struggles, observed how I've overcame them, and now my determination to get that Doctorates and finally opening my own school! He made me blush at the NLU Chicago Campus just the other day when he told the security guard how smart I am and how hard I study. I am JUST as proud of him! More!
As far as hobbies and fun, I love urban art, music, dance, working out, movies, professional development (it's fun for me), my church, community service and volunteering, and most of all spending time with my family. Life doesn't get much better than that.
My new school calendar will afford me the opportunity to travel more often and boy, do we look forward to that! :)
Lillian Gibson
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Lots of Luv Home Daycare
Years Working in ECE: 12 years
Current Position: Family Childcare Educator of A Nationally Accredited Family Home Childcare which holds a QRS Star Level 3, Group Home License By DCFS.
About Me: I'm 36 years old mother of two, Jaquez 8yrs, Jakiya 4yrs. I enjoy traveling on cruises. I'm the President/Founder of Local Association Caring Providers Association, where we reach out to family child care providers who need support, technical assistance. I'm NAFCC Observer, Mentor for Action For Children and Center's For New Horizon our local CCRR. I'm excited about starting this new journey!
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Lots of Luv Home Daycare
Years Working in ECE: 12 years
Current Position: Family Childcare Educator of A Nationally Accredited Family Home Childcare which holds a QRS Star Level 3, Group Home License By DCFS.
About Me: I'm 36 years old mother of two, Jaquez 8yrs, Jakiya 4yrs. I enjoy traveling on cruises. I'm the President/Founder of Local Association Caring Providers Association, where we reach out to family child care providers who need support, technical assistance. I'm NAFCC Observer, Mentor for Action For Children and Center's For New Horizon our local CCRR. I'm excited about starting this new journey!
Sarah Renicker
Current Location: Rockford, IL
Hometown: Peoria, IL
Place of Employment: Rockford Memorial Hospital's Children's Learning Center
Years Working in ECE: 12 years
Current Position: I am currently a teacher at the C.L.C. I have been there for almost 11 years. I worked with two year olds for a few years, taught Pre-K for 6 years which included a season of coordinating the school-age summer camp program, I have taught the music program to all age groups and I am currently working with infants. The center is liscensed for over 200 children, has 16 class rooms and over 50 employees.
About Me: On a personal note, I am a single mom with two wonderful daughters, ages 9 and 11. I have a big black dog named Onyx, and a bunny named Oreo. I like to read, hike, play piano and take care of my house in my spare time. I am close with my family, (that's my nephew in the picture with me) who all live in and around the Chicago area. My girls and I are looking forward to a vacation in Colorado this summer (yes, the laptop will be coming too :))
Hometown: Peoria, IL
Place of Employment: Rockford Memorial Hospital's Children's Learning Center
Years Working in ECE: 12 years
Current Position: I am currently a teacher at the C.L.C. I have been there for almost 11 years. I worked with two year olds for a few years, taught Pre-K for 6 years which included a season of coordinating the school-age summer camp program, I have taught the music program to all age groups and I am currently working with infants. The center is liscensed for over 200 children, has 16 class rooms and over 50 employees.
About Me: On a personal note, I am a single mom with two wonderful daughters, ages 9 and 11. I have a big black dog named Onyx, and a bunny named Oreo. I like to read, hike, play piano and take care of my house in my spare time. I am close with my family, (that's my nephew in the picture with me) who all live in and around the Chicago area. My girls and I are looking forward to a vacation in Colorado this summer (yes, the laptop will be coming too :))
Sonja Walker
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown:
Place of Employment: License Home Daycare Provider
Years Working in ECE: 9 years
Current Position: I'm a License Home Daycare provider by the state. I'm license for a total of 20 children from ages 6wks to 12yrs. I enjoy working with kids, they are like little sponges that's eager to learn and explore. I have one assistant and 11 kids at this present time. I'm in the process of making some change to my home before I enroll more children. I've been a license daycare provider for almost 9years and have also help my fellow provider with her daycare center.
About Me: I'm 43 years old, mother of 3, daughter 24, two sons ages 18 and 15 and a wonderful granddaughter name Tamyrah age 4. I enjoyed reading interesting things and shopping for bargains. I enjoy make people feel good about themselves and I try to look at things in a positive way. I have a B.A. in Management from Robert Morris College. I love to cook and just relax when time allows it. I'm a member of an awesome church on the westside of Chicago, where I sing in the choir and member of the hospitality ministry. Church is my first love and being around my sisters and brothers in christ always seems to help through any difficult times.
Hometown:
Place of Employment: License Home Daycare Provider
Years Working in ECE: 9 years
Current Position: I'm a License Home Daycare provider by the state. I'm license for a total of 20 children from ages 6wks to 12yrs. I enjoy working with kids, they are like little sponges that's eager to learn and explore. I have one assistant and 11 kids at this present time. I'm in the process of making some change to my home before I enroll more children. I've been a license daycare provider for almost 9years and have also help my fellow provider with her daycare center.
About Me: I'm 43 years old, mother of 3, daughter 24, two sons ages 18 and 15 and a wonderful granddaughter name Tamyrah age 4. I enjoyed reading interesting things and shopping for bargains. I enjoy make people feel good about themselves and I try to look at things in a positive way. I have a B.A. in Management from Robert Morris College. I love to cook and just relax when time allows it. I'm a member of an awesome church on the westside of Chicago, where I sing in the choir and member of the hospitality ministry. Church is my first love and being around my sisters and brothers in christ always seems to help through any difficult times.
Frances Green
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Our Blessings Childcare Provider
Years Working in ECE: 11 years
Current Position: Owner and operator of an extended hours in-home childcare program. I service infants and children through the ages of 6 weeks - 12 years of age. I provide a safe and nurturing environment that meet the needs of the children in my care. I provide child appropriate activities and an educational learning environment. I oversee and perform all the daily operations, prepare meals, curriculum and daily activities, daily data entry and record keeping, and meeting whatever challenge or emergency that arises. I am an extension to every family in my care as well as support to my parents. I am licensed to care for eight, but I currently have six children in my care. My 16 year old daughter is assisting me this summer. I need to obtain this ECA degree to promote my own self development and growth. I feel that I'm stuck in a place that I should have moved from years ago on my career ladder. I want to be able to reach more and give more of myself.
About Me: I am from a large family of nine. I grew up in Chicago. I graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. I am a mother of three children. As a divorced parent I had to raise my three children alone. My eldest son is attending Kansas City, KS Chiropractic College, which he will complete in 2013. My second son is is Sasoboe, Japan in the United States Navy. He has recently realized his love for learning foreign languages, and wants to pursue his 2nd degree as an interpreter. My youngest is my princess that keeps me grounded and helps me from becoming extinct in this fast paced technical era. Her goal is to obtain her Master degree in Zoology and Animal Rescue and Computer Technology. I'm a born again Christian that is very active with my church. I oversee the Single's Ministry and I am a Choir member. Also, I have found my new past time in Quilting. I am a Home Decor Decorating Consultant. I love to create beautiful this and help others.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: Our Blessings Childcare Provider
Years Working in ECE: 11 years
Current Position: Owner and operator of an extended hours in-home childcare program. I service infants and children through the ages of 6 weeks - 12 years of age. I provide a safe and nurturing environment that meet the needs of the children in my care. I provide child appropriate activities and an educational learning environment. I oversee and perform all the daily operations, prepare meals, curriculum and daily activities, daily data entry and record keeping, and meeting whatever challenge or emergency that arises. I am an extension to every family in my care as well as support to my parents. I am licensed to care for eight, but I currently have six children in my care. My 16 year old daughter is assisting me this summer. I need to obtain this ECA degree to promote my own self development and growth. I feel that I'm stuck in a place that I should have moved from years ago on my career ladder. I want to be able to reach more and give more of myself.
About Me: I am from a large family of nine. I grew up in Chicago. I graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. I am a mother of three children. As a divorced parent I had to raise my three children alone. My eldest son is attending Kansas City, KS Chiropractic College, which he will complete in 2013. My second son is is Sasoboe, Japan in the United States Navy. He has recently realized his love for learning foreign languages, and wants to pursue his 2nd degree as an interpreter. My youngest is my princess that keeps me grounded and helps me from becoming extinct in this fast paced technical era. Her goal is to obtain her Master degree in Zoology and Animal Rescue and Computer Technology. I'm a born again Christian that is very active with my church. I oversee the Single's Ministry and I am a Choir member. Also, I have found my new past time in Quilting. I am a Home Decor Decorating Consultant. I love to create beautiful this and help others.
Stephanie Neuman
Current Location: New Berlin, IL
Hometown: Girard, IL
Place of Employment: Kountry Kids Learning Center, Inc.
Years Working in ECE: 11 'ish Years
Current Position: I am the owner/director of our small rural central Illinois center. My husband and I employ 22 staff and have approximately 95 students enrolled at our facility. A fun fact about KKLC is of our 22 employees, 5 are male. As we all know men in Early Childhood are often few and far between! After just being open 2 1/2 years our center was awarded a 2 star rating from the Quality Rating System. We are now in the process of our NAC accreditation self study. We are so blessed to have the best staff, students, and families EVER!! I LOVE MY JOB!!! :)
About Me: I received my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in May 2004. After finishing my degree I moved home and accepted a position with our local Special Education Co-Op as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in New Berlin, IL (30 minutes from my hometown). Within the first few months of teaching one of my assistants in my class introduced me to her husband's cousin. We were engaged 6 months later and married after another 13 months (July 1, 2006). That was just the beginning of the many changes to happen in my life. April 1, 2008 we welcomed our son Charlie into the world. When he was 4 weeks old we purchased a former church to open our own childcare center. It was a whole new career path for me. After a very busy and stressful summer, we opened our doors August 18, 2008. May 9, 2010 we added our daughter, Elliana, to our family. At the end of that month my husband made a HUGE career move from agriculture to working full time for our business. The last 6 1/2 years of my life have been a whirlwind!! In my "spare" time I enjoy coaching high school competitive cheerleading, running, shopping, Stampin It Up, and spending time with my family and friends. I am nervous but excited about this new educational venture.
Hometown: Girard, IL
Place of Employment: Kountry Kids Learning Center, Inc.
Years Working in ECE: 11 'ish Years
Current Position: I am the owner/director of our small rural central Illinois center. My husband and I employ 22 staff and have approximately 95 students enrolled at our facility. A fun fact about KKLC is of our 22 employees, 5 are male. As we all know men in Early Childhood are often few and far between! After just being open 2 1/2 years our center was awarded a 2 star rating from the Quality Rating System. We are now in the process of our NAC accreditation self study. We are so blessed to have the best staff, students, and families EVER!! I LOVE MY JOB!!! :)
About Me: I received my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in May 2004. After finishing my degree I moved home and accepted a position with our local Special Education Co-Op as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in New Berlin, IL (30 minutes from my hometown). Within the first few months of teaching one of my assistants in my class introduced me to her husband's cousin. We were engaged 6 months later and married after another 13 months (July 1, 2006). That was just the beginning of the many changes to happen in my life. April 1, 2008 we welcomed our son Charlie into the world. When he was 4 weeks old we purchased a former church to open our own childcare center. It was a whole new career path for me. After a very busy and stressful summer, we opened our doors August 18, 2008. May 9, 2010 we added our daughter, Elliana, to our family. At the end of that month my husband made a HUGE career move from agriculture to working full time for our business. The last 6 1/2 years of my life have been a whirlwind!! In my "spare" time I enjoy coaching high school competitive cheerleading, running, shopping, Stampin It Up, and spending time with my family and friends. I am nervous but excited about this new educational venture.
Jacqueline Ray
Current Location: Chicago, IL
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: SG Youth & Family Services
Years Working in ECE: 12 Years
Current Position: I am a Parent Educator/Home Visitor. I work with parenting teens and pregnant teens in 8 Chicago Public High Schools. I provide positive, safe, and valuable interactive activities that build on attachment and bonding between parents and infants;conduct strengths and needs assessments on participating families to establish a comprehensive service plan of care; deliver curriculum to parents in accordance with program design; facilitate monthly support groups for participating parents and infants; develop and maintain a comprehensive network of education, training, economic development, supportive services, crime prevention, drug prevention, and treatment for families.
About Me: I received my Masters at NLU in Psychology this year; my Associates in Early Childhood Development at a Community College. I held positions as a Director, Family Specialist, and Teacher. I consider myself an enthusiast and a life-long learner. I enjoy attending workshops,trainings, and conferences on child development and self improvement. I enjoying watching Kung-Fu movies,taking long walks, and reading(religious & history books). My favorite T.V shows are House, Criminal Minds, and The Office. I am an extravert who interacts well with people. I like to set myself goals and keep them and I'm very persistent.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Place of Employment: SG Youth & Family Services
Years Working in ECE: 12 Years
Current Position: I am a Parent Educator/Home Visitor. I work with parenting teens and pregnant teens in 8 Chicago Public High Schools. I provide positive, safe, and valuable interactive activities that build on attachment and bonding between parents and infants;conduct strengths and needs assessments on participating families to establish a comprehensive service plan of care; deliver curriculum to parents in accordance with program design; facilitate monthly support groups for participating parents and infants; develop and maintain a comprehensive network of education, training, economic development, supportive services, crime prevention, drug prevention, and treatment for families.
About Me: I received my Masters at NLU in Psychology this year; my Associates in Early Childhood Development at a Community College. I held positions as a Director, Family Specialist, and Teacher. I consider myself an enthusiast and a life-long learner. I enjoy attending workshops,trainings, and conferences on child development and self improvement. I enjoying watching Kung-Fu movies,taking long walks, and reading(religious & history books). My favorite T.V shows are House, Criminal Minds, and The Office. I am an extravert who interacts well with people. I like to set myself goals and keep them and I'm very persistent.