Children's Learning Place Faculty

Busy Bees

(3 Years & Older Class)

Super Sprouts

(2 & 3 Years Old Class)

Monkeys

(Toddlers & 2 years old Class)

Caterpillars

(Toddlers class)

Wiggles

(Newborn & Infant Class)

Ms. Karen, Head Teacher

My name is Karen Hall and I am the new teacher for the Busy Bee’s Classroom. I have been working for CLP since my freshman year of college (Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago where I received a degree in Applied Linguistics last May) and I have been blessed to always look forward to coming to work and being with the staff and children.

Just to share about my interests…I love music and the arts, anything that has to do with outdoor sports or just being outside, learning about other cultures and people different from myself, hot drinks, traveling, living with purpose, discovering new things, etc. I am an extreme people person and a definite extrovert. I hope to one day work overseas with a mission organization.

My mom is a Special Needs Pre-school teacher, so I have been surrounded by kids my whole life. I’ve babysat, worked with inner-city kids, taught children swimming lessons, volunteered for an organization that works with children with terminal illness and for Girl’s Inc., did an internship overseas with AIDS orphans, led children’s choirs and programs at churches, etc.. I love children! They are just learning about themselves and how they relate to the world around them. I feel privileged to be apart of that process with your children and I am committed to providing the best care and education possible. I know I have big shoes to fill! Thank you for giving me this opportunity with your children and I promise to treat them as I would my own!

Ms. Tina, Assistant Director / Busy Bee Assistant Teacher

Tina Taylor has a college background in Early Childhood Education as well as Marketing and Advertising. Before working as DCLP, Ms. Tina owned and operated a home daycare for 9 years. Ms. Tina spends her spare time working with the Department of Children and Family services Teen Project program, helping teen mothers stay in school and understanding the responsibility and needs of their children. Ms. Tina is an active member in her community and a member of Faith Temple Christian Church. She firmly believes in improving herself by continuing her education and is always taking courses in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Erin, Teacher

Hi, my name is Erin Bauer and I an originally from St. Louis, Missouri. My interest in teaching through volunteer work. Throughout high school, I taught French once a week at the Marian School which is a small girls middle school run by volunteers. As a senior, I taught Pre-K classes at Sacred Heart Villa. Once I moved to Chicago, I began to pursue my love for art and to attend Columbia College where I received my Bachelors Degree in Photography. Being able to continue my passion for teaching and interacting with young children brings me great joy. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of music and arts.

Ms. Monica, Assistant Teacher

Hi there. My name is Monica L. Davila and I am so excited to teach in the Super Sprouts room. I absolutely love working with children and cannot wait to assist in their learning, growth, and development. I attended Aurora University where I majored in Nursing. I have a lot of experience working with children in many different settings. I grew up in Chicago and enjoy living in the city. I love talking with the kids as well as the parents so if you have any concerns or questions please feel free to discuss them with me.

Ms. Polly, Teacher

Ms. Polly is a recent addition to the DCLP family having been employed since June 2006 shortly after her graduation from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Youth Ministry. She has over 9 years of childcare experience ranging from being a nanny to teaching children's church programs. She is originally from a small town in Wisconsin and is enjoying city life in Chicago. In the future she hopes to pursue a Master's degree in Counseling after taking a short break from school. She loves working with children and is blessed to have joined the DCLP family.

Ms. Rachel, AM Teacher

Ms. Rachel Stuart was born and raised in Liberia, West Africa and in 2001. The Stuart families moved to the United States were they currently reside. Ms. Rachel has been married for over 20 years and has 5 children. Ms Rachel has been working at DCLP for 5 years as an infant teacher and has over 20 years teaching children of all ages. She has a BA, in Religious Education and Child Care and Management. Presently Rachel is working toward an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Beverly, AM Teacher

Ms. Beverly has three children and helped raise a niece, nephew and her son’s best friend. She worked as a counselor at a camp for children with Cerebral Palsy for three years, ranging in age from five to twenty five. Some children were in wheels chairs while others used walkers. She was responsible for helping them dress, feed and take care of their personal needs daily. Ms. Beverly also volunteered at Rush University Medical Center in the ‘“Cuddles Program,” giving lots of cuddle time to the children when their parents could not be there to give the extra love and special attention needed. Ms. Beverly feels that when you see a baby smile or laugh, it is gift from God, and that is very precious.

Ms. Sonja, Teacher

Ms. Sonja Stuber joined our staff in 2007. Ms. Sonja was born and raised in Germany. She has been working with children for 8 years. She developed her interest for childcare as a babysitter in high school. In 2001, Ms. Sonja decided to come to America to go to nanny school and to become a live-in nanny. Her first position was in New York working for a family with two children. Ms. Sonja enjoys swimming, music, and cooking. Since then, Ms. Sonja has married and has 2 children in which she loves deeply.

Ms. Sundae, PM Assistant Teacher

Ms. Sundae Kenney has a history and background of working with children that has been broad. Sundae is committed and dedicated to the care and nurturing of children. Also, Sundae provides a structured, educational and positive environment for children as well as giving them the emotional and mental support they need. She has worked in the Chicago Public School for the Cradle to Classroom program (a very well rounded program for pregnant teen mothers and infant children). Sundae continually improves herself while remaining dedicated to the development of children.