Our Teachers: Bucktown/Wicker Park | Children's Learning Place

Blueberries

Mr. Keith, Assistant Teacher

My name is Keith and I joined the CLP family in 2009. My experience at CLP has been working with a variety of classrooms to include: Cherries, Blueberries and Grapes class. It’s been enjoyable working with and watching children grow and develop. My love for children affords me the opportunity to not only work with children but also fully enjoy what I do. While I never thought of myself teaching, I can honestly say that I love it and will continue to work to be a better teacher for the children and their families.
Ms. Jessica, Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Jessica and I'm one of the assistant teachers in the Blueberries class. I was born and raised in Chicago along with an older brother and a younger sister. My parents are amazing and I'm blessed to have them. I recently joined the CLP family late April and I absolutely love it! I have a little over 4 years experience with children. I've worked at the Lakeview YMCA. I worked summer camp as well as after school. Working for the Y is when I knew I wanted to pursue a career that involves children. I'm currently taking a break from school but plan on attending this fall at Northeastern Illinois University. Working on getting my degree in Early childhood. When I'm not at CLP, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. I very much enjoy music and dancing. Other times I like to relax and enjoy a good book or movie. I also very much enjoy working out whether it be outside bike riding, playing volleyball or working out at the gym. Furthermore, I'm pleased to join the CLP team and to better myself for the future.
Ms. Suzen, Head Teacher

Hi, my name is Suzen and I’m happy to join CLP and the Blueberries class! Previously, I taught for a non-profit organization for 9 years. There I had the privilege of creating and implementing family classes and events. I am a mother of a beautiful 14 year old daughter named Dainidee and an active volunteer in my community. I live by my motto, try to be helpful to people so that they can get through their day happy. I love movies, art and shopping! I look forward in meeting and working with everyone here at CLP.

Cherries

Ms. Caroline, Assistant Teacher

I was born and raised in Bolivar Missouri with 3 older brothers. My father is an Emergency Room physician and my mom stayed home with us growing up. I have always been very close with my parents and siblings. I grew up attending a Christian Church and I am a practicing Christian now. My father is an immigrant from Argentina. My family went to Argentina for a month when I was 7. Traveling and learning about other ways of life were central to my up-bringing. I went on several trips around the country with my church, and I was always on a team working with children in different capacities. In high school, I went on two medical mission trips to Venezuela where I was in charge of taking care of the children while their parents waited in line and saw the doctors.

Growing up, I was involved in several sports: Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Gymnastics, Swimming and Track. I also took painting and art lessons and had a Spanish tutor as a young child. I went on to be a Swim coach one summer and Gymnastics coach for a couple years in high school.

My second-eldest brother went to Wheaton College and I followed in his footsteps. I chose a degree in Anthropology because of my interest in people and culture. While in school, I did two internships working with homeless street youth: one in Boston, MA and one in San Francisco, CA. During the school year, I consistently babysat for several families and my last 2 years in school I primarily nannied for one family with 3 children – all girls under the age of 7. I still keep in touch with them now.

I married my husband, Alex, the fall after graduating from college. I love married life. Alex’s degree is in Theology. We are both interested in getting our Master’s. I am really interested in a degreein child-development, or maybe med-school to be a pediatrician. We have a great community of friends living here in the city. Our community gets together every week for dinner. My parents and siblings have moved all over the country: Kansas, Missouri, San Francisco,… but one of my brothers lives in Aurora and I get to see him quite often. I babysit for two families in the city and stay in contact with the family I nannied for in Wheaton. I like to sew, read, run, watch baseball with my husband, and play sand volleyball with friends in my spare time. Both of Alex’s siblings live here in Chicago. We visit our families as often as possible.
Ms. Erica, Head Teacher

My name is Erica, and I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. As the eldest of four daughters, I was encouraged by my parents to always watch out for the younger ones, and after my little sisters grew up, I began working with youth and children’s ministries in 2005. I have attended Whitney M. Young High School, Malcolm X College, and UIC. After trying out the accounting and nursing fields, I realized my true vocation of early education in 2007 and joined the CLP family in 2010. One of my favorite parts of the job is visiting the classrooms and leading the children in music and movement with songs on my guitar.
Ms. Megan, Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Megan and I am Assistant Teacher in the Cherries class, also known as the Red Room. You can also find me assisting, as needed, in the Blueberry class which coincides with my vast amount of experience working with a variety of ages.

This is my second tenure with CLP, although my first tenure was at DCLP. At that time, I was in charge of the toddler room. After a few years I moved on, as I was given the opportunity to work in a loving home as a nanny. Altogether, I have about 6-7 years experience working with little peanuts. It's been an incredibly warming experience for me. Other than childcare, I've done lots of nonprofit and volunteer work throughout the city. I love to cook, read, and listen to music.

Chimps

Ms. Jessica, Teacher

My name is Jessica. I am going to school to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education and Speech Therapy. I was born and raised in Chicago and love the diversity the city offers. I come from a big family and am an advocate for children. I started working for Children’s Learning Place in 2009 and consider myself blessed to work with the families and staff here.
Ms. Lynette, Head Teacher

Hello, I’m Lynette. I have been working at CLP since August 2010. I am the Lead Teacher for the Chimps class and am also the Assistant Director for the Infant/Toddler section of our school. I have been learning about and helping take care of children ever since I was in grade school as I helped watch my younger sister. I decided I wanted to work with young children as a career after helping my mother teach a two year old Sunday school class at church. While taking college courses I started to gear my degree toward early childhood education. In 2009, I received my A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education & Care.

A little more about me… My family is from the Chicago area, raised on the south side (yes that means I am a Sox fan). I have two older brothers and a younger sister. I was married to my husband Joshua in September 2009 and we have no children of our own yet. I enjoy working on crafts, painting, and camping, baking, and watching movies. I also love having BBQs in the summer time where I can spend time with family and friends.
Ms. Tracey, Assistant Teacher

Ms. Tracey is a Supporting Staff Member for CLP. Tracey comes to CLP from our Downtown school where her varied experience with children makes her a great assistant.

Grapes

Ms. Beth, Head Teacher

My name is Beth and I’m the lead teacher in the Grapes classroom. I joined CLP in April of 2011. I attended Governors State University where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004. I decided I wanted to change my career and work with children in 2009. I volunteered at Comer Children’s Hospital for a year in the play center. I loved spending as much time as possible at the hospital with the children. From there I decided to go back to school and obtain my Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University. I just finished my masters program this past January. I have spent over 150 clinical hours in early elementary classrooms and middle school. I also volunteered with Chicago Cares Organization which is involved with many Chicago Public Schools. I love working with children and I couldn’t imagine spending my time doing anything else. My time with the Chimps has been a wonderful experience and I hope to bring what I know to the classroom and always learn more!
Ms. Eleanor, Assistant Teacher

Hi, I’m Eleanor and I have just moved to Chicago after graduating from Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD. There I majored in sculpture, and throughout college I worked as a nanny. I love working with kids of all ages and in my spare time I enjoy reading, biking, gardening, and exploring the city.
Ms. Karina, Assistant Teacher

I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. During my undergraduate degree, I took several classes in early childhood development. During this time, I participated as an AmeriCorps member in an award-winning network, Jumpstart, which works one-to-one to prepare at-risk preschool children for academic success. After graduating I was a nanny and babysat for several families. On Saturdays I became the Kindergarten teacher of the Latvian Chicago Saturday School.

In 2009, I attended Monterey Institute of International Studies for a Masters in Public Administration. I had planned on going into non-profit management, but soon found my new passion lied within early childhood education. My papers and time spent volunteering had a recurring theme and this was early childhood development. Therefore I set out on a new path and pursued teaching in an early childhood setting.

I have worked at Children’s Learning Place in Wicker Park since August of 2010 and have enjoyed it very much. I have a love for teaching and children. I believe a teacher who loves teaching , teaches children to love learning. I plan on furthering my education with a Masters in Early Childhood Education.

Kiwis

Ms. Arichelle, Head Teacher & Assistant Director

Hello CLP family! My name is Arichelle (or Mrs. A) and I am the preschool assistant director at Children’s Learning Place. I’m also the head teacher for the Kiwi classroom ages 3-5 years. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I am proud to be working with CLP for over 10 years now; starting off as the toddler teacher and then moving forward as the teacher for the preschoolers. When I’m not at CLP, I am studying at Kendall College continuing my education in Early Childhood, enjoying my time with my wonderful husband Marc, or at my church’s children’s ministry. Every day I look forward to more wonderful experiences with the families and staff here at Children’s Learning Place.
Ms. Noemi, Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Noemi. I am the Assistant Teacher in the Kiwi class and love it! Although I have an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts, my love for Children has seemed to always bring me back to working with them. I am the Aunt to 8 nieces and nephews ages ranging from 7 months to 17 years old. Also I am blessed to have over 9 years of experience working with children of all ages and yet I never stop being surprised, impressed and challenged by their wit, humor and individuality. I look forward to working with you and your child.

Koalas

Ms. Ashley, Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Ashley. I’m 25 years old and I have been working with children of all ages since the age of 16. I started with weekend Babysitting jobs until a regular family asked me to become a nanny after graduating high school. From there I worked at an elementary school while going to college working towards a degree in biology. After taking a short break from Children, I’ve realized that working with children is a passion that I had to get off the back burner. My goal is to continue my education in biology and Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Olivia, Teacher

My name is Olivia. I have been working with Children’s Learning Place since 2006. I started working a day after my high school graduation. I worked at the downtown location for 3 years then transferred to the new center when it opened in 2009. I have been a lead teacher for the infant room, infant/toddler room and the 2 year old classroom. I went to Harold Washington Community College while working at the Downtown Children’s Learning Place location. I got married in September 2010 to my high school sweetheart Alex. I am the proud mother of two beautiful children.

Pandas

Ms. Sara, Head Teacher

Hi, my name is Sara and I am the Head teacher in the Panda’s room! I have been in education for several years working with children ages 6 weeks to 13 years of age. I Have a Degree in applied science through City Colleges of Chicago and I am currently enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University. I am currently pursuing a double major in Elementary Education and Communications with a minor in Psychology. I was previously employed with KinderCare Learning Centers where I was the lead toddler and two year old teacher. While there, I also took on the role of center trainer. I am a mother of two children ages 14 and 5 with plans to continue to grow my family in the near future. It has been a pleasure working with the CLP families and staff!
Ms. Shilvon, Assistant Teacher

Hello, I am Ms.Shilvon. I originally joined the CLP family in 2006 as a nanny; however, I joined CLP as a teacher in 2010. I love my role in the Panda class, but I have also loved working as a Koala teacher. As a mother of four, I have had the gift of working with children for over 20 years. I have worked with many Chicago programs to include: Healthy Start, Chicago’s Kangaroo Care, Matt's House, and Boys Scotts of America. I would love to live in a perfect world and it starts one baby at a time. Remembering we are all teachers, I would like to be known as the teacher who tought our babies to look past the stars.
Ms. Tiffany, Teacher

Hello Everyone, my name is Tiffany, a Teacher in the Pandas classroom; I am a married mom of a five year old son. I am also a believer that I can do anything through Christ who has strengthened me. I am a recent graduate of Trinity Christian College with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Theology. I have had the opportunity to teach aboard, as well as in the states at a variety of levels. I love helping others and what better way to do so then becoming a teacher.

I have had this inner urge to teach since I could remember; I almost feel predestined to teach. I know that a great deal of feelings and emotions are involved in the daily art of teaching. I also believe that teaching not only affects the souls of the students that I have worked with, but it also touches my soul. I am ever so mindful of the potential impact that I have had on those whom I have come in contact with. As I continue to grow in my Educational Studies, I am willing to accept the extra duties required to meet the needs of those who are in my care.

I am filled with enthusiasm as I embark on this new journey of obtaining my Master's Degree. I expect I will learn a fresh and new perspective on the tools of teaching and learning. I hope that my studies will allow me to strengthen my future classroom instruction style, as well as promote growth as a teacher.

Penguins

Ms. Lauren, Assistant Teacher

Hey there! My name is Lauren and I am an assistant teacher in the Penguin room. I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida, but I moved to Chicago in the summer of 2008. I am currently attending school at Harold Washington College to earn my degree in Early Preschool Education. I want to be a teacher in the future, either with preschool aged children or elementary school aged children. I love kids and watching how they explore, grow, and learn about the world around them.

So just a little about my family, I have a son, whose name is Drew. I also have an amazing fiancé named Brandon, and a soon to be step son, whose name is Aiden and he is two and a half years old. My mom is a chef and lives in the suburbs. She is the reason we moved to Chicago. She has been a great source of support in some hard times. I have two older sisters, one who lives here in Chicago, and one who lives is Jacksonville with my niece and nephew.

I have a lot of different interests. I love to be outside during the spring/summer. Being from Florida, I say the hotter the better. I love to go hang out down by the lake with my family, and we never miss the Air & Water Show. I love cars and everything to do with them, and since I’m a girl, some if not most people find that kind of odd. I am pretty laid back and like many different things.

I can’t wait to watch all the kids grow. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach them!
Ms. Serena, Assistant Teacher

Greetings! My name is Serena. I am a tad bit new to childcare but have worked with kids since I was a child myself. I enjoy everything about children and love to learn new things about them too. I have some schooling at Northeastern Illinois University in Education and Dance. As much as I love to work with children, Dance is also another major part in my life and career. I am a professional salsa dancer and a hip-hop dancer with the dance company, Gifted Souls. My goal is to one day open a dance studio/company for all styles of dance and for all ages as well.

Supporting Staff Members

Ms. Anais, Assistant Teacher

I’m Anais, but known to many of the CLP families as Ana. Before CLP, I volunteered for a group that helps raise money for children with Autism. That experience gave me the desire to become more involved with children with disabilities. I obtained my Associates degree 2yrs ago, and in 2012 will have my Bachelors in Special Education. I adore working children of all age groups. I have been with CLP since they opened their new facility in 2010, and absolutely love it!
Ms. Shanette, Assistant Teacher

My Name is Shanette, I have been working for DCLP/CLP since 2005! I first got my Love for children volunteering at Mid-Austin Steering Committee, an after-school program. After volunteering for 18month's, I got a job tutoring 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders Reading & Math. After several years of working at Mid-Austin Steering Committee, I found DCLP/CLP and I've been here ever since. I absolutely enjoy working at DCLP/CLP. My long term goals are to continue furthering my education in Early Childhood Education.