Our Teachers: Downtown | Children's Learning Place

Busy Bees

Ms. Jen, Head Teacher

Ms. Jen is the Head Teacher for the Busy Bee Classroom. Since joining the CLP family, Ms. Jen has worked with a variety of age groups and has excelled at each level.
Ms. Sundae, Assistant Teacher

Ms. Sundae 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.
Ms. Tina, Assistant Director / Busy Bee Assistant Teacher

Ms. Tina 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.

Caterpillars

Ms. China, Head Teacher

Ms. China is the Head Teacher for the Caterpillars class, also known as the Red Room. China was born and raised in Chicago and is currently attending Illinois State University. She majored in Elementary Education but has always had a strong passion for children of all ages. Through her educational journey, she has not only participated in various volunteer opportunities but has also devoted herself to making a difference in as many children's lives as possible. One of her greatest accomplishments was working with a group called Jump Start. This gave her great pleasure to help prepare children to succeed in school and, overall, in life.

China is the middle child of five and brought up very family oriented. She currently lives with her family on the Southside of Chicago and hopes to one day have a large family of her own. Family is the most important part in her life but she does make time shop, travel, baby-sit and dance for a semi-pro football team. Overall, she plans to use each and every day to move closer to her goals and positively impact lives.
Ms. Shatonna, Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name is Ms. Shatonna and I was born and raised in Chicago. I am currently an assistant teacher in the Caterpillar Class, also known as the Red Room. I love teaching and caring for children.

My long term goal is to continue my education and become a pediatrics nurse.

Monkeys

Ms. Nicole, Head Teacher

My Nicole is the Head Teacher for the Monkeys classroom also known as the Green Room. She has a vast amount of experience and has worked in a variety of CLP classrooms/age groups.
Ms. Sonja, Teacher

Ms. Sonja 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.

Super Sprouts

(2 & 3 Years Old Class)

Ms. Erin, Head Teacher

Hi, my name is Erin 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 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.

Supporting Staff Members

Ms. Arlinda, Assistant Teacher

Hello. My name is Arlinda and I join the DCLP after working at Children’s Learning Place since late 2009. I am an assistant teachers in the afternoons. My expertise in the class is art which I always tailor my art projects to the lesson plan of the month. And I try to share my love of nature with the children through explorative class activities. My experience is child care has also been as a nanny. My past experience with children was in a children’s museum as a tour guide and member of the outreach program. When I am not working, I love to walk my dog, Pugslee Ann, she is my baby. She is shih tzu that is very smart, playful and loving. I also ride my bike, collect antique or vintage things, swim and try new exciting things. Oh and love Indian food!

Wiggles

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. Lorena, Assistant Teacher

Ms. Lorena is an Assistant Teacher in the Wiggles class, also known as the Blue Room.
Ms. Mary, Assistant Teacher

Ms. Mary is an Assistant Teacher in the Wiggles class, also known as the Blue Room.
(Newborn & Infant Class)

Ms. Rachel, AM Teacher

Ms. Rachel was born and raised in Liberia, West Africa and in 2001 she moved to the United States with her family where 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. Tierra, Teacher

My name is Tierra. I was born and raised in Chicago. In high school, I realized my love for children. I worked as a volunteer in the preschool at my high school. I also joined the speech team where I gained the knowledge of etiquette and articulation. I also worked at Liberty Early Childhood Development Center for 5 years. I attended South Suburban College and majored in Psychology, but ultimately transferred to Kendall College where I made the decision to major in Early Childhood Education to obtain a Teacher Certification. I graduate in 2013.

Over the years, I have volunteered with such organizations like the Girl Scouts of Chicago and the Liberty Youth ministry. I am a dancer for the Joshua Generation Dancers at my church. My focus now is on finishing school and raising my children, while working at Downtown Children's Learning Place. It is a pleasure to work at such a wonderful place filled with such beautiful and joyful children.