Our Staff

Susie has been teaching young children for 20 years and is excited to begin her ninth year at WPSN. Susie has been inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning since she first discovered it over 20 years ago. She has attended Reggio conferences around the country and took part in the 2018 North America Reggio Emilia Alliance conference in Madison, WI. She brings her passion for nature and the outdoors to her work with children and enjoys wondering alongside them about the beauty and magic of the natural world. In her free time, Susie loves to spend time with her family and friends, go on long walks with her golden doodles, create in her garden and home, and watch her daughter play soccer. 

 

Educational Background

Indiana University, B.S. in Elementary Education

Gateways Level V ECE Credential

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With a background in nursing, Katie most recently worked as a medical assistant in a local pediatrician’s office. She enjoyed working with young children and their families, and is excited to join WPSN as an assistant teacher. She finds herself learning from the children in her classroom as they explore, experiment, and grow. A certified personal trainer and nutritionist, Katie enjoys exercising and getting out to walk her dog. She loves hanging out with her family and camping around the US. 

 

Educational Background

University of Salford, UK, Diploma in Higher Education in Total Quality Management

Kings College London, UK, Diploma in Higher Education in Nursing

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This year Lisa begins her fifteenth year of teaching at WPSN. In 2016 she took part in a study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. This experience has had an everlasting impact on her, not only as an educator but on a personal level as well. The three big key concepts she took away from her visit to Reggio are giving children the time to explore, the image of the child, and importance of quality over quantity. Lisa is an avid pickleball player who continues to compete both locally and nationally, such as in the US Pickleball Open and World Pickleball Championship.

 

Educational Background

National Louis University, B.A. in Early Childhood Education 

National Louis University, M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with endorsements in Special Education and English Language Learning

Gateways Level V ECE Credential

Laurie is returning to WPSN for her second year as an assistant teacher. After leaving the corporate world to raise her three children, Laurie finds tremendous joy engaging with students and creating trusting relationships where they can grow and learn. She loves watching the children follow their curiosity in the classroom and on the playground. In her free time, Laurie loves to play racquet sports, exercise, cook, and spend time with her family.

 

Educational Background

Southern Illinois University, B.S. in Speech Communication

Kathy has worked in the field of early childhood for over 30 years, holding positions as director, preschool teacher, elementary teacher, college instructor, mentor, and trainer. She specializes in documentation of children’s work, environments for children, and the creative arts. Kathy has visited the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy twice in her career and has visited many Reggio-inspired schools across the U.S. She is a fierce advocate of protecting the rights of children, especially safeguarding childhood. Kathy has 6 preschool-aged grandchildren and loves being a Meemaw. She loves to read anything and everything, travel, and snuggle with her 2 pugs Greta and Gulle.

 

Educational Background

Albion College, B.A. in English and History

National Louis University, M.A. in Early Childhood Administration and Curriculum

Gateways Level V ECE Credential

Gateways Level III Director Credential

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This is Nicole's fourth year at WPSN. She has been teaching since 2011 and has taught in a variety of classrooms and communities. Prior to joining True North and WPSN, she taught at HP Community Early Learning Center and currently serves on their Board. She is passionate about building inclusive communities and guiding our earliest learners in continuing to find wonderment and joy in learning. When she isn’t in the classroom, she enjoys exploring with her camera in hand capturing street and architectural photography, traveling, and seeking out delicious food with her family and friends.  

 

Educational Background

Ohio State University, B.S. in Education

National Louis University, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with Advanced Professional Specializations 

Illinois Professional Educator License, with endorsements in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and English Language Learners

Gateways Level V ECE Credential

Vickie is excited to join WPSN! An experienced early childhood educator, she has worked in early childhood settings in the Philippines, Brooklyn, and Seattle. Vickie was first introduced to the philosophy of Reggio Emilia over 25 years ago, and she enjoyed the opportunity to teach at a Reggio-inspired preschool in Seattle. She is grateful to return to working in a Reggio-inspired environment, where she can further support children’s creativity and exploration. She loves the variety early childhood brings, and the power of connecting with children in the moment. Vickie is an avid reader and loves to make things! She enjoys creating with Cricut, crocheting, and cooking.

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Educational Background

Ateneo de Manila University, AB in Management Economics

University of Philippines, MA in Family Life & Child Development

After pursuing a career in New York and Los Angeles in film and television production, Babe has returned to her North Shore roots and her true calling of early childhood. She is currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Babe has enjoyed a number of years of experience working with children in various art and outreach programs. She loves supporting and nurturing children’s growth. She spends her free time writing, watching documentaries, drinking hot tea, enjoying all the seasons (yes, especially winter!) and taking walks in nature. 

 

Educational Background

Northern Illinois University & Columbia College Chicago, coursework in Film Studies

Victoria is happy to return to WPSN for her second year as an assistant teacher. Victoria is bilingual and was the Spanish teacher for 4 years at a Montessori school in Massachusetts. Victoria enjoys her experiences in early childhood as she gets to witness children discover their world. She brings her energy and enthusiasm for play to the classroom. When not on the playground, Victoria enjoys time with her own family and two dogs. She gets in time to bike, read, and help with her church’s children’s ministry. 

 

Educational Background

Esquela de Ingenieria de Antioquia, B.S. in Engineering

Instituto Europeo de Estudios de la Educacion, Certificate in Family Education.

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Molly returns to WPSN for her third year in a new role as our Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She is uniquely positioned to collaborate with teachers as they build relationships with students and families. She is passionate about helping adults problem-solve and stay curious about children’s behavior. Molly has worked in public schools for over 17 years as a school psychologist, most recently at Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka. She also consults with community preschools and childcare agencies, as well as provides private parent coaching. Molly presents parent workshops and teacher training sessions through The Alliance for Early Childhood. She enjoys hanging in the kitchen with her family, spinning, reading fiction, and surfing when she can get away.

 

Educational Background

Colorado College, B.A. in English

Loyola University Chicago, M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Ed.S. in School Psychology

Erikson Institute, Graduate Certificate in Infant Mental Health 

Illinois Professional Educator License

Elizabeth has been an assistant teacher at WPSN for 8 years. She taught at WPSN for two years beginning in 2001 before taking a number of years away from WPSN to raise her son. In 2017, she took part in a study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy, where she was able to experience the Reggio approach firsthand. When she is not at WPSN, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and quilting. Originally from California, Elizabeth loves to travel and has visited over 20 countries! 

 

Educational Background

Carleton College, B.S. in Psychology and Educational Studies

Wheelock College, M.A. in Early Childhood Education

Gateways Level V ECE Credential

Nancy returns to WPSN for her 13th year. She has experienced WPSN as both a teacher and a parent, and loves the special partnerships that are built with families at the school. In 2003, she took part in an educator's tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy and this experience continues to inspire her work with young children. Nancy especially enjoys sharing her joy for music with the children in her classroom. Outside of school, Nancy likes to sing, read, tap dance, and take long walks outside. 

 

Educational Background

Michigan State University, B.S. in Child Development and Teaching

National Louis University, M.A. in Teaching

Gateways Level IV ECE Credential

Ryan returns to WPSN this year as an assistant teacher. With a background in exercise and sport science, as well as coach education, his playful leadership is a welcome addition to the classroom! Ryan has experience teaching English as a second language to adolescent and adult students in Turkey, China, Vietnam, and Laos. He also has extensive experience assisting in pediatric occupational therapy clinics and working with young children. Ryan loves bringing his passion for movement and play and facilitating intra and inter communication in the classroom. In his free time, Ryan enjoys leading high schoolers at Young Life, spending time with his friends and family, playing sports, cooking and baking, and weightlifting.

 

Educational Background

Carthage College, B.S. Exercise, Sport and Science

East Tennessee State University, M.A. Sport Science and Coach Education

Having worked in both public and private schools in Chicago, Colorado, and California, Candice was drawn to WPSN because of its child-centered approach. This is her first year at the school and she is excited to continue her growth as an educator in a Reggio-inspired environment alongside other knowledgeable and passionate teachers. When she’s not at WPSN, Candice utilizes her training as a trauma-informed youth yoga instructor as she teaches young children yoga and mindfulness practices. It is Candice's personal mission to support youth on their path to wholeness and happiness. She likes to spend her spare time with her partner and their 1 year old cat Wren, going to dance classes, and adventuring around the city with friends.  

 

Educational Background

Depaul University, B.A. in  Journalism and PR/Advertising

Colorado State University, M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education

With over 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator, Katie returns to WPSN this school year as a co-teacher. Katie is inspired by the 100 languages of children and how children use these to explore their world and express their ideas. Always looking to learn, Katie has taken part in study trips to Reggio-inspired schools in the US. She loves working among the collaborative team of educators at WPSN, and prioritizes partnering with families around their children. When not in the classroom, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, reading to her two children, and watching them play their sports!

 

Educational Background

Loras College, B.A.

National Louis University, M.A. in Early Childhood Education 

Gateways Level V ECE Credential

While Liz is new to WPSN this school year, she is not new to teaching. She comes to us having taught at Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka for a number of years, and more recently in the Northbrook School District. Liz’s experience teaching students with disabilities translates into the early childhood classroom in how she observes, adapts, and meets children where they are. As she learns more about the Reggio classroom, Liz is embracing the creative, open-ended invitations for children. When not in the classroom, Liz enjoys going on long walks and bike rides with her 3 girls. She plays tennis, makes time for pilates, and loves spoiling her two small dogs.

 

Educational Background

Saint Mary’s College, B.A in Humanistic Studies

National Louis University, M.A. in Teaching 

Carolyn has taught in early childhood programs in New York City, Japan, and in the Chicago region in addition to her years at WPSN. Study tours in Reggio Emilia and Pistoia, Italy allowed her opportunities to observe educators and children in the schools of those regions as well as dialogue with educators from the US and beyond. A certified Illinois Master Gardener, Carolyn volunteers at the Chicago Botanic Garden and shares her love of nature with children at every opportunity.  Having learned to sew from her mother when she was a child, she has been known to travel far for a good fabric shop.

 

Educational Background

Willamette University, B.A. in International Studies

New York University, M.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

University of Michigan, M.A. in Public Policy

Illinois Professional Educator License

Gateways Level V ECE Credential

An experienced educator, Emilee has taught in schools in Massachusetts, Seattle, St. Louis, and Chicago. Since having her own children, Emilee’s interest in early childhood education grew. As a board member of the Alliance for Early Childhood, she invests her time supporting young children and their families. She was an important part of developing their successful Let’s Play initiative. Emilee was an assistant teacher at WPSN in 2020 and has since completed her early childhood endorsement. As she begins this school year as a co-teacher, Emilee is looking forward to exploring the outdoor classroom with her students. When not at WPSN, she enjoys taking walks and practicing yoga. On the weekends, Emilee is an active spectator at one of her four children’s sporting events: hockey, soccer, baseball, or dance!

 

Educational Background

Miami University, B.S. in Education

National Louis University, Early Childhood Endorsement

Illinois Professional Educator License