Professional Development Advisors (Consejeros de Desarrollo Profesional)

Northern | Central | Southern

Northern Illinois

Kathleen Alford-Young, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County

Experience

15 yrs

Education

M.Ed., Erikson Institute

B.S., Illinois State University

Work Experience

• Infant Teacher 
• CDA Advisor 
• Adjunct Instructor 
• Program Administration

Areas of Specialization

• Infant Care and Education 
• NAEYC 
• Head Start/Early Head Start

Background

Kathleen Alford-Young has worked as a family support coordinator, home visitor, and parent support group facilitator with at-risk families. She has provided technical assistance to programs in the area of team building, curriculum, and assessment. Her areas of interest include children’s books and the influence of environment in early care settings.

Cheryl V. Anderson-Chambers, Chicago

Areas Served

Southside of Chicago

Experience

10 yrs

Education

B.A.

   National-Louis University

A.A.S.

   Kennedy-King College

Work Experience

• Accounting Clerk
• Secretary
• Early Head Start – Child Care Worker
• Training Coordinator-Resource and Referral

Areas of Specialization

• Training
• Planning
• Facilitating Workshops

Background

Cheryl Anderson-Chambers is a member of the Illinois Trainers Network. She is certified to do trainings such as Creative Curriculum, Level I and Special Care. She also took courses on presentation skills and adult learning theory.

 

Cheryl Bulat, Cicero

Areas Served

Kane and DuPage Counties 

Experience

28 yrs

Education

M.Ed., Early Childhood Administration

   National-Louis University

B.S., Early Childhood

   Roosevelt University

Work Experience

• Infant-Toddler Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• Child Care Resource and Referral
• Family Child Care Provider
• Consultant/Trainer
• Higher Education Faculty

Areas of Specialization

• Infant-Toddler
• CDA Advisor and Representative
• Professional Development Advisor for Illinois Director Credential

Background

Cheryl Bulat worked for twenty-six years for a child welfare agency, first as a teacher of toddlers and two-year-olds, then as supervisor of a child care home network, and finally as a child care center director and resource and referral director. She is currently employed as a full-time faculty member at Morton College in Cicero in the Early Childhood Education department where she coordinates and teaches the early childhood education courses. Cheryl is also involved in the Fox Valley AEYC as an officer and is a Child Development Associate (CDA) representative and advisor. She has also earned her Illinois Director Credential.

Jo Ann Burnside, Plainfield/Joliet

Areas Served

Will County and Southern Cook County

Experience

30 yrs

Education

M.Ed., Child Development

   Erikson Institute/Loyola University

B.S., Home Economics (Early Childhood)

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• Consultant/Trainer
• College Faculty—Erikson and Daley College

Areas of Specialization

• Child Care Administration
• Family Day Care
• Preschool Programs
• After-school Programs
• Higher Ed/College Instruction
• Illinois Director Credential
• Professional Development Advisor

Background

Jo Ann Burnside has taught college courses and advised college students for the past nine years at Erikson Institute and Daley College. Jo Ann has served on various statewide committees that promote quality care and education including INCCRRA’s Professional Development Advisory Council. Before entering the higher education arena, Jo Ann was a teacher of preschool and kindergarten children and was also a Child Care Director for over twenty years.

Vanessa R Cannon, Joliet

Areas Served

Will, Grundy, Kendall, and Kankakee Counties 

Experience

20 yrs

Education

B.A., Applied Behavioral Science

   National-Louis University

A.A., Education

   Joliet College

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher
• School-Age Child Care
• Program Director/Administrator
• Early Head Start
• Child Care Resource & Referral
• Consultant/Trainer

Areas of Specialization

• Preschool
• School Age
• Early Head Start
• Family Child Care
• National Association Of Family Child Care (NAFCC)
• Professional Development Advisor

Background

Vanessa Cannon is the Recruitment Manager for the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency that services Will, Grundy, Kendall, and Kankakee Counties. She has worked as a Teacher and Director for preschool and school age children and currently works directly with Licensed and License Exempt Providers. Vanessa has been president of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for a junior high school and has worked with adult learners in a literacy program. She provides individual consultations on Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing requirements, and has been a presenter at the Chicago Metro AEYC Conference. Vanessa is a trainer/ facilitator with the Illinois Trainers Network (ITN) and she coordinates the Foundations of Family Child Care Training for providers. She also manages the CCR&R’s Mentor Network Program and is an observer for the National Association For Family Child Care (NAFCC).

Joan Crawford, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County

Experience

25 yrs

Education

M.S. Special Education, Chicago State University

B.A., Roosevelt University

Work Experience

• Special Education Teacher • Case Manager

Areas of Specialization

• Special Needs

Background

Joan worked in the field of special education for over 20 years in the Chicago Public Schools and is certified from kindergarten through high school. She worked with students who have special needs as well as those who are gifted/talented. Joan chose teaching as a profession because she recognized the value of quality teachers and quality in teaching; and believes in the correlation between quality teaching and higher academic achievement. Joan is pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Argosy University.

Judie Cutting, Palos Hills and surrounding suburbs

Areas Served

Palos Hills and surrounding suburbs

Experience

20 yrs

Education

M.Ed., Early Childhood Leadership and    Advocacy
   National-Louis University
B.S., Business Management
   Northern Illinois University  

Work Experience

• Executive Director for three Preschool and Learning Centers for 18 years
• Consultant/Trainer for 15 years
• Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) Field Counselor for 11 years
• Adjunct Faculty Member at Moraine Valley Community College
• Substitute Teacher for grades PreK – 8th

Areas of Specialization

• Illinois Director Credential - Level III
• SpecialCare Trainer
• Level 1 Trainer
• Early Childhood Developmental Screening Trainer
• Classroom and Center Design
• Parenting Issues
• Administration and Curriculum

Background

With a degree in business and a few classes in early childhood, Judie Cutting was a bit hesitant when she was asked to join a for-profit child care center. Fortunately, she fell completely in love with the children and the field of early childhood. Judie went back to school to obtain a master’s degree and was able to design two more centers (she has one of the first infant rooms in her area.) Judie has worked with staff, parents and children from birth to school age, and has adopted the motto, “A Quality Curriculum in a Caring Environment”.

For fifteen years Judie has given trainings and workshops through her consulting business, Illinois Trainer’s Network (ITN) and her CCR&R. She has also worked with many candidates to achieve their CCP credential. Even though she primarily works with adults, Judie is still able to work with children through substitute teaching. There is never a day where the children do not bring a smile to her face. Her greatest joy is to see someone accomplish a goal and if she can be a small part of that she is honored. Judie has had the pleasure of working with many people and has found that everyone brings talents and gifts that can be shared with others.

Pat Dunn, Northern Illinois

Areas Served

McHenry, Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Kane, Lake, Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties

Experience

31 yrs

Education

M.Ed., Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy

   National-Louis University

B.S., Child Development and Elementary Education

   Iowa State University

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher
• Family Home Child Care
• Primary Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• Community College Adjunct Instructor
• Child Care Resource and Referral

Areas of Specialization

• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Career Choices
• Settings: center-based child care, family home child care, preschool, public school, school-age care, infant-toddler care
• Inclusion
• Child Care Qualifications
• Continuing Education
• Certificates, Credentials and College Degrees

Background

Pat Dunn has worked in Early Care and Education all of her professional life. She taught first grade in public school for two years. After pausing to establish a family of her own, she worked as a preschool teacher for five years and then assumed the role of center director. She served in this capacity for eighteen years and led the center to NAEYC Accreditation during her time there. Pat earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership and taught a variety of Early Childhood Education classes at a local community college. Pat is currently employed as Professional Development Coordinator for the Mc Henry County Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. She serves on the advisory boards for the McHenry County College Early Childhood program and also on boards for two centers.

Celeste Edwards, Chicago

Areas Served

Greater Chicago Area

Experience

13 yrs

Education

B.S. Home Economics, Northern Illinois University

Illinois State Board of Education Type 03 Certification

Work Experience

• FCC Accreditation Advisor 
• Trainer 
• Teacher, Chicago Public Schools 
• Family Child Care Provider

Areas of Specialization

• Best Practices 
• Accreditation 
• Child Care Environment 
• Staff Development 
• Curriculum Planning

Background

Celeste is an educator and trainer/facilitator who understands how people differ in their approaches to learning. She assists with developmental and instructional opportunities for diverse learners. Being a reflective practitioner, she evaluates how choices and actions affect children and professionals in the early care and education community. As an educator, Celeste actively seeks and engages in opportunities for professional development and community interaction. Celeste is an Action for Children NAFCC Advisor and is part of the Illinois Trainers Network.

Marsha Ettema, North Chicago and North Suburbs

Areas Served

North Chicago and North Suburbs

Experience

30 yrs

Education

M.S., Reading
   Northeastern Illinois University

B.S., Elementary Education
   University of Minnesota

Kindergarten and Nursery School Certification

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher
• Primary Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• Children's Museum Early Childhood Director

Areas of Specialization

• Illinois Director Credential
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Learning Environments

Background

Marsha Ettema has worked with young children, their families and early childhood staff in various capacities over the past thirty years. She has taught young children in programs in diverse settings including an inner city school, a laboratory school, a children's bookstore, a private for-profit preschool, a YMCA preschool and Head Start. She directed a Jewish Community Center early childhood camp program and a church based preschool. She also served as director for the exhibit department of a Children's Museum, and a not-for-profit full day preschool.

Marsha has co-chaired the Early Childhood Program Quality Committee and the Evanston Early Childhood Director's Council. In addition, she has served on the board of Hug-a-Book, an organization that strives to provide quality literature experiences for the young, low income children of Chicago. Marsha has earned a Level III Illinois Director Credential. She was also awarded the 2004 Evanston Early Childhood Award, given by Childcare Network of Evanston to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the field.

Susan Fahey, North Shore Area of Chicago

Areas Served

North Shore Area of Chicago

Experience

20 yrs

Education

CAS Administration 
   National Louis University

Infant Studies Fellowship

    Erikson Institute

M.S., Special Education

   Long Island University

B.S., Education

   University of Dayton

Work Experience

• Elementary Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• Child Care Resource and Referral

Areas of Specialization

• Illinois Director Credential
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Career Choices
• Infants & Toddlers

Background

Pursuing and advocating for professional development of teachers is a source of pride for Susan Fahey. Her strong desire to do the best job she can always brought her back into the classroom as a learner. Susan's training at National- Louis University, Erikson Institute, and the University of Dayton have provided a solid educational foundation and a wonderful network of colleagues and friends. Susan works with teachers who share a passion for serving children and families and who strive to provide the best. Pursuing and maintaining NAEYC accreditation for the past eighteen years is an accomplishment that she takes pride in. She believes that good teachers are always learning, and early childhood teachers set the stage for life long learning.

Mahrukh Farooqui, Grayslake/Evanston

Areas Served

Lake and Cook Counties

Experience

12 yrs

Education

B.S. Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University

Work Experience

• Child Care Teacher 
• Montessori Schools 
• Preschool Program Coordinator 
• Program Administration 
• CDA Advisor

Areas of Specialization

• IDC Level II

Background

Mahrukh started her career in as a college student trying to get experience in the Early Childhood field. She worked in various day care centers until her college graduation. Mahrukh was an intern as a Child Life Specialist in Indiana and was given another internship as a Case Manager for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She enjoyed her teaching experience the most and decided to make a difference in a child’s life and build their educational foundation. Mahrukh pursued Montessori training and taught in Montessori school settings. She joined Bright Horizons as a Preschool Lead Teacher and is not Assistant Director. Mahrukh continues to take coursework for her own professional development.

Bridgett Fifer, Kankakee

Areas Served

Kankakee and Will County

Experience

13 yrs

Education

Masters in Management, University of Phoenix

B.S. Liberal Arts, Northern Illinois University

Work Experience

• Before and After School Coordinator 
• Professional Development Advising and Training 
• Child Health Intervention 
• Social Worker 
• Upward Bounds

Areas of Specialization

• Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences 
• Advocacy 
• Consultant 
• Trainer

Background

Bridgett Fifer currently provides consulting services for the Kankakee and Chicago Public School districts. She is a school-age, youth and parent advocate. Bridgett is a presenter at various conferences in the Kankakee and Chicago areas. Bridgett is currently pursuing her Ed. D. degree in Educational Leadership. She is the CEO of Charismatic Impressions, a non-for-profit organization that serves children and families by providing networking, training and consultation to before & after school programs, special events, and academic and enrichment guidance.

Debra A. Foster, Cook County

Areas Served

Cook County, Chicago and Lansing, Illinois

Experience

9 yrs

Education

Ph.D., Educational Leadership - In Progress

M.S., Occupational Education

B.A., Business Education

A.A.S., Information Technology

A.A.S., Early Childhood Education

Work Experience

• Substitute Teacher
• Director/Owner of day care center
• Owner/Operator of transportation company

Areas of Specialization

• Startup of Small Businesses/Childcare Centers and Homes
• Preschool/Toddlers

Background

Debra Foster has started and operated a child care center for eight years. Her emphasis has been focused on supervising, managing, and assisting with start-up of small businesses including childcare centers and home childcare. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as well as other professional associations in the field of early care and education.

Debra’s passion is to be able to give back to individuals who have a keen interest in learning and growing in any field, but in particular those in the field of early care and education. She has provided professional development advising to individuals, students, home child care providers, and others as they attempt to pursue their professional goals.

Lillian Gibson, Chicago

Areas Served

Chicago and South Suburbs

Experience

8 yrs

Education

B.A. Business Management, Robert Morris College

Early Childhood Coursework, Olive Harvey College

Child Development Associate

Work Experience

• Licensed Group Home Provider 
• DCFS Social Worker

Areas of Specialization

• Family Child Care 
• CDA Advisor 
• NAFCC Accreditation Advisor 
• NAFCC Observer

Background

Lillian began her education in business. She was inspired by her mother, a licensed child care provider, to start her own family child care business. Lillian is a passionate advocate for quality child care. She is the President of the Caring Providers Association, and attends the Morning View Word Church.

Judi Gibian-Mennenga, Lindenhurst

Areas Served

Lake County and McHenry County

Experience

37 yrs

Education

M.S. Special Education, University of Northern Colorado

M.A. Early Childhood, Northern Illinois University

Work Experience

• Teaching 
• Program Administration 
• ECE Center Owner 
• College Instructor

Areas of Specialization

• Staff Development 
• Special Education 
• Early Intervention 
• Language Development 
• Type ’04 Certification 
• Child Care Program Management

Background

Judi owned a private child care center for 10 years in Colorado. During that time she helped design, market, and train for “Kid Care,” the first ECE management software. Judi has completed the “Master” training for the Denver II assessment. She was also a founding member of the Colorado Child Care Coalition. Judi has been a board member of the CAEYC for over five years.

Valerie Gill-Taylor, Southern Chicago area

Areas Served

Southside of Chicago, South Suburbs

Experience

26 yrs

Education

M Ed Early Childhood Leadership & Advocacy
   National Louis University

B.A. Early Childhood

   Northeastern Illinois University

Work Experience

• Nursery School Teacher 
• Infant Toddler Teacher 
• Pre-school Teacher 
• 0-3 Parent Educator 
• Education Coordinator 
• Head Start Director 
• After school Director 
• Developmental Therapist

Areas of Specialization

• Illinois Director Credential Level III 
• Inclusion 
• Validator for NAYCE
• Family Director Training 
• NSACA Endorser 
• Community Panel for Youth 
• Preschool for all grant reader 
• Early Intervention 
• Substitute Teacher

Background

Valerie Gill-Taylor has worked with children and their families for over twenty-five years. She assisted with the start up process for three early childhood programs; one being a military childcare and two infant toddler programs. Valerie has been a Parent Educator where she created programs for parents and children to learn and work together in the home. She was a site director for seven years with a Head Start program and assisted that program through the accreditation process. Valerie was also a developmental therapist providing in-home therapy to children with developmental delays. She is a member of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Learning Disability Association (LDA), the National School Age Care Alliance (NSACA), and she also served on the panel for youth where she helped to give troubled youth a second chance in society.

Marsha Shigeyo Hawley, Chicago Metropolitan area

Areas Served

Chicago Metropolitan area

Experience

30 yrs

Education

M.Ed.
   Erikson Institute, Loyola University, Chicago

B.S., Education, Early Childhood, Adult Education

   California State University

Work Experience

• Associate Professor
• Project Director
• Faculty Alliance Facilitator
• Chicago Family Life Statewide Educator
• Field Trial Development for Infant Assessment
• Clinical Advisor
• Early Childhood Development Specialist
• Adjunct Faculty
• Coordinator/Teacher for 0-3 parent program
• Family Instructor
• Multicultural Project Head, Resource Instructor
• Director, Head Start
• Preschool Teacher
• Third Grade Teacher, long-term substitute

Areas of Specialization

• Birth to Three Programs
• Early/Head Start
• Diversity
• Inclusion

Background

Marsha Shigeyo Hawley is an Associate Professor at Kendall College in Chicago. She has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development, masters of education degree in Child Development and currently maintains teaching certification for birth through high school in the state of California and the 03 and 04 teaching certificate in the State of Illinois with an endorsement in special education and High School Home Economics, Social Sciences and Child Development.

She has been teaching undergraduate and graduate courses specifically targeting culturally diverse para-professionals and professionals in early childhood care and education since 1985. She started as a teacher in kindergarten and then took a position in third grade, and continued through her work moving into a position as an early childhood educator and working with adult students.

Throughout her career Marsha established and directed infant toddler child care centers, and directed a Head Start site in a migrant farm worker community in central California in 1978. She was a Family Life Educator with the University of Illinois Extension bringing research based information regarding families with young children to the general public for nearly ten years before joining the faculty at Erikson Institute and now finds her home at Kendall College.

Marsha has two children who are grown and are enjoying their own new careers. She loves the outdoors, and volunteers a great deal of time in community work.

Annette Herbert, Lockport

Areas Served

Cook County, Will County

Experience

28 yrs

Education

B.A. Business Administration, Lewis University

A.A. Liberal Arts, Moraine Valley Community College

A.A.S. Early Childhood Education, Moraine Valley Community College

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher 
• Lead Facilitator 
• Program Administration 
• Learning Coordinator

Areas of Specialization

• Preschool 
• Mentoring 
• Staff Development

Background

Annette Herbert works at the Moraine Valley Community College Children’s Learning Center. She is also the liaison between the child care program at MVCC and the learning center. Annette is an officer in the South Suburban AEYC, and holds a Level II Illinois Director Credential.

Tywanda “Ty” Jiles, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County

Experience

12 yrs

Education

M.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education, Dominican University

B.S., Governors State University

Work Experience

• Assistant Professor/Adjunct Faculty 
• Developmental Therapist 
• Teacher 
• Boys and Girls Club Unit Director 
• Provider Resource Developer 
• ECE Consultant 
• Trainer

Areas of Specialization

• CDA Representative 
• Infant/Toddler 
• Early Intervention 
• Teacher Certification

Background

Ty Jiles serves Kendall College as an assistant professor, Director of the Lesson Plan Portfolio. She is the Golden Apple Scholars liaison. Ty is pursuing a doctoral degree and holds an Illinois Director Credential. She has several years’ experience teaching preschool and kindergarten. Ty opened and administers a branch of the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Doris Knuth, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook/Lake Counties

Experience

22 yrs

Education

B.A., Elementary Education

M.A., Early Childhood/Special Education

M.A., Curriculum & Instruction/Staff Development

IDC Level II

State Certification 03 & 04

Work Experience

• First Grade Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Early Childhood Education Center director
• Adjunct professor

Areas of Specialization

• Early Childhood Environments
• Staff Development
• Civility in early childhood settings
• Peace education
• Early Childhood Math

Background

Doris Knuth served as a classroom teacher for preschool and 1st grade for eighteen years at a small faith-based grade school in the city of Chicago. For the past eight years she has been the director of Concordia University Early Childhood Education Center in River Forest, Illinois. She has taught Observation and Guidance at Triton College and Early Childhood Math Methods at Concordia University. She also works collaboratively with directors from Oak Park and continues to support teacher candidates at the Early Childhood Center lab school at Concordia University.

Barbara J. Lattimore, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County, Chicago

Experience

15 yrs

Education

Masters Degree, Early Childhood Education/Administration

Work Experience

• Chicago Board of Education in Child-Parent Centers
• Director of infant mortality reduction program for The Salvation Army

Areas of Specialization

• Infant/Toddler
• Pre-School

Background

Barbara J. Lattimore has fifteen years experience in the field of early childhood education and ten years in the field of mental health. For the past ten years has been Director of Case Management for The Salvation Army Child Care Program. This program focuses on decreasing the mortality rate of infants, through one-on-one case management. As Director, Barbara has the responsibility of designing and implementing training programs for parents and staff on early childhood issues.

In addition to being Director of this program she has functioned as Adjunct Professor for the City Colleges of Chicago, specifically Malcolm X and Kennedy King Colleges. As an Adjunct she taught classes in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. She conducted training sessions, workshops and seminars on maternal and child health issues, developmentally appropriate practices, and The American Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to special needs children within an educational setting.

Barbara is a graduate of Malcolm X College (AA Degree), De Paul University (BA Degree) and Erikson Institute, (MS Degree). She is currently attending Roosevelt University working on her second Masters Degree, in Training and Development. Her membership includes Chicago Metropolitan Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC), National Association of for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Illinois Trainers Network, National Black Child Development Institute, Member of the Advisory Board for Temple Corp of The Salvation Army, the community advisory board for Malcolm X College, and the Maternal and Child Coalition. Barbara is also a graduate of The Maternal and Child Health Institute (Fellow) 2002, and was a mentor for the Maternal and Child Health Institute (Fellow) 2005.

Jane M. Garza Mancillas, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County, Chicago

Experience

39 yrs

Education

Master’s Degree, Early Childhood Education

Master’s Degree, Social Work

Work Experience

• El Hogar del Nino (35 years) 
• Southern Illinois University Lab School/Chicago Public Schools

Areas of Specialization

• Bilingual Preschool 
• Preschool Special Education

Background

El Hogar del Nino/Cuidar Day Care Center and Social Service agency was founded thirty-five years ago, in 1972. Jane M. Garza-Mancillas was one of the agency’s founders and currently serves as its executive director. She has been a major advocate for the development of Hispanic child and family services in the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. El Hogar del Nino/Cuidar is the realization of the dreams of seven community mothers who, under the guidance of Ms. Garza-Mancillas and Dr. Patricia Engle, worked to develop the first bilingual and affordable children’s services in the community.

With the advent of the Office of Child Development Research and Demonstration Grant in early 1973, Ms. Garza-Mancillas led staff and parents through teacher training and organizational development. From its humble beginnings as a grass roots operation, El Hogar del Nino/Cuidar has expanded and grown to a multi-service agency providing direly needed services to over 600 children and families each year. El Hogar del Nino/Cuidar provides community services in three locations with a current operating budget of approximately $5.2 million dollars. As a result of Ms Garza-Mancillas’ work, El Hogar del Nino/Cuidar received a $4.6 million dollar Empowerment Zone Grant and participated in a public/private partnership with the Empowerment Zone Council in Chicago and many other agencies and organizations.

Ms.Garza-Mancillas received her Master’s degree from the University of Chicago and completed two years of doctoral course work. She has also been a McCormick Fellow at the Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National-Louis University in Chicago.

Susana Marotta, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County

Experience

20 yrs

Education

Ph.D. Clinical Social Work, Institute of Clinical Social Work

Master’s Degree, Psychology, Universidad John F. Kennedy, Argentina

Certificate of Management, Kellogg School of Management

Work Experience

• SGA Youth and Family Services, Executive Director 
• Children’s Home and Aid Society of Illinois, Director 
• ITN Trainer 
• ECE Consulting

Areas of Specialization

• Infant/Child Mental Health 
• Spanish 
• Therapy

Background

Susana Marotta has many years of experience consulting in the field of early care and education, specializing as a mental health therapist for children. Susana is bi-lingual, speaking both Spanish and English fluently. Susana has published two articles relating to homeless youth and abuse.

Plashan McCune, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County

Experience

19 yrs

Education

M.S. Counseling, Early Childhood Development, National Louis University

B.S. Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois

Work Experience

• Group Family Child Care 
• Counseling 
• Mental Health Therapy 
• Youth and Family Advocate 
• Teaching

Areas of Specialization

• Family Child Care 
• Social Work 
• Illinois Trainers Network 
• National Board for Certified Counselors

Background

Plashan is the owner/operator of NIA Institute for the Arts, and is pursuing NAFCC accreditation for her group child care home. She served as a counselor and mental health therapist, and is a trainer for the Illinois Trainers Network. Plashan is a passionate advocate and mentor to adolescent girls; training them in leadership qualities and skills. She mentors child care professionals in order to promote quality child care.

Tymeka Miranda, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County, Southwest Chicago

Experience

13 yrs

Education

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

B.A. Psychology & Early Childhood Education, National Louis University

A.S. Child Development, Daley College

A.A. Business Administration, Daley College

Work Experience

• Group Family Child Care 
• ITN Trainer 
• NAFCC Advisor 
• CDA Advisor 
• Childcare Business Consultant 
• CCRR Mentor 
• Child Care Expo Speaker

Areas of Specialization

• Cultural Diversity 
• Family Child Care 
• Business Consultation 
• Mentoring and Counseling

Background

Tymeka is the owner of Miranda House Daycare and is a compassionate, personable child care professional with a love of individuality and cultural diversity. She possesses organizational, strategic planning, and business management skills. Tymeka is highly motivated to pursue educational goals, and to mentor others through the process.

Kerri L. Nolan, Joliet

Areas Served

Will, Grundy, Kendall, and Kankakee Counties

Experience

20 yrs

Education

M.Ed., In Progress

   National-Louis University

B.A., Minor in Psychology

   Governors State University

Work Experience

• Infant-Toddler Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• School-Age Child Care
• Consultant/Trainer 

Areas of Specialization

• Advocacy
• Public Policy Issues
• Curriculum Development
• Family Guidence -- Infant to Adult
• Classroom and Center Design
• Creative Drama
• Music, Art, Literacy Application
• Professional Development Advisor

Background

Kerri Nolan has owned and operated her own child care center for eighteen years and has been very active in advocacy since 1997. She is involved in the Joliet Association for the Education of Young Children (JAEYC), the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC), and wrote a column called "Family Foundations" for four years in her local paper. This past year, Kerri became an Early Childhood Consultant. She is a presenter on a variety of topics, conducts workshops, and participated in the first group in the state to receive the Illinois Director Credential. Kerri also managed and built a million-dollar facility, and has written and received over $50,000 in grant monies to improve the quality of child care.

Tamara Notter, Joliet

Areas Served

Will, Grundy, Kendall, and Kankakee Counties

Experience

24 yrs

Education

B.A., Applied Behavioral Science

   National-Louis University

Work Experience

• Infant-Toddler Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• Child Care Resource and Referral
• School-Age Child Care
• Consultant/Trainer

Areas of Specialization

• Infant-Toddler
• Preschool
• School Age
• Children with Special Needs
• Curriculum Development
• Professional Development Advisor

Background

Tammy Notter is the Assistant Director/Training Coordinator for the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency in Service Delivery Area 5 (SDA 5), which covers Will, Grundy, Kendall, and Kankakee counties. For eleven years, Tammy worked in corporate child care settings where she acted as lead teacher, education coordinator, and assistant director. When she left the corporate arena, Tammy began a teaching career with Head Start. She has also taught in a hospital-sponsored child care center. Throughout Tammy’s fourteen years with child care centers, she worked with children ages two months to twelve years. She has been an early childhood trainer since 1985, and her trainings and presentations have been seen statewide and nationally by a variety of early childhood professionals.

Jan O’Brien, Palatine

Areas Served

Northwest Cook and Lake counties

Experience

26 yrs

Education

M.A. Early Childhood Administration, National Louis University

B.A. Elementary Education, Human Development, National College of Education

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher 
• Kindergarten Teacher 
• Residential Coordinator 
• FCC Provider 
• Center Administration

Areas of Specialization

• CDA 
• Online Coursework 
• Preschool Programming/Environments 
• Workshop Facilitator

Background

Jan’s experience spans from classroom teacher to program administrator. She completed training in the Reggio Emelia approach to ECE, and in creating environments that compliment the Reggio philosophy. Jan has been a CDA instructor, diversity awareness trainer, and workshop presenter. She is currently the center director for Bright Horizons Family Solutions at the Walgreen’s Corporate Center.

John Owens, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County

Experience

10 yrs

Education

M.A. Early Childhood Professions, Roosevelt University

B.A. Social Science, Roosevelt University

Certificate of Advanced Studies in Child and Family, Roosevelt University

Work Experience

• Substitute Teacher 
• High School Teacher 
• Day Care Director 
• After School Instructor 
• Preschool Teacher 
• Adjunct Instructor

Areas of Specialization

• Parent Education 
• Men in Early Childhood 
• Curriculum Development 
• Teaching Gifted Students

Background

John is currently working on a second Master’s degree in Training and Development from Roosevelt University. He plans to obtain a Doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration with the ultimate goal of becoming a college President. John is an active member of NAEYC, CAEYC and the National Black Child Development Institute.

Angela Perrin, Chicago

Areas Served

Chicago

Experience

13 yrs

Education

B.A. Early Childhood Education, Kendall College

Work Experience

• Program Owner/Director 
• Teaching

Areas of Specialization

• Montessori Method 
• Illinois Director Credential Level II

Background

Angela is the founder of Panda Montessori Academy in Rogers Park. Angela’s high standards of professionalism took her to an educational symposium at Normal University in Beijing. Angela has experience writing state Pre-K grants, supervises staff and programs for two centers. She is currently pursuing her Type ’04 Teaching Certificate from National Louis University.

Martha Ponzio, Chicago

Areas Served

Chicago

Experience

12 yrs

Education

Master in Law and Social Science, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina

M.A. Art Therapy, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Work Experience

• Social Work 
• Community Work 
• Forensic Interviewer 
• Art Therapy, Children and Youth 
• Cadre of Presenters for El Valor 
• Infant Mental Health Therapist

Areas of Specialization

• FCC Licensing 
• Therapeutic Art 
• Therapy 
• Training 
• Fluent in Spanish 
• Working knowledge of French, Italian, Portuguese

Background

Martha’s diverse professional background includes clinical social work, art therapy, infant mental health, and is trained in licensing day care homes. When Martha is not advising others in their professional development, she conducts art therapy groups with children, counsels as an art therapist, and presents for El Valor.

Sharyl Robin

Areas Served

North/Northwest Suburban Cook County

Experience

23 yrs

Education

M.A., Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy

B.A., Early Childhood Education

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher
• Site Director
• Supervising Director
• Training Coordinator

Areas of Specialization

• Curriculum Development
• Early Literacy
• Family Child Care
• Professional Development Advisor for the IL Director Credential

Background

Sharyl Robin has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over twenty years. For the past ten years she has been the Training Coordinator for Children’s Home and Aid, which is part of the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Network. She is on the advisory boards for the Early Childhood Departments of two local colleges, and the governing board for the Golden Corridor Association for the Education of Young Children (GCAEYC). She is the newsletter editor and conference committee member for the GCAEYC. Sharyl is a member of the Illinois Trainers Network, serves on the statewide Professional Development Advisory Committee, and has been mentoring Illinois Director Credential candidates for several years.

Anna Russell, Chicago

Areas Served

Chicago

Experience

20 yrs

Education

B.A. Early Childhood Education with Type 04 Certification, Columbia College

Work Experience

• Management 
• Preschool & Kindergarten Teacher 
• Child Development Lab Director

Areas of Specialization

• Illinois Director Credential 
• Parenting Education 
• Professional Development Advisor

Background

Anna currently serves as Director of the Kennedy-King Child Development Lab. She also sits on the Board of the NBCDI Chicago affiliate. Anna has a Level II Illinois Director Credential, and is a member of NCCC and NAEYC. Anna has worked as a volunteer at the CAEYC conference, and was a presenter at a weekend “Women as Winners” seminar at Lewis University.

Anna Sanchez

Areas Served

Cook, County, Dupage and Will County

Experience

8 yrs

Education

B.A Early Childhood Education

National Louis University

Work Experience

• Head start Teacher
• Primary Teacher
• Education coordinator for family day care providers, Consultant/Trainer
• Early Childhood Instructor Training coordinator

Areas of Specialization

• Bilingual, Activities for children 0 to 5 
• Resource and Referral, Trainings 
• Professional Development

Background

Anna Sanchez worked for five years as Head Start teacher and as Education Coordinator for the El Valor network of Family Child Care Providers. She also taught second grade. Anna has been the Training Coordinator for the Carole Robertson Center for learning since 2003. She recently began teaching classes in Early Childhood Education at Triton College.

Sandy Schaefer, Chicago

Areas Served

Cook County

Experience

29 yrs

Education

M.S., Child Care Administration

   Nova Southeastern University

B.A., Sociology

   Northwestern University 

Work Experience

• Primary Teacher
• Program Director/Administrator
• School-Age Child Care
• Consultant/Trainer
• Higher Education Faculty

Areas of Specialization

• Professional Development of Staff
• Administration of Programs
• Professional Development Advisor
• NAEYC Validator

Background

Sandy Schaefer directs a multicultural urban child care center for low-income families where she mentors and advises staff who are working in the field and want to further their education. For seven years, she taught at urban colleges and universities, mentoring a diverse group of students in early childhood programs. For twelve years, Sandy was with a community college in rural Illinois, working with students from different backgrounds and varying work experiences. She has also directed a faith-based child care program and a domestic violence children’s program. Sandy serves on the statewide Professional Development Advisory Committee.

Leah Shapiro, Forest Park

Areas Served

Cook, DuPage, Lake Counties

Experience

37 yrs

Education

M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, Erikson Institute

Advanced Certificate in Infant Studies, Erikson Institute

Work Experience

• Preschool Teacher 
• Site Manage 
• College Instructor 
• Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator 
• Director of CDA Training