Our Team

Jessica is the founder and owner of Dandelion Nursery and Preschool. Growing up, Jessica always knew that she wanted to work with children and help make an impact in their daily lives. She believes in supporting each child and family with respect, honoring and appreciating the diversity that each child brings. Jessica has over 15 years of direct preschool and infant classroom experience, from directing Day Camps and youth programs, to teaching infants to preschool aged children, and working as a child care center Director.

Since 2009, Maggie has worked with young children throughout Chicago as a daycare director, a teacher, an education coordinator, a nanny, and a fun-loving adult friend they can always turn to. She holds a Master’s in Child Development from Erikson Institute (’19) and a BA in Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis (’09).
At it’s core, Maggie believes that early childhood education comes down to three values: safety, discovery, and joy. She strives to provide families with a space where these values are embraced while encouraging the development of young minds and bodies. Overall, Maggie wants each family to feel welcome and proud to be a part of the DNPS community.

Bria has been dedicated to the early childhood field for over eight years, embracing various roles working closely with children ranging from infancy to twelve years old. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is currently completing her undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education.
Passionate about fostering children’s natural curiosity, Bria believes that teaching is most effective when children have experiences where the environment serves as a canvas for discovery, exploration, and growth. With an optimistic and creative approach, she respects and values every child and family, embracing the rich diversity they bring—honoring all backgrounds, identities, and family structures.
From an early age, Bria knew that working with children was her calling.
Her favorite part of working in the early childhood field is being a resource to parents as well as witnessing the progress and joy of learning through a child’s eyes—seeing the world with fresh wonder and possibility. Deeply empathetic and excited about her work, she strives to nurture a love of learning that stays with children far beyond their early years. She hopes to create a welcoming, safe, and open space where parents feel supported and valued as partners in their child’s journey.

Hello Dandelion Community! I am Mr. Alton. I am a musical human dynamo so if you hear someone laughing or singing across the building, it’s most likely myself. I’m excited to see the adventures the future holds for us!

I was born and raised in the South Side of Chicago. I always dreamed of being an art teacher and hope to be able to continue my education in that field. Before joining the team here, I spent two years working with children in a Montessori school setting. My passion for working in childcare stems from knowing I can help shape our children into future leaders that are capable and resilient. Outside of work, I love finding ways to stay creative and active; you can usually find me baking desserts or heading out for a hike, as I love nature.

Hello! My name is Bianca and I’m an assistant teacher who loves creating a joyful, hands-on learning environment for young children. With over ten years of experience in early childhood education, I’ve worked with ages 15 months to 6 years and still feel inspired every day by their curiosity and creativity.
I especially enjoy sensory play, art projects, story time, and helping children build confidence as they explore the world around them. My goal is always to help each child feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

Daquana is originally from the west side of Chicago. She is a mother to two beautiful baby girls. She loves chocolate and the color pink, to laugh and to make others laugh. Daquana enjoys writing, Twilight and all things vampires. She took courses in psychology and plans on going back to school.

As a childcare worker with 10+ years of experience, Eli values communication and respect while maintaining a warm, nurturing environment for children to explore and express themselves. Through their artistic background and education in Reggio Emilia and Montessori, Eli is able to construct creative solutions on the spot, and their unique personality allows for connection with children on their own terms.

Hello! I’m Elselina. I have been in the culinary world for 7 years and I love everything about it. In my free time I love hanging with my dogs or trying new restaurants!

Hadlie is originally from Oregon and earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Oregon. She spent her college years working with elementary-aged students, becoming more interested in early education. Since graduating, Hadlie has worked as a lead toddler teacher for two years, where she found a special connection with this age group. She loves creating a warm, engaging classroom filled with hands-on learning and imaginative play, and she finds joy in watching her students grow and reach new milestones. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time in nature.

Hi everyone! I’m Hannah. I grew up in Michigan and recently moved here after receiving my degree in Child Development from Central Michigan University. Originally starting school for Elementary Ed, I eventually switched when learning that I could learn more about the important how’s and whys of a kiddos life. I love getting to see children of all ages get the space to explore those developmental skills and assisting the awesome teachers who help them do that. I can’t wait to get to know you and your little ones!

Josh is a creative and collaborative professional who loves storytelling and community-building. With experience in theater, film, and voice acting, he brings a fun and imaginative energy to everything he does. As a co-founder of A Short Leap Theatre Company, Josh is all about inclusivity and using play to spark learning and connection. His diverse background and upbeat personality make him a natural at inspiring curiosity and creativity in young learners.
In his free time, Mr. Josh is an avid runner and a multi-marathoner. He loves basketball, both playing and watching, and prefers to sit at home watching movies with his wife and cat most nights of the week.

Hello everyone, I am Ms. Julie! As a teacher, I look forward to learning and growing with the little ones I’ll care for. I am a mother myself and find it to be my greatest accomplishment. I have six years professional experience leading a classroom, and a lifetime of personal experience caring for children. There is a joy in watching the spark of learning in a child’s eye like nothing else in this world.
When I’m not doing my part to grow the next generation, I am creating art! I love to paint, dabble in clay and wire art, and have recently took up woodburning. Reading and writing is also a passion, and how I return to center.

Hi! I’m Ms. Keaton. I’m originally from Chicago, but I spent a majority of my childhood in Houston. I moved back to Chicago to attend DePaul where I earned my bachelor’s degree in English, and I am currently finishing up my associate’s in Early Childhood Education. I’ve spent nearly a decade working in childcare and feel so grateful that I found my career path so early in life. Outside the classroom, I love reading, baking, and trying new restaurants.

Hi, I’m Maddy! I just moved from Milwaukee with my best friend and 2 cats. I recently graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an Associate in Education. I hope to be going back to school soon to obtain my Bachelor’s degree. I started working in childcare senior year of high school and knew I had found my passion. Some of my hobbies include yoga, reading, trying new restaurants, and exploring the city with friends.

Mo started her journey in education working for CPS as an after school tutor. Shortly after, she completed a few courses in early Childhood Education at Harold Washington College. Throughout her teaching, she has strived to develop and maintain meaningful connections with her students, families, and community members. When the students feel safe it allows them to thrive. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, painting and spending time with her wife at the lake.

Norma was born and raised in Chicago. She is a mother of four wonderful children. She has years of experience working in a daycare setting. Norma began her love for children as a mother and has continued as a teacher of infants. Each believes each age group comes with its own milestones and that she can learn from the infants as much as they learn from her.

Pey has over seven years of experience working with kids, from infants to early teens, and loves creating fun, play-based learning activities for little ones. They’ve worked as a lead and assistant teacher, specializing in ages 2 to 3, focusing on making the classroom a safe and engaging space. With a film, media, and theatre background, Pey enjoys bringing creativity, storytelling, and imagination into their work. Outside the classroom, you can find them watching movies, doing crafts, or hanging out with their kitties.

Ruu recently moved to Chicago from St. Petersburg, Florida. They’ve been working in ECE for five years and have a background in helping create supportive community spaces for LGBT+ youth in Florida. Ruu loves working with children because they get to be a part of a community that’s committed to helping kids discover who they are while exploring the world around them in a safe, nurturing environment. When they’re not at work, they’re busy exploring the city, writing poetry and short stories, or adding new Letterboxd entries.