Our goal is to provide lower than state required ratios and hire highly qualified teachers. Each classroom is composed of teachers with diverse experiences and knowledge in Early Childhood Education.
Dandelion is committed to the ongoing training and development of our teachers and meets the minimum of 15 hours of professional development each year. Teachers are all trained in First-Aid and CPR, Shaken Baby Syndrome and SIDS. Additionally, each has training in infant mental health or social emotional development annually.
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.
I have a B.A. in Theater from the University of Notre Dame with a Minor in Anthropology. While in college, I worked with an ND Outreach program that brought workshops to local schools. I completed my Masters of Fine Arts in Classical Acting from the University of Houston in 2015, where I taught as a professor at the university, while building curriculum for a local Children’s Museum.
I completed my Masters in Child Development with a concentration in Infancy (0-3 year olds) and administration in 2022.
The early years of birth to five are a pivotal time in a human being’s life as it creates the infrastructure for empathy, self concept, and a love of learning. Before a child learns what to learn, they learn HOW to learn. Children are intrinsically curious about the world they have been born into. Caregivers are protectors of this time where the child engages with their environments to understand, connect, and discover themselves and their systems of being.
Chelsea completed her Master of Science in Child Development with a concentration in Administration in 2020. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern College, Iowa. She believes that every moment of her day is a chance for children to develop communication, social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skills. These are entwined in all they do. As part of the administration team at DNPS, she will strive to create a space that is an extension of the home and provides every child with the support and care they need.
Hello! My name is Maggie Stamell and I am very excited to be joining the DNPS family! For the past year, I have been the director of a childcare center in Andersonville. Prior to that I was a nanny, a teacher, an education coordinator, and earned my Master’s in Child Development from Erikson Institute in 2019. Fun facts: I own an extensive collection of children’s books, I have two cats, and I’m originally from Evanston.
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. She has been working with children for 3 years.
Lisette has experience working with infants for 3 years and absolutely loves what she does. Some of her favorite things are coffee, the color pink, and Star Wars! Can’t wait to meet you all!
Mara has been dedicated to Early Childhood for 6 years, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about encouraging children to develop Socially, Emotionally, and Intellectually. Mara specializes in developing fun and educational lesson plans in English and Spanish. She looks forward to meeting you all as well as meeting your children and helping their development.
Miriam comes from a big family and has 8+ years of experience with kids of all ages, including professional nanny and teaching experience. She is passionate about early childhood education and getting to know all of the childrens, staff, and wonderful families in her care.
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. She has primarily worked with infants and toddlers for the last 7 years, however recently has had the opportunity to work with 2’s and preschool age children. Throughout my 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 my 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; 13, 18, 19, and 20. 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.
Vanessa has worked with children all her life, from looking after her siblings when we were younger, babysitting, teaching Sunday School classes. She has always had a heart for children. Helping children grow and learn new things everyday was so fascinating to her. Since then she wanted to be in an environment where she can aid the growth and development of children. She is currently enrolled in Early Childhood classes pursuing her degree.
