Ms. Nicole, Site Director

Ms. Nicole was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in child development. In May 2022, she graduated from Erikson Institute with a master’s degree in early childhood education. Ms. Nicole has been working at New Einsteins Academy Bucktown since 2016 as a lead toddler teacher and is thrilled to have an opportunity to advance her career as a site director for NEA’s 3rd location. She has always had a passion for working with young children because she admires the unique ways they learn about the world around them. Ms. Nicole believes that children learn best through play and enjoys being able to share her love for reading with her young students. Ms. Nicole loves the fact that New Einsteins Academy provides an engaging curriculum that allows children to expand on their social and emotional skills daily as they learn how to navigate building relationships with their peers and teachers in the classroom.

In her spare time, Ms. Nicole enjoys reading, running, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going to concerts.

Ms. Nefira, Curriculum Coordinator

Ms. Nefira was born and raised in Bosnia. Growing up in a large family, she developed a love for caring for others at an early age, often helping to babysit her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews.

At the age of 20, she immigrated to the United States and spent several years in Arizona before settling in Chicago. While raising her two children, she stayed home to focus on their early development. When her daughter started daycare, Nefira applied for an assistant teacher position at the center so she could stay close to her. She quickly discovered a deep passion for early childhood education, which inspired her to pursue an associate degree in the field.

Before joining New Einsteins Academy, Nefira worked as a lead teacher at Bright Horizons for 16 years. She is passionate about working with young children and finds great joy in teaching them new and exciting things every day.

Outside the classroom, Nefira enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and connecting with people from diverse communities. She looks forward to the day she can babysit her own grandchildren.

Ms. Diana, Young Infant Lead Teacher

Ms. Diana brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to our infant program. Born and raised alongside three older brothers in the western suburb of Aurora, IL, she received consistent encouragement to explore diverse activities and maintain an active lifestyle during her childhood. These formative experiences have significantly contributed to the development of her creative mindset in both artistic pursuits and sports.

Residing in Chicago for the past five years, Ms. Diana has recently discovered her passion for working with young children, prompting her decision to pursue a career in the field. Holding an infant/toddler CDA license, she aspires to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education in the future. Ms. Diana derives great fulfillment from actively observing and guiding her youngest students through their developmental milestones on a daily basis.

Apart from being an outstanding educator, Ms. Diana is an accomplished painter, showcasing her talents through commissioned mural paintings in private homes across Chicago.

Ms. Helen, Young Infant Assistant Teacher

Ms. Halya grew up in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States with her family in 2022. After graduating from Lviv National Banking Institute with a master’s degree in finance and working in the industry for a while, Halya took a break from her career to stay home with her daughters. That’s when she realized that her true passion was working with young children and helping them learn and grow. She changed her career path and got a job in a daycare in her hometown of Lviv and is now looking forward to gaining more experience in the field of early childhood education as her family assimilates to life in the United States.

Ms. Galya spends her free time learning English and exploring Chicago with her family.

Ms. Bianey R, Young Infant Assistant Teacher

Ms. Bianey was born and raised in Chicago and is the proud mother of her 6-year-old daughter, Aria. She previously attended National Louis University, where she took courses in early childhood education, and hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree in the field in the future.

Ms. Bianey has been working in childcare for the past four years and finds great joy in watching young children grow and develop new skills. Building strong relationships with the children in her care and their families is very important to her. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and she especially loves taking nature walks whenever she can.

Ms. Katherine, Older Infant Lead Teacher

Ms. Katherine has been dedicated to working with children for nearly her entire life, beginning her journey in childcare at the age of 14. She finds the most joy in helping children reach important milestones and watching them grow into amazing little individuals.

Her passion for early childhood education continues to grow, and she plans to further her studies with the goal of becoming a director and ultimately fulfilling her dream of owning her own daycare center.

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, Kaylei. Together they love sightseeing, exploring new things, and creating meaningful memories together. In her free time, Katherine also enjoys cooking and curling up with a good book.

Ms. Esme, Older Infant Lead Teacher

Ms. Esme was born in Guatemala and moved to Chicago with her family when she was just six months old.

Ms. Esme’s love for early childhood education began at the age 12, when she worked as a summer camp counselor. Since then, she has earned her associate degree in education, has many years of experience in caring for infants and toddlers, and earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She is passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and nurturing environment where young children can grow, explore, and thrive.

She is happily married and has one dog named Roy, and a cat named Xena. A fun fact is that Ms. Esme is twin!

She loves exploring creative arts, trying out new activities around Chicago and visiting new dog parks.

Ms. Olha, Older Infant Assistant Teacher

Ms. Olha is originally from Ukraine and moved to the U.S. in 2022. She holds a degree in pedagogical education and music and has over eighteen years of experience working with young children. In Ukraine, she helped organize the vocal and dance studio “Vyshyvanka” for two years and served as a music director and teacher at Luzhansky Preschool. After arriving in the U.S., she worked as both a nanny and a pastry chef at Shokolad Café.

Olha has a passion for playing piano, traveling, and exploring new places, especially those with waterfalls. She is also the proud mother of two boys, ages 8 and 19. She joined the New Einsteins Academy team in May 2024 as an infant teacher and is dedicated to continuing her growth in early childhood education. Olha has truly enjoyed her time working with the infants at NEA and building meaningful connections with their families.

Ms. Andrea, Older Infant Assistant Teacher

Ms. Andrea has over five years of experience working with young children and joined the NEA staff in July 2023. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive and reach their fullest potential. Andrea is currently pursuing a degree in Clinical Psychology, which will help deepen her understanding of child development and enhance the work she does every day. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, traveling, and expressing her creativity through art—especially welding.

Ms. Bianey, Young Toddler Lead Teacher

Bianey, a native of the Hermosa neighborhood in Chicago, fondly recalls her childhood days spent playing soccer outdoors with friends. Driven by an early passion for working with young children, Bianey seamlessly transitioned into the education field after completing her schooling. Along this journey, she garnered valuable experience, providing assistance to numerous teachers and caring for children across various age groups. Her commitment to professional development culminated in the attainment of an Associates degree in Applied Science in Child Development.

Proudly contributing her expertise to the NEA family, Mrs. Bianey stands dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where all children feel secure and at home under her care. Her commitment to the well-being and development of the children entrusted to her is paramount.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Bianey finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and friends, often indulging in the shared pleasure of singing along to their favorite tunes. Her enthusiasm for new experiences and adventures further enriches her personal and professional outlook.

In summary, Bianey's journey reflects a steadfast dedication to the field of child development, underscored by a commitment to creating a secure and enriching environment for the children at NEA. Her passion for fostering positive relationships extends beyond the classroom, making her a valuable asset to the educational community.

Ms. Iryna (Ira), Young Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Ira was born in the Ternopil region of Ukraine. After graduating from Vasyl Stefanik Precarpathian National University with a master’s degree in social science, Iryna worked as a child psychologist with children with special needs at a non-for-profit charity organization "Home Named After Mercy” and at the Inclusive Resource Center, where she created a loving and nurturing environment for the mental development of her students. She is thrilled to be a part of the NEA team and is committed to supporting a great educational environment.

Iryna likes hiking, traveling, and self-educating in the areas that spike her interest.

Ms. Daisy, Young Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Daisy was born and raised in Chicago. She brings 5–6 years of experience in childcare and holds an associate degree in science from Morton College. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Elmhurst University, with the goal of becoming a child psychologist.

Daisy is passionate about working with children and finds joy in supporting their growth and development. While she has experience with children of all ages up to 4 years old, her primary focus has been on infants and toddlers.

Outside of work, Daisy enjoys exploring the city and spending time with her friends.

Ms. Adriana, Young Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Adriana is originally from Venezuela and has been working with children since she was sixteen. Growing up with a mother who is a teacher, she developed a deep appreciation for education. She earned her bachelor's degree in social communication in Venezuela.

In 2022, Ms. Adriana moved to the U.S. as an Au Pair, an experience that strengthened her passion for helping children grow, learn, and feel supported. She finds caring for children comes naturally and loves being part of their development.

In her free time, Adriana enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, and exploring the city. She loves discovering new places and making the most of every experience.

Ms. Nataliia, Lead Older Toddler Teacher

Ms. Nataliia is originally from Ukraine and moved to the U.S. in 2022 with her dog. She holds a degree in accounting and has experience working in the IT sector, supporting educational organizations. She also spent six months in Poland, which gave her a deeper appreciation for different cultures—an approach she brings to her work with children and their families.

Inspired by her mother, who was a teacher, Nataliia has a deep passion for working with children. She enjoys creating engaging activities and fostering a positive environment where children feel safe to explore and learn. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at animal rescue shelters, running, and visits museums and art exhibitions. Ms. Nataliia is excited to continue her career in early childhood education as the Lead Older Toddler teacher at New Einsteins Academy and looks forward to a wonderful year with her students.

Ms. Rocio, Older Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Rocio has been working in the childcare field for the past nine years and finds great joy in guiding children as they learn and explore new concepts. She holds a bilingual CDA in Preschool and plans to further her education by pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

This upcoming school year, she looks forward to building on children’s prior knowledge and helping them make meaningful connections as they explore new themes each week.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Rocio is a proud mother of a 9-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, who continue to inspire her passion for working with young children every day.

Ms. Stephanie, Older Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Stephanie was born and raised in Chicago and enjoys taking the occasional staycation to soak in the city’s breathtaking views. She graduated from UIC with a degree in Applied Psychology and began her career working with young children as a summer school and after-school counselor. Stephanie enjoyed studying psychology because she strongly believes that providing children with the right tools and support at an early age can make a lasting difference in their success. One day, she hopes to pursue her master’s degree and earn her LCSW.

She is excited for this school year and looks forward to watching the children learn, grow, and develop. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys cooking, sewing, and reading.

Ms. Lisa, Preschool Lead Teacher

Ms. Lisa has been working in childcare since she was eighteen and is a proud mother of three adult children. Teaching runs in her family, as both of her parents were high school teachers, making education a meaningful part of her life.

She began her career at New Einsteins Academy in 2012 at the Bucktown location and was a beloved preschool teacher for many years. In 2023, she joined the NEA team as a Lead Infant Teacher.

A fun fact about Ms. Lisa is that she is a Second City graduate and has a strong passion for acting, film, and theater. She looks forward to having fun with the children in her classroom while helping them learn more about the world around them.

Ms. Cristina, Preschool Assistant Teacher

Ms. Cristina began her career at New Einsteins Academy in 2021 as an Older Toddler Assistant Teacher at the Bucktown location. She joined the Logan Square team in 2023, spending the year working in the infant classroom. While she has many years of experience with children, she has a special fondness for the preschool age.

Cristina loves bringing new experiences and learning concepts to life in her classroom. From collecting real leaves and sticks for the sensory table to demonstrating how ice melts, she enjoys hands-on exploration and making learning fun. She also loves preparing art projects for her class, emphasizing that the process is just as important as the final product. Ms. Cristina believes that building strong relationships with families is key to creating a warm and nurturing environment for the children.

Ms. Sophie, Preschool Assistant Teacher

Ms. Sophie earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish from Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia. Originally from Indiana, she recently moved to Chicago. She brings several years of experience working with children, including roles as a babysitter, summer aide at a daycare, camp counselor in Colorado, and direct support professional in a special education program.

After graduation, Sophie spent three months in Peru, traveling, working on farms and in hostels, and gaining experience as a paraprofessional in an elementary school. These experiences deepened her love for working with children and supporting their growth.

In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks with her dog, trying new recipes, and honing her bread-baking skills. She also loves to read and is working toward her goal of finishing fifty-two books this year.

Ms. Maria, Pre-K Lead Teacher

Ms. Maria was born and raised in Chicago and has over five years of experience working with young children. After volunteering at Camp Quality, a nonprofit organization that provides year-round programs and companionship for pediatric cancer patients, Maria’s love for providing nurturing care and education grew, and she decided to make Early Childhood Education her career path. Ms. Maria has her preschool CDA license and is about to receive an associate degree in special education. She plans to transfer to National Louis University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the future.

During her free time, Maria likes to play soccer, go shopping and explore new restaurants in Chicago. She is eager to join the NEA community and can’t wait to build relationships with the children and their families.

Ms. Ronabeth, Pre-K Lead Teacher

Ms. Ron is of Filipino and Chinese ancestry and was born and raised in the Philippines. Over the years, she has worked as an early childhood educator, curriculum coordinator, and therapist. She holds a master's degree in special education, specializing in communication disorders, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Ms. Ron is also trained in play therapy, ABA, conflict resolution, trauma, and cognitive processing. During her free time, Ms. Ron enjoys travelling, photography, visiting museums, and learning about cultures and history. She loves Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene, enjoys trying various cuisines, and experimenting in the kitchen.

Ms. Arilua, Pre-K Assistant teacher

Ms. Arilua has been caring for children from a young age, gaining experience babysitting throughout high school and college before beginning her career in early childhood education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and loves bringing creativity into the classroom. Children are truly her favorite little people!

This upcoming school year, Ms. Arilua looks forward to watching her students grow, develop new skills, and enjoy learning through laughter, play, and exploration. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, drawing, painting, and sculpting.

Ms. Stephanie, Preschool Assistant Teacher

Ms. Stephanie was born and raised in Lawrenceville, a small town in Southeastern Illinois. In 2019, she graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in photography. Ms. Stephanie grew up around many children, and her love of working with kids solidified when she started babysitting during the summers throughout high school and into college. She enjoys giving children the opportunity to have fun and tries to provide them with educational experiences they will remember.

In her spare time, Ms. Stephanie is a documentary and street photographer, submitting her works to galleries all over the United States. She also enjoys doing photography for special events. When she's not taking photos, she loves spending time with her boyfriend and two cats, Cheese and Toph.

Ms. Mallory, School Floater

Ms. Mallory is originally from Chesterton, Indiana, and recently relocated to Chicago after living in Bloomington, Indiana. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering but has always been passionate about working with children. While in school, she gained childcare experience at the YMCA, and now in Chicago, she is excited to return to this field.

A dedicated musician, Ms. Mallory has volunteered with Girls Rock Bloomington, coaching youth bands and teaching guitar. She is deeply inspired by the creativity and unique perspectives of children and looks forward to combining her love of music, art, and childcare in her new role.

In her free time, Ms. Mallory enjoys playing music, exploring the city, and embracing all forms of art.