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. 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. 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. Natasha, Older Toddler Lead Teacher

Miss Natasha, a native of the North side of Chicago, hails from the Ravenswood neighborhood where she spent her formative years. With a deep-rooted connection to the community, she has been a longtime participant at Chase Park, marking it as an integral part of her upbringing. Following her high school graduation, Miss Natasha embarked on a journey of service, enlisting in the Illinois National Guard, a commitment that extends until 2023. In 2016, Miss Natasha discovered her passion for working with children when she joined Chase Park as a summer camp counselor. This experience ignited a realization of the joy she derives from engaging with young minds. Currently pursuing an associate degree in early childhood development at Truman College, she is dedicated to honing her skills and knowledge in the field.

Miss Natasha is particularly drawn to the inquisitive and expressive nature of children, which fuels her excitement for the prospect of leading her own classroom at NEA. Her commitment to education is complemented by her multifaceted interests outside of work. A creative spirit, she finds solace in painting and cherishes moments of shared music appreciation with friends. Additionally, she values family time, frequently indulging in dining experiences that strengthen familial bonds. Beyond her personal pursuits, Miss Natasha is deeply connected to her cultural roots, actively seeking opportunities to learn more about her heritage. Her commitment to cultural understanding is exemplified by her regular visits to Mexico whenever circumstances permit.

Ms. Maria, Preschool 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. Ira, Kitchen Aide

Ms. Ira is from the charming town of Drohobych, Ukraine. She kicked off her academic journey in a medical college pursuing a nursing degree. Expanding her horizons, she furthered her studies at a university, specializing in physical rehabilitation. Upon reaching America, Ira fused her passions for cooking and caring for children in a career choice that brings her immense joy. As a dedicated mom of two, family is at the core of her happiness, and she values the precious moments spent with the kids.

Outside of work and family, Ira's a curious soul. She loves learning, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring new places—truly embracing life's adventures.