Jennifer joined the UCECP in 2004.  Prior to her position at the UCECP, her journey included being a first grade teacher, an Assistant Principal and Preschool Program Director.

Ms. Nunamaker has been in the field of early childhood education since 1992.  Sue was the only early childhood education major in 2004 that received the Thaskala Award from Elmhurst College.

Beth joined the ECP in 2002 and has taught in the Mother Toddler, Mother Child and Three’s Preschool programs and currently serves the UCECP as the Mother Child Facilitator. 

Cyndi joined the UCECP staff in 2016 as a part-time 4’s teacher. Cyndi also periodically substitutes in the early learning lab, 2’s, 3’s, mother-toddler and mother-child programs. She is a former UCECP parent herself, and has volunteered in her own children’s elementary school classrooms in a variety of capacities.

Gayle has been with the UCECP since 1995. She has a Child Care Associate’s degree from Morianne Valley. Ms. Bueser has spent several years working with toddlers at the UCECP and her knowledge in the phases of development help support her work with toddlers. 

I have been teaching preschool since I took dual credit child care classes in high school. After graduation I went to Eastern Illinois University where I minored in family and consumer sciences. When I left Eastern I was offered a job teaching pre-k 3&4 with Stickney Township.

Monica joined the UCECP program in the fall of 2016 as a substitute. She has 13 years of experience working with children. She loves being a part of an early childhood education program that helps spark a love for learning. This year she is greatly excited to be in the Mother Child Program.

Ms. Cook joined the UCECP team in 2009. Allie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University with endorsements in Science and English. She worked in the public school system as a K-5 substitute and para-educator, prior to joining the UCECP in the 3’s and 4’s programs.

Ms. Gordon joined the UCECP staff in 2015. She holds dual degrees in Elementary and Special Education from Vanderbilt University. Ms. Gordon has taught Early Childhood Special Ed in both Texas and Illinois. 

Ms. Gurrola joined UCECP in 2014. She has nearly thirty years of experience raising her own children, providing daycare from home as well as being an active parent with many school programs. 

I am so excited to be a part of the two-year-old program at UCECP. I have a BA degree in Organzational Communications from North Central College. Prior to being a stay at home mom to my four children, I was a therapeutic riding instructor for children with disabilities at the Hanson Center in Burr Ridge. I also helped run summer camps at the YMCA in Downers Grove.  

Kathryn Heine has a masters degree in Elementary and Special Education from Long Island University (CW Post). During the course of her ten-year teaching career, Kathryn has worked in a variety of educational settings including an all girls private school and a school for students, learning disabilities and private tutoring.

Jen has been with the ECP for over 15 years. She holds a degree in Recreation and several years of experience with elementary school-aged children. Ms. Hickerson has been an important part of many different programs at the UCECP. 

Mary has been with ECP on and off for over 13 years. “I am so excited to be back teaching the four year olds and looking forward to getting them ready for kindergarten.” 

Carissa joined the UCECP as facilitator in 2017, and as a parent in 2005. She has a degree in communications and political science from Miami University and a professional background in group moderating and consumer insight in the marketing and advertising industry. 

Ms. Koudelka joined in the UCECP in 2012. Previously she had worked at the UCECP as a substitute teacher. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and has been working with children for 9 years. 

As a former UCECP parent with two children who went from Mother Toddler all the way to Kinderboost, I am thrilled to be returning as a teacher in the 3’s program.  

Ms. McBrien has been in the field of early childhood education since 1999. She has a degree from Northeastern Illinois University and enjoys every second of working with young children. 

Paula has been in the field of early childhood education since 1994. Ms. O’Neil has a degree from College of DuPage and is grateful every day for being able to enrich children’s lives. 

Ms. Schaefer holds a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in middle school Language Arts. She joined the Union Early Childhood Education Program excited to use her degree and passion to improve children’s lives. 

Ms. Szafarczyk is thrilled to join the Mother/Toddler team after participating in the program with all three of her children. She has a Bachelors Degree from Loyola University Chicago and brings with her years of childcare and volunteer experiences with many schools and local organizations.

Ms. Laurel joined UCECP in 2016. This will be her second year as the Toddler teacher in the Early Learning Lab. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in family and child studies with an emphasis on Family and Individual Development and a Master’s Degree in the Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs from Northern Illinois University.

My name is Jennifer Zappas and I am so excited to work with your children this year in 4’s Pre-Kindergarten at UCECP! As their teacher it is my goal to challenge their minds and to inspire them to be passionate about learning.