Educators

  • UCECP is comprised of highly-educated administrators and teachers who exceed the DCFS standards for education.

  • Our faculty stays abreast of research findings in early childhood by attending professional development courses throughout the year. This level of commitment and loyalty is what sets UCECP faculty apart from other programs.

  • Meet Our Administrators

    • Kimberly Choate
      Director

      Over the past 29 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as both a teacher and director, and each role has reinforced my belief that children thrive when families feel supported. l earned my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Psychology: Human Development along with my Professional Educator License with Early Childhood Education and Special Education endorsements from the Illinois State Board of Education. I also completed my Master of Education in Childcare Administration.

    • Diana Moreno
      Office Manager

      I absolutely love working in a preschool setting. I previously worked as a teacher assistant and Spanish teacher – I truly enjoy working with young children! I have an amazing 9 year-old daughter who keeps me smiling and in my free time I enjoy bike riding, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my family.

  • Meet Our Educators

    • Jasmin Bello
      Mother Toddler & Mother Child Teacher

      I have been teaching at UCECP for over five years. Working in the Mother Toddler and Mother Child classrooms is so rewarding not only because of the wonderful children and mothers I have the opportunity to meet, but also because this program is such a valuable resource for both new and experienced moms. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children and I love reading, solving sudoku puzzles and drinking a good iced coffee!

    • Molly Boyer
      2's Preschool & Mother Toddler Teacher

      I have my bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and have been working at UCECP for three years. My goal as an educator is to help create a safe, nurturing classroom where children develop confidence and feel excited to explore and express themselves.
      I live in Western Springs with my husband and three sons.

    • Cyndi Breslow
      Mother Toddler & Mother Child Teacher

      I have been an educator at UCECP for over 10 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and have completed many hours of teacher in-service training to expand my knowledge and skills as an early childhood educator. I have experience working with children of all ages which has helped me learn how to support their unique needs. I am the proud mom of three amazing young-adult children, two of whom are UCECP graduates, which makes being part of this school even more meaningful to me! When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me spending time with family and friends, traveling, skiing, taking long walks, or soaking up the sunshine at The Jersey Shore.

    • Gayle Bueser
      3’s Preschool Teacher

      I have been a teacher at UCECP for over 30 years. I’m a proud mom to four children and a Gigi to two grandchildren. I love to play tennis and read in my spare time. One of my favorite parts of teaching is building relationships with children and their families by creating a caring environment where children feel happy, safe, and excited to come to school.

       

    • Lindsey Dover
      2’s Preschool Teacher

      Before moving to Illinois in 2025, I spent 10 years teaching in both early childhood and elementary education. I have an Associates Degree in Elementary Education and my favorite part about being a teacher is encouraging children to learn through play, exploration, and everyday experiences. Outside of school, I’m a wife and the proud mom of three children—a toddler son and two teenage daughters. Most of my free time is spent at cheer practices, games, and competitions cheering my girls on.

       

    • Mandy Grapenthien
      2’s Preschool Teacher

      I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Organization Communication from North Central College and have been teaching at UCECP in the 2’s classroom for over 8 years. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they accomplish something they’ve been working so hard to learn. I love spending time with my husband, our four children, ages 18, 16, 14, and 12, and our two dogs. Our family stays busy with soccer, cross country, and track. I enjoy spending time outdoors running, hiking, and enjoying nature.

       

    • Chrissy Helmsdorfer
      2’s Preschool Teacher

      I have been teaching for over 12 years and have my Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA). I have been with UCECP for the last three years where My teaching style is playful and hands-on —I believe kids learn best through nature, art, and science. I especially love guiding little ones through the social and emotional milestones of being two, giving them the tools they need to navigate this special stage with confidence. Outside of school, I’m a lover of nature, travel, and all things creative –
      especially adventures with my two sons.

    • Jennifer Hickerson
      4’s Pre-K Teacher

      I have been a teacher at UCECP since 2000 and truly can’t imagine doing anything else. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State, and I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my days with young children. I love using my creativity to create fun, hands-on learning experiences that help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. It’s a privilege to be part of such an important stage in their lives!

    • Carissa Kapcar
      Mother Toddler & Mother Child Facilitator

      I have been the parent facilitator for the Mother Toddler and/or Mother Child classes at UCECP for ten years. I have a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and certifications in focus group moderation and peer mentorship. I believe deeply in the power of conversation, the “art of gathering” and the growth that happens when we share wisdom, ideas and encouragement with each other. I love to travel, go to concerts, read books, fantasize about tidy tiny clever spaces at Ikea, enjoy our beautiful city of Chicago, run carpools, take walks with friends where we solve all of the world’s problems and sit on the sidelines of my kids’ sporting events cheering them on.

    • Laura McBrien
      4’s Pre-K Teacher

      Starting at a young age, I always new I wanted to work with children. I have been a teacher for over 28 years and early childhood development/education has always been a passion of mine. I truly believe children learn best through play, hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. This is what makes UCECP such an amazing program. In my classroom I create engaging learning experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, problem solving skills, and social-emotional growth.

    • Amy Middleton
      3's Preschool Teacher

      I have been a teacher for over 8 years and I have a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Grand Canyon University. My teaching philosophy is to provide a safe, inclusive environment where each child feels welcomed, valued, and free to discover who they are meant to be. I have 3 girls of my own who keep me very busy. In my free time I like to read, exercise, and hang out with my family and all our pets. I’ve also been a gymnastics coach for over 20 years.

    • Sue Nunamaker
      5's Pre-K Teacher and Director of Curriculum

      I started my career in education in 1992 and in 1997 I joined UCECP. I received multiple Associate Degrees, including Child Care, from College of DuPage and completed my education at Elmhurst University where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Child Education and a type 04 teaching certificate. My favorite part of teaching is watching children choose their learning based on their deep interests and inquires. Outside of school, I love spend my time gardening, cooking, reading, and with my dogs.

    • Raquel Robles
      3's Preschool Teacher

      I’ve been a preschool teacher for 12 years, spending that last 8 years at UCECP. I have my Associate’s Degree and am currently working to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I love what I do and couldn’t see myself doing anything else!

    • Marissa Sorini
      2's Preschool Teacher

      I have been an educator at UCECP for over two years and I love watching the children learn and grow! I have a Bachelor’s of Arts from DePauw University and am currently working towards my Child Development Associate Credential. Volunteering at my university’s campus childcare center reinforced my love for play-based learning. Outside of school, I like hanging out with my cats and dogs, doing puzzles, and watching comedy TV shows.

    • Laurel Usalis
      3’s Pre-K Teacher

      I have been a teacher at UCECP for over 10 years, and I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Family & Children Studies and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from Northern Illinois University. One of my favorite parts about working with young children is seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new. I have two wonderful and silly boys who are both graduates of UCECP and I love spending time with them. I also love exploring the world, photography, and fitness (fun fact – I’ve run the Disney World Marathon)!