Emily Darrell, Executive Director
A native of the Chicagoland area, Emily received her B.A. from DePaul University and her M.S. in Child Development from Erikson Institute. Previously, she has been the Assistant Director of a birth to 5 year-old Early Head Start program in Evanston and most recently a Junior Kindergarten teacher at a progressive school in Chicago. Emily has a breadth of experience in working with children of all abilities and is passionate about facilitating the development of lifelong learners. Emily has been involved with the Co-op since 2012 and began teaching at LPCNS in 2018.
A native of the Chicagoland area, Emily received her B.A. from DePaul University and her M.S. in Child Development from Erikson Institute. Previously, she has been the Assistant Director of a birth to 5 year-old Early Head Start program in Evanston and most recently a Junior Kindergarten teacher at a progressive school in Chicago. Emily has a breadth of experience in working with children of all abilities and is passionate about facilitating the development of lifelong learners. Emily has been involved with the Co-op since 2012 and began teaching at LPCNS in 2018.
Meredith Boese, Teacher
Meredith Boese holds a Master of Education in Language, Literacy and Specialized Instruction from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University, Ohio. She is currently pursuing her Special Education Endorsement from DePaul. She has extensive preschool teaching experience. Meredith is a past presenter at the Concordia Early Childhood Conference. In 2017, she was presented the Educator of the Year award from the Sheffield Neighborhood Association. Meredith joined the Co-op in 2017.
Meredith Boese holds a Master of Education in Language, Literacy and Specialized Instruction from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University, Ohio. She is currently pursuing her Special Education Endorsement from DePaul. She has extensive preschool teaching experience. Meredith is a past presenter at the Concordia Early Childhood Conference. In 2017, she was presented the Educator of the Year award from the Sheffield Neighborhood Association. Meredith joined the Co-op in 2017.
Angie Butler, Teacher
Angie earned her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute and has an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Elmhurst College. Angie is a true mentor teacher who has touched the lives of many children and families over her twenty plus years of teaching at the Co-op and has also influenced the practice of many of her fellow staff members. Angie joined the Co-op community in 1987.
Angie earned her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute and has an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Elmhurst College. Angie is a true mentor teacher who has touched the lives of many children and families over her twenty plus years of teaching at the Co-op and has also influenced the practice of many of her fellow staff members. Angie joined the Co-op community in 1987.
Abigail Dye, Teacher
Abby Dye holds a Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Denison University. In addition to her nursery school teaching experience, Abby has experience as a behavioral therapist. She most recently served as the Early Education Programs Specialist at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, supporting and leading professional development for preschool and elementary teachers. Abby joined the Co-op in 2017.
Abby Dye holds a Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Denison University. In addition to her nursery school teaching experience, Abby has experience as a behavioral therapist. She most recently served as the Early Education Programs Specialist at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, supporting and leading professional development for preschool and elementary teachers. Abby joined the Co-op in 2017.
Debbie Safeblade, Assistant Teacher
Debbie brings over 20 years of experience working with preschoolers and their families. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from Belmont Abbey College and has extensive graduate coursework in Early Childhood Education from Purdue University, Erikson Institute, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Debbie joined the Co-op community in 2021.
Debbie brings over 20 years of experience working with preschoolers and their families. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from Belmont Abbey College and has extensive graduate coursework in Early Childhood Education from Purdue University, Erikson Institute, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Debbie joined the Co-op community in 2021.
Rosalia Scholle, Teacher
Rosalia earned her Master's Degree in Reading Instruction from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Northeastern University. In over twenty years of service to Co-op community, Rosalia has influenced the development of many children and their parents. Rosalia joined the Co-op community in 1990.
Rosalia earned her Master's Degree in Reading Instruction from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Northeastern University. In over twenty years of service to Co-op community, Rosalia has influenced the development of many children and their parents. Rosalia joined the Co-op community in 1990.
Barbara Swem, Teacher
Barbara earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Erikson Institute and has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Barbara is a thoughtful curriculum planner with a keen interest in constructing scientific knowledge with young children. She has also worked in education at Brookfield Zoo and the Illinois State Museum. Barbara joined the Co-op community in 2007.
Barbara earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Erikson Institute and has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Barbara is a thoughtful curriculum planner with a keen interest in constructing scientific knowledge with young children. She has also worked in education at Brookfield Zoo and the Illinois State Museum. Barbara joined the Co-op community in 2007.
Kelsey Buckley, Office Manager/In-house Substitute
While she works toward her Master's Degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute, Kelsey is serving as our Office Manager and substitute teacher. A former daycare teacher to toddlers, Kelsey earned her BFA from Texas Sate University. She joined the Co-op community in 2021.
While she works toward her Master's Degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute, Kelsey is serving as our Office Manager and substitute teacher. A former daycare teacher to toddlers, Kelsey earned her BFA from Texas Sate University. She joined the Co-op community in 2021.
