DIRECTOR
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Ms. Jennifer Eggert, Director/Teacher, has been working in early childhood education for over ten years and is excited to continue her journey here at Kinderhaven Preschool Academy! Jen completed her B.A. in Family Consumer Sciences with a focus in Human Development. Soon after graduation, Jen began her career in education working as a preschool teacher in the northern suburbs. Prior to joining Kinderhaven, Jen worked as both the Assistant Director and Director at an eco-friendly preschool in Chicago. She is excited to combine her background with KPA's Reggio Emilia inspired pedagogy. In her free time, Jen enjoys spending time outside, working on DIY projects around her house and spending time with family and friends.
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staff
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Mrs. Lindsey DeRose, Teacher/Assistant Director, earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Illinois State University and a Masters in Education from National Louis as a Learning Behavior Specialist. Before coming to KPA, she taught in special education at a therapeutic school for several years. Mrs. DeRose lives in Lake Forest with her son, husband and chocolate lab. Her favorite thing to do outside of school is to watch her son play baseball. Her other passions include baking, running, and especially reading!
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Mrs. Penny Strang has taught preschool for 16 years and she enjoys it very much. She loves working with this age group, and finds the children's curiosity and enthusiasm contagious! She is originally from Concord, MA and ventured to the Midwest to attend college. Mrs. Strang graduated from Lake Forest College with a BA in Psychology. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 29 years, and has lived in Lake Forest for 21 years with their two adult sons and beloved rescue dog. In her free time Mrs. Strang enjoys walking, running, photography, nature and travel.
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Mrs. Monica Krzeminski or "Mrs. K", Teacher/Pedagogista, has enthusiastically been teaching at Kinderhaven for many years. She holds a BFA in theater from University of Illinois and a MAT in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University. She also has several years of experience teaching in Montessori environments. While attending National Louis University, she taught Kindergarten in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. In this position, she was a finalist for the Kohl McCormick Teaching Award. Aside from her passion in education, she has a passion for her family, which includes, her husband, and three sons. Mrs. K embraces the Reggio Emilia approach, and she has attended many trainings with the Kinderhaven staff, including a spring 2017 intensive study trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy!
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Mrs. Lindsey DeRose, Teacher/Assistant Director, earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Illinois State University and a Masters in Education from National Louis as a Learning Behavior Specialist. Before coming to KPA, she taught in special education at a therapeutic school for several years. Mrs. DeRose lives in Lake Forest with her son, husband and chocolate lab. Her favorite thing to do outside of school is to watch her son play baseball. Her other passions include baking, running, and especially reading! |
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Mrs. Judy Nusinow is a teacher in the Green Class. After subbing last year, this is her first year as a lead teacher at Kinderhaven but was a part of the Kinderhaven community as a parent with both her boys. She earned her Bachelors at the University of Kansas and has previously taught 2, 3 and 4 year olds before staying home with young children. She's thrilled to be back in the classroom teaching again. She enjoys the both the outdoors- camping and learning about nature, and being indoors with a good book.
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Mrs. Penny Strang has taught preschool for 16 years and she enjoys it very much. She loves working with this age group, and finds the children's curiosity and enthusiasm contagious! She is originally from Concord, MA and ventured to the Midwest to attend college. Mrs. Strang graduated from Lake Forest College with a BA in Psychology. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 29 years, and has lived in Lake Forest for 21 years with their two adult sons and beloved rescue dog. In her free time Mrs. Strang enjoys walking, running, photography, nature and travel. |
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Mrs. Monica Krzeminski or "Mrs. K", Teacher/Pedagogista, has enthusiastically been teaching at Kinderhaven for many years. She holds a BFA in theater from University of Illinois and a MAT in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University. She also has several years of experience teaching in Montessori environments. While attending National Louis University, she taught Kindergarten in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. In this position, she was a finalist for the Kohl McCormick Teaching Award. Aside from her passion in education, she has a passion for her family, which includes, her husband, and three sons. Mrs. K embraces the Reggio Emilia approach, and she has attended many trainings with the Kinderhaven staff, including a spring 2017 intensive study trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy! |
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Mrs. Lisa Orsini, Purple & Blue Class Assistant Teacher, has been teaching at Kinderhaven for over 10 years and we feel fortunate every day to have her on our staff. During this time she has been an aide in every one of our classrooms. Mrs. Orsini lives in Libertyville with her husband and has three grown children as well as two adorable grandchildren. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years, but also did some work at her children's elementary school. As her children got older, she began working at Crocodile Pie, a children's bookstore in Libertyville. She continues to attend continuing educational events with the Kinderhaven staff learning all she can about the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Her creativity and organization are critical to our schools success!
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Mrs. Janice Price, Blue Class Assistant Teacher, has been teaching at Kinderhaven for more than 20 years, and we are so happy to continue to have her experience, kindness, patience, and enthusiasm! After serving in a variety of teaching roles over these many years, Mrs. Price has settled into an assistant teacher role in the Blue Class. She holds a BA in Education and Special Education from Bradley University. Mrs. Price is a life-long Lake Forest resident, has raised three children and is also a proud grandparent. Mrs. Price is "priceless" to our teaching team! |
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Ms. Meredith Gregory, Red, Purple & Blue Class Assistant Teacher, is excited to join the Kinderhaven community and work with the Red Class team! She has worked at McCormick Day Camp, as a counselor-in-training through the Rec Center, and has also been a babysitter for local families. She is a Lake Forest Resident and also a current student at College of Lake County. In her free time, Ms. Gregory likes to play with her dog, Tanner and her two cats, Opal and Garnet. She also enjoys knitting and going for walks and bike rides when the weather is nice. |
