Staff

Administration

Chrissy Cornell

Director

Chrissy is a child development specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. In her role as Director, Chrissy fosters Professional Learning opportunities for the staff, helps coordinate curriculum initiatives, supports the Inclusion Program for children with special needs, sets policies and maintains quality programming at SLC. Before becoming the Director, Chrissy was a Graduate Student Intern, an Inclusive Education Assistant, a classroom teacher and the Associate Director at SLC. She has served on the SLC Governing Board since 2005. Chrissy received her Illinois Director’s Credential in 2002 and participates in numerous professional development activities, including the Evanston Early Childhood Director’s Council and Evanston Cradle to Career. She holds a M.Ed through the Erikson Institute and a BA in Interpersonal Communication. Chrissy is the proud parent of two growing children, one of whom has a disability, both alums of SLC.

Kiki Demopolous

Business Manager

Kiki graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in Art History. After college, reality set in and she became queen of the business office at a fine arts auction house located in River North. Kiki has been with SLC since 2007 when the youngest of her 3 children started kindergarten.

Katie Kelly

Associate Director

Katie is an early childhood educator with 20 years of experience working with children and families. She has a long history with SLC, joining the staff full time in 2008 as a Pre-K teacher in the Blue Room. Katie’s other positions at SLC have included Orange Room Pre-K teacher, 3/4’s teacher, as well as Monday Fun Day and Beach Camp teacher. Before joining SLC, Katie taught first grade for six years. She holds a M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute and a BA from the University of Dayton. Katie is a proud alum of SLC as are her two sons, Quinn and Jack.

Celeste Stolz

Administrative Assistant

Celeste has worked “behind the scenes” in the education field for over 20 years, having worked for an education video producer/distributor company and a major communications corporation. From managing a health curriculum warehouse to designing catalogs, she has done it all. She began her SLC career in 2007 and has had the pleasure of watching two grandchildren journey through SLC.

Jon Hoffheimer

SLC Greeter (since 2010)

Jon is School for Little Children’s morning greeter and office assistant. A lifelong Evanstonian, he also volunteers at the YMCA and works for the City of Evanston Special Recreation Department at Robert Crown. In his free time, Jon loves to spend time with his siblings and exercise at the YMCA.

Classroom Teachers

Dawn Borchardt

Assistant, Pre-K (since 2015)

Dawn has over 15 years of experience teaching, and is proud of having taught students of all ages from infants to adults. She has a B.A. in Political Science/History from the University of Arizona, and a Teaching Credential/ESL Certificate from San Diego State University. In high school, Dawn lettered in the “sport” of Academic Decathlon and in her free time enjoys reading and travel.

Fran Ex

Assistant, 3s (since 2016)

Fran holds a B. A. in English from the University of Wisconsin and a M. Ed from University of Illinois at Chicago. Fran has been a Fun in the Sun teacher and a Toddler Time teacher at SLC. She is a proud mother of two children who also happen to be SLC alums. Fran enjoys taking her dog Annie to the dog beach, reading novels, and bike riding with her family. One thing you may not know about Fran is that she taught high school English

Jamie Chrobak

Teacher, Pre-K (since 2008)

Jamie has many years of experience working with young children in a variety of capacities; as Assistant Director of a summer camp, preschool teacher, girls’ basketball and volleyball coach, and a 1^st grade associate teacher. Jamie has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from DePaul and a Masters in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University.

Kathy Smith

Teacher, Pre-K (since 2007)

Kathy has a background in Special Education, earning a B.A. in Special Ed. from Northeastern IL University, and over 12 years of experience in an educational setting. One thing you may not know about Kathy is that she knows sign language, and when she’s not teaching she likes to be outdoors with her family-biking, running, kayaking and camping.

Anne Decelles

Teacher, 2s & 3s (since 2019)

Anne holds a Masters in Elementary Education from DePaul University. She has 19 years of experience teaching a wide range of students including adults. She enjoyed her time as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten and 1st grade for many years, but her heart has always belonged to the youngest learners. She was happy to finally add Early Childhood Education to her teaching license last year through National Louis University. Fun facts about Anne are her teaching experiences abroad. She taught in France for almost three years. She likes reading, walking and going to the beach.

Janet Gregori

Assistant, Pre-K (since 2002)

Janet is the proud mother of three grown daughters, and has over 10 years of classroom experience. She studied Early Childhood Education and Applied Social Sciences at Kendall College. When Janet isn’t teaching, she enjoys cooking authentic Greek food and spending time with family. One thing you may not know about Janet is that she can hula hoop!

Kathryn Swarczewski

Teacher, 3s (since 2001)

Kathryn and has been a teacher at School for Little Children since 2001. In addition to over 10 years of teaching experience, Kathy’s educational background includes a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Illinois University. Kathy enjoys teaching at the same school as her sister Donna Bell.

Bethany Goodman

Teacher, Pre-K (since 2013)

Bethany has a B.A. in Psychology from Loras College in Dubuque, and studied Early Childhood Education at Oakton Community College. One thing you may not know about Bethany is that she is a certified Massage Therapist.

Donna Oline

Teacher, Pre-K (since 2001)

Donna has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College in Iowa. Donna majored in Social Work, with a minor in Sociology, and uses her educational background in the classroom on a daily basis. When Donna isn’t teaching, she is a crossword puzzle and Scrabble fanatic! Donna enjoys teaching at the same school as her sister Kathryn Swarczewski.

Isabelle Nieves

Teacher, 3s & Assistant, 2s (since 2001)

Isabelle has worked as both a classroom teacher and as a member of SLC’s administrative team. Isabelle has a Bachelor Degree in Applied Behavior Science from National Louis University, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Isabelle is a proud grandparent, enjoys cake decorating and biking and is a Star Wars geek!

Vicky Mertz

Teacher, 2s (since 2015)

Vicky began working at SLC after studying Early Childhood Education at Oakton. She also holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from DePaul University. Something you may not know about Vicky is that she was SLC’s Governing Board President before joining the staff.