Teachers

Teacher Biography

My name is Alejandra Harrold. I am happily married to Arthur Harrold. We had been married for almost 34 years. We are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters. My oldest daughter name is Angel, the middle one name is Heaven and the youngest is Starr. I have an older son Name Michael.

I was born in Guerrero Mexico and when I was twelve years old my father decided to bring me to Chicago. It was not easy going to school not knowing the English language and that Is why my father decided to enrolled me in Pickard grammar school, I eventually graduated grammar school. I went to Benito Juarez high school and eventually I graduated in four years. I proceed to attend Harold Washington where I obtain enough credits to transferred to Kendall collage where I eventually graduated on June28, 2012 with my BA in Early Childhood Education with my concentration in special education. Working in the toddler's classroom has taught me to have patience and understanding of how small children think and feel when they are left in a new environment that they are not familiar with. As your child’s teacher, I will offer a safe and healthy environment for your son and daughters to learn and feel welcome at all times.

BIO

Teacher Biography

I strongly believe that every student learns and develops at their own pace. As a teacher of a diverse, inclusive and culture-sensitive classroom my priority is to treat and teach every student individually according to their individual developmental needs, interests, culture, and home language. I deeply feel that by following this professional practice I can create a strong community of learners and a strong classroom culture based on respect and mutual learning. Through my life I had performed different roles, in this field, Preschool Teacher, Toddlers and Two’s Teacher, School Age Teacher and Head Start Education Coordinator. These opportunities helped me grow as a professional, colleague and individual.  My passion is to observe children gain knowledge by constructing on a path of ever-increasing knowledge and become lifelong learners.

Education

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education – University of Illinois Chicago

Credentials/Endorsements

Professional Educator License -University of Illinois Chicago

Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement- University of Illinois at Chicago

ECE Credential Level 5

Infant and Toddler Credential Level 5

Teacher Biography

Hello, my name is Caroline Macias. I was born and raised in Chicago. Both of my parents are from Mexico—my mom is from Mexico, DF and my dad is from Zacatecas. I have an older sister, Elizabeth, and a younger brother, Jorge. Before pursing my career path in Education, I wanted to be a veterinarian and help all the animals in the world. I attended Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in 2010-2014 and went to community college at Harold Washington in 2014-2017 to earn my associate's degree in Education. Later in the year, I transferred to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for my bachelor’s degree. I recently graduated from UIC in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Learning focusing on the Early Childhood Education program.

I plan to continue my education at UIC to earn my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education soon. I am grateful and excited to start my career at El Hogar del Nino for the experience, memories, and grow into a professional. I am currently a teacher assistant and hope to become a lead teacher one day. I am excited to learn and experience new things from my peers, students, and overall, in El Hogar Del Nino. I look forward to be part of your child’s life and education and thank you for allowing me to work with your children and help them grow into their full potential. 

Teacher Biography

Hello, I am the teacher assistant for Toddles and Twos at El Hogar Del Nino.

My name is Cristal Perdomo, a Latina born and raised in Chicago. I will be receiving my Associates from St. Augustine College in the summer of 2022, and I plan to continue to my Bachelors’. I have been active in the childcare filed for four years now.  I strive to make a safe and welcome environment for your child to express their emotions. By creating this safe space for them to help them develop good communication skills, respect for one another, and to be effective listeners. I strongly believe that every child must be heard out in order to archive a great relationship with them. It is a pleasure to be a part of the team at El Hogar Del Nino and serve your family.

Teacher Biography

Hello! My name is Cynthia Pendleton. I am the Toddler Assistant Teacher in Room 1. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. I have a sixteen year old son name Derek. In 2015, I graduated at Kennedy King College with my associate degree in Arts. My minor was Early Childhood Development. I have been working in Early Childhood for four years. I have experience with infants, toddlers, and preschool age. I found my passion working with children while volunteering in my son's preschool classroom. I am so excited to have join the team at El Hogar Del Nino! I cannot wait to work with your children! Thank you for allowing me to teach your children!

Fun Fact: My first job was working at Build A Bear Workshop in Navy Pier!

Teacher Biography

Hi! My name is Dalal Ammar and I grew up in my home country of Lebanon and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and I was an elementary school teacher there. I have volunteered for CPS working with children for two years. Last year I received my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and now I am working on my Bachelor’s Degree. I have been teaching at El Hogar Del Nino for two years now. I love children and I have a passion to teach. I am excited for this school year and to work with you and your children!

Teacher Biography

My name is Diana Castro Nieves, I was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on October 28, 1980. I am a mother, wife, and I have two beautiful children. I’ve been living in Chicago IL for 15 years. My studies consist a certificate in Pharmacy Technique and Associate Degree in Early Child Education. Also, I studied at San Agustine College in Chicago IL.  My Knowledge of both Professions helped me to grow as a person professionally. In 2019, I started to work in El Hogar del Nino as a teacher’s assistant. I like my career in Early Child Education. I believe that each child is unique and special they are the future of the world. My responsibility as a teacher is to teach, support, and help the children with love and patience during their development in their different learning stages. Also, for them to be able to explore the work around them.

Teacher Biography

My name is Diana Moreno and I am an assistant teacher in the Toddlers and Twos program, I started teaching at El Hogar Del Nino since 2017. I attend Triton College in River Grove, IL and my goal is to obtain my degree in Early Childhood Education.  I was born and raised in Chicago and grew up in the Little Village neighborhood. I started at an early age working with children by volunteering in after school programs helping children in the neighborhood. That is when I grew to love and care for young children and decided to make it my career and become an educator.  

My goal as an educator, is to provide a safe environment so they can learn and grow in and for each child to receive the best care and love they all deserve. 

Teacher Biography

HI! My name is Erika Jimenez, I have been working with El Hogar del Niño over a year as an Assistant Teacher in the Infant/Toddler classroom. I graduated in 2017 from St. Augustine College, in Early Childhood Education. I love working with children. I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and encouraging environment in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.

Teacher Biography

My name is Imelda Montanez, I have my Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from St. Augustine College and Chicago Department of Public Health Certified Foodservice Certification. Currently, I’m taking classes to obtain a BA in Early Childhood at National Louis University.  I’m a teacher working with infants and toddlers. My role as a teacher is to assist every child in their needs, as unique and equal as they are. I believe that early education is a big step for children and their parents.  One of my priorities is to assist parents and their children to feel secure and without worries, always covering the gap between home and school, guide them in their interests, individual needs, and learning styles with the right tools and guidance to help them cultivate their knowledge and skills in all areas of development. At an early age, children need guidance from an adult for their own growth socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.  I’m passionate about my work and I’m always looking forward to new workshops to expand my knowledge. I’m lucky enough to work at The Home of the Child with great families, managers, and great colleagues.

Teacher Biography

My name is Linda Lewis, and I am the Lead teacher in room 5 here at El Hogar Del Nino. I was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago. I am the mother of four grown children. I have 10 grandchildren.

In 1997, I received an Associate in applied Science degree in the area of Child Development from Malcolm X College. I worked for the Chicago Public School for 10 years and I worked for various private childcare centers for 10 years. I further my studies at Roosevelt University where I completed my Bachelor's in General Studies and I have a Master’s in early childhood education.

I have been an educator for over 17 yrs. I would like to continue my studies in the doctorate program in education. I love to sing, dance and I am an artist. I'm happy to have your child in my classroom and I'm looking forward to working with you.

Teacher Biography

Hello! My name is Luis Bonilla and I am originally from the Chicago suburb of Addison, Illinois. My career in education began in 2012 when I taught English in South Korea, and I have been teaching every year since. I have been a part of the El Hogar del Niño family since 2017, and I love coming in everyday to work and interact with our young students. I received my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University in June 2018 and am passionate about child development. I am very excited to continue to discover, learn, and share positive learning experiences with your child this year. 

Fun facts 

Favorite color: Green 

Favorite food: Pepperoni pizza 

Favorite children's book: The Wolf's Chicken Stew by Keiko Kasza 

Favorite part of the day: Conversing during lunch time 

Teacher Biography

Hello, my name is Maria de Jesús Moreno. I have been with El Hogar del Niño since March 2019.  I graduated from St. Augustine College in 2012 with an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Trade from I.P.N. I have twenty years of experience working with children of different ages. I am very happy to be part of the teaching team at El Hogar del Niño, and I look forward to supporting the children and their families.

Teacher Biography

My name is Maria De Santiago and I been working for two years at El Hogar Del Nino as a Head Teacher for the toddlers and twos. I have worked in the field of child development for three years. I received my Associates Applied in Sciences with a focus in Early Childhood in 2017. I am currently working on my bachelor's degree in National Louis University.

I enjoy working with children and their families. I believe that I am understanding, positive and encouraging teacher who only wants the best for their families. I like to always be creative in my classroom and encourage the children while them learn. I understand children’s social emotional, physical and intellectual development. I bring positive and caring energy to my classroom along with my years of experience.

I look forward to work with your family and children in T-D as well excited to build long lasting relationship and make positive memories this class of 2019-2020.

Teacher Biography

Hello! My name is María Delia García and I am a preschool teacher assistant at El Hogar del Niño. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to working for El Hogar del Niño I worked as an Early Childhood Teacher in Little Village for over 15 years. 

For the past 15 years, I have held a passion for education and promoted culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. As a dual-language educator I promote and foster culturally responsive methods that welcome all students, family and community into my classroom.  In addition, in my past experiences, I have seen students grow academically, become critical thinkers and experienced collaboration through play.

By developing these social skills early at their age, these students have developed social and emotional skills that have helped them show tolerance and respect diversity. At last, everyday I thrive to educate future generations by creating classroom environments that are safe and encourage them to become active life-long learners.

Teacher Biography

Teacher Biography

Greetings! My name is Marisol Pacheco, I was born and, raised here in Chicago and lived in the area of Pilsen for over 20 years. I obtained my Associates on Early Childhood Education at St. Augustine College and, have been teaching for over 4 years. I discover my passion for teaching at an early age while volunteering at my neighborhood library. Some of my favorite hobbies are hiking and camping; I love adventuring into nature. I love spending time with my two kids Eva and Armando being a mother is an important role in my life. I look forward to meeting all of my students this year.

Teacher Biography

Hi! My name is Mercedes Valladares, I am Teacher Assistant in the Toddlers and Two’s program. I have an Associates in Arts for Business and Economics in 2019. I recently received another Associates in Applied Science for Early Childhood Education in May of 2020. I am bilingual and fluent in Spanish and English. I chose to become an Early Childhood Educator because it is my passion and I love seeing the difference I can make in the life of a child.

Nothing can outshine the innocent smile of a child who has just discovered “I can do this!” I think anyone who goes into early childhood education has an empathy feeling towards the children. You can feel what the child feels when they accomplish and when they fail. It is rooting for them when they are so close to the finish line, dusting them off when they fall, listening when they talk, and realizing exploration of the world through their eyes is its own reward. I am looking forward to working with the children and families.

Teacher Biography

Hello, my name is Mirian Murillo I am a teacher assistant in the preschool program at El Hogar Del Niño. I am currently in college working towards my Associates in early childhood development and once I am done with my Associates, I will continue in school to do my bachelor’s to become the lead teacher. I am currently attending Morton college. I am a mother of one little girl, she is 3 years old. I love to play volleyball and softball on my free time. I love doing a lot of art and crafts with the children. I have been teaching for 6 years now. I started working with children back in 2016 at a daycare center and since then I haven’t been wanting to work anywhere else besides with children, I just loved it and love teaching. Working with kids is something I love to do and will continue to do because it’s my passion to see how happy they get by learning new thing and doing fun activities. I haven’t been in El Hogar Del Niño long but so far, I love it and I can’t wait to grow and learn more by working here.

Teacher Biography

My name is Norma Sandoval. I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico. I am happily married and I have three children one girl and two boys. My daughter is ninething years, my oldest son is fifteen year old and my youngest son has four year old. They are my motivation to keep going. My parents always taught me that the most important thing in life is; family, education, honesty and above all values and  everything in life can be achieved with sacrifice, dedication and effort. I am so excited to be your child’s teacher! I graduated from the St. Augustine University, where I obtained my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. In the future, I hope to obtain my Bachelors of Arts in the same field, Early Childhood Education. I have nine years of experience working with children. I believe that early learning is critical for young children. The teacher’s job is not just pure instruction, but rather nurturing the children interests while guiding them through a structured curriculum. I love the curiosity and desire to learn that children display at this age.

Teacher Biography

Hello everyone, my name is Nuyem Velázquez.  I was born in Michoacán, Mexico and Spanish is my first language. I graduated in 2015 from St Augustine College getting my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I consider myself an outgoing person, willing to start new challenges, and with many goals along the way. One of my goals is to continue with my studies to receive my bachelor’s degree.  I started at El Hogar del Niño doing my practicum for school and in November2015 they offered me a position of Teacher Aide in the toddler classroom.  In March 2016, El Hogar promoted me to a new position as Teacher Assistant in room 4. In October 2016, I started working as the lead teacher in Room TA. It is a pleasure to work in a place like El Hogar del Niño full of friendly people. Thank you for accepting me and letting me be part of the education and early life of your children.

Teacher Biography

Hello everyone! My name is Rocio Rodriguez, and I am excited to introduce myself and start working in the classroom. I have about 12 years of experience working with children of various ages, but my ultimate goal has been working with preschool. Before I started teaching, I volunteered at schools in after-school programs and places around my community, helping children with their homework or other activities. I knew I wanted to be a teacher and help children grow, learn, and develop new skills at a young age. I graduated from St. Augustine College with an Associates in Early Childhood Education with E.C.E credentials. At the moment, I am enrolled at National Louis University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and earning a PEL as well as an additional teaching endorsement in ESL/Bilingual Education. I plan to create a safe and warm environment for each child that enters my classroom and for them to seek comfort and trust in me as their teacher. I hope to gain wonderful experiences and help enrich children's lives and learning. I look forward to inspire my children to want to learn more about themselves and the world around them.  

Teacher Biography

My name is Rosalinda Nava de Espinosa I was born in Puebla, México. In Puebla City I completed my education and graduated as an elementary school teacher and worked for rural schools for ten years.

I am married and have three daughters one grandson and one granddaughter. In the year 2002 I earned an Associate Degree in Early Child Education from St. Augustine College. In the year 2013 I obtained my bachelor degree in Early Child Education from Kendall College.

I believe play is the highest level of child development, when the child plays the child expands their imagination, socialization, language and fine & gross motor skills.  I feel proud to be your child’s teacher and day by day I strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment where your child can grow and learn.

I have the pleasure of working for El Hogar del Niño since June of 2003 and my long term goal is to continue working for children and families.

Teacher Biography

Teacher Bio

My name is Ruby. I graduated with a Bachelors in Human Development and learning with a minor in Psychology. I am also a certified personal trainer. I love to workout and would one day want to open up an all women’s gym. I enjoy being part of El Hogar and working with a variety of children. Everyday is always a learning experience for me. Also it makes me feel proud that I can work along side an organization that serves the community in which I have lived all my life!

Teacher Biography

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name Mrs Samar, I am the teacher's assistant in your kids' class. I am working on my degree for teaching, I will be graduating in May. It is my pleasure that I will become a member of this big family, El Hogar Del Nino. 

 I am excited to join the team to support your kids and put in all what I've learned and practiced and become active in the classroom. It’s going to be a fun year full of excitement. I am getting to spend my first week getting familiar with the daily routine of the class, as well as getting to know your child. All of the students have their own unique gifts and talents and I have some ideas that I hope to bring into the classroom. It is my hope that students benefit from this experience as much as I will. 

I am a parent of three children. I learned a lot raising them, now it is my pleasure to teach your children and watch them grow and advance in knowledge and growth. This is a brief introduction letter about me, I hope you feel comfortable with my role in the classroom, looking forward to meeting with each one of you if you have any questions or concerns

Teacher Biography

My name is Sandra Cardoso, I was born in Mexico City. I came to Chicago at the age of 13. I have four children and they are my greatest motivation. I have been working with children for the past 7 years. I started working at El Hogar Del Niño with preschoolers as a classroom supporter and now with an opportunity to work with toddlers and twos as a Teacher Assistant. I have a passion for painting and drawing. I am currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I believe that every child is unique, special and capable of succeeding. I am excited to work with children and their families. “Working together, we can make a difference in a child’s life.”

Teacher Biography

Hello my name is Yessica Quezada. I have worked in the toddler program for 13 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I began my journey in early childhood education in 2005 and since then I have obtained my A.A.  My goal is to further my education and graduate with my B.A in early childhood education, which is something that I am very passionate about. My philosophy as a teacher is to treat each child as an individual and teach them according to their own needs. It is my responsibility to create a safe learning environment in which children can develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally.