WCNS - Key Persons


Becca Toton

Job Titles:
  • Head Room Parent

Becky Wall

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, Ready to Play, Junior, & Kindergarten Enrichment Lead Teacher
With an Undergraduate and Masters degree in both Elementary and Special education, Becky brings over 17 years of experience and excitement to WCNS.

Cindy Ulrich

Job Titles:
  • Teaching Assistant and Music Coordinator Specialist
Cindy has an undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education. She brings to WCNS 25 years of experience in teaching young children. Cindy's background of special education inspired her to use music, movement, imagination to assist in connecting young minds with early language development which blends naturally with early childhood development. Cindy believes in a play based approach to early learning. Cindy trusts in a learning process that begins with curiosity leading to exploration which ultimately leads to discovery. Cindy is thrilled to be the on the Senior Team."Every single time that I walk through the doors at Wilmette Community Nursery School, I feel like I am home. The nurturing and warm environment allows WCNS to be a place of welcome and belonging."

Cristin Siegel

Job Titles:
  • Member of the EXECUTIVE BOARD
  • Registrar

Ellen Knight

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director & Senior Lead Teacher
Ellen began her journey at WCNS in 2002 with a BA in ECE and Psychology from National Louis University. During her time as a teacher she taught in the Parent/Tot, Junior, Senior and Kindergarten Enrichment programs. She also consulted to Special Gifts Theatre and implemented a comprehensive educational program, combining Individual Education Plan (IEP) and students' personal goals. Through these experiences she learned that each child is unique and education is an on-going process, which is enhanced when the child, teacher and family work together. Ellen is completing her M.Ed. in ECE Administration at National Louis University.Ellen is also the founder of Summer Stuff Day Camps in Evanston and Growth Spurts play space right here in Wilmette. Her children are alumni of WCNS where she also served on WCNS parent-led Executive Board.

Erin Lawler

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jackie Kanter

Job Titles:
  • Vice Chair of the EXECUTIVE BOARD

Katie McQuarrie

Job Titles:
  • Secretary

Lauren D'Auria

Job Titles:
  • Public Relations

Maggie Owens

Job Titles:
  • Junior Teacher

Pam Solomon Ready

Job Titles:
  • Play & Junior Lead Teacher
Pam is excited to be back in the classroom and brings over 7 years of teaching with her! She is a former 1st and 2nd grade teacher, with an Undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Reading and Learning Disabilities. She is also a mom of 3!

Ryan Kennedy - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer

Susan Flynn

Job Titles:
  • Senior Lead Teacher