IVY ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- CCAP Specialist
- Member of Our Admissions Team
Ms. Flores-Romo is a strong member of our Admissions Team, specializing in formality and CCAP assistance programs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Assistant Teacher - Pre IV - I
Alejandro was born in Morelos, Mexico; he came to the united stated at the age of 13 years old. Alejandro currently lives in West Dundee and is a husband and father to a beautiful daughter. Alejandro worked with our Summer Camp program in 2016, where he gained his passion for being a role model, although his experience working with children started when he was younger caring for family members.
Alejandro rejoined our school in the spring of 2023, to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. Surrounding himself with mentors, he is assured he will be successful in this endeavor. "One of the reasons I came to The Ivy Academy is because I enjoy working with children. Making projects, doing different activities, teaching them the basics and preparing them for when they start Elementary School. I know my work will make an impact on the children of tomorrow." Mr. Hernandez has proven himself to be the leader we knew him to be, within the short time with our team, he earned his CDA, enrolled in college (on going) and is a valued member of the accreditation team for NAC as well as Excelerate
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Member of the Management Team
- President
- Founder & President / LinkedIn
Ms. Hitchinson is passionate about children's well-being, having dedicated her entire professional career to childcare and early learning. This mom and entrepreneur is known as both a motivator and a problem solver because she takes a no-nonsense, direct approach with parents, employees, industry peers, and government agencies - she's always focused on the best interests of the children and families she serves.
Ms. Hitchinson forges community links and collaborations with groups for families and children and co-authored "Parent's Rights for Disabled Children" for the Illinois State Board of Education. Amy earned many academic achievements, including Dean's List, Trustees Honors, Magna cum Laude, Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Humanistic Behaviors, and a Master's in Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Hitchinson is active with several community groups and organizations in Kane County, Illinois, is a founding member of the Illinois Daycare Owners Association, and a regular contributor to the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Acting Director of Ivy Academy, Elgin
April Slater has worked in early childhood education some 18 years, with three years spent climbing the ladder from assistant and volunteer to eventually become co-director and curriculum director at The Ivy Academy. This mother of two holds a food and sanitation license, as well as a Childhood Development Associate (CDA). She leads the CDA team, helping her teammates earn theirs as well.
April attended Rasmussen College and Ashford University.
Mrs. Choromanski has been an important member of our team since 2018, she brings joy to every task and a smile to all those around her. We benefit from her skills while working in the offices, filing and assisting with data entry, as well as her knowledge in the best environmental products to use to ensure our sites stay clean, sanitary without the toxins of most commercial cleaners. We are lucky to have someone as trustworthy and competent as Beata on our team.
Job Titles:
- Lead Teacher
- Member of the Management Team
Ms. Citalli has been an essential part of our team since 2019. She is currently attending college to obtain her Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree. Ms. Vargas earned her CDA (Child Development Associate) certificate in 2021. She is a loving, caring, creative, and enthusiastic person. In her spare time, she is learning sign language and enjoys sewing.All direct care staff are trained in CPR and First Aid.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Community Engagement Specialist
Daisy Nunez joined our programs, a bright and eager student assistant in 2023, Daisy has since graduated high school and has begun her academic path at Waubonsee Community College along with being on the pathway to earn her CDA (Child Development Associate). Daisy is loved not only by the children, but the parents as well. We are very lucky to have such a fine member of the younger community on our team!
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Member of the Management Team
In 2016, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education and Infants/Toddlers endorsements. In 2021, Ms. Galvan earned her Master's Degree in Leadership and Advocacy encompassing the Early Childhood Education field. As an individual who looks to learn more about how childcare centers and businesses operate, she is formulating a leadership role to support the growth of each and every teacher's professional career. As research changes, Ms. Galvan continues to learn more and develop teaching techniques she is able to share with teachers to help serve the children within our doors and in the community.
Ms. Galvan is a proud mother of three children and continues to focus on her ability to foster children and give more children a forever home.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Member of the Management Team
Ms. Gonzalez moved to Elgin from Colorado in 2016. She graduated from Rangeview High School in 2013. She was, first, part of The Ivy Academy as a parent as of early 2019, and started working with us in 2021 as our Administrative Assistant. Ms. Gonzalez has two lovely daughters that she raising on her own. In her spare time, she is making beautiful memories with her daughters, and enjoys cooking, baking, music and making different types of crafts.
Mrs. Valdez is so delightful, she arrives daily with her heart of gold. We are very proud to say within less than one year she was able to achieve her Teaching Certificate CDA (Child Development Associate), a sign she incredibly dedicated to our field.
Mrs. Valdez is very engaging with her students, ensuring each day brings new beginnings.
Job Titles:
- Lead Teacher - Pre VI - I
Ms. Flores joined our team in Geneva in 2023, coming from a previous school with her CDA (Child Development Associates) and some college course in hand. Since being a part of our team, she has continued to grow her talent and passion for Early Childhood Education. Ms. Flores has proven to be a leader and mentor to the rest of the team, her smile warms the hearts of her students and their family.
Job Titles:
- Area Director
- Member of the Management Team
Mrs. Rogers came to The Ivy Academy in 2012 as a well seasoned teacher, after spending several years within the field. Mrs. Rogers graduated in 2019 from Elgin Community College with an Associate in Early Childhood Education having the passion deep within to advance her academia, she is enrolled at National Lewis University in efforts to complete the Bachelors' Program.
Mrs. Rogers is the Gateways for Opportunity In Service Specialist for our agency as well as one of the two lead staff members who are Certified CPR/First Aid Instructors. Her professional experience spans from 2011 to which she started as a classroom teacher with such time and dedication has climb the ladder to become the Area Director for The Ivy Academy and Co-Director for The Ivy Academy of Early Learning, II.
Mr. Halters has achieved his CDA (Child Development Associate) certificate, and has become a Lead Trainer for incoming staff. Mr. Halters is a dedicated family man, enjoys country music the Stealers, and plays sports in his spare time.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Treasurer
Job Titles:
- Chief Administrative Officer
- Member of the Management Team
This Elgin High School graduate and mom of four is continuing her education at Elgin Community College, where she's working toward earning an Associate's in Accounting, with plans to follow that with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and Accounting. Mrs. Flores plays an essential role in the smooth transition of services, informational communication, and the functioning of all the sites. She is entrusted with the day-to-day Operations and the intrigue working of with all systems of services and care for our families and staff.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Center Director of Ivy Academy, Geneva
- Center Director of Ivy Academy, Geneva / Quality
- Director of Our Geneva Location
Ms. Cortez has been part of our Early Childhood team since 2016, she started working at The Ivy Academy in Elgin as a Teacher's Assistant later earning her CDA (Child Development Associate Certificate) and continued her education at Elgin Community College earning her Associates of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Throughout this time, she led parent workshops, staff workshops, staff training, and community outreach, collaborated with teachers, administration and staff, parents, and specialists.
Ms. Cortez is the current Center Director of our Geneva Location, she is part of our NAC team, and in less than one year of being on site, she has earned National Accreditation for our Geneva Center.
Ms. Cortez has earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from ECC
Mrs. Garrison joined our team in August 2020 as the Infant classroom assistant, over her time, her commitment to Early Childhood developed.
Mrs. Garrison earned her CDA (Child Development Associates) and in the future she plans on enrolling in college to further her Early Childhood Education. When Mrs. Garrison was asked why she choose to work in the Early Childcare field, her response was simply, "I really enjoy working with children and watching them grow". We love having Mrs. Garrison as part of our team!
Mrs. Monte was born and raised in India, where she earned her bachelor's degree and finished nursery teacher's training in India. For six years, Mrs. Monte taught Third, Fifth, and Sixth Grades at St. Aloysius school and she also taught at a catholic high school.
Mrs. Monte immigrated to America in 2005 with her husband and son. After working at Bright-Star Academy with Pre-Kindergarten and school-age children for four years, she joined the teaching staff at the Ivy Academy, where she teaches the PRE-IV Classroom. Mrs. Monte strongly believes that children learn through play, so she teaches her little ones through play, stories, dance, and yoga. Mrs. Monte is CPR and First Aid Certified and is continuing her studies in childhood education at Elgin Community College to keep up with the changes in regulations and to enhance her teaching skills.
Mrs. Monte is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to early education and family relationships. We value her dedication to our team and owe much of our success to having her on staff.
Ms. Isabel felt a calling to be with the children of our community, as one of our community members for several years, she watch our Elgin Location bloom and grow, she made the choice to join our team, in 2022. Ms. Isabel has enjoyed working with the infants and so much so, she made it her determination to earn her CDA (Child Development Associate) in early 2023 to be Teacher qualified by the summer of 2023, to quote Ms. Isabel "I enjoy working with children and enjoy seeing the milestones they achieve as they are growing up. Since the time I've been working for The Ivy Academy, I believe it is very important to know and prepare yourself as a teacher to help each individual child as each one is different."
Ms. Olguin joined our team in the fall of 2024, she brings energy and joy to the team. We are excited to support Ms. Olguin in her educational goals of becoming Teacher Qualified this spring, and furthering her goals of one day earning her Bachelor Degree.
Job Titles:
- Associate Executive Director
- Member of the Management Team
Lorena has been an essential part of the team at The Ivy Academy since 2014. She started as a teacher's assistant and climbed her way through the ranks while attending Elgin Community College and raising her daughter.
She is a graduate of Elgin High School and earned certification as a Dental Assistant from Elgin Community College in 2013, she'll soon add her Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education, which she plans to follow with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Ms. Camacho started with The Ivy Academy in 2015 as a Teacher Assistant. She was instrumental in leading the path to the success of retention and mentoring numerous staff and young parents. Ms. Camacho created opportunities to create resources for young parents and present as a role model for success.
This wife and mom of three has taught here since 2015 and continues to study at Elgin Community College. She has earned her Child Development Associate (CDR). As a Bilingual individual, she is able to assist to our diverse families.
Ms. Villa has earned her Child Development Associates certification and is excited about continuing her education completing the courses. Ms. Villa engages with the children in her classroom through stories, fun activities, and hands-on learning. Ms. Villa enjoys being a part of the way children learn. Ms. Villa is considered one of our top leaders, she continues to be an excellent leader for incoming staff.
Mrs. Petrella graduated from Elmhurst College with a BA with honors in education. She continued her education and graduated with a Master's Degree in Education. Mrs. Petrella has accomplished many things while teaching. Not only has she taught in many different capacities such as the 3rd-grade teacher in District 41, Glen Ellen, and teaching Kindergarten for summer school, but she has helped pilot the D'Nealian Handwriting Program as well as Precision Teaching (now 3-minute times tests) within the state of Illinois.Mrs. Petrella has lived in Geneva for thirty-one years with her husband. Ms. Petrella would also like you to know she has two sons and one grandson. She enjoys decorating cakes, puzzles, sewing, and many other types of crafts.All direct care staff are trained in CPR and First Aid.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Teacher - Pre IV - II
Mrs. Vargas enjoys working with children, devoting specialized care for those students with specialized needs, working hand in hand with developmental therapist, parents, and co-workers to develop plans vest suited to the child.
What can be said about Sandra Garica-Lara? Ms. Garcia Lara came to our school as a high school student, she volunteered until she graduated from Elgin High Schoool, then went onto explore every opportunity available within the organization. Fast forward several years, Mrs. Garcia-Lara is now our site director of North End Youth Center, we she overseas the daily operations of before/afterschool and camp programs. Mrs. Garcia-Lara is also continuing her education at Elgin Community College.
Since 2014, Sandra has nurtured infants and toddlers at The Ivy Academy. This wife and mom of two earned her Child Development Associate and is CPR and First Aid Certified. She is a big part of the CDA Team, helping other teachers advance their educational goals while keeping up her required "in service" training.