Aimee Schneider taught at Gurnee Park District for twelve years before becoming the preschool coordinator in 2019. She has an associate’s degree in early childhood education. Her favorite part of her position is watching how much children love to learn new things and how proud they are of their accomplishments. She is passionate about making preschool a positive experience for children and parents.

Jackie Beinlich has a Bachelor’s Degree and is in her 24th year teaching at Gurnee Park District. As a teacher, she feels it is most inspiring to see the excitement of the children learning and achieving new things. Her goal for each child is to learn something new every day, and to work with parents to encourage a love for learning!

Denise Carter has been teaching for the past 24 years in a variety of classrooms ranging from preschool – 7th grade. Her love for the little ones brought her to Gurnee park District 18 years ago to the CARE/Camp programs and subbing in the preschool classrooms. She’s loved every minute of it and is excited for this new year!

This is Emalie Dalbke’s 1st school year teaching at the Gurnee Park District.  Emalie graduated from the University of Notre Dame where she majored in Psychology. Following graduation, Emalie was a Teach for America Corps Member where she taught preschool in Chicago for 2 years. Emalie lives with her husband and 2 kids, ages 2 and 6 years old, in Gurnee.

Tricia Filippone joins Growing Tree Preschool with more than 10 years of preschool teaching experience. She looks forward to doing what she loves to do every day which is enriching a child’s life forever! Tricia is married and has two boys who love to play basketball. A fun fact about Tricia is that she grew up on a farm.

This is Megan Gould’s 7th year teaching at Gurnee Park District. Megan brings previous preschool teaching experience, prior to raising her children. She has lived in Gurnee for almost 20 years and her youngest children attended preschool at Gurnee Park District. Megan loves seeing the light in children’s eyes as they learn and grow!

This is Beth Hagan’s 10th year teaching in a specific classroom at Growing Tree Preschool. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and has been home with her children in recent years. Beth looks forward to seeing the children as they grow throughout the year, and how they progress in their social and educational knowledge and skills. She loves seeing children’s interactions with books and their interest in the stories being told. Beth still reads to her children who once attended Growing Tree Preschool.

This is Jessica’s first year at Growing Tree Preschool, but she is no stranger to the Gurnee Park District. Jessica has worked with children ranging from infants to middle schoolers at the Park District for over 8 years. She is excited to be here at Growing Tree Preschool and looking forward to meeting all your children.

This is Australia Hill’s first school year teaching at the Gurnee Park District. Australia graduated from the College of Lake County. Prior to joining Gurnee Park District, she worked with SEDOL, supporting diverse learning needs for 5 years. Australia has two children, ages 11 and 7. 

Kim Kruse is excited to continue her teaching career at Growing Tree Preschool. She earned a Master’s degree in Art Education and has both teaching and subbing experience in multiple grades. Kim has 3 boys who attended Growing Tree Preschool and has lived in Gurnee with her husband and sons for 10 years. She enjoys scrapbooking in her free time.

This is Joni Mendell’s 3rd year of teaching at Growing Tree Preschool and the CARE program. Joni brings with her ten years of preschool and child development experience. Teaching is Joni’s true passion in life and she experiences a great sense of purpose when helping children learn. Nothing makes Joni smile or laugh as much as her students do each day! Joni has lived in Gurnee for most of her life, and attended school in the local districts.

Sheila Murphy begins her 15th year as a Growing Tree Preschool teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree. She has been a resident of Gurnee for almost 20 years. Her favorite thing about teaching preschool is watching the children grow socially and emotionally and guiding them to become confident and independent.

This will be Robin Pfenning’s 20th year teaching at Growing Tree Preschool/Gurnee Park District. Robin has over 10 years of child care experience, and an Associates Degree. Her favorite thing about teaching preschool is interacting with the children. She loves their honesty and their interesting thoughts and ideas. Robin is most passionate about promoting confidence and developing social skills in the children. Most begin preschool apprehensive about leaving their parents and making new friends and progress to where they are totally comfortable and ready socially and academically to enter the next phase of their education.

Lisa Prims has taught preschool at Gurnee Park District for 12 years and holds a bachelor and master’s degree. Her favorite thing about teaching preschool is being given the opportunity to watch each child grow socially and academically as the year progresses. She enjoys working closely as a team to make each year fun and successful for each student. She is passionate about early childhood education because she is setting the foundation for future learning.

Stacy Wachter has been a Growing Tree Preschool teacher for 15 years. Her favorite thing about teaching preschool is getting to know all of the children and their families, and learning how to serve their individual needs. Stacy is passionate about helping children see and learn about the world around them, helping them gain self-esteem and celebrating little victories along the way. Stacy attended the College of Lake County.