Juana Bautista

My name is Ms. Bautista. I am happy to be joining the teaching staff here at the Naperville Park District, and excited to be working in our two-year-old program. I am a mother of four including a special needs child, and I am enrolled at the College of DuPage studying Early Childhood Education and Care. I am dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging classroom where children can thrive at their best potential.

Holly Bojrab

My name is Holly Bojrab and I have been working in education for over three decades.  I hold a Master of Education degree as well as a Master of Reading degree. With a passion for fostering a love of learning, I believe that students learn best when they feel welcomed, comfortable and safe. I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment by focusing on empowering every student to succeed academically and socially.

Marybeth Boyle

My name is Marybeth Boyle.  I live in Naperville and with my husband, Jack.  We have two grown children. I have attended Illinois Benedictine College, Moraine Valley Community College, and Governors State.   I have been teaching preschool at Naperville Park District since the fall of 2016.  Prior to being at the park district, I worked in District 204 as a reading improvement assistant for many years at Fry, Wheatland and Peterson Elementary implementing a grant program called KIT.

My teaching philosophy is based in creating an environment where children can be independent, have fun, socialize with their peers and navigate problem solving skills.  I support an atmosphere where each child can achieve their greatest potential at their own pace. I believe that in our preschool classroom each child’s potential is nurtured with hands-on experiences in a safe, fun and learn through play environment.

Erica Carlson

My name is Ms. Erica. I was born and raised in Michigan where I graduated with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. After teaching for nine years, I continued working in schools as a volunteer, eventually receiving a master’s degree in early childhood with a Special Education endorsement. I am looking forward to collaborating with you, providing a caring environment, and enriching a love of learning in your child.

Genna Caruso

Hello! My name is Genna Caruso, and I am so excited to be part of your child’s preschool experience! I received my bachelor’s degree in child & family psychology and my master’s degree in social work. I began my career as a therapist for children as young as three in an outpatient mental health setting. I experience the Naperville Park District preschool first as a parent of two children who graduated from the program and now as a teacher. It’s one I firmly believe in!

This is such an exciting time for your child and for you and I aim to be a supportive presence for your family during this time. My goal as your child’s teacher is to create a classroom environment that is warm and nurturing, allowing them to learn about themselves and the world around them in a safe and supportive way. I view myself as their guide while they are at school, giving them the freedom to express themselves, learn from mistakes, and build skills that will last them for their whole lives.

Lisa Geever

My name is Lisa Geever.  My husband and I were born and raised in Illinois and have happily lived in Naperville for over 28 years. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree.  I am new to the Naperville Park District but not a stranger when it comes to teaching students in our highly ranked community.  I was a well-respected substitute teacher in Naperville Community School District 203 for over 10 years, and I found a passion for assisting students with special needs and worked full-time in both Districts 203 and 204 for an additional 4 years.  Recently, I have been teaching preschoolers between the ages of two to four years old. 

Throughout my career in education, I have been truly grateful to find my calling and work with children of all ages in varying stages of development. My greatest gift as a teacher is celebrating the moment a child's struggle turns into a strength. The look on their faces is priceless. When we all work together to build strength in each other, the celebration is endless.

Kimberly Hristov

My name is Kimberly Hristov, the students call me Mrs. H. I am a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Education. I have taught ages 18-month-old children all the way to 8th grade.  Although most of my years teaching have been in kindergarten, I enjoy teaching children of all ages.  I am a married mother of three, a daughter and twin boys. 

My approach to teaching is to take each student as an individual and help them succeed starting where they are at by creating a supportive, safe, hands-on learning environment.  I try to foster a love of lifelong learning through encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Julie Hunnicutt

My name is Julie Hunnicutt. I have a passion for nurturing young minds and exploring in nature. I have been a teacher for over a decade and have been teaching preschool with the Naperville Park District for many years. My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education, and I have a master’s degree specializing in Reading.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, playing games, exploring restaurants, drinking coffee, and watching movies.

My philosophy is that each child is a unique individual with a great capacity to learn and that we can all learn from each other. I strive to provide an environment where the children feel welcomed and are excited to learn, discover, grow, and form new friendships. I believe that children learn best through play and out in nature.

Jeannie Lang

Hello, my name is Jeannie Lang. I have a degree in human services and two years of studies in the field of social work. I have been teaching preschool for over three decades. I have three grown children, and a dog named Yoshi. In my free time I like to play tennis and exercise.

I believe that each child is a unique individual. I hope that I provide an inclusive setting in my classroom that enables each child’s abilities, interest, needs, and learning styles to grow through meaningful play.

Meg Linchester

Hello, I am Miss Meg. I have a passion for early childhood education, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to spend my days nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. I’ve been teaching preschool for over three decades and with the Naperville Park District every day feels like a brand-new adventure.  My educational background includes an associate’s degree in early childhood education, where I developed a deep understanding of child development theories and innovative teaching practices tailored specifically for our littlest learners. In our classroom, every child is celebrated as a unique and valued member of our preschool family. I believe in creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment where children can explore, create, and grow at their own pace.

Rose Melby

My name is Rose Melby. I have been teaching preschool at the Naperville Park District for over a decade.  Throughout my time here I have taught every age group including various specialty classes.  In the most recent years, I have primarily taught Pre-K.  I really enjoy working with children of all ages but most especially the 4’s and 5’s as I love to watch their curiosity at work while they explore new ideas and concepts. I am so excited to be a partner in their educational journey.

I live in Naperville with my husband and have three grown daughters. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and being a part of your child’s first school experience.

Sandy Pesce

My name is Sandy Pesce, and I have the pleasure of teaching at Knoch Knolls Nature Center. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University, and I have been teaching preschool for well over a decade. In addition to my teaching experience, I have also worked with children who have speech and language disorders and learning disabilities. I live with my wonderful husband, our two children and two American Cocker Spaniels. During my spare time, I enjoy gardening, biking, hiking, reading, baking, and spending time with my family and friends.

I believe that every child is unique and special, and they have a natural impulse to explore the world around them. I feel that when children engage in play they are learning, exploring new ideas, and making sense of their environment. My goal as a teacher is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment in which children can flourish and grow emotionally, socially, and academically while incorporating an appreciation for nature. I enjoy collaborating with my co-teacher in creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is overflowing and learning and exploring become a lifelong passion.

Caryn Phelan

My name is Caryn Phelan. My husband and I are blessed with three children of our own, two sons and a daughter, and we have a dog named Ahsoka. I have worked for Naperville Park District on and off over the last 10 years as a Toadstools & Pollywogs teacher and an Early Childhood Teacher. This is my first year back at Knoch Knolls Nature Center after a brief break.

My background and degree are in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before coming to NPD, I was a zookeeper at Brookfield Zoo in the Children's Zoo/ HFPZ. During my time there, I realized how much I enjoy sharing my love for nature with children. The Knoch Knolls Nature Center program offers me a unique opportunity to help children explore and learn while having fun. I find it very rewarding to play a role in a child's social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

I am so excited to get to know your children. It's going to be a great year.

Gloria Rodriguez

My name is Gloria Rodriguez, and I’m so excited to be working with your little ones in the two-year-old program at the Park District. My background is in early childhood education and STEM, and I love creating fun, safe, and hands-on experiences where kids can explore and grow. Outside of class, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two daughters, and our dogs. As a family, we love grilling, exploring the outdoors, visiting museums, and practicing taekwondo. I believe families grow best with love, creativity, and open communication, and I can’t wait to get to know you and your child.

Amy Swiatek

My name is Amy Swiatek, and I love teaching preschool in the Pre-K class!  My husband and I live in Naperville with our three wonderful children and our dog Roscoe.  I have years of experience teaching kids of all ages.  My oldest students were highschoolers, but most recently I worked at the DuPage Children's Museum facilitating Science and Math programs in area elementary schools.  I joined NPD in 2021, and I am so happy to be here. 

In our classroom, we use hands-on activities to give children lots of opportunities to explore new academic, fine motor, and social skills.  I especially love exposing children to new and exciting art mediums and science concepts.  Fostering a nurturing, fun, and enriching classroom environment where every child can succeed is my top priority. The excitement and joy on their faces always brightens my day!

Barb Vrchota

My name is Barb Vrchota. I have been lucky to work in environmental education field teaching children K through 8th grade for over two decades. I teach the Pre-K class in the Toadstools and Pollywogs preschool program at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center. It has been a wonderful experience.  I did not start as a teacher of nature. I have a degree in Communications and was a freelance writer. My love of nature and a desire to teach children sent me in another direction and I became certified in environmental interpretation and natural start. Natural start is a play-based philosophy letting children learn by exploration, experimentation and play. Every child needs to play as it supports their growth, confidence and well-being. Needless to say, nature is my jam. I hike, explore and bird watch. 

Jennifer Williams

Hi! My name is Jenny Williams. I teach the three-year-old classes at Knock Knolls. I am a graduate from Purdue University and hold a degree in Medical Technology. I have been working in education for a decade in the area.  I am a mom of three children, all now adults and either in college or in graduate school. I live in Naperville with my husband and cat. I love to read, craft, go for hikes and spend time with family and friends. I love working with young children, most of whom are experiencing school for the first time. I am honored to be able to have the opportunity to help them foster a love of learning. 

Amy Wolski

Hi! My name is Amy Wolski and I'm excited to play, create, and learn with your kids! With over 10 years of experience teaching music to students in Preschool through 8th Grade, I value all levels and abilities that every child brings to the classroom. I love to sing, go on long walks, and spend time with my 3rd grade daughter.