Preschool Staff

  • Julia Parkin

    Director

    Since moving to Chicago in 2009 to complete my master's degree in education at Northwestern, I have taught in a variety of elementary and middle schools in the area. I was lucky to join the Junior Kindergarten team at ATB&B in 2013 and was honored to transition to the position of the school's 4th director in July of 2021.

    I strongly believe that creating a solid foundation for life-long learning starts young, and I strive to be a compassionate guide for both students and their families as they start their school journeys. ATB&B's play-based curriculum offers many opportunities to create engaging learning experiences for our students, and I love being able to witness their moments of discovery.

  • Eleanor Bick

    Daisies and Sunflowers

    I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to work at ATB&B in the 2’s room with Margo. Getting to know these beautiful little humans is pure joy.

    Before coming to ATB&B, I previously worked at a Montessori school in Evanston where my 3 children, Caroline, Margaret, and Jimmy, all began their journeys.

  • Margo Browne

    Daisies and Sunflowers

    I have been teaching at ATB&B in the Daisies and Sunflowers room since 2008. Prior to that, I was a full-time elementary school teacher before my two children were born. I live in Wilmette with my husband, Vince, whom I met as an undergraduate at DePauw University. I then attended the Erikson Institute for my master's degree in education.

    I love teaching twos because everything is new. It's their first time in school and there is so much to learn! I also like working with the parents and getting to know the whole family so my students know I really care about their world.

  • Justine Cody

    Sparrows

    I began teaching at ATB&B in the Fall of 2021 to return to my passion of teaching that I've had since college. I received my BA in History, French, and Education from Fairfield University and my JD from St John’s University School of Law. I taught and practiced law before my three children were born and then shifted to stay home and raise my family. We live in Winnetka where I have volunteered in our schools, village, and larger North Shore community. I began substitute teaching a few years ago once my children were older! Now that my two daughters are in college and my son is in high school, I decided it was time to go back to my love of teaching.

    ATB&B is the warmest, most nurturing environment and I am honored to be working here. Each day is an adventure and I am so proud to be part of the beginning of your child’s learning and discovery journey.

  • Ania Czubin

    Butterflies and Dragonflies

    I have always had a passion for working with children. Throughout my life here, I have dedicated most of my time to taking care of life's most important gift - children! While I was born and educated in Poland, my dream of teaching in the USA became a reality when I began working at ATB&B. I feel blessed to teach alongside a wonderful staff and to have the opportunity to watch children grow and flourish. Caring, nurturing, and guiding children has been such a privilege!

  • Jennifer Ellerman

    Butterflies and Dragonflies

    Since 2009, I have been blessed to mix my work with pleasure while teaching at All Things Bright and Beautiful. I have lived in Kenilworth for the past 20 years, raising my three children, Phillip, William, and Caroline. I love my job, and am in sheer amazement every time I see the mind of a young child with a new idea. It is so fulfilling! I started out in the two’s classroom but have moved to the three’s and adore the age because they are at the stage where social interaction is key and independence is emerging. Plus they are all about fun!

  • Susanne Hardy

    Sparrows

    I love teaching and took a break to raise my four children and was thrilled to teach again when I began at ATBB in 2015. I received my undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Dayton and graduate degree In Education from Northeastern Illinois University.

    It brings me so much joy to watch each child learn, adapt and grow as the year progresses. It’s amazing to watch the transformation. The foundation for learning begins in these formative years and it’s a gift to be able to be a part of this special time in the lives of our children at ATBB.

  • Jennifer McCarty

    Butterflies and Dragonflies

    I joined ATB&B in the fall of 2008. The timing was perfect as my 2 boys, now grown, had become more independent. I moved to teaching the 3-year-olds after teaching the 2-year-old class for 2 years. I have a BS in Education and love teaching, especially teaching at ATB&B! It's a joy to see a child's eyes light up when they try something new. I love that I am helping to influence the learning of these sweet little ones!

  • Gwen Oelerich

    Junior Kindergarten

    Before joining the ATB&B family, I taught 2nd grade and Kindergarten. I have enjoyed teaching many ages, starting with the two-year-old classes in 2001 and joining the JK team in 2020. I've also loved developing JK Enrichment programs over the last ten years. I have a BA in History from Smith College, and an MA in Education from National-Louis University. My passions are working with children, music, dance, and going to the theater. I have three children, and all of them loved ATB&B Preschool when they were little! I also have two golden retrievers, who think they are humans.

  • Kari Wendt

    Junior Kindergarten

    This is my 14th year teaching at All Things Bright and Beautiful. I previously taught in the two’s room and am now excited to join the JK team! I attended University of Colorado, where I studied Child Psychology. After college, I came back to Illinois to get my Master of Education at National-Louis University. When I am not at ATBB, I'm in the car driving my three incredible kids around! All three of my children attended ATBB so we have fond memories of this wonderful school. I am happy to be back for another great year!