Hi, my name is Lisa Kampwirth and I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 30 years and feel like I have found my home at Total Child. I love being a part of this wonderful community of parents, children, and educators at Total Child who believe in play-based education that supports and loves the total child. I have a master’s degree in early childhood education and development from the Erikson Institute. I am a proud mother of two children, one who is going to college in Switzerland and one who lives and works in Los Angeles, both wonderful locations for our vacations! I live with my dog Shadow and my husband Mark in Wilmette. I love to swim, take walks in the neighborhood, and make art.
Jessica de l’Annee
Family Coordinator
Hello! My name is Jessica de l’Annee, and I love working at Total
Child because it is a magical place where children are at the center of
all we do! I love that play-based education is highly valued here, and
the families and staff are part of a supportive community. I have been
at Total Child since 2013 and have taught 3s, 4s, and kindergarten. I
have been in the field of education for over 20 years, and I have
experience as a middle school teacher, as an applied behavioral
analysis therapist for children with autism, and as a nanny. I have a
BA in elementary education from Elmhurst College and an
endorsement in early childhood education from National Louis
University. My husband Maurice and I have a cat named Liefje and a chinchilla named Munchkin. I love to read, travel, bike, hike, and play board games.
Maddie Prokop
Teacher, Room 23 (2’s) - “The Discoverers”
Hi! My name is Maddie Prokop and I am so excited to continue my
teaching journey as the two-year-old teacher at Total Child! I have
been an early childhood educator for six years after receiving my
bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of
Illinois. I have had a passion for play-based teaching ever since I
began volunteering in a Reggio-Emilia inspired classroom over 10
years ago! In my free time, I love spending time outside at the lake,
reading, playing tennis, and playing with my dog Charlie!
Jenna Stern
Assistant Teacher, Room 23 (2’s) - “The Discoverers”
Howdy! I'm Jenna Stern. I am excited to join this wonderful team, and learn about what Total Child has to offer! I studied Political Science at Lake Forest College. I have spent my teenage years and early adulthood working with children. During my college years, I waited tables and walked dogs. I live with my roommates and two cats in Evanston. I am originally from Connecticut. I have a passion for the arts and I like to skateboard.
Philip Crawford
Assistant Teacher, Room 23 (2’s) - “The Discoverers”
Hello, my name is Philip Crawford, and I love being part of the
welcoming group of parents, children, and educators at Total Child.
I believe that all children learn differently and the opportunity to help
children grow in their own individual way through play-based
learning is what really inspired me to come to Total Child. I have
been working with children for over five years now, from babysitting
to T-ball coaching, to helping with youth choir, to teaching at a
preschool. I got my undergraduate degree in theatre, and I love all
of the arts. I’m originally from Nebraska, but now I live in
Andersonville. I love animals and have a big fluffy cat named Tobie.
Marina Martin
Teacher, Room 22 (3’s) - “The Explorers”
Hello! My name is Mari. I love working with children and families at
Total Child. Allowing children to learn through their play is so
important and I’m glad to have found a school that values it as
much as I do. I have been working in preschools since 2017 after I
earned my master’s degree in early childhood education from
DePaul University. I have experience working in both Reggio and
Montessori environments. I also worked as the art instructor at my
first school, which was great as I also have my bachelor’s degree in
fine arts from Loyola. I enjoy bringing my love of art and creativity
to the classroom. I live in Roger’s Park and in my free time, I like to
draw and read. I’m also learning to play violin and enjoy practicing.
Miyoung Lee
Assistant Teacher, Room 22 (3’s) - “The Explorers”
Hello, everyone! I'm Miyoung Lee, and I am absolutely thrilled to be
part of the Total Child team where there is warmth, love, and
laughter. With 17 years of teaching experience, including 13
wonderful years in early childhood education, I've had the joy of
creating engaging, play-based curricula that spark a love for
learning. I have a B.A. in Creative Writing and another in Teaching
Korean as a Foreign Language. I now live in Morton Grove with my
husband and mother-in-law. Beyond teaching, I love exploring new
places, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. I
am also currently learning Japanese. I am so excited to bring my
love for children and education to Total Child.
Ian Jeanette
Assistant Teacher, Room 22 (3’s) - “The Explorers”
Hi there! My name is Ian Jeanette. I enjoy getting to know each family
we serve and encouraging each child to develop a lifelong love of
learning through play. I’m proud to bring with me experience in early
childhood education and childcare from my work at CDS Hope Head
Start, an early Head Start program from my hometown of Holland
Michigan. As a new resident of the Chicago area, I enjoy exploring my
surroundings by going on walks and spending time at the beach.
Afterward, I like to relax at home with my two cats and a good book or
art project.
Barbara Becker-Gold
Teacher, Room 25 (4’s) - “The Investigators”
Welcome, my name is Barbara Becker Gold. I love the community of families and educators at Total Child. We partner to support the whole child through play-based learning. I have worked in early childhood for twenty years and have a bachelor’s degree in literature and psychology from Loyola University. I have also taken several early childhood classes and trainings. I have three children, two of whom have also worked at Total Child. I love long walks, making jewelry, and reading detective novels.
Robin Feltman
Assistant Teacher, Room 25 (4’s) - “The Investigators”
Hi there! My name is Robin Feltman. I’m incredibly honored and excited
to be a part of the Total Child community; the focus on learning through
play allows for so much curiosity and possibility, for children and staff alike. I have been working with early childhood-aged children primarily as a full-time nanny for the past five years, using my bachelor’s degree in theatre arts to stimulate and encourage their creativity. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband and our two cats, sewing, singing, and taking walks along the lakeside.
Isabel Cieplinksi
Assistant Director and Teacher, Room 26 (4’s) - “The Adventurers”
Hi, my name is Isabel Cieplinski. I am originally from Columbia, South
America. I enjoy teaching the children Spanish during circle time. I
have been working in early childhood education for 32 years and
have been at Total Child for 21 years. The school is a wonderful
place, and I am very lucky to be able to share my passion for
teaching with all the great families and their children. I have a B.A. in
elementary school education from the University of El Volle in
Columbia. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching movies, and
boating in the summer. The water is my happy place!
Jailine Hernandez
Assistant Teacher, Room 26 (4’s) - “The Adventurers”
Hi, my name is Jailine Hernandez. I enjoy working at Total Child because I get to work with amazing teachers who inspire me. The children are the sweetest and I like that they get to learn through play-based and Reggio-inspired curriculum. I went to U.I.C. and graduated with a BFA in acting. After college, I worked at a few daycare centers and summer camps while I looked for auditions in the evenings. I soon realized how much I liked working with kids. I’m currently looking at options to go back to school to get my master's in education. I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I have four siblings and three nieces and nephews. My family means the world to me. On weekends I enjoy hanging out with my cat, Cleo, cooking with my mom, and performing around the city.
Elizabeth Roche
Teacher, Room 21 (Kindergarten) - "The Imagineers"
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Roche. I love that Total Child allows
children to develop a love of learning through play-based education
and that teachers and children learn together as they develop an
emergent curriculum. The wonderful and loving community of
parents, children, and fellow educators is truly special. I have been
an early childhood educator for over two joyful decades. I have a
Master's Degree from National Louis University. I love going to the
theater and listening to live music performances. I am an avid reader
of poetry and love to find new children’s literature to share with the
children. I can’t forget to mention that I am the human to two cats, Zinnia and Truman, about whom I tell the children many stories!
Kassidy Muller
Assistant Teacher, Room 21 (Kindergarten) - "The Imagineers"
Hello, my name is Kassidy Muller. I love being a part of the Total
Child team, encouraging children to explore their interests and
fostering passion and creativity that can last a lifetime. I have a
bachelor’s degree in psychology, focusing largely on child
psychology, and a studio art minor. I have been working with
children for almost 10 years, and I’m so happy to continue learning
and growing here at Total Child. I tutor math to children with
learning disabilities, and I love to paint, write, and dance. As the
eldest of 6 children, I spend a lot of time with my younger siblings.
Shannon Netemeyer
Floating Assistant Teacher
Hiya! My name is Shannon Netemeyer. I am thrilled to be a part of
this community of educators and families focused on fostering the
creativity and curiosity of the total child. I have a Bachelor’s of Music
and have enjoyed teaching the young minds of early childhood
everything musical for the past 4 years, from the basic fundamentals
of instruments to the history of famous composers! Originally from
the St. Louis area, I moved to Chicago to pursue my own music
making and thrive in a wonderful community of artists and
collaborators. I love to spend my free time learning new art mediums, reading in the park, and traveling to see my family and friends.
Aela Morris
Floating Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Aela Morris and I love working at Total Child! I am so
passionate about Reggio and play-based education. I have been
working with children for over ten years and this is my third year in
early childhood. In addition to teaching, I love writing and acting and
received my B.A. in English from Macalester College in Minnesota. I
am a proud native of Evanston. When I’m not at school, I’m probably
hanging out at the library, exploring the city with my friends, or belting
show tunes at the top of my lungs.
Cory Schantz
Floating Assistant Teacher
Hey, I’m Cory Schantz. I love exploring the outdoors with children and
Total Child provides great outdoor spaces and proximity to many
parks! I love that Total Child is a place where all of the staff members
truly enjoy children. I have worked with children of all ages for seven
years and in early childhood education for five, and I have a
Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics. Before moving to Chicago I worked at
a preschool in Albuquerque. I live with my girlfriend in Chicago. We
love exploring the many neighborhoods and trying new restaurants
and cuisines.
Limited spots are available in our 4 year old program. Please contact our Director, Lisa Kampwirth at director@totalchild.org or call 847-864-7100.
Meet Our Staff
Lisa Kampwirth
DirectorHi, my name is Lisa Kampwirth and I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 30 years and feel like I have found my home at Total Child. I love being a part of this wonderful community of parents, children, and educators at Total Child who believe in play-based education that supports and loves the total child. I have a master’s degree in early childhood education and development from the Erikson Institute. I am a proud mother of two children, one who is going to college in Switzerland and one who lives and works in Los Angeles, both wonderful locations for our vacations! I live with my dog Shadow and my husband Mark in Wilmette. I love to swim, take walks in the neighborhood, and make art.
Jessica de l’Annee
Family CoordinatorHello! My name is Jessica de l’Annee, and I love working at Total Child because it is a magical place where children are at the center of all we do! I love that play-based education is highly valued here, and the families and staff are part of a supportive community. I have been at Total Child since 2013 and have taught 3s, 4s, and kindergarten. I have been in the field of education for over 20 years, and I have experience as a middle school teacher, as an applied behavioral analysis therapist for children with autism, and as a nanny. I have a BA in elementary education from Elmhurst College and an endorsement in early childhood education from National Louis University. My husband Maurice and I have a cat named Liefje and a chinchilla named Munchkin. I love to read, travel, bike, hike, and play board games.
Maddie Prokop
Teacher, Room 23 (2’s) - “The Discoverers”Hi! My name is Maddie Prokop and I am so excited to continue my teaching journey as the two-year-old teacher at Total Child! I have been an early childhood educator for six years after receiving my bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Illinois. I have had a passion for play-based teaching ever since I began volunteering in a Reggio-Emilia inspired classroom over 10 years ago! In my free time, I love spending time outside at the lake, reading, playing tennis, and playing with my dog Charlie!
Jenna Stern
Assistant Teacher, Room 23 (2’s) - “The Discoverers”Howdy! I'm Jenna Stern. I am excited to join this wonderful team, and learn about what Total Child has to offer! I studied Political Science at Lake Forest College. I have spent my teenage years and early adulthood working with children. During my college years, I waited tables and walked dogs. I live with my roommates and two cats in Evanston. I am originally from Connecticut. I have a passion for the arts and I like to skateboard.
Philip Crawford
Assistant Teacher, Room 23 (2’s) - “The Discoverers”Hello, my name is Philip Crawford, and I love being part of the welcoming group of parents, children, and educators at Total Child. I believe that all children learn differently and the opportunity to help children grow in their own individual way through play-based learning is what really inspired me to come to Total Child. I have been working with children for over five years now, from babysitting to T-ball coaching, to helping with youth choir, to teaching at a preschool. I got my undergraduate degree in theatre, and I love all of the arts. I’m originally from Nebraska, but now I live in Andersonville. I love animals and have a big fluffy cat named Tobie.
Marina Martin
Teacher, Room 22 (3’s) - “The Explorers”Hello! My name is Mari. I love working with children and families at Total Child. Allowing children to learn through their play is so important and I’m glad to have found a school that values it as much as I do. I have been working in preschools since 2017 after I earned my master’s degree in early childhood education from DePaul University. I have experience working in both Reggio and Montessori environments. I also worked as the art instructor at my first school, which was great as I also have my bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Loyola. I enjoy bringing my love of art and creativity to the classroom. I live in Roger’s Park and in my free time, I like to draw and read. I’m also learning to play violin and enjoy practicing.
Miyoung Lee
Assistant Teacher, Room 22 (3’s) - “The Explorers”Hello, everyone! I'm Miyoung Lee, and I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Total Child team where there is warmth, love, and laughter. With 17 years of teaching experience, including 13 wonderful years in early childhood education, I've had the joy of creating engaging, play-based curricula that spark a love for learning. I have a B.A. in Creative Writing and another in Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language. I now live in Morton Grove with my husband and mother-in-law. Beyond teaching, I love exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. I am also currently learning Japanese. I am so excited to bring my love for children and education to Total Child.
Ian Jeanette
Assistant Teacher, Room 22 (3’s) - “The Explorers”Hi there! My name is Ian Jeanette. I enjoy getting to know each family we serve and encouraging each child to develop a lifelong love of learning through play. I’m proud to bring with me experience in early childhood education and childcare from my work at CDS Hope Head Start, an early Head Start program from my hometown of Holland Michigan. As a new resident of the Chicago area, I enjoy exploring my surroundings by going on walks and spending time at the beach. Afterward, I like to relax at home with my two cats and a good book or art project.
Barbara Becker-Gold
Teacher, Room 25 (4’s) - “The Investigators”Welcome, my name is Barbara Becker Gold. I love the community of families and educators at Total Child. We partner to support the whole child through play-based learning. I have worked in early childhood for twenty years and have a bachelor’s degree in literature and psychology from Loyola University. I have also taken several early childhood classes and trainings. I have three children, two of whom have also worked at Total Child. I love long walks, making jewelry, and reading detective novels.
Robin Feltman
Assistant Teacher, Room 25 (4’s) - “The Investigators”Hi there! My name is Robin Feltman. I’m incredibly honored and excited to be a part of the Total Child community; the focus on learning through play allows for so much curiosity and possibility, for children and staff alike. I have been working with early childhood-aged children primarily as a full-time nanny for the past five years, using my bachelor’s degree in theatre arts to stimulate and encourage their creativity. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband and our two cats, sewing, singing, and taking walks along the lakeside.
Isabel Cieplinksi
Assistant Director and Teacher, Room 26 (4’s) - “The Adventurers”Hi, my name is Isabel Cieplinski. I am originally from Columbia, South America. I enjoy teaching the children Spanish during circle time. I have been working in early childhood education for 32 years and have been at Total Child for 21 years. The school is a wonderful place, and I am very lucky to be able to share my passion for teaching with all the great families and their children. I have a B.A. in elementary school education from the University of El Volle in Columbia. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching movies, and boating in the summer. The water is my happy place!
Jailine Hernandez
Assistant Teacher, Room 26 (4’s) - “The Adventurers”Hi, my name is Jailine Hernandez. I enjoy working at Total Child because I get to work with amazing teachers who inspire me. The children are the sweetest and I like that they get to learn through play-based and Reggio-inspired curriculum. I went to U.I.C. and graduated with a BFA in acting. After college, I worked at a few daycare centers and summer camps while I looked for auditions in the evenings. I soon realized how much I liked working with kids. I’m currently looking at options to go back to school to get my master's in education. I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I have four siblings and three nieces and nephews. My family means the world to me. On weekends I enjoy hanging out with my cat, Cleo, cooking with my mom, and performing around the city.
Elizabeth Roche
Teacher, Room 21 (Kindergarten) - "The Imagineers"Hello! My name is Elizabeth Roche. I love that Total Child allows children to develop a love of learning through play-based education and that teachers and children learn together as they develop an emergent curriculum. The wonderful and loving community of parents, children, and fellow educators is truly special. I have been an early childhood educator for over two joyful decades. I have a Master's Degree from National Louis University. I love going to the theater and listening to live music performances. I am an avid reader of poetry and love to find new children’s literature to share with the children. I can’t forget to mention that I am the human to two cats, Zinnia and Truman, about whom I tell the children many stories!
Kassidy Muller
Assistant Teacher, Room 21 (Kindergarten) - "The Imagineers"Hello, my name is Kassidy Muller. I love being a part of the Total Child team, encouraging children to explore their interests and fostering passion and creativity that can last a lifetime. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, focusing largely on child psychology, and a studio art minor. I have been working with children for almost 10 years, and I’m so happy to continue learning and growing here at Total Child. I tutor math to children with learning disabilities, and I love to paint, write, and dance. As the eldest of 6 children, I spend a lot of time with my younger siblings.
Shannon Netemeyer
Floating Assistant TeacherHiya! My name is Shannon Netemeyer. I am thrilled to be a part of this community of educators and families focused on fostering the creativity and curiosity of the total child. I have a Bachelor’s of Music and have enjoyed teaching the young minds of early childhood everything musical for the past 4 years, from the basic fundamentals of instruments to the history of famous composers! Originally from the St. Louis area, I moved to Chicago to pursue my own music making and thrive in a wonderful community of artists and collaborators. I love to spend my free time learning new art mediums, reading in the park, and traveling to see my family and friends.
Aela Morris
Floating Assistant TeacherHi, my name is Aela Morris and I love working at Total Child! I am so passionate about Reggio and play-based education. I have been working with children for over ten years and this is my third year in early childhood. In addition to teaching, I love writing and acting and received my B.A. in English from Macalester College in Minnesota. I am a proud native of Evanston. When I’m not at school, I’m probably hanging out at the library, exploring the city with my friends, or belting show tunes at the top of my lungs.
Cory Schantz
Floating Assistant TeacherHey, I’m Cory Schantz. I love exploring the outdoors with children and Total Child provides great outdoor spaces and proximity to many parks! I love that Total Child is a place where all of the staff members truly enjoy children. I have worked with children of all ages for seven years and in early childhood education for five, and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics. Before moving to Chicago I worked at a preschool in Albuquerque. I live with my girlfriend in Chicago. We love exploring the many neighborhoods and trying new restaurants and cuisines.