Katie Laabs

Young 2’s

Education: University of Wisconsin Madison, B.A.

Background: Katie grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. After college, she worked in advertising for 10 years. For the last 16 years, she has been a stay at home mom to her children - Elizabeth (17), Andrew (15) and William (11).

Favorite Part of the Job: Watching the kids learn and grow! I love their constant joy, humor, and enthusiasm.

Favorite Children’s Book: Corduroy by Don Freeman

Megan Carrick

2 Day 2’s

Education: Master of Occupational Therapy

Background: Since 2010, Megan has served as the clinical director at Kids In Sync. She brings her expertise as an Occupational Therapist to Willow Wood.

Favorite Part of the Job: The student’s curiosity and early love for learning

Favorite Children’s Book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Kendra Gallagher

4 Day 3s (aide)

Education: University of Colorado, B.A. in Political Science; Northwestern University School of Law, J.D.

Background: Kendra was an attorney for five years and then stayed at home with her 5 children for the past 26 years. She was an active volunteer in various schools & sports and continues her commitments to several charitable organizations.

Favorite Part of the Job: Laughing, a lot, every single day. So much joy at Willow Wood.

Favorite Children’s Book: Seven Silly Eaters

Catherine Levy

4 Day 3’s

Education: University of Illinois at Chicago, B.A. English, University of Illinois at Chicago, M.Ed in Elementary Education 

Background: After receiving her masters degree in 1989, Catherine worked in ESL in Skokie and then taught 1st and 2nd grade in Evanston for four years. She has been teaching at Willow Wood since 2014.

Favorite Part of the Job: I truly enjoy having one on one conversations with my students. Hugs also rank right up there!

Favorite Children’s Book: Rainbow Fish

Jenny Smith

4 Day 3’s

Education: Colgate University, B.A. in Philosophy & Religion. University of Iowa, Master’s Degree in Social Work

Background: Jenny worked for over a decade in healthcare and social work before beginning to teach preschool in Atlanta where she and her husband had their four children.  She found that she loved teaching young children much more than working in hospitals! Her idea of a perfect day is swimming in the lake, napping on the beach, good coffee, making dinner and watching a movie.

Favorite Part of the Job: Talking with the children - laughing with them and with my co-teachers.

Favorite Children’s Book: Blueberries for Sal and Seven Silly Eaters

Elizabeth Clemmitt

Music

Education: Colorado College, B.A. Degree in Music; Westminster Choir College, Masters of Music in Music Education.

Background: Elizabeth has been the music teacher at Willow Wood for many years, the school where both her grown sons attended. She is also the music teacher at Ronald Knox Montessori (ages 2-6) as well as the primary choir lead for children in first and second grades at Christ Church, Winnetka. Prior to teaching at Willow Wood, she taught general music in the Glenview public schools (K-6). Elizabeth’s perfect day consists of hiking with her husband and two sons in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Favorite Part of the Job: I love seeing the joy and excitement in the children’s faces when we sing a favorite song of theirs or move to a favorite piece of music together.

Favorite Children’s Book: My Favorite Things by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Alexa Burnell

JK AM and PM

Education: Master's Clinical Psychology & Child Development

Background: Alexa has worked in early childhood education for her entire career. She was a lead teacher at the Goddard School, Wilmette Park District and Banner Preschool. She also served as the Director at Banner Preschool and Assistant Director and Field Director with Bright Horizons Childcare Centers.

Favorite Part of the Job: The children!!

Favorite Children’s Book: Mortimer by Robert Munsch

Danielle Senko

2 Day 2’s and Parent Tot

Education: Columbia University, MA Elementary Inclusive Education; University of Richmond, BA Leadership Studies

Background: This is Danielle's 5th year teaching at Willow Wood. Previously she spent nearly a decade teaching Pre-K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades in New York City and Washington, DC. Danielle lives in Winnetka with her husband and three daughters.

Favorite Part of the Job: Watching these little kids try something new. It’s amazing to be a part of these moments!

Favorite Children’s Book: Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski

Katie Then

3 Day 2’s

Education: Loras College, BA in Early Childhood Education. National Louis University, Master's in ECE

Background:  With over 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator, Katie returns to Willow Wood this school year as a co-teacher. Katie is inspired by the 100 languages of children and how children use these to explore their world and express their ideas. Katie loves working among the collaborative team of educators at Willow Wood and prioritizes partnering with families around their children. When not in the classroom, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, watching her two children play their sports! She also enjoys reading alongside her children, and in her classroom emphasizes that “readers are leaders!” Hearing the laughter of her students and getting all the hugs are Katie's favorite parts of her day at Willow Wood.

Favorite Children’s Book: Elmer

Lynsy Jacobs

3 Day 3’s (aide)

Lynsy Jacobs:

Education:  University of Illinois

Background:  Lynsy began subbing at willow Wood in the 2024-2025 school year, after being a stay at home mom for18 years. She and her husband reside in Wilmette. They have a son who is a sophomore in college and a daughter who is a high school sophomore. A morning work out, a walk with her puppy followed by brunch with friends and ending her day with a family dinner and games is Lynsy's idea of a perfect day!

Lynsy loves seeing the children coming into the classroom on Monday morning. It is always a joy to see their faces!

Emilee Wolfe

3 Day 3’s

Education: BS in Elementary Education from Miami University and her Early Childhood Education endorsement from National Louis University

Background: She has educational experience teaching elementary students in Seattle, Boston, St. Louis and Chicago. Most recently, Emilee taught for 3 years in a 3 year old classroom at Winnetka Public Nursery School.

Favorite Children’s Book: Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Carrie Waterston

3 Day 3’s

Education: Lehigh University, graduate degree in Elementary Education from Roosevelt University

Background:  Carrie has taught first grade in LaGrange, was a 1:1 special education associate at Hubbard Woods School and a substitute teacher in Winnetka District 36. Carrie lives in Hubbard Woods with her husband Wes, son Blake, daughter Whitney and Mabel their dog. Carrie's perfect day is to wake up early for yoga and meditation, go for a walk with her family, play tennis and head to the beach for a picnic

Favorite Part of her Job: Getting to know the children and learning alongside them! Everyday is something new...I love watching them make discoveries and get curious!

Favorite Children’s Book: Giraffes Can't Dance

Ola Muszynski

3 Day 2’s, Young 2’s

Education: Associate Degree in Applied Science in Early Childhood Eduction Harper College

Background: Ola comes to Willow Wood with 23 years of early childhood teaching experience, having taught at Winnetka Public School Nursery and led the drop-off program at the Winnetka Community House. She has also been a studio art teacher as well as teaching preschool enrichment classes. Ola along with her husband, Michal, are raising 4 children; a 10 year old daughter and 8 year old triplets. 

Favorite Part of her Job:  Watching children engage with classroom materials and sharing in the joy of discovering and exploring together.

Favorite Children's Book:  A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein