Willow Wood Preschool

About the Willow Wood Staff

We are extremely fortunate to have a staff that is experienced and well-trained in Early Childhood Development...one that interacts well with children and can readily form trusting relationships with them.

Our teachers are facilitators who stimulate, encourage and guide, but never dominate. They develop age-appropriate curriculum in a positive, play-based environment, which enables the children to create, explore and build confidence and skills in a safe, secure setting.

Willow Wood has 12 teachers, 2 aides and a music consultant, all of whom have an impressive combination of early childhood experience and education. The majority of our teachers have master's degrees in early childhood fields, and all have completed many additional hours of continuing education. Our overall staff retention rate is high, and our staff-to-student ratio exceeds the state licensing requirements.

Classroom Consulting Services

Willow Wood retains the services of a range of early childhood experts and consultants. From time to time, these consultants observe classes, confer with teachers at staff meetings and plan in-service training seminars.

We understand the need to seek advice from professionals in the area of early intervention for young children. Periodically, we may require the services of a consultant to observe a child in the classroom and make individual recommendations. With the parents' permission, these services will be provided by outside sources. Payment for such services will be discussed and agreed upon by the Director and parents before the services are rendered.

Teachers

Cindy Ritchell, Director
Cindy graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's in Elementary Education and received a master's in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy from National-Louis University. She has been associated with Willow Wood for more than 20 years, first as a parent, then as a board member and, finally, as a teacher. Prior to joining the Willow Wood staff, she was a kindergarten teacher's aide at Greeley School.

Susan Cornelo, Assistant Director
Sue obtained a bachelor's in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Iowa and a master's in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from National-Louis University. She taught 3rd grade for eight years in Lindenhurst.

Anne Belmont
Anne received a bachelor's in Anthropology from DePauw University in Indiana and an master's in Art Therapy (specializing in young children) at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. She worked at a community mental health center as an art therapist for children, adolescents and families. She also has done work in the Childlife Program at Children's Memorial Hospital. She is a former Willow Wood parent and board member.

Lea Bradley
Lea received her bachelor's and master's of Social Work from the University of Illinois. Lea worked as a social worker for 16 years and has worked in both elementary and middle schools throughout the Chicagoland area.

Elizabeth Clemmitt
Elizabeth received her bachelor's in Music from the Colorado College in Colorado Springs and her master's of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. She has taught music at Lyon School (grades K-3) and music and fine arts at Hoffman School (grades 4-6) in Glenview. In addition to teaching at Willow Wood, Elizabeth leads the Primary Choir for children in first and second grades at Christ Church.

Barbara Gooden
Barbara received her bachelor's in Secondary Education from Michigan State University and previously taught junior high, high school and adults. She received her master's in Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University.

Meg Hesselmann
Meg graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a bachelor's in Religion and from Erikson Institute with a master's in Early Childhood Education. For eight years she directed education programs in local churches. Meg has 14 years of experience teaching preschool; she taught previously at Little One's Nursery School in Northbrook, IL, and The Wellesley College Child Study Center, Wellesley, MA.

Maha Lubbat
Maha obtained her bachelor's and master's in Psychology from the American University in Beirut. Maha received a Certificate of Advanced Study in Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University and Illinois State Board Certification in Early Childhood Development. She is a licensed Kindermusik instructor. Maha has taught at Northfield Community Nursery School, Berlitz School of Languages, American Community School of Athens and The American School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Maha has worked as a social worker, translator and psychotherapist and is the Northwest Suburbs Community Counselor for Au Pair in America.

Maria McCarthy
Maria graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Marketing and received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from National-Louis University. She has worked as an associate teacher and substitute teacher at Hubbard Woods School for the past four years. She also served as a substitute teacher at Willow Wood last year. Maria has lived in Winnetka for the past 20 years. She has two sons, a junior engineering student at University of Illinois and a freshman business major at Indiana University.

Joann Mucci
Joann received a bachelor's in Elementary Education and Psychology and a master's in Early Childhood Advocacy and Leadership from National-Louis University. Joann has taught early childhood for more than 25 years as well as junior high for eight years.

Ann Quinn
Ann received a bachelor of arts in Speech and Drama from Dominican University (formerly Rosary College) and earned a master's in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University. She pursued additional graduate work in Early Childhood at National-Louis University. Ann has been a kindergarten teacher and also has experience in educational research and administration. She is a Board Member At Large for the Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood.

Jenny Smith
Jenny received her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and worked for over ten years in various healthcare settings. After her third child, she discovered that teaching preschool was something she loved that also allowed her to spend more time with her family. Jenny taught preschool (infant to junior kindergarten classes) for over ten years in Atlanta. She recently moved to Wilmette with her husband and four children. She enjoys her free moments by swimming, running, gardening, reading and cooking. This is her first year at Willow Wood.

Judy Smolen
Judy received her bachelor's in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois and her master's in Math Education from National Louis University. She has previously taught elementary and junior high school children. Judy is an active member of the Friends of the Wilmette Library and volunteers at the library as well.

Sandy Thomas
Sandy received her bachelor's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Illinois and has completed additional coursework towards a master's degree. She has been teaching for more than twenty years.