Meet Our Dedicated & Certified Team
Mrs. Sonja Stamenkovic
Program Coordinator/Lead Teacher
About Me
About Mrs. Sonja Stamenkovic
Mrs. Sonja holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia. She also pursued early childhood education coursework through the City Colleges of Chicago, where she completed a comprehensive curriculum focused on child development, educational theory, and program administration. This academic foundation, combined with practical experience, enabled me to meet the qualifications set by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for a Director-level position in early childhood education. Through this pathway, Mrs. Sonja developed the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to oversee high-quality childcare programs and support the developmental needs of young children effectively.
She also earned her ECE Level 1 credentials through the Illinois Professional Development System. With over 10 years of experience in the childcare field, her background includes volunteering in a preschool, working as a family nanny, and participating in the Au Pair program in 2012. For the past nine years, she has successfully managed her own small family childcare business. Driven by a deep passion for teaching and nurturing young children, Mrs. Sonja is dedicated to preparing them for future success in every possible way.
Mr. Zoran Milic
Lead / Substitute Teacher
About Me
About Mr. Zoran Milic
Mr. Zoran is an experienced early childhood educator with over 12 years of dedicated service in the field of childcare. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Pre-School Education from the Higher School of Vocational Studies for Teachers Education in Subotica, Serbia. In addition to his academic background, he has earned an ECE Level 4 credential and Illinois Director Level 1 certification through the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. Mr. Zoran has worked with children ranging from infancy to age ten, bringing creativity and a hands-on approach to his lesson planning. As both an educator and daycare owner, he is committed to fostering independence, confidence, and happiness in every child, creating a nurturing environment where exploration and growth thrive.
Ms. Angelica Di Falco
Assistant Teacher
About Me
About Ms. Angelica Di Falco
Ms. Angelica, affectionately known as Ms. Angel, was born and raised in Italy and holds a degree in Human Sciences. A multilingual professional, she is fluent in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and English, allowing her to communicate effectively with families from diverse backgrounds. She has completed all training requirements mandated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and is certified in both CPR and First Aid. With extensive experience in early childhood education, Ms. Angelica is known for her gentle demeanor, compassionate nature, and unwavering dedication to the well-being and development of every child in her care. Her strong sense of responsibility, organizational skills, and reliability make her an invaluable member of our team, consistently contributing to a nurturing and structured learning environment.
Mr. Jose Guerrero
Assistant Teacher
About Me
About Mr. Jose Guerrero
Mr. Jose serves as an Assistant Teacher with a deep commitment to nurturing young minds in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment. With a calm and caring approach, he strives to build strong, respectful connections with each child while encouraging their independence, creativity, and love for learning. Mr. Jose is certified in CPR and First Aid and has completed all required DCFS training, ensuring he provides the highest standard of care and safety in the classroom. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish fluently, which allows him to better connect with bilingual children and families, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Mr. Jose believes early childhood education is about more than academics—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that help children grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
Ms. Janessa Mercado
Assistant Teacher
About Me
About Ms. Janessa Mercado
Janessa is a dedicated and nurturing Assistant Teacher with a passion for early childhood development. With a warm and patient approach, she supports the lead teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for young children. Janessa assists with daily routines, classroom activities, and supports each child’s emotional and developmental needs. Certified in CPR and First Aid, and trained in accordance with DCFS requirements, she is committed to helping children grow through play, curiosity, and positive guidance. Janessa loves spending time playing and learning with little ones and her top priority is making sure they stay happy and healthy.
