Ms. Renee has over 15 years of experience in the field of education. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education. With years of experience as a classroom teacher, Ms. Renee also devoted her time to operating a thriving tutoring business for children in her local community.
Ms. Renee is grateful to lead a team of Preschool Teachers at Grace Children’s Academy, that shares her passion for nurturing each child’s potential through engaging and exploratory learning experiences. As the Director of Grace Academy, she is eager to connect with the parents and children in the community and looks forward to fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment for all. Ms. Renee lives in Elmhurst with her husband and 2 adorable daughters.
Ms. Dalal is an assistant teacher in both our 2s and 3s preschool classes. She loves to watch her preschoolers gain new skills daily. She previously had a career in law, served as PTO co-president of a local elementary school, and is a proud mom of two children. She loves to travel and is a proud Michigan Alum.
Ms. Vanessa’s children went to Grace Children’s Academy and loved their time there. She is very excited to join the preschool staff as an assistant teacher to both the 2s and 3s, and help others learn and make wonderful memories.
Ms. Vanessa has a degree in merchandising management. She has been a part of the PTO at a local elementary school for the past 3 years. She is a proud mom of two children. When she is not at a baseball game or gymnastics meet she loves to travel and spend time with friends and family.
Ms. Anna is the Lead Teacher in our 2-Year-Old Program. She graduated from Concordia University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and an ESL Endorsement. During college, she gained valuable experience working with children ages 1–5, fostering a love for helping young learners grow and thrive.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Anna enjoys spending time with her family and fiancé. Her favorite hobbies include cardmaking, sewing, and creating handmade jewelry.
Ms. Sierra was born and raised in Saltillo, the capital city of Coahuila estado Mexico, and received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration there. She moved to Chicago with her family in 1998. Ms. Sierra has been teaching and working with preschoolers since 2004. With us, she co-teaches the 4s class.
Ms. Sierra has two grown children, and when not teaching, she likes spending time outdoors, gardening and visiting her family and relatives.
Ms. Ashley graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new restaurants and activities, watching movies, and finding new ways to stay active and creative.
Ms. Ashley chose Grace Children’s Academy because she enjoys working with children and wanted to be part of a nurturing and positive environment where she can use both her social work background and her knowledge of early childhood education.
Ms. Jessica is our 3s Lead Teacher and has over 15 years experience in Early Childhood Education and received her Masters degree in ECE from Concordia University Chicago. Throughout her career she has been both a teacher and director. When she is not teaching you can find her at the pool, gym, crafting, being a dance mom and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Ms. Urquart has been with Grace for more than 20 years, starting with our Kaleidoscope program. This season Ms. Urquart is the Lead Teacher in the 4s preschool class. Happily married for 31 years, Ms. Urquart has two children and one grandson.
When not teaching, Ms. Urquart enjoys arts crafts, crocheting, working on puzzles, and spending time with family, friends and animals. Outside of the Hinsdale area, Ms. Urquart loves all things Disney and tries to go as often as possible.