Meet Our Team

At ChooChoo Chicago, Your Family Childcare, our teachers make us who we are. We have a team of loving, supportive, and educated caregivers. These teachers are carefully chosen with our ideals and beliefs in mind. They have educational and in-field experience and continue to nurture and guide our children daily. They know the ins and outs of child development but also how to spread love and have fun.

Our teachers provide an environment where close personal attention, nurture, and the well-being of each child are the main focus. They spend their days guiding our children to play, learn, and grow in their “home away from home.”

Mrs. Mia

Founder/Program Director

Mrs. Mia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Entrepreneurship from the City University of New York, accompanied by 15+ years of childcare experience in various settings. In recent years she has achieved Illinois’ Director Certification, Early Childhood Education Credentials, as well as Infant Toddler Credentials through Illinois’ Professional Development System and INCCRRA.

With her entrepreneurial skills, love for education and children as well as specialization in art history and studio arts, Mrs. Mia brings her love for arts and crafts as well as her reliable and reputable childcare experience into this family venture.

At the age of 19, Mia, or as the neighborhood kids call her, “Mrs. Mia,” packed her bags in Serbia and ventured to the U.S on a volleyball scholarship to explore her educational opportunities. Her studies took her from Dodge City, Kansas to New York City, but no matter where she was, she continued caring for the little ones around her. She worked as a Teacher’s Aide in a daycare center in KS, a loving family nanny on the Upper East Side, NY, and a trusted babysitter across NYC. After graduating from the City University of New York with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Entrepreneurship and Art History, she got a “real job” in the art world. However, Mrs. Mia quickly realized that her true passion is her work with children. In 2013, Mia and her husband Goran moved to Chicago and Mia opened her new family venture, in-home family childcare. In this move, ChooChoo Chicago was born and Mrs. Mia has never looked back.

Mrs. Mia brings a unique perspective through her past experience with Art History and Studio Arts. She shares her expertise with her team and the children through a variety of fun, creative activities. In recent years, she furthered her education about little minds by gaining credentials through INNCCRA and the Illinois ExceleRate Program and achieved:

– Early Childhood Education Credentials
– Infant Toddler Credentials
– Illinois Director Credentials

These credentials give Mrs. Mia a deeper knowledge of children, as well as the administrative and leadership qualities that are necessary to run a successful early childhood organization.

Mrs. Mia has a love for helping children flourish during their earliest years of life. She’s passionate about providing a nurturing, home-like feel to the children in her care, and she’s knowledgeable about what these little minds need in academic and social-emotional contexts. She serves as a director at ChooChoo Chicago Academy and is beyond excited about the newest expansion to the center-based location.

A mother of three little ones Vanya, Luna, and Vida, Mia and her family enjoy spending time outdoors. They spend time biking, exploring city parks, and venturing out to try new foods together. Mrs. Mia also enjoys Studio Cycling and Yoga. She loves to meet new families and hear their stories, as it allows her to follow her true passion: creating a hub of children, their families, and loving teachers where everyone feels welcomed, safe, appreciated, and honored to be a part of the ChooChoo community.

Lakeview East (LVE)

Mr. Luke

Bocxars Assistant Teacher

Mr. Luke received his BA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago. Growing up in Illinois, he discovered his love for childcare when his first nephew was born in 2012. Understanding the feeling of being misunderstood at school, he is dedicated to ensuring every child feels seen and included in their learning environment. Outside of ChooChoo, Mr. Luke is actively involved in the performing arts scene of Chicago, often participating in local theater productions. In his free time, he enjoys watching scary movies and listening to dance-pop music. Excited to expand his knowledge of play-based teaching methods, Mr. Luke is looking forward to being a part of the ChooChoo team and positively impacting the lives of the children in his care.

Mrs. Cathy

Cabooses Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Cathy is an experienced and passionate teacher with over 30 years of dedication to Early Childhood Education. While she has experience working with children of all ages, she has found her true calling in working with infants over the past decade. Mrs. Cathy is eager to finish her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education to further enhance her knowledge and skills. The joy she feels when greeted with smiles from her infants motivates Mrs. Cathy daily. Outside the classroom, she cherishes time with her immediate family, including her two adult children and four grandchildren. Mrs. Cathy loves engaging in activities like skating, bowling, cooking, and, recently, going to the gym. Her infectious smile and bubbly personality make her a cherished member of the ChooChoo community.

Mrs. Regina

Caboose's Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Regina made a life-changing decision to move to the U.S. with her husband two years ago, leaving behind the beautiful islands of the Philippines. She has held various roles, from Cashier to Ground Staff for Philippine Airlines to a part-time Talent Actress in Philippine TV. Teaching Filipino children how to act for TV was a joyful experience for her. For Regina, being a mother has been the most rewarding role, filled with the joys and challenges of watching her children grow. She is excited at the prospect of reliving these moments through the eyes of the ChooChoo children and their parents. Sharing in the happiness and growth of little ones is a true joy for her. Regina is grateful to be part of the ChooChoo community and to have the opportunity to work with children once again.

Miss Turner

Locomotives Assistant Teacher

Miss Turner, a California native who has recently embraced the charm of Lakeview, holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. With over 10 years of experience nurturing children’s growth in daycares, as a nanny, and at preschools, she finds true joy in supporting their learning journeys. Outside of the classroom, Miss Turner loves spending quality time with her niece and two nephews, enjoying lakeside walks, discovering new restaurants, and staying active in workout classes. In the Choo Choo classroom, her mission is to celebrate each child’s unique spirit and create a positive, inspiring environment for all.

Miss Annalise

Floater/Teacher's Aide

Miss Annalise is a Maryland native who has recently moved to the Chicago area to pursue a M.S. in Child Development. She has her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2023. She excited to learn more about learning through play at ChooChoo Chicago as she is studying to be a Child Life Specialist. In her free time she volunteers for a youth support group for children with parents who have cancer as well as personal activities like running, reading, and camping! She is very excited to join the ChooChoo team and continue her learning outside of the classroom.

Mrs. Kenia

Lakeview East Campus
Center Director

Mrs. Kenia, the newly appointed Director of the Lakeview East ChooChoo Chicago location. A native of the Dominican Republic and fluent in Spanish, she holds a degree in Business Administration and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood. With over five years of experience, Kenia is dedicated to creating a safe and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Her approach emphasizes recognizing each child’s unique strengths and engaging them in playful activities and personalized learning plans. Kenia values family collaboration and open communication to support each child’s independence and well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two children, listening to music, and traveling.

Miss Roxana

Boxcars Assistant Teacher

Miss Roxana, originally from Mexico, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and is fluent in Spanish, French, and Chinese. With seven years of experience in education—six at the high school level and one in early childhood—Miss Roxana has a passion for helping kids learn and grow. When she’s not in the classroom, she loves diving into a good book, exploring new places, or catching a movie. Miss Roxana is excited to join the team at ChooChoo, where she looks forward to learning new perspectives in teaching. We’re so happy to have her on board, and we know she’s going to make a fantastic addition to the team!

Mr. Ted

Substitute Teacher

Mr. Ted is a skilled and passionate professional with a BA in Theatre. With six years of experience in education and childcare, including serving as an assistant teacher and a swim instructor, he has now shifted his focus to his acting career. However, Mr. Ted still contributes as a substitute teacher here at ChooChoo, bringing his love for performing into the classroom to help children develop their social skills and boost their confidence. Outside work, he enjoys making music, playing board games, and watching movies with friends. Mr. Ted is a cherished member of our team at ChooChoo Chicago, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to our students’ learning journey.

Mr. Zack

Floater/Teacher's Aide

Mr. Zach is a Springfield native who moved to Chicago in 2019 to pursue his passion for music and establish a career in teaching. With a strong background in early learning and development, including experience as an Assistant Preschool Teacher, Zach quickly became a valued part of the ChooChoo Chicago team. Beyond his work in the classroom, Zach enjoys sharing his love for music with others, often performing around the city in his free time. Known for his ability to connect with children and their families, Zach’s warm and supportive demeanor has made him a beloved teacher’s aid in all of our classrooms.

Miss Tajmah

Hoppers Lead Teacher

Miss Taj graduated from the City Colleges of Chicago in 2020 with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood, and since she entered the childcare classrooms, she hasn’t looked back. She is passionate about the toddler age group as they challenge her thinking and betters how she leads her classroom. Miss Taj loves dancing, movement, and telling stories, so you will see her engaged and busy with her toddlers. She believes in building solid foundations for each child that will support their educational and human journey throughout their life. Her goal for her classroom is to bring love and laughter into it each day. In her spare time, she loves baking, reading, and watching documentaries. She is super excited to join the team at ChooChoo!

Lakeview East (LVE)

Miss Tajmah

Hoppers Lead Teacher

Mr. Luke

Bocxars Assistant Teacher

Miss Olivia

Locomotives Lead teacher

Miss Christina

Boxcars Lead Teacher

Mr. Zack

Floater/Teacher's Aide

Mrs. Regina

Floater/Teacher's Aide

Mr. Ted

Substitute Teacher

Mrs. Cathy

Cabooses Assistant Teacher

Miss Audie

Locomotives Assistant teacher

Ms. Vera

Cabooses Assistant Teacher

Miss Annalise

Floater/Teacher's Aide

Mrs. Kenia

Cabooses Lead Teacher

Meet Our Team

Mrs. Mia

Lakeview East (LVE)

Mr. Luke

Mrs. Cathy

Mrs. Regina

Miss Turner

Miss Annalise

Mrs. Kenia

Miss Roxana

Mr. Ted

Mr. Zack

Miss Tajmah

Lakeview East (LVE)

Miss Tajmah

Mr. Luke

Miss Olivia

Miss Christina

Mr. Zack

Mrs. Regina

Mr. Ted

Mrs. Cathy

Miss Audie

Ms. Vera

Miss Annalise

Mrs. Kenia

Lakeview East (LVE)

Lakeview East (LVE)

Preschoolers (3 To 6 Years)

Junior Preschoolers (2 Year Olds)

Toddlers (15 Months To 24 Months)

Infants (6 Weeks To 15 Months)