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.”
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, and 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 of 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 landed a “real job” in the art world. However, Mrs. Mia quickly realized that her true passion was her work with children. In 2013, Mia and her husband, Goran, moved to Chicago, where Mia opened her new family venture—an in-home family childcare program. With this move, ChooChoo Chicago was born, and Mrs. Mia has never looked back.
Mrs. Mia brings a unique perspective through her background in 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 in early childhood development by earning ECE credits through INCCRRA and the Illinois ExceleRate Program and achieved:
– Early Childhood Education Credentials
– Infant Toddler Credentials
– Illinois Director Credentials
These credentials give Mrs. Mia a deeper understanding of young children, as well as the administrative and leadership qualities necessary to run a successful early childhood organization.
Today, Mia serves as the Founder and Program Director of ChooChoo Chicago Academy. She is incredibly excited about the program’s continued growth — most recently the expansion to the Lakeview West campus, a milestone that reflects years of dedication, community partnership, and a shared vision for what early childhood education can be. She’s passionate about providing a nurturing, home-like feel to the children attending ChooChoo, and she is knowledgeable about what these little minds need academically and socially-emotionally. She understands young parents and their fundamental needs in a big city and is passionate about uplifting and promoting ECE teachers as essential, hardworking educators — not babysitters.
A mother of three little ones — Vanya, Luna, and Vida — Mia and her family enjoy spending time outdoors. They spend their days biking, exploring Chicago’s parks, traveling, and discovering new foods together. Mia also enjoys Studio Cycling and Yoga. She loves meeting new families and hearing their stories, as it fuels her passion for creating a warm, connected community where children, families, and teachers feel welcomed, safe, appreciated, and proud to be part of ChooChoo.
Hoppers Co-Lead Teacher
Cabooses Assistant Teacher
Cabooses Assistant Teacher
Lakeview East Campus 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 ten 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.
Hoppers Co-Lead Teacher
Originally from Nebraska, she moved to Chicago after graduating from the University of Denver with a degree in Psychology. She has spent many years babysitting and nannying, which led her to discover her passion for early childhood education.She currently lives in the North Center neighborhood with her two roommates and her cat, Polly. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading new books, and exploring great restaurants around the city.She has a caring and outgoing personality and loves staying active and trying new things. Her goal in the classroom is to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every child feels encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive each day. She is excited to be part of the ChooChoo family and looks forward to building relationships with all of our wonderful children and families!
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.
Locomotives Lead Teacher
Miss Audie is thrilled to return to ChooChoo Chicago as the Locomotives Lead Teacher! With over two years of experience working with young children and her CDA in early childhood education, Audie brings creativity, energy, and a genuine love for learning to the classroom every day. She lives in Uptown with her beloved turtle, Tim, and is always finding new ways to bring her passions—like arts and crafts, world travel, and exploring new cultures—into her work with the kids. When she’s not in the classroom, you can usually find her reading a good book or relaxing with a favorite movie. She can’t wait to dive into new adventures with the Locomotives and help each child grow, explore, and shine.
Floater/Teacher's Aide
Substitute teacher
Hoppers Lead Teacher
Boxcars Co-Lead Teacher
Miss Megan is originally from Southeast Minnesota and recently relocated to Chicago. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on At-Risk Child and Youth Care. Her previous experience includes working with school-age children as a camp counselor at the Boys & Girls Club, where she developed her passion for creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children.
She loves giving children the space to learn, be creative, and feel comfortable being themselves, and is excited to help our little ones grow, learn, and thrive throughout their ChooChoo journey.
Outside of work, Miss Megan enjoys reading, seeing musicals, and spending time with her dog, Pepper. She can’t wait to meet all of our ChooChoo families!
Boxcars Assistant Teacher
Born and raised in Chicago, Miss Astrid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from DePaul University and has always loved language, culture, and connecting with others. Astrid has worked with children through summer camp counseling and babysitting, where she discovered how much joy she finds in supporting children as they explore and grow into their unique personalities. She believes kindness, patience, and curiosity are some of the most important qualities to nurture in young learners and enjoys helping children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn.
Outside of the classroom, Astrid enjoys listening to music, making art, biking, and cooking. She loves spending time with her family and relaxing at home with her cat, Atlas. She looks forward to bringing creativity, warmth, and encouragement into the classroom each day.
Floater Teacher
Mrs. Claudia recently moved to Chicago from Texas with her daughter, who will be attending UIC this fall. As a former military wife, Claudia has had the opportunity to live in different places around the world, experiencing many cultures and communities along the way. She is now happily settled in Hyde Park with her daughter and is excited to become part of the Chicago community.
Claudia has worked with children for over 25 years as a paraprofessional teacher and nanny, gaining extensive experience supporting children’s growth, learning, and development. She truly enjoys working with young children and finds joy in watching them reach new milestones and discover their abilities. She believes every child deserves patience, encouragement, and a nurturing environment where they feel supported and confident.
Outside of the classroom, Claudia enjoys spending time with her daughter, exploring her new city, and embracing new experiences. She looks forward to bringing her experience, warmth, and dedication to the Boxcars classroom each day.
Locomotives Assistant Teacher
Ms. Olivia is excited to return to ChooChoo Chicago as the Locomotives Assistant Teacher! Originally from Rockford and living in Chicago since 2018, she brings a strong foundation in education, holding a bachelor’s degree in English from Illinois State University as well as a Child Development: Preschool Education Basic Certificate from City Colleges of Chicago. Ms. Olivia loves bringing movement and creativity into the classroom, helping children learn through active, hands-on experiences. She lives in Ravenswood with her husband and their very spoiled cat, Dudley, who keeps them entertained at home. Outside of ChooChoo, she enjoys yoga, reading, rollerblading, and spending time by the lake. She is looking forward to supporting the Locomotives classroom and helping each child grow, explore, and shine.
Boxcars Lead Teacher
Miss Tajmah is our Lead Toddler Teacher and a ChooChoo veteran of over three years! After earning her CDA, she began her teaching career working primarily with toddlers, quickly finding her passion for this special age group.
She loves helping toddlers build social-emotional skills, independence, and confidence through play. ChooChoo’s play-based philosophy closely matches her own approach to teaching, and after three years with us, she truly knows the ins and outs of the ChooChoo way.
Outside of the classroom, Taj is a proud mom to her one-year-old son, Anthony, and loves spending time with him exploring parks and playgrounds.
We are so grateful to have Ms. Tjamah as part of our Lakeview West founding team and for helping us build this wonderful new community!
Caboose's Lead Teacher
I was born and raised in Chicago, in the Logan Square area. I am a proud mom to one daughter, and I love spending time exploring festivals throughout the city in every season. Fall is my favorite time of year!
My love for working with children began when I volunteered at my daughter’s Pre-K school. That experience inspired me to begin my journey as a teacher. I graduated from Saint Augustine College in Chicago in 2007 with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
I am passionate about creating a caring and supportive environment where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to learn and grow. I am so happy to be joining the ChooChoo community, and you will see me around LVE as I begin my training to be in LVW and get to know everyone!
I can’t wait to meet your little ones and become part of this wonderful community!
Owner and Executive Director
Mrs. Mia is the owner and founder of ChooChoo Chicago and is especially excited to be leading our newest Lakeview West location. What started as a small childcare program has grown into the ChooChoo community it is today, making the opening of LVW an especially meaningful new chapter.
Mia is passionate about creating a childcare experience that feels personal, welcoming, and connected—where families know their teachers, children feel at home, and everyone truly feels part of the community.
She is looking forward to welcoming our founding LVW families, getting to know each of their little ones, and working alongside our new team to build something very special at Lakeview West!
