Chelle Cooper has a wide range of experience across education, human services, child development, and human resources. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Special Education, a minor in Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Administration, along with extensive graduate-level coursework in Organizational Development.
Chelle also holds multiple credentials through the State of Illinois, including Early Childhood Education, Infant and Toddler, and Illinois Director certifications.
When she isn’t busy running around with the kiddos at her center, Chelle enjoys spending time with her husband and five children. Family is incredibly important to her and serves as the foundation for how she runs both her business and her life.
Ruth Magos brings decades of experience in early childhood education and leadership, having served as a director, head of school, and district manager across multiple childcare organizations in Illinois. She has overseen staffing, enrollment, compliance, training, and operations for centers serving infants through school-age children. Ruth is currently completing her Bachelor’s in Business and holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Arts and Science
Margaret was born and raised in Kenya, where she spent nearly a decade teaching high school before moving to the United States with her young family to attend Bible school at Seabury Theological Seminary. Her passion for Early Childhood Education (ECE) began when she helped her own children transition into a preschool program here in the U.S. an experience that sparked a lifelong love for working with young learners. With over 20 years of experience in ECE, Miss Margaret has been dedicated to nurturing and inspiring children ever since. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration (M.Ed), a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
Jackie is a mother of two amazing children. Jackie worked in customer service for 20 years before pursuing her lifelong dream of working with children. She has a big love for all children and is so happy to be fulfilling that dream with Life Long Learners. Her hobbies include crafting, wood burning, and visiting the movies, zoo, and aquarium. Jackie is blessed to have a very large family, which is the most important thing to her.
Christian graduated from Joliet Junior College with an Associate of Arts degree in 2022. His ECE journey started at Life Long Learners as a floater, but he quickly learned how easy working with children came to him and the impact he can have in Early Childhood. He has continued developing his knowledge, skills, and experience as a teacher since start in 2022 and is Director Qualified. He is constantly looking for new learning opportunities that will help him become a better teacher. He brings his creativity into the classroom through STEAM activities and his strong points also include social emotional development and cultivating independence.
Jackie has been with Life Long Learners since 2014. She is very active in the community, serving as a bible school teacher and child mentor in her church and a social committee chairperson in Naperville schools. She is a Girl Scout and Brownie leader, and has spent a great deal of time volunteering at the Dupage Children's Museum. She is extremely creative and spends much of her spare time preparing amazing activities for the kids. She is a busy mother of two!
Nikki has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has been part of Life Long Learners since 2022. She loves working with our youngest learners in the Nido room, where she helps them discover new things each day. Nikki’s goal is to be a positive influence in every child’s life and to create a warm, nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive.
Michelle is a mom of three with over 17 years of experience in early childhood education. She worked in childcare from the age of 19 through 36, gaining hands-on experience supporting children’s growth, learning, and development. After that, Michelle chose to become a full-time stay-at-home mom to her wonderful children. Her passion for caring for and nurturing young learners continues to shine through in the work she does with families and children every day.
Angelica received an Associates in General Science at WCC and a BA in Exercise Science from North Central College. Her experience with children comes from working at Naperville YMCA’s before and after school program. She has also worked as a student aide for Communities in School. She is here to care for the children and staff to develop self-confidence and a passion to keep learning.
Caraline joined the team at Life Long Learners in 2016. Before starting with us, she worked as a nanny and cared for children with special needs. She is currently working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education at the College of Dupage. In all the free time she doesn't have, she coaches youth soccer. One of Caraline's many talents is drawing, and you will find her work all around our center!
Theresa has been teaching preschool since the late 1990’s. She got her bachelors in Early Childhood Education at Benedictine University and has lived in Downers Grove most of her life. Theresa took a break from teaching for a few years after she had her son, but came back and joined Life Long Learners! She also has a sweet puppy named Lucy - a black lab who loves her walks. Fun fact: Theresa taught preschool to Kenna - Chelle’s daughter - in 2006!
Jackie has been with Life Long Learners since 2014. She is very active in the community, serving as a bible school teacher and child mentor in her church and a social committee chairperson in Naperville schools. She is a Girl Scout and Brownie leader, and has spent a great deal of time volunteering at the Dupage Children's Museum. She is extremely creative and spends much of her spare time preparing amazing activities for the kids. She is a busy mother of two!
Brianna attended College of DuPage, graduating with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2023. She have her Bachelor’s degree in ECE, and received her teaching license in 2024. She chose to enter the field of early childhood education because she have always been passionate about working with young children. She finds true fulfillment in knowing she’s making a positive impact on their growth and development every day.
