Our Team
Chelle Cooper- Owner
Chelle Cooper has a variety of experience within the fields of education, human services, child development, and human resources. She holds bachelors degrees in Sociology and Special Education, a minor in Psychology, and has extensive graduate degree coursework in Organizational Development. Chelle also holds the following credentials through the state of Illinois (Early Childhood Education, Infant and Toddler, Illinois Directors). When she isn't busy running around with the kiddos at her center, she is spending time with her husband and five children. Family is so very important to her and is the foundation on which she runs her business and life. She also has two furry children: a dog named Rigsby, a certified therapy dog who you'll see running around and playing with the kids at the center, and a bunny named Ollie.
Anna Garza- Infant/Toddler Director
Anna joined our team in 2019. Now as our director at Life Long Learners 212, Anna brings a positive mindset and years of experience to our team! She has a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working with children since she graduated high school. Anna is a proud mother of two boys, Evan and Grayson, who both attend Life Long Learners. She also has a 4 legged baby - a dog named Maxie.
Jocelyn Flores- Preschool Director/Enrollment Specialist
Jocelyn joined the team in 2021 as our infant teacher. She holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Lewis University. Her heart is with babies or children with special needs, as she has experience as a preschool teacher, an RBT, and developmental therapist. She wears many hats as a Director and Enrollment Specialist at Life Long Learners and outside of the center as a swim instructor and CPR instructor.
She comes from a family of 9 and loves spending time with them. When she can find some free time, she enjoys working out, reading, and learning.
Jessica Crespo- Infant Teacher
Jessica first began working with kids in 2012, and joined the Life Long Learners family in February of 2021. Jessica brings her baby daughter and baby son with her to learn at Life Long Learners. She earned her bachelors degree in Art Education and incorporates art into the classroom at every chance she gets. She also lived in Thailand for two years and taught English to pre-kindergarteners!
Jackie Shabnow- Infant Team Support
Jackie is a mother of 2 amazing children; a daughter named Cassie and a son named Parker. She is married to my wonderful husband, Brad. Jackie worked in customer service for 20 yrs. Her life long dream has always been to work with children, as she has a big love for all children and is so happy to be fulfilling my dream with Life Long Learners! Her hobbies include crafting, wood burning, going to the movies, zoo, and aquarium. Jackie is blessed to have a very large family which is the most important thing to her.
Jackie Wokas- Project Manager
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!