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.

Angelica Rodriguez- Director

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 child(ren) and staff to develop self-confidence and a passion to keep learning.

CAraline Scally- Infant/Toddler Teacher

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 Brady- Preschool Teacher

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 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!