CENTRAL HYDE PARK
INFANT-TODDLER TEAM
WIGGLY WORMS (Infants)
CASSIDY TUCKER - LEAD TEACHER
(THEY/THEM)
Hello! My name is Cassidy. I have an associates in Communications from Borough of Manhattan Community College, but I found my passion in childcare. I realized I want to help be the change in children’s lives during their developmental years. I’ve obtained my Infant/Toddler CDA this past year and I’m excited to be a part of the Little Inspirations community!
I love fashion and hair styling, as well as traveling and trying new foods!
DAYANA JOHNSON - ASSISTANT/SUPPORT TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
Hello everyone, my name is Dayana Johnson.
Some things to know about me are, I’m a recent high school graduate from Lane Tech, I’m the oldest sibling of 2, and I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life. Another thing is that I love traveling, I have been traveling since I was little. A few of my favorite places I’ve been to so far would have to be Aruba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do in life but growing up I’ve always enjoyed working with children. As a teen, I would participate in summer programs that allowed me to work as an early childhood teacher assistant/helper as well as a summer camp counselor working with kids of all ages. I even enjoy helping out with my own family like my younger cousins. I love the idea of being a part of a community that helps inspire and shape children to be their best selves!
I’m excited to learn more about working with children and further my journey in early childhood!
CURIOUS CATERPILLARS (Toddlers)
DAWNA BOWERS - LEAD TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
Hi everyone! My Name is Dawna Bowers. I chose to be a ECE educator because for as long as I can remember, every job that I have held has been centered around children. I am particularly passionate about working with children because every day is a new journey. Children are a burst of energy ready to explore and are giant sponges ready to gain information. They are such a joy to be around. I also have a toddler of my own and I enjoy watching him learn and explore new things. I appreciate being at Little Inspirations because it is so close knit and family oriented. I have a strong belief that it takes a village to raise a child and I am glad to become a part of this village. I am very excited to dive into all the art projects and new adventures that I will get to be a part of, but best of all, to share my love for the Sound of Music soundtrack with everyone!
ANTOINETTE CHAMBERS - ASSISTANT TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
Hello All! My name is Antoinette Chambers. Some of you may remember me from previously working at Little Inspirations a couple years ago. Now I am back! A little about me, I received my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood at Kennedy King College back in 2020. I took a small educational break, but have now gone back to school. I am studying at Chicago State University where I will be getting my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with children and seeing them thrive is something I take very seriously. A child’s early years are the most important, and I promise to cherish those moments with your children.
ISABELLA FRIEHS - ASSISTANT TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
Hi, my name is Isabella Friehs! I belong to an international family. My older brother, twin brother, and I were adopted from Colombia when we were young, but I have spent most of my life living in Hyde Park, Chicago. I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. On the path to my degree, I shadowed at Little Inspirations and fell in love with how the center helps children grow and knew that I wanted to work here. I love to dance, sing, do art, go on nature walks, and travel. I have always loved working with children and realized that it was a passion of mine when I started to teach a dance class for young kids, so I decided to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education to turn my passion into a career. I love to see how every child is different in their own ways. I’m excited to help children develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively, but am especially excited to incorporate my passion for health and dance in the classroom by helping children develop gross motor skills and learn healthy habits.