CENTRAL HYDE PARK
PRESCHOOL TEAM
BUSY BEES (Young Preschool)
SAMANTHA LAY - LEAD TEACHER - IN-TRAINING
(SHE/HER)
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Hello My name is Samantha Lay. I have an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Argosy University. I have been working in a daycare center for about 3 years. I have always had a love for kids and always wanted to open my own daycare. So, when I got the opportunity to work in a daycare, I fell in love because it gave me a chance to see how things work from behind the scenes. I love that I get to continue my journey here at Little Inspirations. A little bit about my family is that it's just my mom, brother and I. One of my interests at this moment is learning about real estate and how it works from the inside out.
TIANA HALL - ASSISTANT TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
​Hi guysss! My name is Tiana Hall and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the South Side, but also spent some time living in Plainfield. When I was younger, my dream was to open my own community center shop, a place where people could come together, hang out, and also get glammed up.
I graduated high school in 2022 and began pursuing a career in cosmetology while also working with the Chicago Park District. Growing up and going to work with my mom is what made me fall in love with working with children. I enjoy getting to know their different personalities and even learning from them, too.
In my free time, I love braiding hair, swimming, watching movies with my family, and taking my babies out. I’m the youngest (& only girl) in my family, with three older brothers. I’m also a proud mom of twins, Legend and Legacy, my 9-month-old boy and girl.
Working with children makes me feel complete. When they look up at me with big smiles, it tells me I’m making them feel safe, comfortable, and happy and that’s the best feeling in the world.
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FRISKY FOXES (Older Preschool)
TEQUIRA LEE - LEAD TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
I'm so thrilled to be a part of your little one’s journey here at Little Inspiration. I want to know all about your little ones, but first I’m going to tell you a few things about me. I earned my Associate degree in early childhood education at Kennedy-King College with roughly 1.5 years left until I obtain my bachelor’s degree. I have spent close to 5 years in ECE working to prepare children for kindergarten as well as 1 year as a paraprofessional with a focus on students with special needs and helping teachers manage the classroom. I'm passionate about early childhood education because of the profound impact it has on a child's future development. Seeing the positive transformation and empowering children to reach their full potential can be incredibly fulfilling. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, binge-watching TV shows, traveling, decorating events Etc. overall, I look forward to working with each family to support your little one’s development every step of the way.
DAYANA JOHNSON - ASSISTANT TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
Hello everyone,
Some things to know about me are, 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!
EAGLE EXPLORERS (Pre-Kindergarten)
MICHEALA TAYLOR LEAD TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
Hello everyone! I am thrilled to be the newest member of Little Inspirations. I am eager to be a part of your child's learning journey. With approximately 4 years of experience working with children in a classroom setting, I graduated from high school in 2018 and pursued further education in early childhood education at Kennedy King College. I completed my studies in May 2024 and will continue my education at Northeastern Illinois University. My passion for working with children began during high school when I interned with the Girl Scouts. Becoming a teacher has always been my dream because I believe in providing a strong foundation for a child's academic, social, and emotional growth.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, eating, shopping, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family. I am truly excited to be a part of your child's journey and grateful for the opportunity to be here. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms!
TENIYA HUGHES - ASSISTANT TEACHER
(SHE/HER)
Hi my name is Teniya Hughes. I love art & traveling. I wish to assist children by providing them with education to accomplish obstacles that disrupt their journeys and help them with new things.