We are fortunate to have teachers with a long-lived, strong, positive connection to the school. The staff has a combined 68 years of involvement with AAUW Preschool. The director and teaching staff are well-versed in the following areas: language development, math, science, ecology, the arts, play environments, brain development, and child development.
Ann Adkins, Director
- AAUW Preschool Teacher Alum
- AAUW Preschool Parent Alum
- AAUW Preschool Board Member Alum
Miss Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been in the early childhood field since 1990 and has been with AAUW Preschool from 1997-1999 and again since fall of 2002. She was a teacher in several classrooms until summer of 2006. Since then she has been the director at AAUW Preschool. Miss Ann is married and has three children who all attended AAUW Preschool. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and outdoor activities with her family.
Nicole Gaa, Assistant Director & Teacher
- Assistant Director
- Lead Teacher in the Explorers Class
- Lead Teacher in the Pioneers Class
Miss Nicole started at AAUW Preschool in the Fall of 2022. She has been in the early childhood field since 2017 and earned her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Leadership and Advocacy in 2021. Miss Nicole is passionate about justice, nature-based & play-based learning. She says it is great to be back in Waukegan where she grew up and lived until 2004. Now with her husband she enjoys spending time outdoors and trying new creative activities.
Jodi McLellan, Assistant Director & Teacher
- Assistant Director
- Lead Teacher in the Explorers Class
- Lead Teacher in the Pioneers Class
Laura Swanson, Teacher
- Lead Teacher in the Discovery Class
Miss Laura has been teaching at AAUW Preschool since August 2017. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching Preschool in the Lake County area since 1985. She and her husband Ken have a son and daughter and three dogs. When Miss Laura is not teaching she enjoys walks in nature, visiting museums, crocheting, photography & scrapbooking.
Denise Romero, Assistant Teacher
- Assistant Teacher of the Odyssey Class
- Assistant Teacher in the Explorers class
- Teacher of the Scouts Class
- AAUW Preschool Alum
- AAUW Preschool Parent Alum
Miss Denise has an Associates of Arts degree Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching at AAUW Preschool since the fall of 2002. Miss Denise is married and has two sons. She enjoys shopping and spending time with family and friends.
Jessica Castillo
Idalia Garza
More information to come!
Itzel Alvarez-Zamudio
More information to come!
Emily Frievalt, Office Registrar
Miss Emily has been helping in the office at AAUW Preschool since the summer of 2019. Her education is in communication, public relations and business as well as customer service in retail and hospitality. Her favorite time is spent with her family, cheering on her kids, singing, crafting and traveling.
Sandra Ramirez, Assistant Teacher
- Assistant Teacher in the Discovery Class
- Aide in the Voyagers Class
- Aide in the Explorers class
Miss Sandra is the assistant Teacher in the Discovery class and has been with AAUW Preschool since the fall of 2022. She currently resides in North Chicago with her 3 children and husband. In her spare time with family she like to go fishing, to the movies, and walks with their dog.
Lilianna Abarca, Assistant Teacher
- Assistant Teacher in the Adventure Class
- Assistant Teacher in the Voyagers Class
Miss Liliana has been at AAUW Preschool since the fall of 2022 and is the assistant teacher for the Adventure & Voyagers classes. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In her spare time she loves traveling, painting, reading, and spending time with my family.