A united front
Our team of educators provides the absolute best for your child.
Unlike many preschools or daycares, Sonnets Academy's team of directors work together, across our locations, to build the best curriculum, set the best policies, and provide the best programs for our families and teachers.
The combined experience and unique backgrounds of Sonnets Academy's director's and teachers reflect in our commitment to building an early learning community. The support, inspiration, and encouragement that our directors provide transcends to our assistant directors and to our teachers - creating a foundation upon which your child's confidence and learning can flourish. Sonnets Academy directors & teachers are not only trustworthy and accountable, they truly take pride and ownership in providing the best for each and every child that shows in our students' excitement about learning.
Brianne Walsh, MS, CCLS
Director, Lincoln Park
Brianne Walsh has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of Iowa with a focus on Child Development and Family Counseling and holds a Master of Science degree in Child Development with a Child Life Specialization from Erikson Institute in Chicago. Prior to joining Sonnets Academy in 2014, she worked as a Developmental Therapist in a therapeutic preschool; a Family Play Specialist for a non-profit organization working with families on how best to incorporate play into their unique families; a Child Life Specialist in a pediatric unit incorporating purposeful play into the hospital experience; and as an early childhood teacher in infant, toddler, and three year old classrooms.
Brianne believes all children learn best through sensory exploration and individualized social-emotional attention and wants to help children become confident individuals who are excited to engage in activities with their peers. She wants each child to view school as a safe, loving, and predictable environment so they can feel comfortable to experience any and all emotions and behaviors that may arise as they go through these developmental changes. Brianne is a firm advocate that all behavior is a form of communication, and it is the job of early childhood educators to support each child to figure out what they are trying to communicate in that moment.
As a mom of two young daughters, Brianne has had the opportunity to see early childhood programming from a parental view and is excited to use that mindset while supporting the Sonnets community.
Tameka RAY, M.a.Ed.
Director, West Loop
Tameka Hughes started her early childhood mission in a toddler’s classroom and she knew it was her calling. Moving from teacher to assistant director to director, Tameka is well versed in all facets of an early learning environment. She holds a masters degree in Early Childhood Education/Curriculum Studies, along with post graduate studies in organizational leadership and applied behavioral analysis studies. Tameka has just over 16 years of experience teaching in and leading early learning facilities, both public and private.
Tameka has been with Sonnets Academy for over 7 years. During her educational leadership journey, she regularly partners with teachers and company leaders on classroom management, lesson planning and assessments. Her passion for making sure parents feel that school is an extension of the home is something that continues to motivate her.
In addition to organization and leadership skills, Tameka has taken a particular interest in curriculum that allows the inherent creativity and intelligence of children to emerge through purposeful play and active teacher involvement. She has a strong commitment to education and social emotional development in our early childhood community.
Amber Garcia
Director, River North
Amber Garcia has a range of experience as an infant classroom teacher, an assistant director, and as a director. She has a bachelor's degree in operations management, an associate degree in psychology, and extensive coursework in Early Childhood Education.
Amber believes that children are curious from infancy and have a desire to learn from all parts of their environment. As an Early Childhood professional, she is motivated by the opportunity to ensure that children are allowed to flourish as individuals while expanding their capacity to learn.
Amber is a mother of four and has been a Director for Sonnets for over a decade. Amber is uniquely passionate about creating a school culture and atmosphere that is fun, vibrant, and engaging. She believes that every day is an opportunity to spark inspiration for children, and she is always looking for ways to support her school in doing so.
