These individuals possess a commitment to and have a passion for Early Childhood Education
All directors and lead teachers have at minimum their Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a related field. Directors and teachers hold both CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification.
On a daily basis the educators at Sonnets Academy uphold our discovery-based curriculum, provide a safe and nurturing learning environment and are always accessible to our families.
Laura Davis, Executive Director
Laura Davis began her journey in Early Childhood Education over 17 years ago by taking her first job as an Assistant Teacher, at the JCC, while attending DePaul University for a Masters in Secondary Education. It was through that job she found her love of ECE and immediately switched her focus of study to Early Childhood Education. For the following 15 years Laura had the privilege of working with young children and their families at one of Chicago’s top preschools. Early on she was a Two Year Old Teacher, but as of 2002 became part of the senior leadership driving growth of the organization and in 2008 Ied their entire team as the Executive Director and Director of Operations.
At Sonnets Academy her responsibilities focus on supporting all school directors to deliver great education to every child and providing exceptional communication to parents. A strong home-school connection makes for a successful child. Laura’s educational philosophy is based on creating a nurturing, caring, and engaging environment to foster positive relationships between the children, families, and teachers.
Brianne Flynn, Sonnets Academy – Lincoln Park, Director
Brianne Flynn has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Iowa with a focus on child development and family counseling and holds a Masters degree in Child Development with a Child Life Specialization from Erikson Institute in Chicago. Prior to joining Sonnets Academy, 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 a three year old classrooms.
Brianne has a passion for working with children and families and is excited to incorporate her experiences and knowledge building Sonnets Academy. She 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 believes that the process of a child’s learning and not the product best measures development.
Tameka Ray, Sonnets Academy – Hyde Park, Director
Tameka Ray 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 is a graduate of Chicago State University, holds a masters degree in early childhood education from Ashford University and is currently obtaining her PhD from National Louis University. Tameka has nearly ten years of experience teaching in and leading preschools and providing early childhood education.
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 had a strong commitment to education in the city of Chicago and its neighborhoods and looks forward to building a lasting community asset in Hyde Park.
Kristin Pettice, Sonnets Academy – Gold Coast, Director
Kristin Pettice has over 15 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education and holds a B.A.in Early Childhood from Kendall College. She has worked with children from 6 weeks to over 10 years of age but has a true passion for toddlers. She was a lead toddler teacher with 15-24 month olds for over eight years and loved every minute of it. Kristin later became the assistant director at the same school and found a love for the balance of being with the children, interacting with parents and building a school.
Kristin sees the most wonderful part of her work as starting children and parents on their first path to education on a positive note. She believes children learn best when they are having fun in a warm loving environment and hopes that our school feels like an extension of home for each child. She joined the Sonnets Academy team to build a great organization and offer the best possible school experience for the youngest of children.
Amber Garcia, Sonnets Academy – River North, Director
Amber Garcia has a range of experience as a infant classroom teacher, an Assistant Director and now as a Director. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Technical Management from Devry University and an Associate’s Degree in Psychology, with 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 ensures that children are allowed to flourish as individuals and expand their capacity to learn. She has a strong commitment to Sonnets Academy because the organization is committed to not only the best childcare, but also a level of education that is remarkable.
Julie Mihovilovich, Sonnets Academy – West Loop, Director
Julie Mihovilovich has always had a passion for working with children, this is what led her into childcare. She received a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in psychology from National Louis University. Julie took many courses in Early Childhood Education, which made her look at her future and affirm that she wanted to work in the childcare field.
Julie began her career as a Two’s teacher at Sonnets Academy. She enjoyed every second of this role and found the most rewarding part was watching the children learn and grow as scholars.
The creative curriculum that Sonnets Academy offers allows children the opportunity to succeed at their own pace, which she believes makes Sonnets Academy such a successful school. After being a teacher, she was given the opportunity to work as the Assistant Director of the West Loop school. What she enjoyed most in this role was solidifying relationships with all the the students and their families, beyond just her classroom. Julie believes it is extremely important to have an open, honest relationship with all her students and families.