Our Teachers and Staff

At EduCare, our staff pride themselves in providing first-class education, along with a loving environment for your children.  Our staff are courteous, professional, and focus on the needs of their students. 

Meet our Private Kindergarten Teacher, Shannon Michalek.

Shannon has ten years of teaching experience, teaching a variety of different age levels.  She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's degree in Reading and Literacy.  Originally from a small Ohio town, Shannon has been living in the area for about four years now.  She looks forward to working with your child and instilling a lifelong love for learning

Meet our Preschool Teacher, JoAnne Dryer. 

JoAnne graduated from Joliet West High School.  JoAnne has 5 years of experience working with problem behavior children.  JoAnne started with EduCare in September 2005 as an assistant teacher.  JoAnne earned her CDA certification and became the lead teacher of our Preschool classroom. 

 Meet our Preschool Teacher, Pam Castro. 

Pam graduated from East Aurora High School. Pam has many years of experience working with children. She has worked as a Sunday School teacher, a Bible Study leader, a Special Education Assistant, a teacher aide, as well as an assistant teacher at another location. Pam received her CDA certification to become a lead qualified preschool teacher in February 2012. Pam started with EduCare in September 2008 

Meet our certified cook, Micky Kipilla.

Micky graduated from Joliet West High School. Micky has 5 years of experience running her own licensed day care home, four years experience in a latch-key program, as well as five years experience as a cub scout leader. Micky started with EduCare in September 1993. Micky wears many hats as the center and helps in classrooms as an assistant teacher as needed.

Meet our Substitute Teacher, Julia Mikuska.

Julia received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education for Kindergarten through Ninth Grade. She also holds endorsements in Language Arts and Science at the Middle School level. Julia has a diverse background in education. She was a peer writing tutor at Lewis University as well as tutoring for first grade math and reading. She has taught in settings for kindergarten, first, and seventh grade. She also is a dance instructor in Plainfield for children ages three to seventeen. Julia started with EduCare in September 2010.