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.