Our Teachers
Miss Laura
Miss Laura has been working as an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-K 1 and 2 classes since 2018. She and her family live in Park Ridge and attend Messiah Church. Miss Laura's three boys each attended preschool at Messiah. In her free time, she likes to make crafts, walk her dog and read.
"Spending time with the children is a highlight of my week. It is awesome to watch them grow both academically and socially. Messiah Childcare is a caring and nurturing environment that helps them achieve this growth and I feel lucky to be working here with such an amazing staff."
Miss Diana
Miss Diana S. started working at Messiah in June 2021, but she is not a newcomer to our school. Diana began at Messiah, years ago, when she was a student in our Pre-K class. Now, as an assistant teacher, Diana co-teaches with Miss Sue in the Pre-K 1 classroom. In her free time, Miss Diana likes traveling, spending time with her family and doing crafts with her daughters Victoria and Isabelle
Miss Deanna
Deanna Mugnolo. This will be my second year at Messiah Lutheran Child Care Center. I have been a resident in Park Ridge for 23 years. My husband and I have raised our four children in Park Ridge. We have a daughter and three sons. They attended St. Paul of the Cross School where I had the pleasure of volunteering for field trips, lunch duty, and a variety of classroom activities. I enjoy baking, gardening, going on long walks, trying out new restaurants, and entertaining family and friends. Messiah has been wonderful to be a part of. It has such a family-oriented feel, and the teachers and staff are so very welcoming, friendly, and most helpful. It is such a joy to see the children grow and develop socially and academically throughout the school year, as well as getting to know their families. I am looking forward to another great school year at Messiah and can't wait to see those smiling faces!
Miss Cathy
Miss Cathy is the Office Manager here at Messiah. “I can be found in the office each day ready to answer all your questions and concerns. I have been a part of the Messiah staff since 2005. I began teaching in the 3 yr old program and then was also lead teacher in a Pre-K class from 2007-2010. Before coming to Messiah, I worked in corporate child care and home day care for more than 15 years. It is amazing to be able to watch a child’s growth, development and love of learning blossom in Messiah’s warm, caring environment.”
Miss Kelly
My husband, Allen, and I moved to Park Ridge in 2013. We have 3 kids, Carter (11), Mackenzie (9), and Conor (4). Prior to Messiah, I earned a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and spent most of my career in an office environment. I started at Messiah during Covid in October 2020. Personally, it’s a great fit for me and my family, and I truly enjoy being a teacher’s assistant in the Kindergarten class. There is something really special about the Messiah Community!
Miss Rose
Miss Rose started as a teacher’s assistant at Messiah in 2003. “I have lived in Park Ridge for 27 years with my husband and three sons. We are grandparents to two boys (and another on the way) and one girl! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have loved working at Messiah! The sense of family and community makes Messiah a home away from home for our staff and our students.”
OUr Director
Ms. April
I am so excited to be a part of the Messiah family. I live in Park Ridge with my husband, Rich and my two kids, Finn and Poppy. We love to travel and play sports and spend time together. My favorite hobby is photography. I have been in the Early Childhood Education for more than 20 years. I love being the leader of the most amazing group of teachers.
Miss Kristin
Miss Kirstin rejoined Messiah in August 2017. Kirstin is a former Messiah student and worked at Messiah during her college years as well. She is the lead teacher in our 3 yr old classroom. “I am happy to be back at Messiah! Having the chance to give these children some of the same wonderful experiences that I received is truly a blessing.”
Miss Bette
Miss Bette has been working at Messiah since 1994. She is the assistant teacher with Miss Jen in the Pre-K 2 classroom. “I have a great time laughing and playing with the children.”
Miss Jen
Miss Jen has taught at Messiah since 2012 and has been the lead teacher in the Younger 3’’s class, the 3 yr old class and currently the Pre-K classroom.
Miss Diane
Miss Diane began working at Messiah in 2019 as an assistant in the young threes class. She is now an assistant in the 3 yr old classroom, where she has 15 years experience. In her free time, Miss Diane loves to travel with her family. She loves to do art/STEM projects with the children, play and laugh with them!
Miss Rita
Miss Rita has been at Messiah since 2002, starting as a teaching assistant and then moving into the office as part of the school’s administrative team. She can currently be found in the office 4 days a week as our bookkeeper and school librarian. During her downtime, Rita enjoys reading and taking long walks with her golden doodle. “Messiah is such a wonderful place to work. I especially enjoy my time interacting with the parents and children. Each day is a blessing!”
Miss Terri
Miss Terri has been the Kindergarten (now Jr. Kindergarten/Kindergarten) teacher at Messiah since 1979. She received her B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Carthage College. "It has been a wonderful opportunity to develop and teach in an enriching Christian learning environment. I have had the chance to see Messiah Child Care grow and continue to blossom and always be a high quality Christian early childhood program. I enjoy working with the children, the staff, the parents and the pastor at Messiah. Terri's family resides in Hoffman Estates and she enjys music, travel, sports and animals. "From chasing my golf ball, walking the dog, hiking or horseback riding, you'll find me outdoors." During the summer months, I work with school age children in the day camp program. Many of these children are school alumni who return to the Messiah family for a familiar, fun time. I look forward to coming to work each day and spending time at Messiah."
Miss Josette
Miss Josette is our new Lunchroom Supervisor before Messiah Josette worked for 2 1/2 years in Child Care. She also worked with teen moms. She spoke in front of a Stop The Violence March. Working at Messiah has been a true blessing the care and love for being here shows through each individual that works here.