Meet our Instructors

All Park Ridge Preschool staff members are certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid. Teachers must also maintain 15 hours of in-service in early childhood every year.

Brooke Plofsky

Ms. Brooke is our Preschool Director and has been with the park district since 2016. She received a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Cincinnati and a master's degree in reading from National Louis University. Prior to parks and recreation, Brooke taught in the primary grades and then supervised college students at National Louis University’s College of Elementary Education. In addition to supervising daily operations and preschool staff, Brooke is often seen teaching and helping out in the classrooms. She has 4 grown children and a dog, Maggie Moo. In her spare time Brooke likes to spend time with her family, read, watch movies, and go on walks with friends.

Katie Aumiller

Ms. Katie joins the Park Ridge Preschool as our new Assistant Director. Katie will be the first face you see when you enter the preschool office! She has extensive education in early childhood from Ashford University. Katie worked as a lead preschool teacher for over 6 years at the Bernice E. Lavin Early Childhood Education Center at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. Her students ranged between the ages of 2-6 years old. Katie’s favorite thing about teaching is watching children collaborate with each other and their teachers, and engaging in creative projects. When she's not at our preschool, she enjoys helping her real estate clients find their new home, doing DIY projects and reading.  

Deanna Barrett

Ms. Deanna is an Assistant Teacher in our 2-year-old classroom. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in art. Ms. Deanna has two boys in elementary school, where she is very involved in the PTA. She enjoys being active with her kids, reading, painting, and has a passion for health and fitness. Deanna loves children’s natural curiosity and strives to help them explore while learning and growing.

Kelly Brown

Ms. Kelly joined our team this year as an assistant teacher in the M-F morning 4-year-old room. She enjoys being in the classroom and contributing to the learning and growth of the children throughout the school year. In her free time, she is busy keeping track of her kids’ sports schedules, working out, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Park Ridge with her husband and 3 children.

Mary Ann Doulas

Ms. Mary Ann is a Lead Teacher in our 4-year-old M-F afternoon program. Mary Ann has worked with the Park District since 2001. Ms. Mary Ann also teaches our early childhood classes, Stepping Stones and Learn n’ Play in the mornings. She believes that young children learn differently than their elementary-age counterparts, and hands-on exploration is best for preschool education. Her goal is to inspire and influence a love of learning through play, exploration, and discovery of the world.

Valerie Howe

Ms. Valerie is new to our preschool team this year and will be working as a lead teacher in our 4-year-old MWF morning program. Valerie has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Eastern Illinois University. She is a new member of our preschool team, but is not new to the preschool world. She previously taught preschool for several years at the Glenview Park District before becoming a stay at home mom to her three daughters. She loves making learning fun and sending the children home with memories they can't wait to share with their families.

Stephanie Greene

Ms. Stephanie is new to our preschool team this year and is very much looking forward to being an assistant teacher in the 4-year-old MWF classroom! Prior to taking several years off to raise her two boys, she taught 3rd and 5th grade in Chicago. Both of her kids attended the Park Ridge Park District Preschool. She has a Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education. Stephanie believes school should be a safe place where children discover that learning is fun!

Justyna Kennedy

Ms. Justyna works as a Lead Teacher in our Playtime Pals class daily, as well as an Assistant Teacher in our MWF afternoon 4-year-old classroom. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Academy of Management and Administration in Opole, Poland. Throughout her life she has dedicated her time to taking care of children and working with several neighborhood organizations. Justyna is dedicated to the social and emotional development of children and makes it her goal to ensure each child receives the best care and love that they all deserve. She is very creative and enjoys doing arts and crafts with the children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing and watching sports. She also loves to travel.

Palanya Kvorka

Palanya works as an assistant teacher in our M-F 3-year-old preschool class. Palanya grew up in Thailand. She speaks fluent Thai and loves Thai food! She likes to garden and bake in her spare time. Palanya lives in Park Ridge with her husband, two children, and a dog.

Nikki Lanahan

Ms. Nikki is the lead teacher in our M-F morning 3-year-old classroom. She attended Oakton Community College, where she studied psychology and early childhood development. She is an independent designer and a published children’s book illustrator. She lives in Park Ridge with her husband, three daughters, and two spoiled puppies. She believes in the power of laughter. If you’re laughing, you’re learning!

Nicole Miller

Ms. Nicole is the lead teacher in both our MWF and Tu/Th morning 3-year-old program. She is a proud graduate from Maine South High school and has an Associates in Early Childhood Education. When she is not working in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children who both attended the Park Ridge Park District Preschool. She also enjoys baking and gardening during her spare time.

Jennifer Mocarski

Ms. Jenn is our lead teacher MWF and Tu/Th mornings for the 2-year old program. She has over 10 years of previous classroom experience and is dedicated to helping all children learn and grow. Jennifer has taught a variety of subjects, including literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. She is committed to providing her students with a high-quality education that will prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and an endorsement in special education from Northern Illinois University. Some of her hobbies include reading, yoga/fitness, and raising a small flock of chickens with her two children and husband.

Mariann O'Brien

Ms. Mariann works as a lead teacher in our afternoon 3-year-old preschool program. She spends her time working in the preschool as well as our early childhood class, Two’s on the Move. Mariann has been with the Park District for over 20 years. She has touched many children’s lives with her giggles and funny story time voices. She has a particular interest in science and has taught science enrichment classes in the past. Mariann has a bachelor's degree from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Carla Paestch

Ms. Carla is a lead teacher for the MWF and Tu/Th 3-year-old program. She attended DePaul University, where she studied early childhood education and psychology. Both of her children attended the Park Ridge Park District Preschool. Carla looks forward to making preschool a fun and exciting experience for our program's 3-year-olds! 

Denise Parcell

Ms. Denise is a lead teacher for our M-F morning 4-year-old program. Denise graduated from Roosevelt University with a bachelor's degree in secondary education and endorsements in history and early childhood. Denise strives to create and maintain a safe and fun classroom where the kids are excited to come to school to learn and play. Her classroom is a place where children can express themselves, build friendships, and gain a of love of school, learning, and self-confidence.

Michelle Romanek

Ms. Michelle is a lead teacher in our M-F morning 4-year-old program. She holds a teaching degree from National-Louis University and has taught kindergarten in the past. Michelle strives to provide a safe and nurturing structured classroom where children are encouraged to learn through curiosity, positive socialization, and fun exploration.

Beth Rossi

Ms. Beth is a lead teacher in our Tu/Th morning 4-year-old class She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Loyola University and a master’s degree in education from DePaul University. Ms. Beth taught first grade for 13 years and has a strong understanding of child development. Her goal is to provide a safe, positive, and nurturing environment that meets every child’s needs. She looks forward to making learning fun and exciting for her students! When she’s not in the classroom, she’s spending time with her husband and son. They love being outdoors, playing sports, and being active.

Sandra Rotter

Ms. Sandra works as an assistant teacher in our M-F morning 4-year-old program. She is a proud mother of three children. She loves nature, animals, being silly, and the power of laughter.

Patrizia Tabet

Ms. Patrizia works as a lead teacher in our Playtime Pals room in the mornings and as an assistant teacher in 3-year-old afternoon preschool on MWF. She will also be teaching our enrichment class Fitness Fun this fall. Patrizia has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion from the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago and AFFA certification in Fitness. She brings passionate energy and excitement into the classrooms. Patrizia loves working with all children and their families. 

Renee Yang

Ms. Renee works as an assistant teacher in our Tu/Th 4-year-old morning class. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loyola University and has 12 years of nursing experience behind her. Ms. Renee lives in Park Ridge with her husband, 3 young boys, 2 dogs, a few fish, and a hedgehog! All of her boys have attended Park Ridge Park District Preschool, and she hopes to pass on this wonderful experience to her students. Renee’s goal is to help kids feel safe and to love learning.

Pat Zouras

Ms. Pat is an assistant teacher in our M-F afternoon 4-year-old program. Pat also works as an assistant in our early childhood classes, Stepping Stones and Learn n’ Play. She believes that children are curious and learn through play and hands-on experiences.