Our Staff...

Mrs. Allin  Mrs. Cotugno  Mrs. Cranston  Mrs. Finkler
Mrs. Gass  Mrs. Hedmark  Mrs. Paul  Mrs. Soukup  Mrs. Thomason  Mrs. Thrasher

Cheryl Thrasher - Preschool Director

Married to Dan for 32 years, I am the mother to two young adult sons, who are college grads - Gary (28) and Eric (26) and one daughter, Jamie (21) who is beginning her senior year at Western Illinois University.

I began my tenure with Algonquin Preschool 16 years ago as a teacher's assistant. Although my background is in accounting, after having my children I returned to college, earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, and began teaching 3, 4 and 5 year old classes. In 1996 I became the Assistant Director to Diane Jeffs and the Director in 2003..

This year I am teaching morning 4/5's afternoon with Mrs. Paul and assisting with the 3 year old classes.

My early childhood philosophy has developed as I matured in my teaching role. I believe children learn through science, math, art, stories and circle time activities. These activities help the children.

As the director, I will continue the Algonquin Preschool philosophy and standards Mrs. Diane Jeffs has created while keeping current with N.A.E.Y.C. policies. I am proud to say we received NAEYC re-Accreditation in July, 2004.

Sheila Allin

I live in Port Barrington with my husband, Robin and our spoiled, long hair Chihuaha, Lobo. Robin and I have been married 27 years. We have 3 sons who are now in various stages of careers and college.

I am now beginning my third year at Algonquin Preschool. I truly enjoy being a part of the staff and being able to meet and work with all the wonderful children and their families. I teach the 4 year-olds in Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes and the Tuesday-Thursday morning for 3 year olds.

Lisa Cotugno

Hi! My name is Lisa Cotugno and I will be teaching morning 3's on Tuesday and Thursday with Mrs. Thomason.

I really enjoy working with children. I worked at Children's World Learning Center for seven years. While I was there I worked with 3's, 4's, kindergarteners, and school-age children.

I took a break from teaching to have my two daughters, Courtney and Corrie. While both girls were in preschool in the Roselle Park District, I did have an opportunity to work there with the 2 1/2 year olds and 3 year olds. I worked there for a year and a half and then we moved to this area. My husband grew up in Algonquin, so this is home for him.

I am happy to get back to teaching. I'm sure this will be a fun and exciting year.

Pam Cranston

Hi, my name is Pam Cranston and this is my 5th year at Algonquin Preschool. This year I am teaching 4 year olds Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings with Mrs. Hedmark. Before joining the Algonquin Preschool staff I was a stay at home mom for 17 years. I consider that an education in itself, but I have been continuing my education at Elgin Community College. I also attend many educational conferences throughout the year. I work with a very dedicated staff and am honored to be a part of this preschool. Children truly do came first here!

Our family has lived in the Algonquin area for 17 years. I've been married to my wonderful husband Don for 23 years and we have 3 daughters, Becki (21), Amy (18), and Holly (14). Becki is a senior at Western Illinois University majoring in Elementary Education. Amy is a senior and Holly is a freshman at Jacobs High School. We also have two cats, Tuffy (a big chicken) and Charlie.

Karen Finkler

Hello, my name is Karen Finkler and this is my sixth year teaching at Algonquin Preschool. This year I am teaching MWF 4's and T/TH 3's in the morning with Mrs. Allin.

I have enjoyed getting to know the children, parents and staff during the last five years. My son Bryant has also enjoyed his classroom experience here at the school. As Bryant goes off to third grade, I am looking forward to a new and exciting year!

I have been in the Early Childhood Education field for 20+ years (oh-oh, my age is showing!). My formal education has included courses at College of DuPage and Elgin Community College, as well as many conferences, seminars, and classes in Early Childhood Education. While I consider this education to be invaluable, the most exciting education that I have received is from the many years of working with young children! There is nothing that can be compared to seeing a world through a child's eyes!

I have been married for 31 years to a great guy, Bruce. We have four children, Brandon - 30, Chandra - 25, Brett - 15, and Bryant - 9 (yes, my husband and I are a little crazy!). I enjoy volunteering at my son's school and also with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. I enjoy gardening, reading, sewing, scrapbooking and crafts of all kinds in my spare time.

I truly believe in the NAEYC philosophy and Algonquin Preschool. I am proud to be associated with Algonquin Preschool and look forward to a long relationship with the staff, parents and the children here at the school.

Teri Gass

Tender	Gregarious
Energetic	Animated
Resourceful	Sincere
Innovative	Self starter

I am beginning my 12th year at Algonquin Preschool. Previously I had taught at another, local preschool. Prior to my preschool career, I was a substitute elementary teacher, and a remedial math specialist for seven years in my home state of Pennsylvania. I hold a BS degree in elementary education from California State University in California, PA, and have done graduate work at the Pennsylvania State University. Since becoming involved with preschool, I have attended many seminars specializing in the most current teaching techniques for this age group.

I have been happily married for 31 years. We have 2 children, a 24 year old son who is a college student, and our 20 year old daughter who attends College. In addition to the kids, we have a dog, 2 cats, and a fish. There are not many dull moments at our house with that menagerie!!

I am looking forward to the 2006-2007 school year. There is so much joy in working with this age group, and my tenure at Algonquin Preschool has been made even more enjoyable by having had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful families.

Jenifer Hedmark

My name is Jenifer Hedmark. I have been maried to my husband Keith for 13 years. We have two children, Kelly and Erik. Kelly is 10 and is a student at Algonquin Lakes Elementary, and Erik is 6 and in 1st Grade at Algonquin Lakes.

I have an Associate's Degree from Harper College and a B.S. in Education from Winona State University. After my daughter was born, I took time to be a stay at home mom. Both of my children attended Algonquin Preschool and Erik even was able to be in the five year old class.

This is my third year teaching at Algonquin Preschool. This year I will be teaching 4 AM and PM, as well as a Tues/Thurs class.

I feel honored to be a member of the staff at Algonquin Preschool because it truly is a school where "Children Come First!".

Holly Paul

Hi. My name is Holly Paul. I am married and have two grown daughters. I even have a brand new granddaughter.

I have been teaching preschool since 1993. I started here at Algonquin Preschool, left for a few years and am truly excited to be back.

My extra-curricular activities include shopping, dining with friends, golfing, watching pro football (the Packers, to be exact) and babysitting my granddaughter, Madison.

Bonnie Soukup

Have you met Bonnie Soukup? She is the 4 year-old teacher aide. She is also the one who almost always wears bermuda shorts (even in the middle of winter). You probably think she wears them because she is stuck in the 80's, but she says it is because they are comfortable, and she is short, pants are too long, and she doesn't sew, she can't shorten them. Dresses and skirts don't work because you can't gracefully get down on the floor and play with the children.

The personal side of Mrs. Soukup includes her husband of 37 years (Bob), daughter Stacey with husband Ross and sons Cooper and Jackson, daughter Jami, son Bill, 3 cats and 1 dog. When her kids were younger she was the typical Soccer Mom, 8-year High School Booster Club parent (she would recommend this non-paying job to all parents), and when she was temporarily crazy, she was the Jacobs High School Cheerleading Coach. Her hobbies are home decorating, discount shopping and babysitting for her grandsons Jackson and Cooper.

Since she graduated from Monmouth College with her Elementary Education degree quite a few years ago, she has taught children from the ages of 3 to 14. Her resume includes 2 years as Kindergarten Teacher at Sleepy Hollow School, but for the last 18 years she has been at Algonquin Preschool, which proves she is very happy with the staff, the curriculum, the parents, and most importantly, the children. She hopes the opportunity to teach at Algonquin Preschool lasts for many more years.

Linda Thomason

I'm Linda Thomason. I teach morning 3 year-olds on Tuesday/Thursday.

I began my career teaching at a day care center the summer I graduated from college. I liked the children, school philosophy, and staff so much, I stayed seven years until my daughter was born. Then I stayed home to be with my family: my husband, 2 children, and lots of pets.

When my son was 2, I was lucky to find out about and become involved with Algonquin Preschool. My son was lucky to be a student in the first 4 year-old class.

I've been teaching here for 17 years. Needless to say, I believe in this school and I truly enjoy my job. I love the hugs and friendly faces and the challenges each day brings.