Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and gateway approved Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. Michelle has over 10 years of early childhood experience, with the last 7 years focused in direct service supporting teachers, families, children, and staff. As a Mental Health Consultant, Michelle has supported programs like Early Head Start, Head Start, and Prevention Initiative. Michelle is trained and has a strong passion for providing support around challenging behaviors, improving caregiver-child relationships, social emotional development and education, maternal mental health, strengthening calming strategies, staff wellness  and trauma informed care.

Michelle resides in DuPage County with her daughter. Michelle enjoys the warmer month’s and doing anything and everything outdoors, like hiking, kayaking, exploring new restaurants, and more! Michelle also loves  to paint, cook, read, and listen to live music!

Bonnie is the Lead Parent Educator for Early Connections, joining the team in March 2020.  She has over 20 years of experience working in early childhood, mental health, education, community networking and outreach, training and advocacy. She has previously worked with the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and the DuPage Regional Office of Education. She enjoys working with children and families and supporting parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.

Jenny Umbright is the Support Coordinator for Early Connections. She has a bachelor's degree in Communications. Having worked in recruitment advertising, she decided to take a break from her career to be a stay-at-home mom. In 2016, she was fortunate to be accepted to Naperville D203 as a Computer Support Associate.  She was able to grow in that position and enjoyed helping the students, parents, and teachers. She is now excited to take the knowledge she has to keep on learning & growing with the Early Connections Group.

Diane Albrecht has had a variety of experiences working with children and families for the past 26 years. She has taught in a PFA program and has taught Kindergarten and First Grade. She has also had experience of being a parent educator for the DuPage Regional Office of Education. Diane earned a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Studies with an early childhood special education endorsement. Diane is grateful for the opportunity to have the role of supporting and encouraging parents as they are their child’s first teachers.

Jenny has worked in the early childhood education field for over 20 years both in the preschool classroom setting, and privately with families throughout various communities. She began at Early Connections in January of 2022 after working for both U-46 and West Aurora 129 school districts. She attended Colorado State University where she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in early childhood development. In September 2022 she will obtain a certificate of completion in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders from Postpartum Support International. By being a home visitor, Jenny is able to combine her love of the classroom and working with parents. She hopes to empower parents and caregivers to be their child’s first and most important teacher. She is excited to be a part of an incredible team of educators who share her passion for early childhood here in district 203. 

Thais Veselik has been a student, parent, and/or educator in Naperville School District #203 for the last 40 years. After earning her degree in Special Education from Benedictine University, she began her work in NCUSD #203 in 2004, in the capacity of special education teacher and assistant. Since December 2016, she has had the privilege of working as a parent educator/home visitor. This position combines her passion for education and supporting families.

Lauren Wren has 7 years of experience working with children and families in multiple capacities. She attended college at Illinois State University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She has been working with the Parents as Teachers program since 2018.

With nine years of experience in the social services field, Alexis is dedicated to supporting families and empowering parents to foster positive growth and development in their children. Alexis earned a BA in Communications and Spanish from Colorado State University, and is currently pursuing an AM degree from the University of Chicago Social Administration program. She has been fortunate to connect with families a as a mental health counselor and home visitor in Denver and Seattle, and is thrilled to be back home in Illinois and be part of the dedicated NCUSD 203 Early Connections team as a parent educator.

Lorena Rivas is a bilingual parent educator whose passion for supporting families spans over 15 years. Lorena has dedicated herself to supporting families navigating parenting challenges for three years.  Her career began with Head Start, where she laid the foundation by influencing the lives of children and their caregivers.   Lorena finds fulfillment in empowering children and families to reach their full potential.  Outside of her professional endeavors, Lorena cherishes moments spent with friends and family.  Lorena’s favorite time of the day is returning home after a fulfilling day of work to be greeted by the excitement of her beloved dog!