Peggy Kiefer is Supervisor for the Early Connections infant and toddler home visiting program in NCUSD #203. Peggy has been empowering parents for over 25 years through her work as a parent educator and mentor.  She has a B.S. in Elementary/Special Education (as well as endorsements in Early Childhood and English Language Learners), with a M.A. in Parenting Education and Support, along with a post graduate certificate in Infant Mental Health.  In 2016, she was credentialed through the Illinois Infant Mental Health Association as an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health consultant (I/ECMH-C).

Peggy is a strong believer in the power of parenting as a way to help children succeed in school and their life journey.  She values parents and supports them in recognizing their innate ability to guide their children down a successful path.  She is passionate about spreading her knowledge of the lifelong benefits and or harm of a child’s earliest experiences and how significant it is to their overall well-being.

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.

Usha Nalluri is the Support Coordinator for Early Connections. She has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a MBA in Human Resource Management. Having worked in multinational corporations in India as well as a startup in New York City, she decided to take a break from her career to be a stay at home mom. After completing her Library Sciences Certification she went on to work in elementary and high school libraries in Hong Kong.  She loves working with the Early Connections families and the team. In addition to English, she speaks Telugu, Hindi and Bengali fluently.

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. 

Mary Gil (Marisa) has over 10 years of experience working in the areas of early childhood. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with specialization in biomedical sciences in Colombia, South America. After many years of working in the science field, she decided to change her professional career towards early childhood education. She began at Ann Reid in the bilingual program and subsequently joined the Early Connections program as one of the home visitors for Hispanic families. She continues with her education in the field of infant mental health with the purpose of facilitating the tools to maintain the wellbeing of the families that participate in the Early Connections program. 

Lubna Hamid has been a Parent Educator with the Early Connections program at Ann Reid for 3 years.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has previously worked as a 3^rd grade teacher and a Developmental Therapist. She has been a Parent Educator for 5 years and counting.  She loves working with families and watching children play and learn!  Lubna recognizes that a parent is a child’s first teacher and she loves working with families and seeing how families make connections with their child/ren. 

Marcela Perez has been in the educational field for the last 22 years. Upon graduating from the University of Rosario in Bogota, Colombia with a degree in Occupational Therapy, she has gone on to expand her skills and knowledge working at Montessori schools and now in Naperville CUSD #203 in her role as a Parent Educator. Her experience and passion for education and community building drives her commitment to continuously support and help her families within the district. Marcela constantly looks to improve her work and keep up to date with any new educational practices. 

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.