It's been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Here is our village:
Constance Johnson a.k.a. “Granny”- Director
Constance Johnson had a 20 year gratifying career in the international distribution field working for several major corporations which provided her with excellent organization and leadership skills and experience in administration. When the company moved from the Chicago area to Oregon, she decided to take an early retirement to garden and spend more time with her three grandchildren. That decision turned into a full time profession as a licensed family child care provider in 1994. She says, "This is the most satisfying, rewarding job I've ever had. The organizational and administration skills acquired in my previous profession helped prepare me for the work that I now do in the child care field.” She has taken many Early Childhood Education courses at Triton College and continues to attend classes, workshops, and seminars in the field of early child education and development. She has taught at Wilbur Wright College; been a mentor for American Business Collaboration for Quality Dependent Care; and an advisor to new day care centers and many family childcare homes. Constance has served as the Vice President and President of the West Suburban Home Day Care Association and sits on the board of several corporations and associations. She's been the Membership Secretary of Illinois Association for Family Child Care (Illinois AFCC), a state wide family child care advocacy group, Treasurer, Vice President and President of Illinois AFCC. Constance enjoys her eight grandchildren, traveling, and reading.
Natasha Berry -
Infant Caregiver & Facebook Tech
Since the age of 16, Natasha worked with kids, volunteered at different programs working with infants and toddlers. From 2001 until 2008, she worked at an after school program to keep the kids off the street. In 2008, “Miss Natasha” came to Granny's Corner. I love music, making people happy and spending time with my family.
Beth Jelaca -
Art Instructor
Our art instructor, Beth Jelaca, lives in the Galewood community with husband, son and daughter. She helps the children experience a variety of media during our weekly art class.
Teresita Nieves -
Supervisor, Cook & Infant Caregiver
Mrs. Nieves was born here in Chicago. Her parents, who are from Puerto Rico, met in New York were they married then came to Chicago. “Miss Terry” has one sister. Terry has been married to Johnny for 27 years. They have four sons and one daughter. In 2007, their first grandson was born. Terry likes to be with family. Every weekend they gather for dessert at her house or at Miss Terry's mother-in-law's house.
Maria Salgado - Sign Language Teacher
Maria Salgado was born in Cuba. She has volunteered in after school programs and in Sunday School. Because her mother is deaf, Maria learned sign language at an early age. "Miss Maria" is a born again Christian who loves worshiping the Lord, attending bible classes and church. She says, “ My passion is working with kids making and making a big difference in their lives. ” Maria enjoys singing, acting, dancing and belongs to a performance group.
Gloria Starr - Team Teacher
Gloria is a born again Christian and has been since she was a child. Her faith and love for the Lord are the most important things in her life. Gloria says, “God has blessed me so much by bringing me to Granny's Corner. I have always known that the Lord wanted me to work with children. I believe there is no greater joy in life than knowing that you have made a difference in a child's life.” She has taught Sunday school classes for children from two through six years old. “Miss Gloria” has also taken classes in Elementary Education and plans to further her growth in this field. She enjoys reading and spending time with my family.
Amanda and Zoe Wilkerson - Assistants
Both alumni of Granny ' s Corner work whenever they can helping wherever they can at the daycare. Sometimes in the office, or helping with the infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The girls are students at Walther Lutheran High School and Grace Lutheran School.