Danielle Bell
Director
Farm & Nature Discovery School
Danielle graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rasmussen College in Chicago with her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education leadership. She has over thirteen years of experience with all ages working in the Early Childhood Education Field. She spent these years gathering as much information about child development, varying curriculum styles, and teaching strategies as she could to further supplement her education. Danielle feels that with the combination of her education and experience, she can provide the quality of care that each child deserves. She believes it is an honor to have such a significant impact on each individual child and is eager to interact with all the families in our community. Danielle is thrilled to have the opportunity to direct the Farm and Nature Discovery School and looks forward to teaching, playing, singing, dancing, and being outdoors with your children each and every day!
Ms. Maggie
Teacher
3-year-olds
This year is Maggie Wilson’s 4th year teaching at the Farm and Nature School. Maggie loves working with the children, especially surrounded by animals and nature! Maggie graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Education in 2017. She grew up in Frankfort and is the youngest of 4. Maggie is very excited to start the school year!
Ms. Sabrina
Teacher
Kindergarten
Sabrina LaFlame received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Governors State University. This year is her fourth year at the Farm and Nature School. She is very excited to teach kindergarten this year exclusively and has a passion for sparking the educational interest of young minds. She enjoys spending time outdoors with not only her students but her family as well. She is happily married to her husband Bryan and has a thirteen-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. Her objective is to create a fun and safe learning environment so that each child can become the best version of themselves while learning about the world around them.
Ms. Kelly
Teacher
4-year-olds
Kelly Smetana received her Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, in 2012. This school year is Kelly’s second year teaching our 4-year-olds at the Farm and Nature school. She grew up in Palos Park and spent her summers working with children as a water ski instructor at Culver Military Academy on Lake Maxinkuckee. She is passionate about the outdoors and working with our young learners in this fantastic school setting.
Ms. Karen
Teacher
3 & 4-year olds
This is Karen’s second year with Farm and Nature School. She teaches the 3- and 4-year-olds. Karen has always loved working with children. Karen graduated from Augustana College in 2002 with a biology degree and worked as a microbiologist until she had an opportunity to begin working with children again. She has worked as a Sunday school teacher, camp counselor, and kid’s activities supervisor. Karen’s science background is a perfect fit for our nature-based curriculum.
