Our Staff
Vice President & Preschool/Playschool Director
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Kelly Perez
Kelly Perez holds a B.A. in Applied Behavioral Science from National Louis University and two American Montessori Society teaching credentials: Infant-Toddler (birth to age three) and Early Childhood (ages two-and-a-half to six). In 2017, she was honored as a nominee for the Golden Apple Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award. In 2024, Kelly co-authored The Happiest Preschool: A Manual for Teachers with Dr. Martha Heineman Pieper, Ph.D. Kelly is an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Illinois Association for Infant Mental Health.
Since 1987, Kelly has dedicated her career to developing and leading high-quality early childhood programs. Her experience spans roles as a teacher, teacher educator, consultant, curriculum designer, parent coach, and program administrator. She has been part of Smart Love since 2010, bringing her deep expertise and passion for nurturing young learners and supporting their families.
Administrative Coordinator
Director of Training
Ashton Amsden
Ashton Amsden received a B.A. from Millikin University. With over 14 years of experience in the childcare field, Ashton continues to be passionate about caring for young children. She began at Smart Love as an assistant teacher and is grateful to continue her career with the organization. Ashton deeply admires the positive and nurturing approach to early childhood education at Smart Love and is excited to be a part of the Smart Love team.
Madelyn Perez
Madelyn Perez received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in early childhood education from Southern New Hampshire University. Madelyn has been with Smart Love Preschool since 2017 and is director qualified. Madelyn’s passion for young children and Smart Love felt like a perfect match. She feels it’s a privilege to work with children and their families and is so happy to be a part of the Smart Love team.
Teachers
Kaylee Belletynee
Kaylee Belletynee received her B.A. in elementary education from Illinois State University. After finishing her undergraduate studies in England and substitute teaching at home, she grew a love for early childhood education. She is eager and thrilled to learn from such a wonderful team at Smart Love. Kaylee is inspired by teaching the value of being a lifelong learner and she feels grateful to be in a field where this goal is practiced daily.
Emma Church
Emma Church has been in the early childhood field since 2018 and attended DePaul University with a focus on early childhood education. She takes pride in being a nurturing caregiver for children as they explore their world through play, arts, and positive relationships. She is so happy to be a part of the Smart Love team and a community that is so supportive of children and their social/emotional well being.
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Elizabeth Griffin
Lizzy Griffin received her B.A. from Oberlin College, majoring in psychology and dance with a Spanish minor and an education concentration. She has worked in the education field for years, teaching in summer camps, classrooms, arts education spaces, and more. Lizzy is beyond excited to join the Smart Love team, bringing her love of the arts and outdoors into her work in early childhood education. She believes in intentional play-based learning, and the power of adapting to meet each child's needs, making Smart Love a great match.
Caren Jurina
Caren Jurina has been a play-based preschool teacher since 2015, she has an associate’s degree from the American Academy of Art and a bachelor’s degree from Kendall College in early childhood education. Caren is excited to share her artistic talents as well as her experience in early childhood education. She sought Smart Love out as she felt it was a match for her teaching ideals to foster creativity and exploration while supporting a relationship-based approach in an early childhood setting.
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Olivia Rogers
Liv Rogers received her B.S. in Elementary & Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Nebraska in 2024. She has worked in the education field for years, in daycare and summer camp. While she taught as a Kindergarten teacher in Nebraska for two years, she is passionate about early childhood education. Liv believes in creating a warm and inclusive learning environment, play-based learning, and fostering positive relationships with children and their families; She is thrilled to be joining the Smart Love team.
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Stephanie Stophel
Steph Stoffel graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, during which she studied early childhood education. Her studies were anchored on an interest in children’s media and its impact on child development. Since graduating, she has been working in a preschool setting, solidifying her passion for working directly with children and families. She looks forward to joining the Smart Love team and is excited to continue fostering emotionally healthy childhoods.
Substitute Staff
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Abby McMahon
Abby attended Loyola University Chicago, where she studied Elementary Education. She is passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where children can learn and grow through play, creativity, and meaningful connections. Abby takes pride in fostering positive relationships and encouraging each child’s social and emotional development. She is thrilled to be part of the Smart Love team and a community that deeply values and supports the well-being of every child.