JoAnn Carpenter – Director
JoAnn is ecstatic about being a part of the Gorton Children’s Learning Center team. Her work experience with children expands over twenty years. During these twenty years, she has had the opportunity to hold both director and classroom positions. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Barat College in Lake Forest, IL, M. A. in Human Resource Development from Webster University in St Louis, MO and early childhood education credentials, Infant Toddler Specialist and School Age Programming certifications from the College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL. She can be reached at joann (at) gortoncenter (dot) org.
Linda Schnuer – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Linda has over 20 years experience teaching young children. She received her Masters of Arts in early childhood education from Concordia University. Throughout her career, she has worked in a wide variety of preschool settings including both public and private schools. Linda is so happy to be part of the CLC and is thrilled to be working with the 3s, 4s and 5 year olds. She brings creativity to projects, allows for creative learning activities to challenge the children, and is a warm and caring person.
Gisélle Lamb-Dabney – Teacher
Giselle holds a BS in Early Childhood Education, and AA in Psychology and is currently working towards a Masters in Library and information Science. She enjys listening to music, taking walks with her dog, and reading – both for herself and to children. She believes that teaching is the greatest act of charity because learning is facilitated by love.
Ana Norville – Teacher AssistantAna is a military spouse with three children of her own who recently relocated to Illinois. When her oldest child started school, she volunteered in the classroom. A year later, she was hired as a teacher assistant in her daughter’s school. She enjoyed working with the students and watching them grow. However, as a military spouse, her family was relocated again. This time, she decided to stay home to care for her little ones. She still volunteered at her children’s school and enjoyed every minute. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the movies, bowling and playing board games with her husband, daughter and two boys. Ana is excited to join the CLC team, working with the children and watching them grow.
Cassedy Krumsee – Teacher Assistant Cassedy has over five years of experience working with young children in the classroom, and is currently working towards her Early Childhood Education Certificate. She has also written and illustrated 25 children’s’ books and enjoys bringing creativity into the classroom through art and music. In her spare time, Cassedy is often found horseback riding, creating artwork, and finding ways to make her friends and family laugh. Cassedy strongly believes that every child has their own unique gifts and strives to help each child recognize, grow and share these gifts, building self-esteem and success both in the classroom and out.
Kimberley Wade – Teacher Kimberly is originally from Canada, but has been an Illinois resident for over ten years. She holds a BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology. While attending the University of Southern Illinois Carbondale, she received All-American honors in Track and Field and Cross Country. Kim has a Bachelor’s of Education and over ten years of early childhood experience. In addition, she loves being a mother to two beautiful girls. Kim endeavors to foster all the curiosity and joy children bring to the classroom and is excited to be a part of the Children’s Learning Center and the Gorton community.
