-
 
The Willow Ridge Academy Team
 
 
 
Katherine Cozzani
Owner
Kate has been in the education field for over twenty years.  She started out as a high school varsity basketball and field hockey coach and elementary school teacher in Pittsburgh, PA.  Kate worked in the Chicago Public schools for two years as a fourth grade reading and math specialist.  While on maternity leave with her second son she started The Giving Tree home child care and her idea of a quality early childhood program was born.  She completed her Masters degree at Concordia University in Early Childhood Education.  In 2004 The Giving Tree, Early Learning Academy was opened in Forest Park.  Kate has continued to work in the Early childhood field as an Adjunct faculty member at Triton College and as a Coach for other child care center owners.  She now resides in Dupage County with her six children, dog Pippi and cat Survivor.  Kate enjoys watching her children in their various sports and activities and tries to scrapbook when she can.
 
 
 
Hazel T. Bell
Executive Director
Hazel was a student at Triton College when she first started with The Giving Tree.  Hazel started in the infant room as a teacher and was promoted to Assistant Director, Director and then Executive Director.   Hazel is an invaluable resource for the teachers and parents at Willow Ridge Academy. 
 
 
Ms. Noel
Director
I began working in the Early Childhood field after graduating from Northern Illinois University in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in English. I have been a part of the Willow Ridge family since the day our doors opened and have enjoyed getting to have a small part in the children's lives who have participated in our program. I plan on furthering my education by working   towards my Masters in the near future.
 
 
 
Ms.Susie
Office Manager
I have been working in the Early Childhood field since 2005. I have been with Willow Ridge Academy since the day we opened in 2008. I worked as an assistant teacher until recently when I transitioned to the administrative side of child care. I am currently attending Triton College to achieve my Associates Degree in Social Work.
 
 
Ms. Esmeralda
Infant Teacher
A native of beautiful San Jose, CA , this bilingual teacher joins us to further enhance her experience in pediatric language development. She is currently pursuing a degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences at Governors State University in hopes of one day becoming a distinguished speech-language pathologist in the Latino Community. As a newbie to the area, she may not be a fan of the weather, but she enjoys getting lost in the big City.
 
 
 
Ms. Ivette
Infant Teacher
I've enjoyed working with children for as long as I can remember. Babysitting siblings, nephew, and nieces was my first experience with children but becoming a mother to three beautiful children helped me understand that bond even more. After that, I volunteered my services to other parents and to my children's school. I also had the privilege to work with Preschoolers at Choffin Head Start in Youngstown, Ohio. I came to join The Giving Tree in November 2010 working with Toddler I and then later moved to Willow Ridge where I assist in Preschool. It has been quite an interesting journey.
 
 
 
Ms. Delicia
Infant Teacher
I am the oldest of four children. I have been with Willow Ridge for over a year. I am currently attending Triton college and am working towards my Associates Degree in Business Management.
 
 
 
 
Ms. Mercedes
Toddler I Teacher
I have a passion for teaching and working with children. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and I am currently completing an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a one year old daughter who attends Willow Ridge Academy.
 
 
 
Ms. Lakeisha
Toddler I Teacher
I have had the privilege of working in the Early Childhood field for almost three years. I am currently a new mom and enjoy experiencing new and exciting adventures with her each day. To say that a child brings a new prospective to life is an understatement.
 
 
Ms. Monique
Toddler II Teacher
I have an associates degree in Paralegal studies from Northwestern University. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in human services from the University of Phoenix. I am married with five beautiful boys ages 2 - 12. My future goal is to become a family lay attorney helping children in the DCFS system.
 
 
Ms. April
Preschool Teacher
I graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor's Degree in  Marketing. I had my own home daycare for over two years and have decided to further my education by working towards my Type 04 certificate from the State of Illinois.
 
 
 
 
Ms. Tania
After School and Summer Camp Teacher
I have been at The Giving Tree and Willow Ridge for almost six years after graduating from Triton College with an Associates in Early Childhood Education. I am a teacher at Paec school for 6th- 8th graders with severe and profound disabilities.
 
 
 
 
 
Ms. Audrey
Kitchen Coordinator
Biography coming soon!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Infant Room      Toddler I       Toddler II      Preschool      After School    
Ms. Esmeralda     Ms. Mercedes     Ms. Monique       Ms. April             Ms. Tania
Ms. Stephanie       Ms. Lakeisha     Ms.Shana             Ms. Ivette           Ms. Delicia