Trust is our first priority. Our primary goal is to educate children and keep them safe; physically and emotionally. We know young children need consistent, predictable relationships with their teachers. We use an “attachment” approach to create bonds between children, families, and teachers. Your child’s attachment teacher will be your primary contact.
Our Executive Director, Bettye Cohns, leads an exceptional staff of experienced and dedicated early childhood professionals who work together to make Reba Early Learning Center the best place for families seeking high-quality, whole-child, early education.
Our Executive Director, Bettye Cohns, leads an exceptional staff of experienced and dedicated early childhood professionals who work together to make Reba Early Learning Center the best place for families seeking high-quality, whole-child, early education.
Bettye Cohns, Executive Director
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Bettye serves as the Executive Director of Reba Early Learning Center. She is responsible for overseeing the delivery of our education and care program. Her professional career with preschoolers began in 1971. Throughout the years Bettye has served in many roles; from teacher, and anti-bias trainer, to her present role. Bettye says “lifetime connections with children, families, teachers, and the community are what she enjoys most about her work.”
Humorous comments such as the time when Bettye asked a child “to pass the milk carton” and the child responded “my name is not carton”, or the heart-warming comment from a parent who said they were going back to school “to be a teacher like you” are “unforgettable moments” in Bettye’s life. |
Along the way Bettye has received considerable recognition for the excellence of her work: the Oakton Community College Distinguished Alumni Award, the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award, and the Kendall College Volunteer Excellence Award. Through her participation in Taking Charge of Change, with the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership, Bettye has served as a mentor for other early childhood education directors.
Bettye’s educational background includes an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Oakton Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Administration, Master of Arts in Organizational Management with a Specialization in Leadership from Ashford University, and an IL Level III Director Credential.
Bettye’s educational background includes an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Oakton Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Administration, Master of Arts in Organizational Management with a Specialization in Leadership from Ashford University, and an IL Level III Director Credential.
Darcy Carter, Administrative Director
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Darcy serves as the Administrative Director of Reba. Darcy's educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Darcy maintains an IL Teaching Certificate - Early Childhood Teaching (Type 04). She brings more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in early childhood education.
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Our Teachers
Belinda Bester, Assistant Teacher
Belinda began her career as an early childhood educator in 1979. She has been at Reba since 2013. Belinda states that what she enjoys most about working with young children is that “After years in this field, I still feel so much joy when I see a child achieve something they have been working on for a while. Like putting on their coat, printing their name, or completing that puzzle they have tried many times before. Or when a child repeats back something you have taught them. And it’s like ok; they were listening.”
Belinda has earned a Level 1 Early Childhood Credential.
Belinda has earned a Level 1 Early Childhood Credential.
Travon Bonner, Teacher
Travon was a home care provider for many years in the Evanston community. After completing a student teacher practicum, through Oakton Community College, she joined our team in 2019. Travon says that what she enjoys most about teaching young children is “Watching them discover new things as they go about their day and having the opportunity to prepare them for the next step. Forming attachments with children and families, experiencing opportunities that make me better, and getting excited because THEY are excited.” is what Travon enjoys most about her job.
Travon holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Oakton Community College and a Level 2 Early Childhood Credential.
Kendel Garcia-Hammond; Teacher
Kendel was an assistant teacher in a home based early childhood center before coming to Reba as a student in 2019. What she enjoys most about teaching young children is "Being able to watch them grow and develop because we are usually witness to groundbreaking moments when a child learns a new skill. The time and effort given to each child, watching them develop their own social/emotional and cognitive skills, is a rewarding feeling."
After student teaching, Kendel was employed as a teacher with Reba. She enjoys working in the Blue Room; "The classroom atmosphere enables teachers to work as a team and communicate. We make changes to fit needs of children, look for ways to enhance learning, while keeping it fun and interesting."
Kendel is completing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University.
Travon holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Oakton Community College and a Level 2 Early Childhood Credential.
Kendel Garcia-Hammond; Teacher
Kendel was an assistant teacher in a home based early childhood center before coming to Reba as a student in 2019. What she enjoys most about teaching young children is "Being able to watch them grow and develop because we are usually witness to groundbreaking moments when a child learns a new skill. The time and effort given to each child, watching them develop their own social/emotional and cognitive skills, is a rewarding feeling."
After student teaching, Kendel was employed as a teacher with Reba. She enjoys working in the Blue Room; "The classroom atmosphere enables teachers to work as a team and communicate. We make changes to fit needs of children, look for ways to enhance learning, while keeping it fun and interesting."
Kendel is completing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University.
Lori Kiser, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Lori has served as a Director for early childhood programs in the Evanston community, for decades, prior to joining Reba in 2018. Lori enjoys teaching young children “Because it is fun! Children are amazed by experiences that teachers provide and they can often remind us that learning is exciting. I enjoy making a difference in the way children think and provide enriching materials and lessons that are life-long. Children make me smile, laugh, and appreciate the little things.”
Lori has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern Illinois University with a Level 5 Early Childhood Education Credential.
Lori has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern Illinois University with a Level 5 Early Childhood Education Credential.
Rebecca Levant, Kitchen Coordinator/Substitute Teacher
Rebecca is a long-time support person in the Evanston school community. She came to us in 2015 as a substitute teacher while working for Evanston school District 65. Currently, Becky’s primary role is as Reba’s Kitchen-Coordinator. Becky enjoys “Being around the children when I’m able to sub in classrooms and my position in the kitchen.”
Rebecca is approved by the IL State Board of Education as a paraprofessional, has a Level 1, Early Childhood Education credential, and Food Server Certification.
Rebecca is approved by the IL State Board of Education as a paraprofessional, has a Level 1, Early Childhood Education credential, and Food Server Certification.
Soktheary Nak, Assistant Teacher
Soktheary has been a camp counselor and pre-school assistant teacher for programs in the Evanston community. Soktheary’s affiliation with Reba began as a parent in 2011. Her employment with Reba began in 2019. Theary states that what she enjoys most about teaching young children is that “Everything is magical at this age. Every new thing they learn is amazing to them, and they exhibit such a pure and genuine love for learning.”
Theary maintains a Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential.
Theary maintains a Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential.
Selena Nelson, Assistant Teacher/Kitchen Manager
Selena began employment with Reba in 2001. She enjoys teaching young children “Because I love how excited they become when they learn something new or how to do something they were unable to do before. Watching them grow and develop their thinking is always amazing to me. Preschool is where most children develop their love for learning.” Selena has been with Reba for many years. She states that what she enjoys most about working at Reba is “The community environment and the welcoming feeling you get when you come in. I enjoy working at a small center because you get to know the staff and families. What I enjoy most about my work is the children and staff. We work together for the children and strive to provide a loving and nurturing relationship and environment for the children and families.”
Selena holds a Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential and Food Manager Certification.
Selena holds a Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential and Food Manager Certification.
Alexis Owen, Assistant Teacher
Alexis joined Reba in 2012 as a substitute teacher, then assistant teacher. What Alexis loves most about working at Reba is that “We are very community and family-oriented.”
Alexis has earned Early Childhood Education certification through Oakton Community College and a Level 2 Early Childhood Education Credential through the Department of Human Services.
Alexis has earned Early Childhood Education certification through Oakton Community College and a Level 2 Early Childhood Education Credential through the Department of Human Services.
Cristina Pallos, Assistant Teacher
Cristina came to Reba in 2017, from Romania, as the parent of a child enrolled in our program. While looking for employment, Cristina served as a substitute teacher for Reba. We loved her energy, enthusiasm, and love for children so much that she was hired as an assistant teacher in 2018. Cristina states that “There is a noble feeling that goes along with teaching preschool. Knowing that you are caring for the most vulnerable people among us, helping them learn and grow into responsible people, and keeping them safe is a big responsibility.” Cristina believes that “Nothing in life happens without reason. I was ready for something else in life, but never say never!” Cristina states that what she enjoys most about working at Reba is that “I chose Reba for my child and I think Reba chose me as well. I think of Bettye Cohns and all the wonderful things she does for the children who pass the threshold of this program; the same for everyone!”
Cristina has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Legal and Administrative Services and Master’s in International and EU Law from the Universitate Crestina “Dimitrie Cantemir” – Bucuresti. She is currently taking Early Childhood Education courses through Oakton Community College and has a Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential.
Cristina has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Legal and Administrative Services and Master’s in International and EU Law from the Universitate Crestina “Dimitrie Cantemir” – Bucuresti. She is currently taking Early Childhood Education courses through Oakton Community College and has a Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential.
Nicole Ramirez, Teacher
Nicole has an extensive career in Early Childhood Education. Her professional teaching experience began in 2002. Nicole's employment with Reba began in 2012.
Nicole maintains an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education through Oakton Community College, a Level 4 Early Childhood Credential, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from National Louis University.
Nicole maintains an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education through Oakton Community College, a Level 4 Early Childhood Credential, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from National Louis University.
Margo Seltzer, Substitute Teacher
Margo has been Reba’s Substitute Teacher since 2014. Her work in Early Childhood Education programs, while pursuing her education, has been ongoing.
Margo maintains certification through Oakton Community College as a Paraprofessional in Education and a Level 2 Early Childhood Education Credential.
Margo maintains certification through Oakton Community College as a Paraprofessional in Education and a Level 2 Early Childhood Education Credential.
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