Our Teachers
Our teachers come from various backgrounds and each contributes unique qualities to the Day School community. All our teachers hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and meet licensing requirements. Many of our teachers have advanced degrees and certifications.
Kathy Hager, Director
Kathy began her teaching career teaching in Chicago, focusing on Early Childhood Special Education, and feels fortunate to have spent the last two decades at the Day School teaching in various capacities. In 2016, Kathy began serving as director and believes collaborating with parents is a crucial part of early childhood education. Relationships that are nurturing are the basis for learning, and she believes that is the reason so many families chose the Day School for the start of their child’s educational experiences. Kathy earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of the Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University. She also holds a graduate studies certificate in Infant Mental Health from Erikson Institute. Outside the Day School (and sometimes at the Day School), Kathy enjoys cooking, reading and being in nature in all kinds of weather.
Josie Phelps, Programs Coordinator
Josie lived in Brooklyn for eight years where she used her degree in English from the University of Texas working in the communications departments of the American Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Upon relocating to Chicago, Josie was thrilled to find the Day School, and enrolled both her children for preschool. A few years later, when she had the opportunity to attend the Day School herself as a staff member, it was too good a chance to pass up!
Barbara Tracy, Teacher
Barbara has been teaching preschool for more than twenty years. We have been lucky enough to have her enthusiasm and expertise at the Day School for 16 plus years. She spent eight years at Duchesne Preschool in Omaha, Nebraska where she embraced and implemented Duchesne’s traditional curriculum which focuses on faith and service. Barbara loves teaching and learning along side young children. She believes that early childhood is a magical moment full of discovery and endless possibility. She is skilled at developing warm and nurturing relationships with each child and is in awe of each one’s constant state of learning and growth. Barbara earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Psychology from Regis University. Barbara loves travel, running, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Lisa Ahmad, Teacher
Lisa began her teaching career in New York City after earning a Bachelor of Education and Master of Science in School Administration. After her first child was born, she moved to Chicago and dedicated her time to raising her three children, volunteering in their schools and enjoying music. Her endless energy and fun-loving spirit makes her a perfect fit for the Day School!
Ellie Sethness, Teacher
Ellie began her teaching career in a Chicago kindergarten a decade ago. Before jumping into teaching, she attended DePaul University where she received a Master of Early Childhood Education degree with a certificate in Special Education. Ellie received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehigh University where she majored in Psychology and minored in history. Ellie taught preschool and kindergarten in Chicago and New York City before finding her way into the Twos Program classroom at The Day School. Ellie was introduced to The Day School when she a practicum in student teaching with Ms. Tracy in the 5 Morning Preschool. Ellie immediately fell in love with the play-based approach of the classroom and enjoys being part of The Day School community. In her free time, Ellie enjoys reading, cooking, running and from time to time you can catch her watching some reality tv.