our team

creating a center of excellence for early childhood professionals

At Stepping Stones we believe that a child’s caregiving staff should be inclusive, and representative of the community at large.  School is a place where children learn to value the similarities and differences between themselves and their peers and caregivers, and each member of the school community brings a part of their family culture into the whole.  By embracing a staff diverse in background, beliefs, sexual orientation, talents, heritage, and life experience, we send a message of inclusivity to all.

Victoria Hilton

Our Founder

Originally from England, Victoria is a certified primary school teacher with over 20 years teaching experience in the private and public sector. She has been described as an ‘innovative and enthusiastic teacher’ with proven results. [read more]

Lucy Lunsford

Executive Director

Lucy believes children are in a constant state of imagination and wonder. As an educator, she is a co-learner and observer. She trusts that through the exploration of play, children can create a bright space to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve.  [read more]

Nina Smith

Education Director Logan Square

I am deeply committed to the Early Education field– solely focused on building authentic relationships with families and children. Serving families allows me to share my lived experiences and strengthen our community.  [read more]

Theresa Caballero

Education Director Lincoln Square

Theresa believes that she can be the voice and advocate for children to have a childhood filled with discovery, play, and an excitement for the world. She loves bringing her creativity into the classroom by making replicas of real-life elements, like building a huge bird’s nest for the kids out of a small children’s pool.[read more]

Ericka_Slusarczyk

Susan Bernstein

Education Director Portage Park

Susan has provided care and supportive education to Chicago’s little ones (newborn through preschool-age children) and their families for the last 20 years. She is passionate about nature-based and eco-conscious childcare and early education and focuses her time with young children and families around respectful, responsive, reciprocal, research-based practices. [read more]

careers

Are you passionate about play based learning? Frustrated with the top down pressure of academics on early childhood education? Whether you’re an established caregiver, a director looking for a new challenge, or simply a lover of the outdoors looking to share this with our youngest citizens, we may have just the right role for you!

In return we can offer:

  • A human focused team
  • Competitive rates of pay
  • Annual bonus
  • Substantial contribution to employee health insurance
  • Company 401K
  • Tuition discount for employee’s children
  • An early childhood center that is truly developmentally appropriate
  • A woman owned business that is mission driven

Please visit our careers page to learn more.