Staff Bios

Administrative/Support Staff

 Jamie Thomas, Founder & Board Member

Jamie grew up outside of Milwaukee, WI and graduated with a degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (Go Badgers!). After teaching 4^th and 5^th grade in Baltimore, MD for just 2 years, she made the choice to leave teaching when her first child was born. It was during this time that she really dove into learning much more about very early childhood education as it was important for her and her family to set her kids up for success right from the very beginning. When her daughter was 1, she began taking care of another child whose parents were teachers. Not long after, she had another child and  continued to take care of children whose parents were teachers. Helping other teachers in this way helped her feel connected to education in a positive way. Jamie's family moved to Chicago in 2005 and her husband began working for Noble Network of Charter Schools. Knowing what a difficult decision it can be to stay in the classroom or stay home with your child when you start a family, she wanted to do something to continue to improve education and Noble Day Care was born. She is extremely proud that Noble Day Care provides a great environment for kids where we’re focused on having lots of fun and making sure kids are set up to be successful once they move to grammar school and beyond.

Yesenia Espinoza, 6:45AM-3:15PM Director, yespinoza@noblenetwork.org

Founding Staff Member since opening February 2010

I grew up in the West Town neighborhood and have been working for Noble Network since 2006. In 2008, I transitioned over to Noble Day Care becoming a founding staff member as NDC’s assistant director. I try to spend some time in all the classrooms when possible, but I find myself in the Wildcat’s room more frequently.  I graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Spanish. My goal is to continue growing as a professional to give the children at NDC the best possible learning experiences that will help them develop and get ready not only for kindergarten but for life. 

 Yadira Contreras, 9:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Assistant Director- ycontreras@noblenetwork.org

NDC Staff Member since May 2013

I began to work for Noble Day Care back in May of 2013. I started working part time as the Learning Lions afternoon teacher. I quickly learned that Noble Day Care was home and began to work as a full-time teacher at the start of the new school year in 2014. I decided to leave Noble Day Care in the Spring of 2016 to pursue a new adventure and new opportunities in Mexico- where I was an ELL teacher at the university level. Recently I was given the position of Assistant Director at Noble Day Care. Although I made the transition from teaching in the classroom to administration, my passion for teaching has not decreased in the least bit. I plan to continue to connect with the students and make an impact on them and their growth as I have in the last four years. 

Veronica Gouveia 7:00AM-3:30PM, Kitchen/Classroom Support, vgouveia@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since August 2013

I am a very active mother of three wonderful children. I believe in the Noble traditions and values, this is why my children are apart of the Noble family through Golder College Prep. I enjoy being an intricate part of their daily extracurricular activities such as baseball, football, karate, and softball to name a few. My desire to be the best mom I can be is an important factor in my role at Noble Day Care. Here, I have the opportunity to be a daily part of the children's preliminary education experiences. It is my purpose to make each day a great day for every child. This is what makes my job so rewarding.

Baby Bobcats Staff

You can email ndcbobcats@noblenetwork.org to send an email to all Baby Bobcat staff at once!

Sarah Gouveia, Lead Teacher, 6:45AM-9:45PM, sarah.gouveia@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since: May 2014

My name is Sarah Gouveia, I am a lead teacher in the Baby Bobcats room.  I started May 2014, yet it feels like I’ve been part of the Noble network for much longer.  Most of my working experience has been in retail, however, I have always volunteered at organizations that work with children, such as The Children’s Advocacy Center, and Holy Cross Hospital in the pediatric department. Growing up I knew that I always wanted to work with children, so I became the “family babysitter.” After high school I didn’t go to school right away, I decided to work, and then soon felt stuck in my field of retail. However in 2008 I left my retail job to pursue what I really wanted to do, to become a Child Psychologist. So in 2009 I went back to school. I now have my Associates in Arts and currently working on my Bachelors in Psychology, and minoring in child development.  Working at NDC further reassures me that what I’m in school for and what I’m doing right now is exactly where I want to be. 

Antonia (Nia) D' Emilio, Assistant Teacher, 8:30AM-5:00PM ademilio@noblenetwork.org

NDC Staff Member since December 2016

I'm Nia D'Emilio, and I'm excited to be here at Noble. I'm a recent graduate from Denison University with a degree in Religion. I plan to go to graduate school in the next year to earn an MAT to teach middle school. Outside of the Bobcats classroom, I'm an improviser in the city, and my main passion is making people laugh and smile. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but since moving to Chicago, I've become a die-hard Cubs fan and I eat hot dogs way more than I thought I ever would (but I'm happy about this). It's such a pleasure to work with these kids and watch them achieve their first milestones in life. 

Lydia Roldan, Assistant Teacher, 8:30AM-5PM, lroldan@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since: October 2014

I am very excited to introduce myself to all of you.  Here are a few things to get to know me a little better. I have two boys Niko and Anthony.  I love to spend all of my free time with them. We are a family of baseball and other sports. I volunteer my time to Donovan Park baseball league. I am also on the Parks advisory council. I enjoy spending quality time watching them grow. I am very excited to be working with young children. During the time I am not with my children or volunteering my time I am at home reading and watching movies.

Ashley Alarcon, Lead Teacher, 9:45AM-6PM, aalarcon@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since: June 2015

Hi my name is Ashley Alarcon and I am a lead teacher in the Bobcat room. I first began working with kids in high school, as a camp counselor for the Chicago Park District. I would teach them sports and just try to get kids more active. I graduated from Chicago State University with a bachelor in Psychology in 2014 and plan on continuing my education to become a school psychologist one day. ​ I became a member of the Noble family in June of 2015 and it has truly been the best two years working here. I love working with children and the little ones are just too adorable. I have met so many wonderful and loving people during my time here at Noble. My goal is to continue to teach and help each child grow and develop to prepare them for the future. I am grateful to be part of such an amazing team we have here at Noble Day Care. 

Toquetta Murry, Assistant Teacher, 9:45M-6PM,tmurry@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since January 2017

Hi. My name is Toquetta Murry. and I am a teacher in the Baby Bobcats classroom. I attended the University of Phoenix to obtain my bachelors degree in human services. After working in the classroom I decided to change my major to Early Childhood Education to become a teacher.  I love working with children, especially the infants and toddlers. I enjoy being a stepping stone in the children's learning process. I am a team player and I am highly motivated. The children inspire me to come to work everyday with a smile on my face and to help keep a smile on their faces. I am a super hero. I teach.

Wondrous Wildcats Staff

You can email ndcwildcats@noblenetwork.org to contact all teachers in the Wildcats classroom at one time!

Monica Lani, Lead Teacher, 7:00AM-3:15PM, mlani@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since March 2016

Hi there! My name is Monica Lani and I just started in the Wondrous Wildcats room in March, 2016. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Drake University, and with my theatre background, I love bringing imaginative play and creative expression to the preschool classroom. I first began working with kids in High School, by organizing mentoring programs with the local middle schools and touring original plays to grade schools. I produced and directed a children's show, written and performed by a troupe of six to ten year old actors for Skokie Theatre. I've also worked as a counselor and director at a Theatre Camp. For the last three years, I've worked as an Early Education Teacher in an Arts Integrated Preschool called Bubbles Academy. I have met so many smart, energetic, and unique kids during my time at Noble, and I am truly honored to be part of the team.

Tania Mora, Assistant Teacher, 6:45AM-10:45AM/3:00PM-6:00PM, tmora@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since April 2016

My name is Tania Mora and an assistant teacher in the Wondrous Wildcats room. I will start by sharing my experiences and interests in children. My first experience with children is babysitting, I have baby sat since the age of twelve since I was one of the few oldest in my family of 50+ cousins. In addition, after high school I signed up to become a camp counselor at The Union League Boys and Girls Club in Salem, Wisconsin in which I worked for three consecutive summers. There, I learned what it meant to help children and provide support, leadership, care, and strength of character. Being involved with children has gotten me where I am now, at NDC. However, I am also a Golder College Prep Alumni and it is how I accepted to be part of The Noble Day Care with such delight because I knew what it meant to be part of the Noble team. As of right now I am planning to further my education in Early Childhood education to become a lead teacher.

Kalliope Sarris, Assistant Teacher, 8:00AM-4:30PM, ksarris@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since August 2014

Hi! My name is Kalliope, but people know me as Popi. I am a first born Greek American who is also fluent in Spanish. I currently reside in Chicago where I have obtained my Associate’s Degree in Arts from Wright College. I began working with children at the young age of 14 and since then my love for children has lead me to pursue opportunities such as joining Noble Day Care, where I could continue to provide children with the best knowledge and understanding that I can possibly offer them. Since starting Noble Day Care in July of 2014, I have had the opportunity to work in the Bobcats (infants 6 weeks or older) classroom, which I thoroughly enjoy!

I have recently become an assistant teacher in the Wildcats (15 months or older) classroom. It's an environment where children are being prepared with social skills they will need to move on to the next class and the outside world. It has been a pleasure so for working with everyone and getting to know every staff member and child.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy shopping, and spending time at the lakefront during warm summer days.

Jennifer Ester, Lead Teacher, 9:30PM-6PM, jester@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since November 2015

Hello my name is Jenifer Ester and I am a lead teacher in the Wildcats classroom. I studied childhood development at Wilbur Wright College and Kendall College as well. I have an Associates degree and I am currently working on my bachelor's degree. I love working with children and seeing the new things that they do every day.

Cynthia Choice, Lead Teacher, 9:30-6:00PM, cchoice@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since February 2017

My name is Cynthia Choice, I started working for Noble on February of 2017. I am a wonderful mother to five awesome boys who love to play sports. I graduated from Kaplan University with my associates degree in Early Childhood Development, and on my way to pursue my Bachelors as we speak. I  greatly appreciate being a part of the Noble Team. I am working with the wonderful Wondrous Wildcat babies as a lead teacher. I've been working with children for 7yrs. now. They give me the inspiration to teach, help them learn and watch them grow. 

Terrific Tigers

You can email ndctigers@noblenetwork.org to email the classroom teachers together.

Lenny Alarcon, Lead Teacher, 9:45AM-6:15PM, lalarcon@noblenetwork.org   

NDC staff member since January 2012

My name is Lenny Alarcon and I am a lead teacher in the Terrific Tigers' classroom. I started as a lead teacher in the Baby Bobcat's classroom before going to the Wildcats. I am currently working on my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education at Kendall College. I have always wanted to be a teacher but it took me a while to finally settle on early childhood. I love working with children and it amazes me what young children are capable of doing. I am so happy to be part of the Noble family and will continue to do my best for all the children that walk through the door of Noble Day Care.

Learning Lions

You can email ndclions@noblenetwork.org to email the classroom teachers together!

Victoria Hauptman, Lead Teacher, 7AM-3:30PM, vhauptman@noblenetwork.org

NDC staff member since April 2011

My name is Miss Victoria Hauptman and I am the Lead Preschool Teacher in the Learning Lions Classroom. I have been working for Noble Day Care since April 2011 and it has truly been the most rewarding experience in my life. I started as a toddler teacher but quickly realized I could be using my college education to best prepare the preschool students for their future! I graduated from Illinois State University with my Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education and was very involved with reading groups, tutoring programs, and working for an on campus elementary school. My goal is to continue helping children prepare academically, socially and emotionally for their future. I plan on working towards this goal during my time at Noble Day Care. I have helped establish an entirely school based environment in the Preschool at Noble Day Care and plan to continue preparing our young students for kindergarten until I reach the next step in my life. For now, my dedication and passion is here with Noble. We are a family and I love this family. Outside of being at Noble, I love to ride my red bike and spend time outside, play board games and do crossword puzzles, eat awesome vegan food, and travel. Thank you for allowing me into your children's lives! It has been nothing but an amazing experience!