Meet The Preschool Coordinator!
Krista Casanovas
Krista has been at the Oswegoland Park District since 2011 and in the education field for 20 years. She started at the Park District as a preschool teacher before accepting the Preschool Coordinator position. Her passion is mentoring teachers and helping students begin their education with a love of learning in the classroom. She graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and holds a Montessori diploma in early childhood. She is looking forward to working with the families in our preschool and helping nurture the whole child.
Meet Your Teachers!
Ashley Leo
Ashley has worked for the Oswegoland Park District since 2004 and began teaching for As We Grow Preschool in 2006. Ashley received her Associates Degree from Waubonsee Community College majoring in education. Watching the children grow over the school year is a part of the position she treasures.
Dawn Lee
Dawn Is a graduate of Elmhurst College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Dawn believes the preschool years are a pivotal time in developing social, emotional, academic and life skills. She considers it a privilege to be able to help with that growth and strives to instill a love of learning at this young age. Dawn’s favorite part of teaching is the connections she makes with her students.
Deidra Anderson
Deidra is a Graduate from NIU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Studies with an emphasis in Child Development. Early Childhood Educator for 10 years.Working with preschoolers reminds her of how amazing and exciting the world can be. She loves seeing things from their eyes. It makes her a happier and more positive person in her day-to-day life. Children encourage you to use your imagination and find new creative ways to do things!
Heather Eberle
Heather is one of the nature-based preschool teachers. She has an Elementary Certificate from Trinity College and a BA from Augustana College with a biology major. Heather had been with the Oswegoland Park District since 2012. During this time, Heather has been a preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and teacher for a variety of enrichment classes.
Jen McAleer
I really enjoy teaching Pre-k because I love helping students prepare for kindergarten. I like watching students learn new ideas and concepts and seeing their excitement as they learn. I really enjoy the 5-day program and how it allows me to build relationships with students and their families.
Kris Hunter
We are thrilled to have Kris Hunter teaching at Oswegoland Park District. Her teaching career spans over twelve years with two years in a Pre-K classroom and 10 years in all-day Kindergarten. Kris received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University in Elementary Education with an extra focus on Early Childhood. Kris enjoys working with preschool children and is looking forward to sharing her enthusiasm of learning.
Karen Allen
Karen is one of the nature-based preschool teachers. She has a BA degree in Elementary Education with an art concentration and has worked with the Oswegoland Park District since 2010. She is eager to watch the children grow throughout the course of the year.
Kristine Haye
Kristine is one of our Pre-K teachers. She holds a special education degree from Purdue University and taught at the elementary level in both Indiana and Illinois. Kristine’s goal with each student is to meet them where they are and to instill a growth mindset. She loves working in the pre-k classroom and watching her students bloom both academically and socially!
Renee Mahoney
Renée has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and has been able to enjoy several years of teaching as a substitute teacher for School District 308, a preschool teacher at a local preschool, a Sunday School teacher, and previously serving as a Director for Youth and Family Ministry at a local church. She also is a certified yoga teacher with an additional certification in children’s yoga and has been so grateful to be able to share yoga asana, breathing, and meditation with all ages including preschool children. She has been teaching yoga with the Oswegoland Park District since 2021. She loves seeing children explore learning through play and seeing the growth that happens.
Mary Podrasky
Mary resides right here in Oswego with her two dogs. She is very excited to be teaching at the Park District. Mrs. Mary is a strong believer in learning through song and hands on activities. She has always had a passion for reading and is excited to pass on that love for books to your child as well.
Ms. Mary has been a preschool/pre-K teacher for almost 2 years. I graduated from Elmhurst College in 2013 with a BA in English Literature and have since taken some Early Childhood Education classes so that I am lead teacher qualified. Fun fact: I’m a graduate of this very preschool program.
Tabitha Steele
Tabitha graduated from Aurora University in 2005 with a degree in elementary education. Once Tabitha had her son, she switched her path and began teaching preschool, so she could be home with him. Tabitha earned her early childhood level one certificate through Gateways. Tabitha has been with the park district since 2021. Her favorite thing about teaching is, witnessing the excitement the children have when a skill is achieved. They are truly so proud of themselves and I am as well!
