Mrs. Waters has an extensive background in early childhood education.  She has been an active member of the Park Ridge education community since 1969.  She holds a MA and BA in Education.  She founded Sugar Plum Tree in 1975 and has lead the school through decades of achievements. 

Lynn has been a member of the Sugar Plum Tree team since 1990.  She holds infant and toddler, early childhood, and director credentials as well as a BS in Elementary Education from Loyola University.  She has been the right hand of Mrs. Waters as the co-director as well as having years of in class experience.

David is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois with a Masters degree in education.  He also holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from Dominican University. He has over 10 years of teaching experience and brings a new technological aspect to our center.   

Mrs. Inda has been a part of our staff for five years now.  She holds a CDA in early childhood education.  A native of Mexico, she brings a bilingual teaching experience to the Acorn classroom.  She has worked in the early childhood field for over 20 years!

Ms. Honor has been the assistant teacher in the Acorn room for close to two years.  She is currently taking early childhood classes at Oakton College in a pursuit of her ECE certificate.  She is excited to advance her career in childcare.  

Ms. Erin is an assistant teacher in the Sprout room.  She brings a fun and enthusiastic personality into the classroom each day.  She is always at the ready to help out any teacher or child in need!  

Mrs. Renata has been with Sugar Plum Tree for over 20 years.  She holds a BA and MA in early childhood education.  She has an extensive background in childcare.  She does an excellent job preparing the Discovery children for the pre-kindergarten Koala room. 

Ms. Lisa has been our second Discovery teacher since 2021.  She has taken classes in ECE as well as having childcare experience.  She is currently our Food Protection Manager.  She makes lasting connections with each child that comes through the Discovery room.  

Mrs. Pompilio has been a long-term staff member having worked here in the 1980's before returning in 2015.  She holds an associate's degree in early childhood education from Oakton College.  She brings years of teaching experience into the Koala classroom.    

Mrs. Dranka is another two term teacher with Sugar Plum Tree first starting in 1986 and again since 2016.  She holds her CDA in early childhood education with a BA in social work from Northeastern University.  She helps all the students become kindergarten ready.  

Ms. Mary has been our afternoon assistant since 2021.  She is currently taking ECE classes at Oakton College while working on her associate's degree.  She is a tremendous help in all aspects of our school.