DIRECTOR

LINDA KUSEL

Received her degree in Early Childhood & Elementary Edu. from Mundelein (Loyola Univ.) She has had extensive

dance training and  formerly taught Dev. Kindergarten for C.P.S. Honors include being a finalist for the 2001

Kohl/McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards and being the proud mother of two children.

MUSIC TEACHER

AIMEE COUSINO

Comes from a family of musicians and teachers. She has been playing stringed instruments since the age of five. Her first music gig was a Suzuki violin recital in 1977 for which she was paid in Sweet Tarts. She says she’s never been happier than when she is playing and singing with kids, which is evidenced by her constant smile and warmth in the classroom. Aimee is a former pre-school teacher with over seven years experience in the world of children’s music. She is currently working on her first music CD ‘Can You Come Out and Play?’ which will be released sometime in 2007.

MUSIC TEACHER

DEBBIE BERG

First became familiar with CKC as a participant in one of the classes with her youngest daughter Carolyn. Once she said “Yes” to teaching, nothing could stop her from joining the CKC family. In addition to teaching music at CKC, Debbie also teaches music at Glenview Community Church Nursery School . Debbie graduated from the University of Illinois with her Masters in Speech and Language Pathology and continues to work per dium at Lake Forest Hospital. Music has always been a part of Debbie’s life. Her interests in piano, flute, choir , and bell choir says it all! She and her husband Doug live in Glenview with their 3 children, who all love music as well.  Debbie is an active school volunteer as well as a Brownie leader.

MUSIC TEACHER

JUDY ROSE EPSTIEN

Has been working in Early Childhood for fourteen years as both a teacher and former director of The Movement Center. Judy is a certified elementary school teacher as well as an instructor at Beth Emmet Preschool in Evanston. Judy lives in Northfield with her husband and two rapidly growing boys!

MUSIC TEACHER

JEANIE B

Is a guitar playing, songwriting, rock n’ roll Mother of 2. She has been playing and singing music in one form or another for more than 3 decades.  When not at Creative Kids Corner lighting up the classroom, she can be found on stage with her band The Jelly Beans playing her original children’s music all over Chicagoland . Millenium Park has hosted Jeanie and the Jelly Beans several times, to the delight of many bean lovers. With 2 CD’s released, “I’m a Kid” and “Mommy Knows Best”, Jeanie B! keeps kids (and adults) entertained! For more information visit her website at www.jeanieBmusic.com.

COOKING TEACHER

CHEF JOHN LEONARD

Is a citizen of the world. Born in Brazil, he has lived in 13 countries and speaks five languages. He retired from an international advertising career in 2003 to attend Kendall College and become a chef. Since becoming a chef John has become a teacher, both of cooking and French. He also works at private parties in the North Shore. For John, teaching kids at CKC is an inspirational challenge. He is always amazed at what they accomplish.

DANCE & DRAMA TEACHER

NIKKI ZALESKI

Is a Northwestern University student, double majoring in Performance Studies and Gender Studies. Nikki’s extensive theatre and dance training includes Global Girls Inc. Arts, About Face Theatre and Chicago Girls’ Coalition. She particularly loves to dance and play with children and has been a dance instructor for the Evanston YWCA and Paletine Park District.

CHINESE TEACHER

LI HWA LUBOWICH

Is a native Chinese speaker who has been living in the U.S. for more than twenty years.  She has been teaching Mandarin at the Chinese Cultural Education Association - Chinese Language School for  over ten years.  In her tenure there, she has taught Chinese at many levels, but specializes in younger children.  Li is also practiced in several Chinese martial arts.

KARATE TEACHER

RONDA KORAZON

Is a third degree black belt and has been a student of karate for over 14 years.  She is a state, regional and national champion.  Ms. Korzon is the manager of the Traditional Karate Center in Wilmette and the coordinator of their pre-karate program.  She is the mother of three and a licensed, certified massage therapist.

FACULTY