First School
About UsMISSION: Our goal at First School is to help each child reach their full potential. Activities and instructional materials are scientifically designed to provide a variety of learning experiences which promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of ‘well-trained certified early childhood teachers, allows the child to experience the joy of learning through hands-on activities. It also ensures the development of self-esteem and provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge.
Our School
Sarah Stoliker; Director and Owner of First School
President of ILLDOC, Illinois Directors/Owners of Child Care Centers
Director: Sarah Stoliker
Sarah, the youngest of three, was born and raised in a small military town in central Illinois. Her father, a small animal veterinarian, and her mother, a graduate of the University of Illinois in Child Development, raised their family in a small but culturally diverse community. To this day she credits many of her happy and enriching childhood experiences to her mother’s knowledge of child development and application in the home and Sarah’s early years.
More About Sarah
Sarah graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. After college, she moved to Chicago and worked many years in retail management and the wholesale apparel industry before moving to corporate sales and management.
She met and married her husband Eric in Chicago, and it was shortly after their son was born Sarah went back to school to study early childhood education. Her early personal experience from her childhood was sparked, and she believed that by combining her knowledge of business with her passion for young children was perfect for a career in childcare!
While going back to school, Sarah was a nanny for a special-needs child, cared for children in her own home, and also worked in her mother’s center-based program teaching and directing. In 2009, Sarah and her family purchased land and designed/built a center-based program in the southwest suburbs of Chicago where she is director and owner today. She loves working as a team with parents, children, and teachers every day in her program.
A Word
From Sarah
“Its not about us, it’s about the child.. We are building a child with tools for their own growth. I believe that we are trying to build Independent learners, confident kids and life-long learners to leave their environment better than they found it.”
My favorite quote by Maria Montessori states, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I do not exist.”
– Sarah Stoliker
Our Staff
Meet our amazing staff! Pictures and more bios will be coming soon!
Sarah Stoliker
Director, Owner
Stephanie Wiater
Assistant Director
Mrs. Wiater has been working at First School since 2019. She has been working in this industry since 2016. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Illinois State University. She attended Joliet Junior College for early childhood classes to acquire her Director Qualification.
Mrs. Wiater enjoys spending time with her husband. You can find them working on projects around the house, running errands with their dogs, or trying out new restaurants.
Carla Dvorak
Director
Jacqueline Broski
Head Teacher of Infant Room
Ms. Broski has been employed at First School since 2021. She completed her Child Development Associate credential in 2022. She has been the head teacher in the infant room since earning her credential.
Ms. Broski spends her free time enjoying animals. She loves to visit the buffalo reserve in Indiana. She also enjoys taking country drives to see the local farm animals.
Sandi Broski
Two-year-old head teacher
Mrs. Broski has been employed at First School since 2018. She has been a teacher for 17 years. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Broski also has a level 1 Director’s Credential from the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development System.
Mrs. Broski loves to spend time with her family at home. She spends her free time making rugs and watching her favorite TV shows.
Anne Griffiths
Head Teacher of Pre-K 3 Room
Ms. Griffiths has worked at First School since 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Illinois State University. She attended Joliet Junior College for Early Childhood Education classes to earn her preschool teacher qualification.
Ms. Griffiths enjoys spending time at home cooking new recipes, watching her favorite TV shows, and reading. She is also involved in a bowling league that meets every Wednesday.
Ariadna Flores
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Flores has worked at First School since 2023. Ms. Flores has spent the last 10 years living in Mexico, which is where she earned her High School Diploma. Ms. Flores is currently working to complete her CDA, which is her Child Development Associate Credential.
In her free time, Ms. Flores loves going to concerts and ATV riding. When Ms. Flores is not at work, you can find her reading a new book!
Lynn Kirby
Head Teacher of Toddler Room
Ms. Kriby has worked at First School since 2019. She received her CDA, which is her Child Development Associate Credential, in 2022. Ms. Kirby is also a current student at Joliet Junior College. She Is working towards her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Kirby enjoys spending time with my two adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys dabble painting, canvas art, Hallmark movies, and watching Chicago based shows.
Bridie Doyle
Teacher in School Age Room
Ms. Doyle has worked at First School since 2023. She is a Lincoln Way West graduate. She has lots of experience with school-aged children, as she has 7 younger siblings!
In her free time, she enjoys being in nature. She also loves listening to music and enjoys almost all genres.
Guisela Hernandez
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Hernandez has worked at First School since 2023 in the infant room. She moved here from El Salvador last year where she completed her schooling.
When Ms. Hernandez isn’t at work, she enjoys cooking up a nice meal. She also loves to visit the beach when she can.
Lydia Huizenga
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Huizenga has worked at First School since 2023. She earned her High School Diploma in 2022. She has lots of experience with children. She has 10 siblings, along with many nieces and nephews.
Ms. Huizenga loves to express her creativity. When Ms. Huizenga is not at work, you can find her painting or reading a good book.
Amy Persiani
Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Persiani has worked at First School since 2023. She is a Lincoln Way Graduate. Mrs. Persiani has experience as a teacher’s assistant in the public-school setting.
In her free time, Mrs. Persiani enjoys doing arts and crafts. Her favorite thing to make is blankets for family and friends.
Kaitlyn Adams
Head Teacher of Pre-K - 1 Room
Ms. Adams has been working at First School since 2023. She earned her Child Development Associate credential to teach preschool in 2023, and has completed some coursework at Joliet Junior College. She has previous experience in Iowa, working with a younger age group from 2021-2022.
Ms. Adams enjoys spending time with her family. She also has two dogs who she loves. When Ms. Adams is not at work, you can find her enjoying a good book!
Rebecca Frausto
Cook/Kitchen Manager
Ms. Frausto has worked at First School since 2023. She graduated from from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School. She also has previous experience in both the kitchen and in childcare.
In her free time, Ms. Frausto loves to spend time with her five children. When she has time to herself, she enjoys reading and writing stories. Her favorite things to do for fun are completing DIY projects and baking.
Important Dates
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815-478-6001
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