A Year of Transitions and Celebrations!
For more than 115 years Mary Crane has been at the forefront of Early Childhood Education. We could not do any of this work without the support of the community and the families we serve. We thank you!
Mary Crane Center 2024 Graduations
Preschool graduations are significant as they mark the moment when children prepare to leave Mary Crane Center to head to kindergarten. A new season of learning is on the horizon. Each site celebrated this year by showcasing all the discoveries, lessons, and goals learned. Songs were sung, friendships were displayed, and learned skills were front and center all while the families in attendance and Mary Crane Center staff watched with pride. Although this season of their development has ended, a new season of learning is just beginning. Congratulations to all the Mary Crane Center Graduates!
Congratulations are in Order
As Mary Crane Center moves into a new phase of growth and development we would like to congratulate the following staff who have been promoted to new leadership roles.
Lisa Penny
Program Director
Debra Kelly
Site Director - Molade
Diana Nieves
Site Director - Homebase
Welcome New Leadership Staff
Kina Miller
Senior Education Manager
She has a background in Early Childhood Education and over 5 years of experience in leadership roles. Her most recent experience was as the Senior Regional Program Director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Her belief in providing care in the early stages of child development is not limited to social services and non-profit spaces. Kina has served as a twos teacher and a Doula for teen moms. Although her career as a change agent who advocates for equal access to educational opportunities in Early Childhood Education has been impressive, her greatest accomplishment is as a mother to her teenage son Adrien who will be a Junior in the coming school year.
José Limas Lopez
Human Resources Manager
Jose is well-versed in early childhood workforce. He has a proven record of increasing staffing and employee retention. He has implemented strategies that cultivate employee engagement, training, and development. Being born in Mexico and immigrating to the US when he was twelve has given José a great vantage point that drives him to operate with a positive outlook. José hopes to use his childhood experiences to assist those from communities facing barriers. While his professional life is growing, he still likes to take time to enjoy his family and his plant.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Good Jobs and Child Care for All!
Mary Crane's CEO Kristina Phillips attended the SEIU press conference to offer full support for the ECE funding campaign. Also in attendance were Shruthi Kannan, Campaign Organizer, Alice Dryden, Lead Teacher (MCC Morse), and Doris Milton, Lead Teacher (MCC Molade).
"We believe in a Chicago where every childcare worker earns a living wage with benefits and every parent has access to free, high-quality child care."
Chicago Care Campaign Launch: SEIU press conference 2025 Campaign for ECE funding 6/13/2024
Mary Crane Center provides high quality early care and education programs and services that support school readiness, empower parents and engage the community.
Administrative Office
4006 W Lake Street | Chicago, IL 60624
Main Phone: 773-242-2860
Fax: 773-242-2881
info@marycrane.org