Evelyn Smith, M.A., began her ministry at Maryville in 1991 as a family educator. She later assumed increasing responsibilities as an assistant program manager, case manager, program manager and program consultant. The Maryville Early Learning Center is now under her leadership.
In 2005, she became director of what is now the Residential Services Division. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Southern University, a master’s degree in applied professional studies from DePaul University and a master’s degree in Bible studies from Moody Bible Institute.
Amy Greif has served as director at the Maryville Early Learning Center since 2015 and has more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education.
She earned an associate degree in management from Northwestern Business College and later completed her early childhood education studies at Oakton Community College. She is also certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health as a certified food service manager.
She is deeply committed to creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where children can grow and learn. She looks forward to working with families and supporting each child’s development.
Assistant Director
Jennifer Plesha is the assistant director at the Maryville Early Learning Center. She earned an associate degree in early childhood education from Triton College and has worked in the child care field since 1992.
She enjoys seeing the world through children’s eyes and finds great joy in watching them experience new and exciting things.
Elaine Arroyo is a Mexican American and the oldest of two siblings. She has a passion for working with children and a lifelong love of animals. In addition to serving as an adult volunteer for teens at her church, she spent more than three years at Maryville working in a program that supported adolescent boys.
She is excited to be part of the Maryville Early Learning Center, where she now works with younger children. Through the opportunities and experiences she has gained at Maryville, Arroyo continues to grow both personally and professionally while expanding her knowledge of child development and early childhood care.
Holly Cozzo has worked in a child care setting as a teacher since 2002 with several age groups. She earned a master’s degree in elementary education from DePaul University.
She enjoys working with children and values seeing their faces light up as they learn and grow in their own unique way.
Mina Gasmen has been a Montessori teacher for more than 25 years and has also served as an infant coordinator. Over the years, she has had the pleasure of working with infants, toddlers and preschool-age children.
She is passionate about her work and dedicated to teaching and guiding children during their early years. It is a privilege for her to be part of their growth and development. She is grateful to continue this journey at the Maryville Early Learning Center and looks forward to bringing smiles, laughter and a love of learning to each child’s experience.
Samantha Kaufman has worked in early childhood education since May 2013. She is a teacher in the prekindergarten classroom and holds a Child Development Associate credential in a preschool setting.
She has long known she wanted to work in early childhood education and believes there is great joy in helping shape young minds. She values creating a positive and engaging environment where children can learn and grow. She believes a cheerful, creative approach makes learning enjoyable and enriching for children.
Ms. Kim is a teacher in the young preschool classroom and has worked in a preschool setting for 22 years.
She values daily interaction with children through art projects, reading and imaginative play. Her goal is to encourage kindness among peers, support the development of motor skills and introduce new ideas and skills. She is committed to creating a respectful and caring environment where each child feels supported and families can feel confident their child is in good hands.
Mikayla is an assistant teacher at the Maryville Early Learning Center. She is committed to helping children feel confident and supported as they learn.
She values creating a positive and welcoming environment and looks forward to collaborating with teachers to contribute to a fun and safe classroom setting. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on each student’s daily school experience.
Priti Patel has had an early interest in teaching. She began her career in 1998 at Parkview Montessori School, where she worked for 17 years with infants, toddlers and preschool-age children.
She enjoys working with children and describes her long journey in teaching as rewarding. She values creative expression and especially enjoys doing artwork with children to see where their imaginations lead. She understands the importance of early learning and development and looks forward to being part of each child’s journey.
Mariela Vazquez is an assistant teacher in the Infant Room who brings both personal and professional experience to her role. As the mother of an 8-year-old daughter, she has gained valuable insight into the joys and challenges of helping children learn and grow. Before joining the Maryville Early Learning Center, Vazquez spent five years working with adolescent boys, where she developed strong skills in patience, communication and relationship-building.
She is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported and encouraged to explore the world around them. Creativity plays an important role in her work and she enjoys incorporating arts and crafts into children’s daily experiences. In her free time, Vazquez enjoys crocheting and creating handmade projects. One of her favorite children’s books is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! because of its message of growth, adventure and self-confidence. She looks forward to partnering with families and supporting each child’s early learning journey.
