About

John Sears

Director

John Sears is the founder and Director of Newport Children’s Academy, located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. In 2008, Sears opened his first preschool, and by 2014, under Sears’ direction, the school grew to accommodate two hundred children. Sears helped to design the school, drawing on an extensive family background that spans over five decades in child-care, preschool, after-school, and summer camp programs.

The Newport Children’s Academy building was carefully scouted and chosen by Sears to provide a solution to many of the issues facing parents in the Chicagoland area, such as long waiting lists for quality care, confined spaces, and unsafe locations. Sears was thrilled to source a self-contained location that offers safety, security, and ample learning space.

Sears is a licensed daycare director, holding certifications that include training programs approved by the Department of Children and Family Services. Sears is an advocate of lifelong learning. He remains current by continuing his education within the evolving field of Early Childcare Development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Speech Communication.

His main philosophy is that the most important aspect of the preschool experience is a child’s happiness. He hires teachers and staff who are genuinely enthusiastic about helping kids to grow and learn. “If the children light up when their teacher walks into the room, then we’re doing things right.”

Sears has been married since 2004. He and his wife Angela are proud parents of two children, ages seven and nine.

Ashley Funkhouser

Director of Enrollment

Hello, Newport families and friends. My name is Ashley (Harris) Funkhouser, I am the Director of Enrollment at Newport Children’s Academy.  I grew up right here in Chicago. I currently live in Woodridge, IL with my husband Ryan and our sons Collin and Aidan.  I went to National Louis University and studied Early Childhood Education.  I was lucky enough to start working here at Newport before it was even open in 2016.  I began as a teacher, shortly after I became the Assistant Director and then moved to my current position.  As the Director of Enrollment I am looking forward to interacting with all the children and families and getting to know everyone, a little more.  I will work hard to continue to welcome new families and help our Newport family grow.    During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Ryan, our sons and our two yorkies!

Kristin Wurm

Toddler Twos Program Director

Hi Newport families! My name is Kristin Wurm and I am thrilled to be joining the Newport community. I have been passionate about working with children since I was young, and have spent most of my life helping young children grow and develop. I spent many years as a nanny throughout high school and college and then worked with families creating and developing nutrition plans that worked for each parent and child. I recently moved to Chicago and have loved exploring the city. I have a knack for adventure and enjoy traveling, hiking, running, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you all!

Caitlin Habley

Preschool Program Director

Hi, there! My name is Caitlin Habley, and I’ve been teaching preschool-aged children since 2013, when I completed my undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University. Since graduating from WMU, I have taken courses at Kendall College in Early Education. I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago; I moved to the city after my graduation in 2013. I have had the pleasure of working in two different early childcare centers prior to starting at NCA, and I am looking forward to continuing my teaching career here at Newport. Outside of teaching, I am all about being outdoors and in nature. I really enjoy running, playing beach volleyball, and being with my friends and my dog. My family is extremely important to me, and I love to get together with them at our cabin in Door County, Wisconsin as much as I can. I am so excited to meet all the families and children at Newport Children’s Academy!

Christyne Sapp

Preschool Program Director

My name is Christyne Stephenson, and I have a passion for helping kids flourish in multiple domains. I initially set out for a career in mental health, receiving my Bachelor’s in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, then continuing on for a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Kansas State University. Through my journey, I developed a love and energy for children, which led me to acquire certification in Play Therapy.

After graduation, I realized that I wanted to work with children in a deeper capacity and watch their development beyond the emotional realm. I decided to become a teacher and have loved every moment of connecting with each special child and helping them continue to grow not only intellectually, but emotionally and socially as well.  I am currently getting my Masters in Early Childhood Education/Special Education at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, crafting, playing board games, and hanging out with my husband James, our toddler Eloise, our baby Emerson, and our dog Tucker.

Jessica Moctezuma

Infant Teacher & Infant Team Lead

Hi, Newport Families! My name is Jessica Moctezuma and I’m from Chicago, IL. I joined Newport Children’s Academy two years ago and it has been a wonderful experience being part of this team. Prior to Newport I was working as a nanny in the suburbs. I began working with children in Chicago during my first semester of college in 2012. Since then, I have worked with infants – 8th grade. I believe that children are our future and I love building relationships with the families to help children reach their full potential. During my free time, I spend most of my time at home with my dog, plants and family. I love photography, traveling, digging through old vinyls and visiting museums.

Please feel free to ask any questions! I look forward to meeting all of you and watching your children reach new milestones!

Natalie Labes

Infant Teacher

Hello Newport Children’s Academy families! I am so excited to start this journey with you guys. I moved to Chicago in October 2019 from Michigan and I graduated with my associates in Early Childhood Education. I have over 7 years of experience in the field and I am still learning something new everyday. I enjoy all ages because each age is so fun to learn with. In my free time, I like to travel, ski, and be with my family and friends. I can’t wait to continue and grow with the Newport Children Academy!

Bridget O'Connor

Infant Assistant Teacher

I am excited to be joining the Newport community in the Infant room! I moved to Chicago from New England in 2011 and fell in love with this city while attending Columbia College. I graduated with a degree in Theater and have 15 years of childcare experience. While working at Gymboree Play & Music, I was able to receive a strong introduction to early childhood development for all ages! Exploratory play is so important and I am very passionate about combining song, rhythm, and music during our daily curriculum any chance we can. Children love repetition through music and I love encouraging this, as it builds self assurance and the ability to understand patterns. During my free time, I enjoy singing, dancing, writing, spending time in nature, taking care of my indoor plants, and taking my dog, Toby, to the park. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Newport family and can’t wait to meet you and your little ones!

Daniela Medina

Infant Assistant Teacher

Bio Coming Soon!

Monse Munoz

Infant Teacher

Hello Newport families! My name is Monserrath Munoz, but everyone calls me Monse. I am very pleased to be a part of the Newport family as an infant teacher! I was raised in Chicago and most of my life, I assisted my mother as she nannied for other families. In this way, she was able to instill in me a passion of caring for children and teaching them new things.  This passion led me to obtain an associates degree in Early Childhood Development from Harold Washington College and get more hands-on experience with teaching and learning about the mind of little kids. Infants and toddlers are in a critical period in development and I derive great pleasure from being able to watch them grow each and every day!

Outside of the classroom, I love to play soccer, draw, paint, and do DIY projects (which comes in handy in the classroom as well). I am very excited to meet and work with all the Newport families!

Olivia Rule

Infant Assistant Teacher

Hi Newport families!  I am so excited to be a part of the infant team here at Newport Children’s Academy.  I have always loved working with children and have been babysitting and nannying since I turned 12.  I love working with infants and toddlers because I get to help them as they begin to make their own decisions, form their own interests, and figure out who they are.  Every child is unique and has something different that they can teach me.  Outside of the classroom, I love to be outside, spend time with my friends and family, and find ways to be creative.  I am so happy to have joined this beautiful community and I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones!

Jeannette McGinnis

Infant Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Jeannette McGinnis I’m very excited to be apart of the Newport family. I’m from Kansas but I’ve lived in Chicago for 4 years now with my wife and our dog. I love it and have had a lot of great opportunities while living here. Before coming to Newport, I worked with children for 2 years as a swim teacher, then before that I did a lot of babysitting. I love working with children especially Infants because it’s amazing to watch them grow and help them figure out the world around them. I’m very excited to meet and work with all the Newport families!

Bee Everidge

Infant Assistant Teacher

Hi Newport Families! My name is Bee Everidge and I am thrilled to be a part of the Newport team! I grew up in southern Ohio and have always enjoyed working with kids, from babysitting to flute tutoring to party princessing. Before Newport, I gained experience with infants through different nannying and daycare opportunities, and am so excited to be strengthening the foundation of my career here at Newport. I love watching infants grow into their personalities and reach new milestones every day and can’t wait to meet you and your little ones!
I enjoy drawing and painting in my free time, and I also work teaching after-school art programs on the side. Additionally, I am a professional hand letterer/artist and some of my work can be found around the city! Lastly, I love collecting houseplants, playing board games, and cuddling with my two cats, Pigeon and Magpie.

Emily Dehmer

Toddler Teacher

Hello, my name is Emily Dehmer! I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with a B.A. in Social Work and a minor is Family, Health, and Disability Studies. I have been teaching toddlers here at Newport Children’s Academy since 2017. I have always loved working with children. I have previously worked in child welfare as a foster care caseworker, and I have also worked with children with Autism in a school setting as a paraprofessional. I enjoy working with toddlers specifically because toddlers are in a stage where they are learning so much. They hit so many milestones at this age. From verbal and social skills, to fine motor and gross motor skills. There is so much to teach them, and it is never boring. I love being able to see how much they’ve grown and learned from the time they enter my room to the time they leave!

Victoria Vargas

Toddler Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Victoria Vargas and I am so happy to be here at Newport! I was born and raised here in Chicago and am currently in school for Early Childhood Education. I also hold an Associate degree in Art. My long-term goal is to become an art teacher. I’m very creative and love doing crafts and DIY projects. I have been working with children, working in childcare centers, schools and various programs for four years now. I’ve worked with various ages from infants to teens as a substitute teacher for over a year. Creativity and free play are, in my opinion, essential to a child’s growth and development. My boyfriend and I live in the Austin neighborhood with our cat, dog, and bearded dragon. In my spare time I like to read, paint, plant and be with my pets. I look forward to teaching, learning from and growing with the amazing children and their families here at Newport.

Michelle Cho

Toddler Assistant Teacher

Cassie Coglianese

Toddler Teacher

Bio Coming Soon…

Elliona Clarke

Toddler Teacher

Hi Newport Families! My name is Elliona Clark and I am so excited to be working with your kids every day. I attended Kennedy King College where I received my Associates Degree in Fine Arts. I will be attending Chicago state for my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in secondary education. I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2019 and have discovered a love of working with toddlers. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, adventuring to new places, and dancing!

Courtney Williams

Toddler Assistant Teacher

Hi! My name is Courtney Williams and I am so excited to be a teacher at Newport! I have had a love for Early Childhood Education since high school and have had several years of experience in the field. I developed a passion of working with toddlers and love matching thier boundless energy and watching them grow. In my spare time, I like to shop and try new restaurants. I also enjoy spending time with my dog and my family. I can’t wait to work with you and your children!

Bianca Pagan

Toddler Assistant Teacher

Hello!  My name is Biance and I have worked with children for many years, from tutoring through the YMCA, nannying, and working in a variety of Montessori schools throughout Chicago.  I gained a Bachelor’s in Psychology from DePaul University and bring a strong understanding of social and emotional development into the classroom.  I pull motivation from my desire to help others and passion for empowering young minds.  When I’m not working, I enjoy baking, reading, working out, and going on hikes.  I’m so glad to be a part of the team and can’t wait to get to know the students and families more!

Karla Arroyo

Assistant Teacher

Hi NCA families!  My name is Karla Arroyo and I’m a floater for the Toddler and Twos rooms! I’ve been working at Newport since 2022 and it has been an amazing experience. Prior to working here at Newport, I would nanny and have always found a passion working with kids. I am currently going into my junior year at National Louis University for my B.S in Business Administration. In my free time I enjoy trying new places to eat, spending time with friends and family, listening to podcasts, and playing tennis. Being able to teach your child(ren) and helping them develop their skills and reach their full potential is my favorite part of this job. I’m committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Juanita Cervantes

Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Juanita, and I am very excited to be a new member of the Newport Children’s Academy team! I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2017. I have experience with various age groups, ranging from six weeks old to elementary school ages. I have studied and worked closely in the education field as an Assistant Teacher, and I am very excited to continue my studies and have a classroom of my own someday! The thrill of watching children reach milestones, seeing them get excited when they achieve one of their goals, and being part of the reason that they learn something new each day is what keeps my dream of being a teacher alive! In my spare time, I like to travel, play and watch sports, and read books! I look forward to new opportunities at Newport, and I am excited to be a part of this community! 

Evangeline Rubio

Twos Teacher & Director of Teacher Engagement

Hello, my name is Evangeline Rubio! I am appreciative of the opportunity to teach at Newport Children’s Academy! I have a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology from Northern Illinois University. I was a Behavioral Therapist for 2.5 years, am an advocate of all children and individuals with disabilities, and a reading/math tutor. My various academic and professional experiences have contributed to the characteristics I acquire as a teacher. I respect and admire all of the work done at Newport Children’s Academy and I appreciate that we share common professional interests of providing a safe environment for individualized instruction to each student. In my spare time, I enjoy going on walks with my dog, playing softball, cooking new recipes I find on Pinterest, and listening to podcasts!

I am so delighted to meet the Newport families and especially grateful to be part of the momentous journey of your child/children!

Maricela Torres

Twos Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name is Maricela “Mari” Torres and I am thrilled to join the Newport family! I was born and raised in Chicago and I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a  B.A. in interdisciplinary studies. I started teaching daycare in 2016 and have enthusiastically pursued this career ever since. I am very passionate about children and can’t wait to have one of my own. I enjoy working out, playing soccer and spending time with my family, including my fraternal twin sister whom I share a very powerful bond with. I wake up excited everyday to spend time with my students. I may never know what to expect but know that they’ll always make me smile. 

Yanira Trejo

Twos Teacher

Quinese Murphy

Twos Teacher

Hello, Newport Children’s Academy families. I’m so excited to start this new journey. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and I recently graduated from the University of Dubuque with my B.S. in Psychology. My hobbies are dancing and walking alone on the beach. My favorite quote is by B.F Skinner: “Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.” I am passionate about helping children reach their full potential. I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you. Welcome to the family!

Chestine Limbo

Twos Assistant Teacher

I am Ms. Limbo, and I’m thrilled to be teaching at Newport. With over 10 years of teaching children under my belt, I can’t wait to embark on this exciting journey with your little ones.

When it comes to preschoolers, I believe in the power of learning through play. Whether it’s hands-on activities, imaginative play, or interactive storytelling, I’m all about making education fun and engaging. By combining play and learning, we’ll ignite their curiosity and creativity, setting them up for a lifetime of growth.

Communication is key in my book. I value open and effective communication with parents, staff, and, of course, the children. Your input and involvement are essential, and I’m here to listen, address any concerns, and work together to ensure the best experience for your child, so please do not hesitate to chat during drop offs, pick ups, or even through email and phone calls!

Patience is my superpower. I know that each child develops at their own pace, and I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive space where they can flourish. Embracing their unique qualities and helping them reach their full potential is what I’m all about.

When I’m not teaching, I am a part-time real estate agent! I also love hanging out with my pup, binge watching reality tv, and trying all of the great Chicago restaurants!

I’m excited to start this incredible educational journey with your child. Let’s build a foundation for lifelong learning, growth, and success, together!

Jennifer Trejo-Muñoz

Twos/Threes Teacher

Marti Neal

Twos/Threes Assistant Teacher

My name is Ms. Neal and I am SO excited to work with your children during their time here at Newport.  It is such a rewarding experience watching students grow and advance to their next challenges.  It is my personal goal to ensure I aid in nurturing, challenging, and motivating your children.  This is such an important time in their lives because they are discovering different aspects of their personality.  It’s my job as an educator and nurturer to make sure they have a safe and healthy outlet to express those personalities.  This age group is one of the most fun to be around.  Everyone has something to say and I love listening to their stories.  When I’m not being entertained by your children’s stories, I enjoy going to the beach, exploring our beautiful city of Chicago, and painting.  I look forward to getting to know all of you more!

Paige Eifert

Assistant Teacher

Hello Newport families, my name is Paige! I am a Chicago native, and I am currently studying to get my Master’s degree in Secondary Education at DePaul University. Teaching at Newport is such a great opportunity for me to follow my passion for education since the culture of Newport aligns with my values as an educator. I am so excited to get to know your little ones and be a part of their growth and learning!

Jailene Recendiz

Assistant Teacher

Hello Newport families!  I am super excited to be joining the Newport community! I am originally from Naperville but moved to Chicago in late September! I studied law enforcement at Western Illinois University until I realized that it wasn’t the path I wanted to take! I have always loved working with children and watching them grow. I’ve been a nanny for many years and also worked with children at my local park district! Aside from my love for children, I also like to spend my free time hanging out with my friends and family! I love trying new restaurants and finding new places to explore and am big on running and traveling! I am so happy to have joined such a wonderful workplace filled with so many wonderful people! I can’t wait to meet you all!

Jasmine Orozco

Preschool Teacher

Hi Newport Families! My name is Jasmine Orozco and I couldn’t be happier to be joining Newport Children’s Academy. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. I graduated in 2018 with my Bachelors in Early Childhood, Special Education and English as a Second Language. Since then I have been working in preschool classrooms. I have always had a passion for education, early education especially. Outside of education, I love spending time with my family and 2 dogs. I also love baking, going running, and reading. 

Kelly Nugent

Preschool Assistant Teacher

Hello Everyone!  My name is Kelly Nugent and I couldn’t be happier to begin 2019 as a member of the Newport Children’s Academy team. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in such an amazing and supportive environment. As long as I can remember my greatest desire has been to work with children. My experience caring for children started in my teens and includes teaching Sunday school, being a camp counselor, and assisting a newborn photographer. I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than being a part of a child’s growth and education. It is a special feeling to invest in the life of a child and watch “the light go on.”  I look forward to continuing my education and earning certifications that will better equip me to serve the children here at Newport Children’s Academy. When I’m not at NCA, I enjoy camping and spending time with friends and family.  I am also an animal lover and enjoy the attentions of my best kitty, Nora.

Jessica Althouse

Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Jessica Althouse! I am very happy to be a part of the team here at Newport Children’s Academy. I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Classics and a minor in English. I have been working with children for many years, in the past as a City Year Americops member, as substitute teacher, and as a paraprofessional aide for a child with autism. I am a strong believer in the importance of helping children develop a love of learning and I believe that making the school environment a fun and engaging place to be is one of the best ways to do so.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family

Juliet Montelongo

Preschool Teacher

Hi all!  I’m Juliet Montelongo and I am excited to be a part of the Newport community!  For the past ten years, I hav worked with youth of all ages from infants to preschoolers, and from Elementary aged kiddos to teens.  I studied Elementary Education at DePaul and am currently working towards a B.A.  To say the least, I am lucky to have had these great opportunities and feel that I am exceptionally experienced in the social-emotional growth and progressive learning of children, which is what I hope to bring with me at Newport.  Some of my interests include nature walks, picnics, traveling, and art!

Sammi McWhorter

Preschool Teacher

Hello everybody!  I am stoked to be a part of Newport Children’s Academy!  I am a recent graduate from Ball State University where I received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.  I have a wide range of experience with children all the way from toddlers to fifth grade from working as a camp counselor for many years and have always been heavily involved with anything kid-oriented.  It brings me the greatest joy in the world to provide children with a safe, accepting, creative, and inclusive outlet to grow.

I’m an only child who grew up in the suburbs her whole life and it’s been a dream of mine to come back and live in the city.  I’ve always been a huge theatre nerd, performing in various musicals with a Chicago theatre company until I went to college.  Other hobbies of mine include surrounding myself with friends, watching the latest Netflix originals, photography, and eating out as much as possible (guilty pleasure, for sure).  I can’t wait to become a part of your child’s life and learn what makes them, them!

Talia Morris

Preschool Assistant Teacher

Hi everyone! My name is Talia Morris, and I am so excited to be joining the Newport Family.  I was raised in Chicago my entire life and went to Saint Louis University where I obtained a degree in Education.  I focused mostly on early childhood and special education where I observed and worked in classrooms throughout Saint Louis to gain as much experience as possible.  I have worked with children for almost seven years-from nannying to being an inclusion companion for children who have special needs.  I believe every child has wonderful capabilities that are shown every single day both in and out of school.

I currently live in the Edgewater area with my two cats, Delilah and Mango.  Some hobbies of mine include hiking, long distance running, and spending time with family and friends. I cannot wait to become a part of your child’s life, and learn what makes them so special and unique!

Ali Wolfe

PreK Teacher

Hi Newport families! My name is Miss Wolfe and I am super excited to officially join the team! I am a 2020 graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Elementary Education. I have a deep love for teaching and helping little minds expand and grow! In my free time, I love trying new restaurants and walking around the lakefront. I can’t wait to meet you all!

Olivia Camel

PreK Assistant Teacher

Hello everyone! My name is Olivia Camel, and I’m proud to be a part of the Newport team. I am a Louisiana State University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I have previously worked in Pre-K classes, and I work with the 3-5 year olds here at Newport. A fun fact about me is that I was raised by a Kindergarten teacher. I moved to Chicago in 2021, so I am looking forward to a new chapter. I love cooking, crafting, and watching cheesy movies from the 90s.

Mattie Foley

PreK Teacher

Hi my name is Miss. Foley! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Dayton and have been working in Early Childhood Education for the past few years, which I absolutely love. It’s amazing to watch the children learn and grow every day and I believe in facilitating that through genuine interactions and meaningful exploration and by providing the children with positive encouragement and support to explore the world around them. I can’t wait to watch your children flourish and please feel free to ask me any questions you might have!

Maya Bassin

PreK Assistant Teacher

Hi Newport families! My name is Maya Bassin, and I am so excited to be a floater throughout the Preschool and Pre-K classrooms! I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and am the eldest of 6 kids in a super tight-knit family. I just moved to Evanston after spending 6 years in Paris where I worked as an au pair, managed a restaurant, and tutored in both English and French. I have always had a passion for working with children and I love watching your children learn and grow! Outside of Newport I love cooking, spending time with my family and two dogs, and traveling as much as possible.

Consuelo Flores

Spanish Teacher

¡Hola! My name is Consuelo Flores. I am very excited to join the Newport family. I was born and raised in Chile where I attended University of La Serena, Chile and got my Bachelor’s degree in Education and Teaching a Foreign Language. I moved to Chicago in 2021 after meeting my husband.

I’ve taught children a second language in many settings; as a Camp Monitor, Spanish-English tutor, and teacher.

My passion is working with kids and I am beyond happy to share a part of my culture, the Spanish language, to children. I believe that one of the most important things in life is happiness during childhood, and learning a new language is always fun!

Besides teaching, what I love to do most is arts & crafts and gluten free baking. I really enjoy working creatively.

Felicia Seeburg

Paraprofessional

Hello Newport Families. My name is Felicia Seeburg. I am thrilled to be part of the Newport team. I am a Florida International University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I previously worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and loved working with children of all ages. My love for children came from volunteering throughout high school at various schools and daycare centers. I hope to help facilitate your children’s learning and strengthen their young minds. I am excited to have the amazing opportunity to learn with and from your amazing children.

Stephanie Solis

Assistant Teacher

Hello Newport Families!  My name is Stephanie but everyone calls me Steph.  I was born and raised in Chicago where I received my Associates in Early Childhood Education from Harold Washington.  I knew I enjoyed working and being around kids since I was young and helped my grandma take care of my youngest cousin.  I have been working with kids professionally since 2018.  In my free time, I enjoy dancing, listening to music, watching reality TV Shows, and spending time with family and friends.  I can’t wait to get to know each and every child and family more at Newport!