Meet Our Staff

Our director and teachers are the heart of our school.  They are educated, experienced and always striving to be sure they are current with early childhood education trends.  All of our teachers work very closely with our students' parents and communicate regularly to ensure our program is working optimally  for everyone.  Each of our teachers takes great joy in helping the children to start on the right track of a lifelong love of learning.

 Gail Nemoy, Director

Gail is a passionate educator and has been working in the field of early childhood education for thirty years. She joined NCNS in 2008 and has brought her many years of experience in both teaching and curriculum development to the NCNS program. She is currently a member of NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children). Gail holds a BA in Child Development/Early Childhood Education.

Before working as a Director and Educator, Gail was a Child Life Therapist at Illinois Masonic Medical Center where she ran activities for the inpatient pediatric unit. Gail did developmental assessments on children age birth to 5 years old.

Gail is primarily responsible for maintaining the active practice of the philosophy of NCNS and the operational necessities of teaching. She works with the teachers, training and orienting them and aiding in problems that arise. She leads weekly staff meetings and attends the meetings of the North Shore Early Childhood Council. She monitors the professional growth requirements of the teachers. She directs the setting up and taking down of equipment. The Director also works with the parents, planning orientation programs, dealing with individual parents and their children, and showing the School to prospective families. The Director is also a member of the Board of Directors of the School and acts as a liaison between the staff and the Board.

Teachers

NCNS has a highly qualified and dedicated staff of teachers all with over five years of experience teaching at NCNS. Many have taught at the school for over 15 years. The staff attends a variety of seminars and workshops throughout the year to remain current with early childhood education trends and practices. All teachers are certified in CPR and First Aid.

  Ilene Alpert

Ilene Alpert joined the NCNS staff in November of 2000 to teach Early Threes and provide inclusion assistance and support in a 3-year-old classroom.  She has over 20 years of experience with all ages and developmental levels. She also has experience teaching children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Ilene graduated from the University of Illinois in Chicago with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education, with a concentration in EMH and TMH. Ilene has completed 20 additional hours in Early Childhood Education.

Since she has been with NCNS, Ilene has taught in all of our classes. 

Jennifer Brunzell

Jennifer began teaching at NCNS in 2008 as a Lunch Bunch teacher.  In 2010, Jennifer also began co-teaching in our pre-school classroom.  Jennifer holds a B.A degree in Sociology and has several years of experience as a pre-school teacher.

  Julie Crowe

Julie Crowe started teaching at NCNS in 1995 as our Lunch Bunch teacher and a classroom substitute teacher.  In 2005 Julie transitioned to a classroom co-teacher and has since taught both 3 year old and 4 year old Pre-K classes. 

Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University.  Julie’s two children are both NCNS graduates.

  Mindy Koehler

Mindy Koehler joined NCNS in 1995 as a teacher in our Lunch Bunch program and transitioned to a classroom co-teacher in 2005.  Mindy has taught the 3 year old class, 4 year old Pre-K class as well as our Kindergarten Enrichment class.

Mindy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern University, with a minor in Hospital Play Therapy.  Both of her children are graduates of Northbrook Community Nursery School.

  Linda Peters

Linda Peters came to NCNS in 1997 as a practicum student from the Early Childhood Education program at Oakton Community College. She did her practicum in the 3 day 3-year-old class and worked as an assistant teacher in the Early Threes program. After graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1999, Linda began co-teaching the 3 day Threes. Linda has taught both our Early 3’s class and our 3 year old class.

  Alison Poklop

Alison has been an active member of NCNS for many years.  While her children attended our school, Alison served on the Board of Directors in various positions including serving as President of the Board.
Alison began teaching our Lunch Bunch program and transitioned in 2008 to a classroom co-teacher in our four year old Pre-K classes.
Alison holds a Master's Degree in elementary Education with eight graduate level hours in Early Childhood Education.

  Cynthia Pollak

Cynthia Pollack has been teaching at NCNS since 1994.  Cynthia has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Before joining NCNS, she was a Sunday school teacher for children with Down syndrome and a Sunday School Superintendent. Cynthia has also created a successful neighborhood summer program in Evanston and volunteered in a safe house for mothers and children.

Cynthia has taught Parent/Tot, Lunch Bunch, as well as our 3 year old and 4 year old Pre-K classes.

  Carolyn Rosenthal

Carolyn Rosenthal joined the staff of NCNS in 1999. Carolyn has taught a variety of age groups, including Parent/Tot, Early 3’s, 3 year olds, and the 4 year old Pre-K classes.

Carolyn graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She has an additional 6 hours in Early Childhood, post graduate. Carolyn is actively involved in the Northbrook community and served on the NCNS Board before becoming an NCNS teacher. Her three children are all NCNS alums.

  Helaine Schreiber

Helaine Schreiber began teaching at NCNS in 1999.  Before coming to NCNS, Helaine taught preschool in Evanston.  During her teaching career at NCNS, she has taught all age groups, including Parent/Tot, Early 3’s, 3 year olds, 4 year old Pre-K as well as a mixed age group class. 

Helaine graduated from Hofstra University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Education. Recently, she completed a program of 21 credit hours that culminated with a degree in Early Childhood Education: Administration.