Meet Our Staff | firststepdaycare

Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Excutive Director

Miss Sue Wilson

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Assistant Director

Miss Linda Moore

Miss Linda is the Assistant Director at First Step and has been working in early childhood education since 1997. She joined the program in August 1998, beginning as the Pre-K Teacher, and brings decades of experience to her role. Miss Linda holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education, an ECE Level 1 credential, and a School-Age Youth Development credential. She enjoys working with all age groups, believing each stage of childhood is uniquely different. Miss Linda views children as “sponges” who absorb so much from those around them and considers it an honor and privilege to care for them. She understands the trust families place in educators and strives to provide a warm, nurturing environment that supports children’s social and emotional growth while helping build lifelong skills. Her favorite classroom time is circle time, especially activities that include body movement songs and learning games. Outside of work, Miss Linda enjoys working out at the gym, taking her dogs to the dog park, and shopping at resale stores.

Program Administrator

Miss Viktoria Martinez

Miss Viktoria is the Program Administrator at First Step and has been working in early childhood education since 2017. She joined the First Step team in August 2021. Miss Viktoria holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, has completed all required DCFS trainings, and holds an ECE Credential – Level 4 and an Infant/Toddler Credential – Level 4. She especially enjoys working with two-year-olds, finding joy in watching them grow from new twos into confident threes. What she loves most about working with children is being part of their lives as they grow and learn, and making a meaningful impact not only on the children, but on their families as well. As a parent herself, Miss Viktoria understands what a privilege it is to be trusted with someone’s child and considers it an honor to care for the most important people in a family’s life. Her favorite classroom activity is art, where she enjoys seeing each child’s creativity and unique perspective shine. Outside of work, Miss Viktoria enjoys crocheting and spending time with her family.

Kitchen Supervisor

Miss Casey

Infant Lead Teacher

Miss Ramona

Infant Assistant

Miss Ana

Toddler/Two's Lead Teacher

Miss Luz

Toddler/Two's Assistant

Miss Ari

Pre-k Lead Teacher

Miss Nicole

Pre-k/KR assistant

Miss Magda

KR Lead Teacher

Miss Emma

Prek-KR Teacher

Miss Mary

Mary Sajdak is a Preschool Teacher at First Step with 25 years of experience in early childhood education and 21 years with the program. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and enjoys working with children ages 3–5. Mary loves children’s openness and curiosity, teaches with respect and care, and enjoys leading hands-on science activities. She helps children feel supported by listening, encouraging, and praising their efforts. Mary also enjoys gardening and treasures the time she spends with each child.

School Age

Miss Aly

Floater

Miss Kitty

Floater

Miss Aya

Aya is a Floater at First Step and has been working in early childhood education since her junior year of high school. She joined the First Step team in Summer 2025. Aya completed childcare classes in high school and has all required DCFS trainings. She especially enjoys working with two-year-olds, appreciating their sweetness and willingness to help when asked. Aya loves children’s creativity and brings a playful teaching style to the classroom. Her favorite activity is learning and singing songs with the children, as music offers many fun learning opportunities. Aya enjoys sharing her love of music with the children each day.