The First Step Daycare
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Miss Sue brings over 40 years of experience in early childhood education, including an incredible 38 years dedicated to First Step. Her passion for working with children spans from toddlers through school-age, as she loves experiencing each stage of growth and adapting her teaching style to meet the unique needs of every age group.

What Miss Sue enjoys most about working with children is connecting with their different personalities. She believes that every child is unique, and she strives to create hands-on learning experiences that engage and inspire each child in a meaningful way.

Her favorite classroom center is Science, because it offers a wide variety of activities that naturally connect across multiple subjects while encouraging curiosity and discovery.

Miss Sue wants families to feel confident that their children are in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. She is deeply committed to maintaining open communication, building trust, and creating a positive, happy space where children can thrive.

Outside of work, Miss Sue enjoys cooking and baking—though she jokes that she could do without the dishes!

She is passionate about child development and believes that children’s brains are actively developing from as early as the womb. Through positive experiences, children build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Her encouragement to families is to stay actively involved in their child’s life, support their independence, and always discipline with love.

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.

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. She also serves as the lead teacher in the two-year-old classroom at her church, where she continues to do what she loves most—working hands-on with young children and staying connected to the classroom environment.

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Miss Ramona brings over 6.5 years of experience in early childhood education and has been a valued part of the First Step family for nearly 2 years. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Child Development from Rock Valley College and has a diverse background working with children of all ages.

In addition to her classroom experience, Miss Ramona has volunteered in her church nursery caring for infants and has taught art and science classes in a homeschool co-op, working with children from preschool through high school. While she enjoys all age groups, she has spent the majority of her time with infants and preschoolers, giving her a special place in her heart for these early stages of development.

She loves walking into her classroom each day and being greeted by the children’s smiling faces. Miss Ramona is known for being patient, nurturing, and deeply caring. She is committed to building strong, trusting relationships with each child—whether that means offering a comforting hug or giving her full, undivided attention when it’s needed most.

Her favorite classroom activity is art, as it allows children to express themselves while engaging in fun, hands-on learning experiences.

Miss Ramona’s dedication and love for working with children is evident in everything she does, and it brings her great joy to be part of their growth and development.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and friends. She loves reading, doing crafts, and taking walks at the park.

Fun Facts About Miss Ramona:

• She loves raccoons 🦝

• Her favorite color is purple 💜

• Her favorite food is Navajo tacos

• She lived on a Navajo reservation for two years as a child and is half Navajo

• She has four adult children (ages 19, 21, 23, and 26)

• She shares a birthday with one of her daughters

Miss Ana has over two years of experience in early childhood education, all of which she has spent at First Step. She has completed all required DCFS trainings and is currently pursuing her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, continuing to grow in her knowledge and passion for working with young children.

She loves working with infants because she enjoys being part of their earliest stages of development. Watching them grow, learn, and reach new milestones is something she finds incredibly rewarding.

Miss Ana creates a patient, nurturing, and loving environment for the children in her care. She is dedicated to helping each child feel safe and supported by being consistent, responsive, and attentive to their individual needs. She wants families to know that she cares for their children as if they were her own.

She especially enjoys incorporating circle time and music into the infant classroom, helping even the youngest learners begin to engage, explore, and connect.

Miss Ana brings a calm and caring presence to the classroom, creating a peaceful space where children can feel secure and thrive.