Erin fitzgerald

I have been enthusiastically teaching our Rainbow Class since 2017, and joyfully serving as the Director of Children’s Education at St. Pauls since 2019. Born and raised in Metro Detroit, I come from a big family, so I am no stranger to being around lots of kids. I started babysitting at an early age, which sparked my fascination with how people develop through their early years. I came to Chicago after falling in love with DePaul University and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology (concentration in Human Development). During my time there, I worked as a tutor through the America Reads program for children in grades K-12, and volunteered as an adult tutor at the Howard Area Community Center. Since then, I’ve become a mother to three wonderful boys. I’ve taught 1st and 2nd graders in a summer program called H.O.P.E. (Hamtramck Odyssey Program for Excellence) including enrichment, recreation, and academic components. I also provided childcare for 10+ years with children at the High Ridge YMCA for ages ranging from 6 weeks to 9 years old. My focus and passion has always been around child development. I love working with kids, they bring me so much happiness. For me, there is no greater joy than seeing a smile on a child’s face, especially as they overcome an obstacle or learn something new. It is an honor to get to know each Little Light as they grow. My goal is to offer a loving, nurturing, and positive environment for them to thrive.

Danielle Mayfield

Has been part of Little Lights since 2018 and truly loves being a part of the program. Over the years, she has substituted in the two-year-old class, served as a caregiver for the church prayer group, and works as the Children’s Program Coordinator and as the three-year-old class teacher at St. Pauls. A Chicago native, born and raised in Bucktown, Danielle attended The Art Institute of Chicago after graduating from a community high school. With decades of experience teaching and supporting children in a variety of educational settings, she brings creativity and care to every role. Outside of the classroom, Danielle enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the city, and making the most of everything Chicago has to offer. At home, she and her husband, Anthony, are raising two amazing young men, Erik and Andy.

Aimee Holper

I have been teaching four-year-old Preschool and Junior Kindergarten at Little Lights since 2019. I am looking forward to a new school year helping your little ones learn and grow! I have been working with children for more than 30 years in various roles; including as a Pre-K to 3rd grade classroom teacher, as a special education inclusion teacher, and as a developmental therapist and evaluator. I earned my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2004 and my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from DePaul University in 1997. I hold a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Special Education as well as a Developmental Specialist Credential in Early Intervention. Most of my experience has been teaching all ages of preschool while utilizing my play-based, family-centered approach to learning. Prior to teaching at Little Lights, I worked as a Developmental Therapist and Evaluator in the Illinois Early Intervention Program. This role gave me the opportunity to learn about all domains of child growth and development. When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my husband, our two sons, and our dog, Maisie. I also enjoy cooking, reading, gardening, music, and sports.

iris gonzalez

Hi everyone, I'm so happy to be working with your kids! Prior to coming to Little Lights, I was working in childcare for ten years with children of all ages through the YMCA. I have always been drawn to kids - I love their smiles and each one of their personalities, and I love watching them grow!

I was born and raised in Chicago and have two children of my own and one step-son. My daughter, Briana, is in graduate school at the University of Illinois, my son, Julian, is in seventh grade and my step-son, Tyler, is a graduate of UIUC.

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and watching movies. I am looking forward to a great year together and I am excited for what this year holds!

Kelly Herndon

With a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Illinois and with my Illinois teaching Certification, I became a first grade teacher. When I began having children of my own, I made the decision to stay at home with them. Once my last child left for college, I went back to teaching as a para educator in a third grade class. I was offered a position in a preschool and I fell in love with preschoolers, I immediately knew I had found my people. I bring years of experience working with children of many ages in many different settings.  I currently live in Lakeview and I am enjoying time with my husband and kids. I really love working at Little Lights and the teachers here are the best of the best. This is my fourth year working with Ms. Danielle and I am excited for what this year holds for us.  

Thomas Clancy

I joined St Pauls UCC in 2020, shortly before the lockdown during which time my wife and I found out about her pregnancy. The program of Little Lights and the community that comes with it has been a huge positive part of our family. I am truly grateful to have found St Pauls before learning that I was to become a father. This early child program has been instrumental in Willow’s development and social life and my wife and I truly could not be more pleased with Little Lights. I am aware that the teachers care not only our daughter but for us as well. The program and the teachers radiate love and light. They are an integral part of our young families story.

I am a proud parent of Willow, who spent four years in the Little Lights program 2022-2026. I’ve served on the Little Lights Board since 2022. My musical background:

• BM Northern Illinois University 2009

• Performers Certificate NIU 2010

• MM University of Colorado 2012

• Member of the CU graduate assistant woodwind quintet 2010 - 2012

• 2nd horn Opera Colorado 2011 - 2013

• Freelance musician 2010 - 2013 Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana

• Horn in
  Ravenswood Community Symphony Orchestra 2022 - current

• Windy City Winds 2020 - current
  City Wide Symphony Orchestra current
  St Pauls Brass 2020 - current

• Kinderchapel director at St Pauls 2024 - current

I’m excited to continue leading music classes with your children!