Yaneliz Velez, Assistant Director

Hi, my name is Yaneliz Velez or Yani for short. I am so happy to be part of the LGTH family. I was born in Chicago, moved to Georgia where I lived for 7 years and then came back home for high school. I attended high school and college at the same time starting in 2011 at Devry Advantage Academy.  In 2013, I graduated high school with my diploma and an associate degree in web graphic design. By 2014 I started working at my baby brother’s daycare and became a 19 year old teacher aide. My career started because I chaperoned for one of my baby brother’s field trips when he was still in preschool. After the trip was over and we were back at the school, the director approached me and asked me if I would like to work at her center. Immediately I said yes. At first, I was happy because I desperately needed a job at the time. After my first day, I knew immediately I was where I needed to be and have not looked back since. In Fall of 2018, I decided to attend National Louis University to obtain my Bachelor’s in ECE and graduated June 2021. I have worked with children of all ages in many different settings including summer camp and babysitting. My goal as a director is to help guide, build and/or provide as many resources as I can for the teachers and families to help our favorite tiny humans learn, grow and bring their imagination to life through play.  Outside of work I love to try new restaurants with my boyfriend, watch anime, bake and cook, read and tacos.  

Jacqueline Robles, Assistant Director

Hola! My name is Jacqueline Robles, Jackie for short. I am very excited to be joining the Director Team here in Little Green Treehouse Lakeview. I was born and raised in Chicago. I have a beautiful family with my husband Ricardo & my daughter Ellie, who is in the Redbud Room! 

 I first started working in LGTH back in 2014 as a Teacher Aide. I quickly realized how much I loved working with kids and decided to pursue my career in Early Childhood. I graduated Harold Washington in 2018 with an Associates in Arts with a focus on Early Childhood.  My future goal is to earn my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood. 

I became the Lead Teacher in Pine in 2016. I took a break to work as a Youth Care Worker for a non profit organization called Heartland Alliance. After being there for a year, I missed working in the Early Childhood setting. I worked in Children’s Circle Preschool in the Glencoe Park District for 4 years. Then I worked for L&L Academy for 1.5 years. I decided to come back to LGTH because it was the foundation of my career.

My goal as a Director is to continue to grow our Teachers & Staff in the Early Childhood setting. As well as grow future leaders in our classrooms. I look forward to working with all of the LGTH families and making this the best daycare in Chicago! 

Ryan Allen, Senior Managing Director

My name is Ryan. I received a Child Development degree from Ellis University in 2009. I went back to school the summer of 2015 to achieve my Director Credentials from Harold Washington. I began my career in daycare back in 2005 and have experience working with every age group. I moved into management in 2015 and opened, directed, and managed 7 locations with my previous company. As a Senior Managing Director, I believe that communication with staff is key in creating a positive and effective workplace. I consider myself to be an open, honest, and fair leader. I also believe that a strong, personal, and open relationship with parents is vital for the success of your child, the staff, and the center. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling as far and often as possible. My friends and I take full advantage of Chicago summers, enjoying concerts, street fests, and my favorite restaurant, The Dock at Montrose.

Betsy Taylor, Enrollment Administrator

Hello! My name is Betsy Taylor. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. During my sophomore year at Stanford, I studied abroad at Oxford University with the Stanford-in-Oxford program and fell in love with the UK! After graduating, I lived in London for many years. The last place I lived in London was in Borough on the South Bank which was a stones-throw from Borough Market, the National Theatre and the Tate Modern! I have been with Little Green Tree House for almost 12 years, and it has been my absolute pleasure to help so many families join LGTH over the last decade! I have enjoyed getting to know each and every one of our wonderful parents and children. Early Childhood Education is my passion, and our talented teachers are a daily inspiration. Hearing “Miss Betsy” as I walk down the hallway will never cease to bring me sunshine on the rainiest of days! I can’t wait to welcome you and your child to the Little Green Tree House family! Come grow and learn with us!