Erica Koegel

Executive Director

My journey with KLA Schools began in 2013 as the School Principal of the Plainfield location. I am now the Executive Director for all three locations Naperville, Naperville West, and Plainfield, to support the School Principals and team since 2021. I see the children as competent individuals capable of learning through meaningful experiences, thought-provoking, and in-depth, real-life investigations.

Children are curious, and according to Carl Saga, "Every kid starts out a natural scientist." The Reggio Emilia Philosophy allows children to problem solve, think critically, and develop self-confidence. I believe that parents are the most important teachers in a child's life. As educators, we partner with parents and encourage families to be involved in our School.

Carrie Hemmer

Director of Admissions, Finance & Communications

I first joined the KLA Team in 2017, where I was a Lead Pre-K Teacher and the Assistant Principal at our Plainfield location. In January 2020, I accepted my newest role as Director of Admissions and Finances for all three of our locations: Naperville, Naperville West, and Plainfield.

As the Director of Admissions, I look forward to sharing our beliefs and values with new families as we begin our partnership in laying the foundation for their children. Being one of the first to meet our newest members of the KLA Family, it brings me joy to watch the children find their sense of belonging within our schools and see how much they grow throughout the years.

Kimberly Hernandez

Admissions & Events Coordinator

Hello, I am Kimberly, and I have been on the KLA team since 2018. I formally taught in classes 3sB and 4sA, and I have truly loved every minute of it. I am now a part of the leadership team for all three schools as the admissions and event coordinator.

I believe a child's life is similar to a piece of paper, meaning every person who enters their life leaves a special mark. I chose Early Childhood Education so that I could leave a positive impact on every one of my students' lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have been married to my husband, Ryan, since June 2021. We welcomed our first child, Blake, in July 2022.

Heather Kostov

Pedagogical Director

Upon earning my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from a university deeply rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, I embarked on my journey with KLA Schools in 2015, starting at the Plainfield location and initially working in the 4s program. Over the following six years, I assumed the role of a Kindergarten teacher, fostering a deep love for reading and creating engaging, thought-provoking experiences that served as a bridge to knowledge for my students.

In September 2023, I achieved a significant milestone when I was promoted to the position of Pedagogical Director overseeing all three KLA Schools locations: Plainfield, Naperville, and Naperville West. In this expanded role, my enthusiasm is boundless as I embrace the opportunity to mentor and guide educators across all our sites, further enhancing our commitment to the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

Kelly Collins

School Principal

Hello, my name is Kelly, and I am the principal at KLA of Naperville West. With 17 years of experience in early childhood education and 3 years at KLA, I have found my true passion. Before teaching, I worked in the corporate world, but after having my second child, I realized that teaching is what I truly enjoy. It brings me great joy to watch children grow and develop into their own unique individuals. As a firm believer in positive redirection and encouraging children to solve problems, I strive to lead by example as children often mimic what they see.

In my free time, I cherish spending time with my family and enjoying the precious moments of childhood. I am excited to connect with the school and community in my new role as principal.

Patricia Kelly

Pedagogical Coordinator

I'm Patti Kelly, boasting over 35 years of Early Childhood Education experience, driven by a lifelong passion for nurturing young minds. My educational journey began with a major in Early Childhood at Prairie State College and Illinois State University. Along the way, I've delved into various teaching philosophies, including Montessori, Thematic, Christian, and Reggio Emilia, with the latter capturing my heart. Returning to KLA Schools, where I played a role in opening the Plainfield location a decade ago, fills me with great pride. Now, as the Pedagogical Coordinator, I aspire to lead and serve as a mentor, aligning with the school's philosophy.

My husband and I call Joliet home, celebrating 32 years of marriage. We have two grown children, one of whom recently got married, and our grandson, Gianni, who brings boundless joy to our lives. Our love for travel, concerts, outdoor festivals, and the freedom of riding our Harley motorcycle together is our shared passion. I bring with me qualifications such as being Director and Teacher Qualified, CPR Certified, and having completed DCFS Required Trainings.

Erica Jones

Administrative Assistant Principal

I'm Erica Jones, and I am excited to be part of KLA Schools as Administrative Assistant Principal. I reside in Oswego, IL, with my energetic son, who's my world. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Leadership at Rasmussen University, I'm passionate about providing quality education that nurtures children's love for learning.

With four years of teaching experience, I'm committed to their growth. I enjoy baking, traveling, sewing, and creating costumes for children in my free time. My educational background includes an associate's degree in arts with a fashion design major, DCFS training, and CPR & First Aid certification.

Leadership