Meet Our Staff

Donna

Owner

Miss Melissa

Center Director

Miss Melissa has been working at Kid Country since 2004 and holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education, a Level 1 Directors, Level 4 Early Childhood Education, and Level 4 Infant/Toddler credentials from the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development System.

As our Center Director, she helps keep everything running smoothly by focusing on the quality of our program, supporting our staff, and building strong connections with families. Her leadership ensures that Kid Country continues to provide a safe, welcoming, and high quality environment where children learn to grow.

Miss Melissa spends her days popping into classrooms, cheering on teachers, and making sure families feel welcome and supported. She is all about creating a safe, happy place where kids can be kids while developing into our future.

Outside of Kid Country, Miss Melissa loves camping trips with family and friends, a good game night, and spending time in the warmth of the sun!

Miss Michelle

Director of Operations

Michelle Brouillet holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Illinois State University. She has a Level 5 Early Childhood Education, Level 2 Infant/Toddler and Level 1 Directors credentials from the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development system.

The Director of Operations works remotely but is an integral part of our administration team! All of our marketing is handled by this position, including our newsletters, Facebook posts, Instagram and more! She also handles all of our payment processing and ensures our children’s files are up-to-date. On the employee side, she manages our job postings, screening of applicants and sets up our interviews. Michelle may be “behind the scenes” but she keeps Kid Country running smoothly!

Miss Michelle was born and raised in Kankakee and recently planted new roots in Richmond, Texas. In Miss Michelle’s free time, you will find her watching her favorite sports team, relaxing at the beach or biking the trails.

Miss Bailey

Assistant Director

Bailey Schubbe holds an associate’s degree from Joliet Junior College, focusing on early childhood education and Level 4 Early Childhood Education and Level 1 Directors credentials from the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development system.

As our Assistant Director, she helps with the day to day operations of the center, supporting both families and staff to make sure everything runs smoothly. She is someone you will often see lending a hand wherever it is needed and keeping things on track behind the scenes.

And of course, she is still the mastermind behind all our fun and entertainment! From planning family nights, field trips, and special celebrations, Miss Bailey continues to make sure there is always something exciting for our kids and families to look forward to.

Bailey grew up right here in Manhattan, and when she is not at Kid Country, she loves spending time with the people who bring her joy, catching live music whenever she can, and soaking up the beauty of nature both near and far.

Miss Meg

Quality Coach

Meg Ellitch holds a master’s degree in Child and Family Law from Loyola University and extensive knowledge of Conscious Discipline.

Miss Meg brings over 30 years of experience working with children and families. Before joining Kid Country, she worked as a child advocate at the Kankakee Child Advocacy Center and held roles within DCFS. Her background gives her a unique perspective and deep understanding of how to support both children and educators.

As our Quality Coach, you will often see Miss Meg in classrooms interacting with children, observing daily routines, and coaching teachers. Her goal is to help our team deliver the greatest impact by blending strong educational practices with lots of love, care, and respect.

Miss Meg

Quality Coach

Miss Amy

Lead Teacher - Yellow Ducks

Miss Amy is our Yellow Ducks lead teacher and our closing director. She has been employed at Kid Country since 2021.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood leadership from Rasmussen College. She also holds a ECE Level 4 credential and Infant Toddler Level 4 credential from the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development system.

Miss Amy has over a decade of experience with infants and toddlers. In her free time, Miss Amy enjoys spending time with her family watching Sports Entertainment, traveling to different water parks, and taking in the fresh air on long, leisurely bike rides.

Miss Emily

Lead Teacher - Purple Parrots

Miss Emily has been at Kid Country since 2019. She has experience in child development all the way through senior living! Miss Emily earned her CDA credential in 2022 and has been a teacher in the Purple Parrot room for many years.

You will often find Miss Emily spending quality time with her family. Camping is a favorite pastime as well as shopping and going for walks with her daughter. Along with teaching, her passions include music, trying new foods, cleaning and organization.

Miss Katie

Lead Teacher - Red Robins

Miss Katie joined Kid Country in February 2023 and quickly became a valued part of our team. Katie holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and gained experience working in a preschool program while in school, which has prepared her well for her new role.

Beyond the classroom, Miss Katie leads our Garden Committee and has brought our Children’s Garden to new heights with her creativity and green thumb!

In her free time, Miss Katie’s fulfills her love for creativity and adventure through cooking and crafting, diving into a good book, and spending time outdoors hiking or camping.

Miss Kathy

Lead Teacher - Green Frogs

Miss Kathy has been part of the Kid Country family since 2017 and brings loads of experience, dedication, and heart to the Green Frogs team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Governor’s State University, along with a Level 5 Early Childhood Education Credential and a Level 4 Infant Toddler Credential through the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development System.

Teaching has always been Miss Kathy’s dream, and she loves creating a fun and supportive environment where children can grow and learn every day.

When she is not in the classroom, Miss Kathy enjoys baking with her mom, going on new adventures with friends, and spending a nice long day shopping!

Miss Rachel

Lead Teacher - Orange Owls

Miss Rachel is the leader of our Orange Owls team! Since joining Kid Country in 2024, Rachel has been spreading her passion for education and nurturing young minds. With a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Francis, she brings both knowledge and heart to her classroom every day.

When she’s not at work, you’ll find Rachel soaking up quality time with her family, enjoying the great outdoors, or perfecting her cooking skills in the kitchen. She also loves curling up with a good book or movie for some cozy relaxation time.

Here’s a fun fact about Miss Rachel: she danced competitively throughout most of her childhood! That energy and grace definitely shine through in her teaching style.

We’re so lucky to have Miss Rachel as part of our Kid Country family.

Miss Rhonda

Lead Teacher - Blue Gills

Miss Rhonda leads our Blue Gills program and has been employed at Kid Country since 2005. She holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education, along with holding a Level 1 Illinois Director Credential and a Level 4 Early Childhood Credential from the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System.

Our half day preschool is run by Miss Rhonda. Miss Rhonda enjoys spending her time vacationing to warm places, taking her grandchildren on new adventures, and seeking out new restaurants!

Miss Donna K

Lead Teacher - Blue Dolphins

Miss Donna leads our Blue Dolphins program and has been employed at Kid Country since 2012. She has a paraprofessional certificate from the State of Illinois along with a Level 3 Early Childhood Education Credential from the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Developmental System.

Miss Donna K. comes to us in the afternoons after her day at the New Lenox school district for our Blue Dolphins after school program. Miss Donna enjoys getting pampered through manicures and pedicures and spending a relaxing weekend with her family.