My name is Rita B. I have been at Onward House since August. I teach in the Blue Birds Classroom. Blue Birds 2 to be more specific.This is my second go-around here at Onward House. I worked at Onward House from 2007 to 2016 I was the school-age group worker from 2007 to 2012 after I received my BA in ECE; I went to work in the Blue Birds classroom. I left in 2016 to pursue my Masters. In ECE and spend some time working with infants. I also worked two years in Oak Park at a small Christian preschool. It had to close due to Covid. Which lead me back to working at ONH in my neighborhood. When I am not working at Onward House hanging out with my awesome kiddos I volunteer here in the Belmont Cragin community. I am vice president of the Blackhawk Park Advisory Council I have started my second year in this position. I am also on the Board of Directors for Las Damas, which is a group of moms in this community who are trying to do intentional things to raise the reading level of our youngest residents. I live work and thrive in the Belmont Cragin community I have been in this community for over 50 years. I enjoy helping kiddos learn a concept and applying what they learn to other things. I enjoy watching the kiddos become confident and independent. 

-Rita B.

My name is Rosita Feliciano. I have been working in Onward House for nine years and in that time I have been working with 3 to 5-year-olds at classroom as well as the two-year-old room and I have helped in school age. I made the transition to the two-year-old classroom in 2017. I enjoy working with creative curriculum studies because it reminds me of when I was working with the Reggio Amelia approach. I have 20 years in my background as a Reggio Amelia approach.

-Rosita F.

My experience at Onward House:  My experience at Onward House has been interesting. I have learned many things from many different children, coworkers and families. Onward House is home to many away from home. Thank you!

-Crystal Bell

Hi, my name is Marlene, I was part of the extended ONH family, I worked at ABC preschool and on my last day there, ONH invited me. I am loving Blue Birds.I have taught for a number of years. I took a break to work in a substance recovery program. My grandkids are under five and so much that I learned while working on my BA in Early childhood. I am applying here and at home with my grandkids. Right when I started here at Onward House my husband had a stroke and I am grateful for the management at Onward House for giving me time to get him back on his feet he has a long road of recovery ahead of him. One great thing about ONH are all the Kendall graduates at ONH!

-Marlene O.

Working at Onward house has been such an inspiration to me. It has encouraged me to think outside the box and try new ways of teaching to support every child in my care. Through the trainings and support of different coaches, I have grown as a teacher. I have learned to look at children individually, create math activities in the classroom, successfully prepare children for kindergarten, use We- Thinkers to support children’s social emotional development and most importantly I have learned how to get children extra support by creating teacher reports using observations and help from the Head Start Coordinator (Ms. Jenny) to help children receive services through CPS. I have become confidant and an advocate for parents and children. I have become a voice for children and parents that are unable to articulate the needs that they experience in their day-to-day lives. In my almost 8 years of working at Onward I have learned how to evaluate, observe, and teach children using strategies that I had never thought of before my decision to come to Onward. I have grown as a teacher, parent, and friend within my years here. Being a team member and problem solving for our day-to-day operation seems like second nature as I always have my colleagues on my mind. Although there has been struggles, the pandemic, and misunderstandings. The policies in place and the people inside these walls bring me back every day. I am proud and honored to be a part of such a wonderful and inviting organization that serves the community, parents, and the whole child.

Thank You for this Opportunity!

Sincerely,

Marteen Wrencher