All About Mrs. Perna

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Hi!! My name is Tammy Perna! I have always loved working with children. When I was in high school, besides babysitting, I worked as a camp counselor for the Chicago Park District for 3 years with 7 year old girls. After I graduated, I went on to Columbia College of Chicago to pursue a degree in computer graphics. 

During this time, I started a part-time job at a local daycare center as a teacher's aide and it just so happened to be the same daycare I went to when I was younger. After two years at Columbia, I decided to change my major over to Early Childhood Education. I also took classes through The Erikson Institute. I went from a teacher's-aide to a lead teacher to a center director all within 4 years. After 7 years, my husband and I moved out of the city and I transferred jobs and took a position at KinderCare Learning Center in Willowbrook for the next 16 years. I've worked with all ages from 6 weeks to 12 years with my last 4 years at KinderCare teaching preschool. Here I am now at SMG since 2021.... still loving what I do after 28 years!!

I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, I hold my paraprofessional license through the ISBE, and have a short-term sub license. I also have a Director's Credential Certificate and ECE credential level 4 from The Department of Human Services.

My husband and I have been together for 23 years and we have 3 wonderful children Anthony (20), Gianna (17) and Francesca "Franki" (11). I can't forget my fur babies Beca and Snowflake.