Our Owner

"Cultivating a life long love of learning"

Kate Cozanni

Owner and Founder of The Giving Tree

Kate has been in the education field for more than 25 years. She started out as a high school varsity basketball and field hockey coach and elementary school teacher in Pittsburgh, PA. Kate worked in the Chicago Public Schools for two years as a fourth grade reading and math specialist. While on maternity leave from Chicago Public Schools with her second son, Kate started The Giving Tree Home Child Care, and her idea of a quality early childhood program was born. Kate completed her Masters degree at Concordia University in Early Childhood Education. In 2004, The Giving Tree Early Learning Academy was opened in Forest Park. Kate continued to work in the Early Childhood field as an adjunct faculty member at Triton College and as a coach for other child care center owners. Kate enjoys watching her six children in their various sports and activities. Her family fosters puppies that are saved from high kill shelters for Treasured Animal Rescue.

Our Teachers

Team work at its finest

Ms. Juana

Preschool Teacher

Ms. Juana has been with the company since it opened. She speaks English and Spanish and welcomes families each morning.

Ms. Hazel

Director

Ms. Hazel has her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Dominican University and has been with The Giving Tree since we opened.

Ms. Dell

Infant Teacher

Ms. Dell adds creative projects in the infant room and encourages the infants to explore the classroom using all their senses.

Ms. Virginia

Preschool Teacher

Ms. Virginia has been with our school for many years wearing many different hats. Her goal is to prepare her students for Kindergarten.

Our Team

Passionate Early Learning Professionals. Creating quality early learning opportunities in a play based environment.

Ms. Leia

Ms. Sally

2 Year Old

Ms. Sally has been with the Giving Tree in the 2 year old and the preschool room for many years. She is creative and artistic!

Mr Collin

Assistant

Mr. Collin helps at the end of the day to clean up our mess. If you see him around at the end of the day make sure and give him a big Thanks. We sure appreciate his help.

Ms. Joslyn

Preschool Room

Our newest addition. Ms Joslyn is a wonderful assistant to Ms, Juana and brings her experience or many years of working with children to The Giving Tree.