About the Drop-In Center
Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Children’s Drop-In Center is a 25 year-old membership-based program that offers flexible, early childhood care, education and summer camp activities for children ages six weeks to six years. Each year, children from 200 area families enjoy this nurturing, safe, convenient and fun environment that boasts nearly 2,100 square feet of brightly colored, childcare space spread over three classrooms and a private, outdoor play yard.
Our dedicated staff has nearly 70 years of early childhood programming experience among them and is committed to the Drop-In Center’s goal of providing safe, quality, flexible care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Please meet:
Lisa Spewak
The Children's Drop-In Center (DIC) is pleased to welcome Lisa Spewak as Director in 2012. Lisa brings a wealth of early childhood education leadership and classroom experience to the DIC program, having spent the past 10 years working with children and families at JCYS Northwest Family Center in Buffalo Grove and JCYS Lutz Family Center in Highland Park.
Born in Chicago, raised in Highland Park, Lisa obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Early Childhood Education at National Louis University. She's been nominated for the Kohl Teaching Award and recently was an "Excellence in Education" Top 10 Finalist for the 10th Congressional Ward.
Lisa and her husband of 13 years lead an active family life, with a dancing, soccer playing daughter and basketball, football playing, long-boarder son. The Spewak's love Ravinia in the summer and snow in the winter. In her spare time, Lisa wants to learn to play her guitar. She's also passionate about the environment and how to leave a lighter carbon footprint.
Lisa sees the Drop-In Center as a place where children begin to form lifelong friendships that create the basis of a strong community. The DIC will be a place of fun, learning and action - children will always want to come back for more!
Cynthia Garcia
Cynthia is married with two children, and a third due in September 2012. She has spent 12 years working in early childhood programs, and the 2011/2012 year was her first at The Drop-In Center. She has a Degree in Early Childhood Education and likes to make crafts, plan children's birthday parties and visit amusement parks. Wheeee!
Julie Phillips
Julie is married with three adult children and has more than 20 years experience in early childhood programs, including 12 years at The Drop-In Center. Julie is currently working on her CDA credential to become teacher-qualified.
Kristen Rita
Kristen is engaged to be married in 2013, and this year is her first at The Drop-In Center. She has her Degree in Elementary Education and two years of experience in Early Childhood programs. Kristen speaks fluent Italian and likes photography. Bravo!
Elizabeth Fleischmann
Elizabeth is to be married in the fall of 2013 and this is her first year working at the Gorton Drop-In Center! She has her degrees in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. She has worked with children in home, school, and camp educational settings for more than ten years. She also enjoys all aspects of the outdoors and nature, exploring new places and foods with her fiance, do her card making hobby, and spending time with family and friends.