Nicky Satas-Grafer, Executive Director, began her career in Early Childhood Education in 1976 as a teacher’s aide. In 1977, she obtained her first position as a teacher in a park district pre-school program. After working for the park district for about 4/5 years, her position was elevated to pre-school director.

Ms. Nicky received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Triton College, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Elmhurst College.

Being a mother of two children, Ms. Nicky understands how vital the first years of a child’s life are and that children are capable of learning so much in these early years. She believes that a quality daycare center that offers a quality pre-school program, really helps a child get ready for elementary school. Ms. Nicky has seen the benefits of a quality child care program in her own children, who attended Sunny Days, here in Berwyn. It’s helped them become ready for the challenges that their future school years have brought them, and both are doing excellent. I account this success to their pre-school years and the wonderful teachers they had at Sunny Days. Having a career and family, I know that my time is limited with them and I thank God for their wonderful experiences they had at Sunny Days.

Ruth Krupiczowicz has been in the Early Childhood Field for fifteen years, six as a Director. She holds an Associates Degree from Morton College which includes 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Ruth began working with Sunny Days Learning Center of Berwyn, Inc. in November, 2005. She believes the children are the keys to our future, and that each child is unique. “Childcare providers must reach out to each child in order to help them achieve the self-esteem they need to become successful adults.”

Ms. Ruth is a mother of three and enjoys spending time with her children, reading, and bicycling.

She looks forward to creating an important bond with each child, parent, and staff member, while making a difference in the world of childcare.

Marynez Llanes first started working with children at the Hodgkins Library as Assistant in the Children’s Department. She then came to work at Sunny Days and has been here for three and a half years. During her time at Sunny Days she has worked with children of all ages. Ms. Marynez currently has two and a half years of college and is working towards her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Morton College.

Ms. Marynez’s philosophy on how children learn is that they do so by using their five senses in exploring the world around them. She also believes they learn by teachers' providing different activities that will stimulate their interests, and they learn from examples provided by teachers, family, and friends.

Ms. Marynez started working in Early Childhood because it gives her the opportunity to play and work with different types of children. She also believes that as an adult, we can learn many things from children. Ms. Marynez is married and has one daughter.