Our Mission

The Friends of Catalpa Early Childhood Center is a Not-For-Profit Organization, and is established as a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) made up of parents, teachers and staff members, and community members of the Catalpa Early Childhood Center in Chicago, IL. The purpose of the organization is to support Catalpa Early Childhood Center’s mission of empowering children, supporting staff, engaging parents and embracing community partnerships.  We also commit to supporting their vision of instilling a lifelong love of learning in their preschoolers by utilizing inquiry, play and project approaches to teaching and learning while partnering with families to create a strong sense of community that values inclusionary practices and family/ community partnerships.

Our Impact

  • Picnics

  • Fall Fest Classroom Party

  • In School Experiences

  • Sponsor OST

  • Fundraisers

Meet the Executive Board

  • John Newman

    President

    John is the proud father of a Full Day student, excited to build on the work of the FOC to provide the best experiences for our youngest learners. Born and raised on the Far Northwest side and an educator for over 20 years, he knows that community involvement is what can make our school flourish for years to come!

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  • Enas Lussi

    Vice President

    I’m a mom of three amazing (and very energetic!) kids, VP of the FOC, and part of the brains behind our family-run business. When I am not juggling meetings, playdates, or lunchboxes, you’ll find me getting crafty-literally. I love making jewelry and all kinds of DIY creations. Coffee fuels me, glitter follows me, and I somehow thrive in the beautiful chaos of it all!

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  • Tania Delgado

    Recording & Corresponding Secretary

    Tania is excited to be serving on the FOC as Secretary. She is a parent of a very energtic and soccer obsessed 4 yo. Tania has dedicated years of her time volunteering at non profit organizations. Last year, she made the decision to join the FOCand realized how powerful this organization is for our school community. She is excited for all of the amazing events, fundraisers, and projects planned to make this community even stronger!

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  • Hollice Achettu

    Hollice Achettu

    Treasurer

    Hollice is a stay-at-home mom of two children and is passionate about being involved in their school community. She enjoys traveling, watching the Liverpool soccer team, and volunteering her time wherever she can. As Treasurer, she’s excited to combine her love of organization and service to help support the preschool and its families throughout the year.

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