Our Expert Staff

    • Rachel Surprenant, LCSW

    • Program Director
    • Rachel earned her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago, specializing in Mental Health working with Children & Families. Through this degree, Rachel completed two clinical internships, first working as a Community Support Specialist for Thresholds, and second as a Primary Thera…  Read More

    • Amanda Scott

    • Lead Teacher
    • Amanda came through Tuesday’s Child as a difficult child over 35 years ago. As she became older, Amanda began volunteering in the classroom and then joined the staff in 2007 as a Classroom Teacher. She is now the Lead Teacher at TC Scholars and Tuesdays Child summer camp. Amanda is currently pursu…  Read More

    • Jasmina Ejupovic, MSW

    • Social Worker
    • Jasmina joined Tuesday’s Child as an intern and has since been a member of our team in many classrooms, including a regular in our summer camp program. Jasmina has recently attained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago, and we are so excited for her to bring…  Read More

    • Juanita Tullis

    • Curriculum Coordinator / Music Special
    • Juanita came to Tuesday’s Child in 1985 as a parent participant with her three children. After completing the program, Juanita volunteered for Tuesday’s Child and was shortly after hired to work in our classrooms. After completing her degree in Early Childhood, she became the Curriculum Coordina…  Read More

    • Fran Smith

    • Teacher / Science Special
    • Fran holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois – Chicago and has continued her professional development in special education from Northeastern Illinois University. She spent 2 years in the Peace Corps in an Infant Survival Program and also worked in the Chicago Public Schools as …  Read More

    • Jackie Gunchick

    • Teacher Assistant
    • Jackie is a recent graduate from Loyola University Chicago where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Spanish Language. Jackie was an intern in the Tuesday’s Child Summer Camp program and was recently promoted to the position of full-time teacher assistant in our TC Scho…  Read More