Mary Meyer School’s educators are the spirit of our school. They help to gently guide children and their parents into their first experiences of life as a student. Our head teachers and director are masters-educated professionals with decades of experience in working in an Early Childhood educational setting. Our educators plan a rich and thoughtful curriculum that is purposeful in approach. ​This environment builds a classroom of students who are excited to learn, explore and grow—socially and emotionally as well as academically.
Kevin O’Brien
Executive Director

​I have been a member of the Mary Meyer School community as a parent, board member, classroom volunteer, videographer, benefit co-chair and teacher. I returned to Mary Meyer School as Director during the 2010 school year. I have a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Erikson Institute and live in Chicago’s Steeterville Neighborhood. I have a daughter and a son, both are grown and live in Chicago. It seems as if it was only yesterday that they were bounding up the steps as Mary Meyer School students. Mary Meyer School is very dear to my heart. The joy I feel each day as I enter this little schoolhouse is surpassed only by the joy of the young children who have crossed our doorstep for over 80 years.
Jessica Corchin
Head Teacher

I am beyond excited to be a part of the Mary Meyer School family!  I have worked with young children in private and public schools in Chicago since 2003.  I have my Masters Degree in early childhood education from DePaul University and a BFA in art education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Creating and learning with children whether it is through art, play, or just experiencing the world around us is a passion. I believe it is ok to add glitter and paint to everything!  Encouraging my students to express themselves is something I strive for as well as to foster a life long love of curiosity and exploring. In my free time I enjoy good food, good friends and spending time with my husband and my two children.
Melanie Liss
Studio Artist

I am thrilled to be part of the dynamic art experiences that are part of daily life at Mary Meyer School! Beginning in 1990, I worked as a mosaic artist in Chicago creating installations in businesses and homes. I began work on the playground mosaic murals as a parent volunteer when my twin daughters attended the morning class at Mary Meyer School. The murals have been a labor of love and I am delighted that they have led me into the classroom to share my joy of art-making with the children. I like to develop projects that use familiar and unfamiliar materials, including elements from nature, and which tell a story. As the children create individually or in collaboration with friends, I love to watch them find new ways to express themselves.  I look forward to our next happy mess!

You can visit Melanie's ETSY Page of amazing ceramic mugs.
Melanie donates a portion of sales back to Mary Meyer School!
Debra Wechter
Head Teacher

I am very excited to be a part of the Mary Meyer School community. Born and raised in Chicago, I love living in the city with my husband and my two cats. I graduated with a M. Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Erikson Institute and I feel privileged to have been an early childhood educator for the last 25+ years. It feels natural to me to share my love of music and movement with young children and to live and learn in the moment with them every day. I look forward to many years filled with special moments with the children and families at the Mary Meyer School.
Michelle Cusick
Operations and Development Manager

Mary Meyer School has been a home away from home for my family and me since 2009. My husband and I had the good fortune of sending all three of our girls to experience the warmth and joy of Mary Meyer School as preschoolers. During their time as students, I immersed myself in as many aspects of the school community as possible including serving on the Board of Directors as Secretary, Vice President and President, co-chairing the Annual Benefit, and serving on the Prospective Parent’s Committee as a host and speaker at the Prospective Parent Nights. In 2016 I officially and happily joined the staff at Mary Meyer School. Prior to my time here, I spent over 15 years working in professional services firms focusing on human resource management, strategic project management and business operations. I feel unbelievably lucky to spend my days in the company of this extraordinary team and at this exceptional place full of laughing, singing, exploring little friends.
​Carrie Lynn
Assistant Teacher

My life's work is all about attunement - I want each child to feel secure as they explore their world, to feel safe to express their inner world, to feel encouraged as they move through their development, and to feel loved for being exactly as they are!

Carrie Lynn has a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Northern Illinois University, graduating magna cum laude. Carrie has many years of experience as an educator both within early childhood classrooms and in leading educational programs. Carrie is incredibly passionate about early childhood education and with her warm, kind, and soft demeanor she encourages children to show up as their authentic selves and to blossom at their own pace.


​Thank you to Jon Rauschenberger  ( 312pixels ) former Mary Meyer School dad and amazing photographer!