Oakland Staff

Julie is the co-owner of McDonald's franchise restaurants in Bloomington-Normal and McLean, Illinois. She is also the past president of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council. The development of a learning center for children has been a life-long dream come true.

Mary Beth has worked at Little Jewels since it’s opening in 2004. She has been a teacher in both the two-year-old room and three-year-old room, as well as a director. Mary Beth loves her position now as Director of Operations because she gets to visit all the teachers and “little jewels” at all three centers. She is originally from Macomb, Illinois, where she attended Western Illinois University. She enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband. Mary Beth loves to spend time outside and crafting in her spare time.

April has been working at Little Jewels since opening in 2004. She received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, with a concentration in Psychology, in 2000. She was married to her husband Brian in 2001, and they are the proud parents of two very active boys.

At Little Jewels April has held Leadership positions at all three of our locations, and now works as the Director of Curriculum. In the past she created two programs including our private kindergarten program and our social emotional lessons.

Outside of work April loves spending her time volunteering for and supporting any program that her children are currently involved in.

Karen joined the Little Jewels team as an assistant teacher in November of 2008, became a lead teacher, and is now the Director of Training and Director of Treasures at Corpus Christi. She was born and raised in Arkansas. She has been involved with children since 1984. She ran a daycare in her home for ten years, coached youth travel softball, JFL cheerleading, and is a proud life member of the Girl Scouts. Karen has a love for children that goes on forever! She has five  lovely grandchildren and two grown daughters. Karen loves the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Blackhawks, and her favorite of all, dirt track races!

Betsy has been with Little Jewels since 2012 and has been a teacher in both the two-year-old room and three-year-old rooms. She attended Eastern Illinois University and majored in Family Consumer Science. Betsy loves spending time with her two boys, and her family!

Jordin has been with Little Jewels since July 2023. She has worked in childcare for the last 7 years. She loves spending time with her son Colson, her Fiance Andrew and her family. She has a passion for softball, she played softball for 13 years and now coaches with her dad. She attended Heartland Community College where she recived an Associates in Early Childhood Education.