Anita Speck
Interim Education Director,
Lead Teacher (she/her)
Anita came to Park West as a student teacher while studying at DePaul University in the 80’s. She was happy to join a community of serious minded teachers who valued play, and who really listened to children. She understands how valuable the parent-child bond is, and appreciates the chance to work so closely with children and their families in the Co op model. This year, in addition to teaching the JK Class, she will serve as one of the Education Directors, and hopes she can support parents in new ways as they journey through these all important early years with their children. Anita loves fostering language and literacy development, and helping kids communicate their ideas and feelings. She especially enjoys empowering young children to recognize, express and manage their emotions as they become more self aware. Anita is a mother to four grown children and a grandmother to one adorable grandbaby. She babysits any chance she gets, and also likes reading, camping and gardening.