Lucy Lunsford

Executive Director

Lucy believes children are in a constant state of imagination and wonder. As an educator, she is a co-learner and observer. She trusts that through the exploration of play, children can create a bright space to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve.

Lucy achieved her BA in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College (’13) after studying Child Development & Education, Literature, and Art. She completed her senior thesis on the philosophies of alternative education and how art and movement provide tools for communication and independence. Her decade long experience in education has taken many lively forms; She started her career in New York as a Student Liaison for a tutoring company. Then became an After-school Co-Director for Manhattan Country Day School. After an exciting move to Chicago, she worked at a Montessori school, another Reggio Emilia inspired program, and then became the Education Coordinator for a non-profit organization that promotes continuing education in 3D design for teens and adults. This long and winding road has happily led her to be the Education Director of Stepping Stones Nursery School at Lincoln Square and then proudly moved into the new Executive Director position to oversee operations of all 3 Stepping Stones’ locations.

Lastly, Lucy and her husband welcomed their first child in 2022 and they are enjoying the thrilling early years of parenthood. You can find them strolling around Rogers Park with their two sweet pups or playing music on their back porch.

Daniella Rolon

Education Director

Daniella began her ECE journey about 8 years ago as support staff at Little Green Treehouse. There she discovered her love of early childhood teaching; Encouraging little ones to reach their milestones and move through development with confidence and joy. Daniella is a huge advocate for inclusivity and the importance of play. She strongly believes that all children learn at their own pace and that it’s our responsibility to meet them there.

With undergraduate education from Dominican University, Daniella was promoted into a Lead Teacher position and worked with infants until 2021. During this time, she decided to return to school to complete her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.

In 2023, Daniella was recommended to Stepping Stones by a Stepping Stones teacher and immediately fell in love with the center. She started as a Lead Teacher in the Blossoms Classroom, then she was quickly promoted in the Assistant Director position. She is now the Education Director at Logan Square.

Daniella has a year left until she obtains her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Administration. When she is not studying or at Stepping Stones, you can expect to find her to be exploring Chicago with her husband and three children. She loves baking and is a huge lover of music.

Amanda Von-Ebers

Assistant Director

Amanda started her journey into ECE by running the art room at a children’s museum in her hometown of Oak Park. This experience led her to jump into teaching, starting at Bright Beginnings in Avondale as an assistant teacher. While talking to a Bright Beginnings family about their transition to a new school that prioritized outdoor learning and exploration, Amanda did a quick social media search and fell in love – immediately calling and submitting her resume to Stepping Stones Nursery School.

Her love for nature and empowering children to be confident and courageous aligned perfectly with the SSNS philosophy. With her 5 years of teaching in the Rose Buds classroom, Amanda plans to use this experience and her role of Assistant Director to empower teachers to dive deeper into outdoor and play based learning.

Amanda is in the process of completing her Associates Degree in Child Development, enjoying classes that focus on process art, child led learning, and the benefits of outdoor education. In the future, she hopes to explore Professional Development opportunities that further her learning in these areas. A big dream is to visit different Reggio inspired programs or outdoor based programs around the country.

Outside of school, Amanda is either spending time at home with her cat and boyfriend, across the street at Yodega, or in Oak Park with her parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. Amanda also spent some time fostering kittens over the fall and is interested in fostering again in the near future.