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.

Theresa Caballero

Education Director

Theresa began her journey little later in her life when she helped take care of her nephew. Seeing her nephew grow and learn through play interactions inspired her and helped guide her decision to enter the field of Early Childhood.

She went on to get her Associates in Applied Science with a focus on Child Development and Preschool Education and graduated in 2012. She was able to shape her practice philosophies by receiving an internship through Easter Seals which led to staying with Easter Seals for 5 years. After Easter Seals, Theresa got a job as a Lead Teacher at Bright Horizons working in infants and two-year-old classrooms.

Theresa got wind of Stepping Stones Lincoln Square about a month into the location opening and got a position as a Lead Teacher in the two-year-old classroom. Next, she was given the opportunity to open one of their new toddler classrooms where she helped set up the classroom for DCFS licensing. Her next move at Stepping Stones was becoming the Assistant Director, then Co-Director, and now she is the Education Director of Lincoln Square.

Theresa believes that she can be the voice and advocate for children to have a childhood filled with discovery, play, and an excitement for the world. She loves bringing her creativity into the classroom by making replicas of real-life elements, like building a huge bird’s nest for the kids out of a small children’s pool.

Theresa loves spending time with her dogs, going to concerts/music festivals with her husband, and hanging out with her four grandchildren. You will see Theresa the happiest during the fall months and through all her costumes for Halloween which is her favorite time of the year!

Jasmine Lusk

Assistant Director

Jasmine began her journey in Early Childhood Education 8 years ago as an assistant teacher in a toddler classroom. Driven by a passion for nurturing young minds, and creating a safe and fun space to learn, she furthered her education to become teacher qualified. Her dedication and commitment to becoming the best teacher possible, allowed her to be named Lead teacher in her classroom and she started training many assistant teachers while in that position for 4 years. She created so many positive memories not only with her students but also with her co-teachers as well. This is when she learned that she loved helping both students and staff.

Eager to expand her impact beyond the classroom, she pursued a leadership role as an Assistant Director. Her goal was to take the knowledge and experience gained from the classroom into inspiring and guiding an entire school community while empowering educators to achieve their goals. Before finding her home at Stepping Stones, she gained leadership experience as both an Assistant Director and Lead Teacher.

Jasmine holds an Associates Degree in Arts with a focus in ECE. She is preparing to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership this year. When Jasmine is not furthering her education, she travels around with her children to discover new and exciting parks since they love to be outside enjoying the fresh air.