our team
nicole toalson
founder & executive director
Nicole Toalson founded The Green Bean in 2009 with the simple desire to provide her son a loving and intimate environment in which to grow and learn with other children. Starting as a home daycare in Logan Square, the school has grown organically and has since expanded to accommodate the needs of our community and our children.
Nicole earned her B.A in Journalism & Political Science from Indiana University. She also earned her early childhood accreditation through City Colleges of Chicago. Before her career change to involve her son, she previously worked in the arts, communication and media world. From her first internship at Weber Shandwick PR, to her Sales position at Thrill Jockey Records, to producing television at NBC she has always stayed in the creative lane. Bringing her love of learning to children and other educators is her passion. Promoting education through her love of design and art can be seen all throughout our school. Traveling to Reggio Emilia, Italy with other educators for professional development was a career highlight and one she hopes to do again.
She recently completed yoga teacher training and is a licensed SEL Facilitator for our school. She loves teaching our children yoga and incorporating Social Emotional Learning into our program.
alethea schopp
director of admissions
Alethea was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2014 with a B.A. in Psychology with a focus in Child Development; she also received a minor in Human Relations, focusing on parent-child interactions and family therapy. Alethea joined Green Bean in 2017 where she has held positions as a Younger Toddler Teaching Assistant, Nursery Lead, and Nursery Mentor. Alethea started working with children by babysitting and nannying during her high school and college years. After college, she was an intern and volunteer at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy when she found the Green Bean. Working with children, families, and therapists to create a beautiful, safe, joyful, and creative place to learn is truly her passion.
For Alethea, what is most special about working at the Green Bean is getting to see the children and families grow and be able to maintain those connections over the years. Green Bean is a home away from home. Alethea became the the Assistant Director in 2022 and her role was to support the staff through individual and team mentoring as well as reflective supervision and training. Now as the Director of Admissions you may see her around the school working on enrollment, giving tours, working with families and teachers to coordinate classroom transitions, and much more.
Not only does Alethea love to teach, but she also loves to learn! In her spare time she takes dance classes learning bachata, salsa, cha cha, and west coast swing. A long-term dream for her is to become a certified Doula one day.
jordan madden
Education Coordinator
My name is Jordan Madden! I graduated from Kennedy King College with my associate degree in education and will soon be completing my bachelor’s degree in behavioral science at National Louis University. I started my career in Early Childhood as an assistant infant teacher and then as a lead infant and toddler teacher. It was through this experience that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Early Childhood. In addition to my involvement in the community and role as youth president at my church, my passion in working with children were fostered. The influence my mentors and leaders had on me fostered my pursuit for a career and lifestyle that not only empowers youth but aids them in all domains of development.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. In my down time, I organize and facilitate community events for my nonprofit organization, Mind Stimuli Network. I also practice playing my piano, hanging out with family, and playing Call of Duty. I also love nature and enjoy bike riding as a form of relaxation and exercise.
Working with children is such a rewarding experience. To be a part of a child’s life as they experience such pivotal moments and milestones is exciting. Early childhood development is important because it supports children as they become aware of themselves and the world around them. I genuinely believe that the children we teach and empower today will be the leaders in the future. Therefore, I am committed to ensuring that every child I encounter feels understood, protected, and equipped with the tools and resources to better themselves and society. That being said, it is an honor to be a part of Green Bean Day School and the lives of the children who attend.