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.


reilly veloria

site director

My name is Reilly Veloria and I am thrilled to be one of the directors here at Green Bean in River North! Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of working with children. My mom was a teacher that transitioned to having an in-home daycare once my sister and I were born. I loved growing up with the additional “brothers and sisters” and knew that I wanted to work with little ones when I grew up. Once I was old enough, I got a job over the summers as a camp counselor with the Chicago Park District. I worked with the 3-5 year old campers making sure everyday was filled with summer fun! Then I got accepted into Northern Illinois University and started the journey for my bachelors degree. While completing my degree I worked as an infant/toddler teacher at a daycare in Rockford where I got immeasurable experience with diverse kiddos. I graduated with my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement in preschool special education. I then accepted a position as a preschool special education teacher at a public school. I loved knowing I was making a difference! I took a break from teaching during covid and became a nanny for 5 kiddos where I built meaningful relationships with the children and their family while fostering a positive, supportive environment. Nowadays I regularly take part in professional development for ECE and love expanding my knowledge. I look forward to combining my skills and experience while at Green Bean! 

I was born and raised in Chicago and now live in the Bucktown neighborhood with my bulldog Franklin. I fondly remember growing up in the city and the unique adventures that came along with that. A couple fun facts about me are that I grew up competitively figure skating and I've met Oprah! In my free time I enjoy walking the 606 trail, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, going to concerts, and spending time with my family and friends.  I am excited for this new adventure and cannot wait to make memories with you all.


vanessa ovalle

site director

Vanessa Ovalle is a Chicago native with a strong background in psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling. Her career in education began as a school-age and toddler teacher, where her deep understanding of child development and various teaching approaches naturally led her to administrative roles. Vanessa is proud to be the Director at Green Bean River North, where she continues to support the growth and well-being of children and families in her community.

In addition to her professional expertise, Vanessa is a devoted mother to her daughter, Delilah. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, knitting, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.


janae rogers

area director

My name is Janae Rogers! I have a beautiful and wonderful partner and with two beautiful children who I love like my own. In my spare time, I enjoy reading books, spending time with my family, and taking walks with my two dogs. While my job is highly demanding, it is often important for me to unplug and unwind. I have also found a love for traveling! My sister and I have made a pact to go on several trips each year to get away from the norm.

Growing up I was the little girl with the broad imagination, playing school with my sister and cousins. I was the teacher! The one who would help mold and teach our “young children”. That dream carried out my entire life which landed me into the amazing field of childcare. I began in elementary education where I took on the opportunity to tutor children during undergraduate from kindergarten to fifth grade. While it was such a rewarding experience, I was determined to continue to make a difference but assist with molding our youth at a younger age where they are at pivotal moments of their life of exploration and curiosity. I enjoy assisting our youth, the community around them, and building long-term relationships with children and their families.

In July of 2014, I completed my Bachelor’s in Child Development from Ashford University. While continuing my education, I gained knowledgeable information on child development and the functioning of childcare facilities; I then began working in a childcare facility, working with co-teachers, families, organizations, and babysitting 3-5 children consistently.

In August of 2016, I completed my Master’s in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University. I feel I have gained many different aspects of working with children and skills such as multitasking, organization, and meeting children’s daily needs in my care. During this time, I began to achieve those goals by becoming an Assistant Director, Director, and Area/Regional Director. I am grateful to have maintained these roles with a company for 8 ½ years in addition to starting my own tutoring business, A Future to Build in 2021.

In my experience with families and children, I continue to learn the value about their education and developmental learning. I have learned important concepts in the growth of a successful teacher, the drive to bring families to a quality childcare center and most importantly providing families with comfort and security of knowing that not only are their children learning, but they are receiving the best care from professionally qualified teachers. I have learned that creating a sense of belonging and membership with the parents and their children is essential.

I am excited to join The Green Bean family, where I can continue to build parent partnerships, successfully communicate with families about their children and build relationships with children that feel safe and secure in my care. My nurturing spirit combined with an aptitude for teaching and the ability to communicate well with staff and parents are just a few things that I have to offer your wonderful families.

I have found keeping up with the ever-changing field of child development a challenge in education especially being an educator and manager in Illinois. Each year, the constant change in the childcare field often deems challenging for us as educators to expand on our education and pursue additional schooling to maintain consistency in the field. I have always been up for that challenge and while it can be difficult the reward of changing children’s lives is beneficial to me. On a personal note, I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. In my downtime, I organize and facilitate community events for my nonprofit organization-Mind Stimuli Network, and my local church. I also practice playing my piano, hanging out with family, and playing Call of Duty. I’m a nature enthusiast and enjoy bike riding as a form of relaxation and exercise.

Having been a teacher myself, I strive to be intentional in supporting our educators, enabling them to provide the best possible learning experience for your child. In totality, 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 our 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’s an honor to be a part of Green Bean Day School and the lives of the children who attend!