Stephanie Barrett has been a valued member of the GEMS community since 2021, beginning her journey in the aftercare programs. With around six years of teaching experience ranging from early childhood to elementary education, Stephanie has developed a robust foundation in guiding young learners. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She furthered her expertise by earning a Master of Arts in Teaching and an English as a Second Language certificate from National Louis University. Originally from the Chicago area, Stephanie enjoys exploring the city and teaching yoga in her free time.

Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child is unique and capable of achieving great things when given the right support and encouragement. She believes her role as an educator is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and motivated to explore their full potential