Stephanie Bynum
Vice President of Programs
Stephanie Bynum is the Vice President of Programs at Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago. She has over 25 years experience in early childhood teaching, administration and adult education. Stephanie has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a M.S. in Child Development from Erikson Institute.
Stephanie has been involved in teaching about and promoting the Project Approach since she used the first edition of Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years by Judy Harris Helm and Lilian Katz in a course she taught at the College of Lake County in 2001. Stephanie enjoys hiking and gardening. She is actively involved on boards of local and statewide not for profit education organizations.
Erika Gray
Director of Education
Erika Gray is the Director of Education at Kohl Children’s Museum (KCM) located in Glenview, IL. Erika has been employed at KCM for twenty-four years, nine years as a museum educator for developing, teaching and facilitating educational programs and workshops for children, parents, and teachers. Erika has been involved in the museums Early Childhood Connections: Introduction to Project Approach (ECC) since its conception in 2001 and has been a coach/mentor to educators in the field during their participation in the ECC program.
Erika has a B.S. in Art Education from Bowling Green State University and a M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Erikson Institute. She is a volunteer board member for the Early Childhood Community Coalition of Lake County and enjoys creating pottery and photography.
Abby Ildefonso
Manager of Education
Abby Ildefonso is the Manger of Education at Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Illinois State University and a CELTA from the University of Cambridge through Teaching House Chicago. Prior to working at KCM, Abby taught 1st grade for three years and was a grade leader, curriculum coordinator, and teacher mentor in Shanghai, China. She also spent time teaching K-3 in Springfield, IL and worked as a nanny for several years. Abby has been with KCM team for four years.
Abby works with coordinating the Early Childhood Connections program and has developed a deep appreciation for the deep investigative skills and child-led explorations that are cultivated using the project approach. She has a passion for all things baking-related and can often find new recipes to make for her loved ones.