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(815) 459-7299

Purple Moose Enrichment Preschool is conveniently located 3419 Walkup Road in Crystal Lake. We offer a progressive, perpetually evolving curriculum that we research, develop and specialize for each age group.

Each month we introduce a new theme for our students to explore. Emphasis is placed on creativity, motor skills, social interaction and basic academics. Of course, FUN is part of the activities.Our teachers are DCFS qualified, hold a range of degrees and experience in Early Childhood Development and are fully committed to excellence in their profession. Our team cares about your child.

Our Staff

Anna Linscheid
Director
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My name is Anna Linscheid and I am the Director at Purple Moose Enrichment Preschool. I joined the school in January of 2010 and have been integrating myself and my style into the school steadily. I came from nine years in the corporate world of IT sales. I have worked for CDW as well as DELL and other smaller IT firms in the area over the years.

Early Childhood Education has been my passion ever since I can remember and it took many years of nurturing that dream to have it finally come to fruition and bring me to Purple Moose. My experience as a teacher allows me a solid understanding of the educational needs of our school. The business background gives me a stronghold on running this school efficiently and effectively. The combinations of the two strength produce an exemplary result for the families we serve and work with. I am proud of the school we run and of the program that has been established and evolved for over the last 33 years. The teachers and I welcome visitors in to experience all that we have to offer.

Wendy Sessler
Director/Teacher
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Hello, my name is Wendy Sessler. This is my second year, of directing at Purple Moose. I also teach the Explorers class and Enrichment class, as teaching will forever be my passion. I have been part of the Purple Moose family for 17 years . I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, especially my one year old grandson. When I am not at Purple Moose, you will find me boating, kayaking, swimming, camping, gardening, walking or planning my next beach trip.

Joanne Olson
Teacher
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This school year marks my 19th year teaching at Purple Moose Preschool. I am very excited to still be part of the Purple Moose Family. My education was completed at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and have been teaching preschool for over 30 years.

My husband and I have raised 3 wonderful children in Crystal Lake. When the children were growing up, we spent a lot of time volunteering at school functions, scouts and community choir.
I am looking forward to the privilege of meeting your children and watching them learn and grow!

Carlie Patton
Teacher
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My name is Carlie Patton. This is currently my 5th year as a Purple Moose Enrichment Preschool Teacher. I am an Explorers Class Teacher and I work with the 4/5 age group. I think our name is perfect for what I do. We explore daily as we learn. So much fun is packed into our days and the best compliment I get is I don't want to go home yet! My outside interests are photography and traveling.

Alaina Guenther
Teacher
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My name is Alaina Guenther, I am a lead teacher for the Trailblazers and an assistant teacher with the Naturalist at Purple Moose! I have always had such a passion for caring for young children growing up, even though I am the youngest of four kids! This is my second year teaching at Purple Moose and I am thrilled to continue learning along with all my students and getting to know all of their families! Looking forward to a wonderful year!

Lauren Macshane
Teacher Assistant
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My name is Lauren MacShane and this is my second year at Purple Moose. I am excited to again be an assistant teacher with Miss Carlie and the Explorer’s! Prior to Purple Moose I was an assistant and substitute for a licensed in-home daycare and part-time Nanny in Woodstock. Although I have been working in childcare for the last four years, before that I was a certified Veterinary Assistant for over 6 years! Even though my love for teaching and working with kids made me switch careers, I still have a strong love for animals, and when I’m not working I love spending time with my pets. I am originally from Crystal Lake but am currently settled near historic Woodstock. I’m looking forward to another great school year and getting to know more amazing people and their families here at Purple Moose!

Brianna Manson
Teacher Assistant
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Hi my name is Brianna! A little bit about myself. I have been in childcare for six years! I have a passion for children and working with them! I am currently attending Aurora University and scheduled to get my Bachelors this May! I grew up in Crystal Lake and continue to call this lovely town my home! I am so excited and happy to be part of the Purple Moose family! I will be working in the trailblazers class room with Miss. Alana! I look forward to meeting you all!

Lindsay Burger
Teacher
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Hi my name is Lindsay and I am so excited to be joining the Purple Moose family! I live in Woodstock with my Husband and our three dogs! We love traveling and exploring the outdoors. I have my associates in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching children for four years now. I can’t wait to meet you all and start this year off teaching the Adventurers!

Cassie Piemontese
Teacher & Teacher Assistant
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My name is Cassie Piemontese. I am going to be the assistant in the explorers room with Wendy. I have worked at the moose in the past and had to leave for a little due to health reasons but am very excited to be back . I have 20 years of childcare experience . I have worked as a babysitter, nanny, substitute teacher, and daycare worker. I am a mom of 3 children ages 13, 11, and 4 they are my world . We love animals and have quite a bit . I am working on my associates degree and am almost finished and than will continue school to obtain my bachelor's degree. I love coffee and bike riding as well as crafting and spending time with family.

Elisa Bowen
Teacher & Teacher Assistant
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My name is Elisa Bowen and I am excited to be joining Purple Moose as the Naturalist’s teacher in the fall of 2022! I have earned a bachelors in child development psychology from the University of Cincinnati and have worked as a substitute and a paraprofessional for the elementary schools in D47 where my two kiddos attended. I am excited to be getting back to working with my favorite age group-preschoolers! My desire for your two year old is to lay an encouraging and positive foundation of social development and learning as they are introduced to their first of many school experiences! When I am not at Purple Moose you will find me at my teenage children’s school and sports events, walking/biking around the neighborhood with my husband and our dog or knee deep in my veggie/flower garden!

Cheryl Covert
Teacher Assistant
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Hi I'm Cheryl. I have recently joined Purple Moose and have enjoyed teaching during this years summer camps. I have been in child card for 8+ years, as an assistant teacher and teacher. I will be in the Aventurers class. I reside in Cary, but have lived in 8 different states. I have 2 children who are talented musicians and athletes. My daughter and her husband have 2 children who are my everything! I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and enjoy art and going to concerts.

Abby Kakish
Teacher & Teacher Assistant
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My name is Abby Kakish . This will be my first year at Purple Moose Enrichment Preschool and I will be teaching the Trailblazers . I have A Bachelors Degree in English . I have lived in Crystal Lake for 15 years and I have three children, Joey is 17 years old , Maria is 15 years old and Andrew is 13 years old .Prior to Purple Moose I worked as a substitute teacher for a couple of schools in Crystal Lake area .I enjoy going on walks , cooking and spending time with family and friends.Im Looking forward to the privilege of meeting your children and helping them learn and grow.

Kristin Glauner
Teacher Assistant
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Hi! My name is Kristin Glauner, and I am new to Purple Moose this year. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and prior to joining the Purple Moose family, I was a teacher’s assistant where all my children attended preschool. I grew up in Crystal Lake and have planted my roots here with my husband and 5 children as well. We love spending time outdoors, especially going on small day trips around the area. I am very excited to be joining Purple Moose and look forward to this upcoming school year and getting to know you all!

Adrianne Adkins
Teacher Assistant
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Hi! My name is Adrianne. I am so excited to join the Purple Moose family. I am a Southern California native who relocated to Crystal Lake with my Illinois native husband and 7 year old daughter. I have over 16 years of experience in recreational programming and a bachelors degree in Recreational Therapy with an emphasis in mental health. I have worked with all ages and all ability levels. Prior to my degree, I worked in preschool programming for my local cities’ Parks and Recreation department. I highly enjoy spending time with my family and creating fun experiences for us. I have studied martial arts for 14 years and love photography. I can’t wait to begin this upcoming year and am looking forward to meeting everyone.

Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

Click to learn more and register for summer camp at Purple Moose!