Leadership Team

Guided by Purpose. Leading with Clarity.

The Gardner School is guided by leaders who care deeply about children, families, and the teams who support them. Our Senior Leadership Team is united by a commitment to creating environments where children feel known, teachers feel supported, and families feel welcomed with confidence and care. Grounded in the belief that early learning nurtures curiosity and belonging, this team strengthens the vision and consistency behind every TGS experience. They help ensure each school reflects the quality, trust, and connection families expect.

Dean Pappous

Chief Executive Officer

Dean Pappous

As Chief Executive Officer, Dean Pappous leads The Gardner School with a belief that every child deserves a safe and nurturing place to grow and belong. He joined TGS in February 2024, inspired by the opportunity to help shape children’s early experiences and support the people who make that possible. Dean finds inspiration in the talented and dedicated teams who bring the school’s mission to life each day. He believes the TGS mission to provide safe, purposeful, and enriching environments helps children develop confidence, curiosity, and compassion. His favorite moments are spent visiting classrooms, where the joy and curiosity of children remind him why this work matters.

Outside of work, Dean enjoys being outdoors, exercising, reflecting, and spending time with family and loved ones. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Saint Mary’s College and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Business.

“What we do today shapes the future we all share.”

Sara Woolbright

Chief Operations Officer

Sara Woolbright

Sara Woolbright leads with a deep belief in creating warm, nurturing, and enriching experiences for every child. She joined The Gardner School in September 2025 after seeing firsthand the powerful impact the program had on her own son as an infant and toddler. Watching his growth, confidence, and joy affirmed her desire to be part of a team that offers that same experience to families. Sara loves seeing children take pride in learning something new and watching their confidence grow as they move through the program. She partners closely with teachers and administrators to ensure they have the tools, support, and resources needed to deliver exceptional experiences.

Sara enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family. She holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BS from Indiana University.

“When we support our teachers well, we create the joyful, confident experiences every child deserves.”

Jessica Morton Bruno

Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Morton Bruno

Jessica Morton Bruno leads with a full heart and a deep belief that the earliest years shape who children become. She joined The Gardner School in January 2017 after feeling an immediate pull toward the mission and the chance to help build futures. Jessica loves that her work sits at the intersection of purpose and possibility, supporting teams and creating environments where children and the educators who pour into them can thrive. As CFO, she ensures schools have the resources and stability needed for exceptional teaching to flourish. The mission became personal as she watched her own two boys walk confidently into their classrooms, surrounded by warmth and encouragement.

Jessica enjoys exploring new places and spending time outdoors with her family. She holds a Master of Accountancy from the University of Tennessee and is a licensed CPA.

“Every decision I make is rooted in creating the best possible experience for children, teachers, and families.”

Christine Smith

Chief Marketing Officer

Christine Smith

Christine Smith leads with a belief that strong relationships start with how we communicate and that every family deserves to feel seen, supported, and welcomed. She joined The Gardner School in July 2024, drawn to an organization whose mission, warmth, and commitment to excellence aligned deeply with her own values. Christine loves shaping the ways families discover TGS and ensuring our brand reflects the heart and quality parents experience inside every school. As Chief Marketing Officer, she guides brand development, community engagement, and data-informed outreach to help families feel confident, welcomed, and excited about their child’s early learning journey. She believes TGS stands apart for its blend of exceptional academics, genuine care, and the strong relationships teachers build with children and families. Outside of work, Christine enjoys time with her family and finding simple moments that spark joy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Salisbury University.

“Our work reflects the heart and care that families feel the moment they walk through our doors.”

Bryan Slonski

Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development

Bryan Slonski

Bryan Slonski is guided by a belief that children thrive in environments created with purpose, safety, and heart. He joined The Gardner School committed to expanding and elevating the facilities where children, families, and team members learn, grow, and connect each day. As Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development, Bryan leads the vision and planning behind each new school, ensuring every space reflects the warmth, intentionality, and excellence families expect from TGS. His work is shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience, having watched his own children flourish within The Gardner School community. Bryan is passionate about designing environments that inspire curiosity, support development, and feel like a second home. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is a registered architect with NCARB certification.

“Creating spaces where children and teachers can truly thrive is the most meaningful work I can do.”

Supporting Schools. Strengthening Communities.

The Gardner School’s operations team plays a vital role in supporting the daily rhythm of our school communities. Our Region Directors and District Managers bring a steady blend of experience, empathy, and partnership to the schools they support. Their collaborative work connects every student to the values that matter most: warmth, trust, consistency, and a commitment to excellence. Through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on guidance, our operations team helps create spaces where children grow with confidence, families feel connected, and teachers feel empowered in their work.

Kerry Alholm

Region Director

Kerry Alholm

Rooted in a deep commitment to uplifting teachers and school communities, Kerry Alholm leads with heart and purpose as a Region Director. She joined The Gardner School in August 2010, inspired by the chance to grow as an educator within an organization that truly believes in its people. Kerry finds joy in the relationships built over the years, and every update from a former student reminds her of the lasting impact of strong, caring classrooms. She supports school leaders through coaching and mentoring, helping them strengthen the skills and confidence needed to guide children with care. Kerry believes TGS is special because of its warm sense of community and the way children, families, and team members feel supported.

Kerry enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters, especially soaking up the everyday magic of childhood. She holds a BA from La Salle University.

“Becoming a TGS parent showed me how meaningful these years are and why this work matters.”

Jennifer Reyes

Region Director

Jennifer Reyes

Jennifer Reyes leads with a deep commitment to early childhood education and a belief in the lasting impact of high-quality experiences. She joined The Gardner School in January 2013 after seeing firsthand, through her years in public school PreK classrooms, how powerful the early years can be. Jennifer is energized by working alongside people who care deeply about the service they provide and by finding fresh, creative approaches to challenges. She builds strong school communities through trust, creating spaces where teachers, children, and families can thrive. What she values most about TGS is the people who share a united vision for excellence and continual growth. Her favorite moments come from connecting with families and former students and seeing the difference this work makes over time.

Jennifer loves traveling and spending time with her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, an Early Childhood licensure, and is a licensed Illinois teacher.

“Watching former students return and share their lives reminds me how lasting this work truly is.”

Erica Farney

District Manager

Erica Farney

As District Manager for District 3 in the Chicago area, Erica Farney leads with a belief that great schools begin with great teachers who feel supported and valued. She joined The Gardner School in December 2001 as part of an acquisition and has proudly grown with the organization ever since. Erica finds joy in working alongside talented leaders and teachers who share her passion for putting children first. She celebrates wins big and small and encourages growth at every level, fostering an environment of transparency and trust. Her favorite moments are spent in classrooms, where she can see the incredible work children and teachers accomplish together.

Outside of work, Erica enjoys reading, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her adult children… both proud TGS graduates. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education.

“The heart of TGS lives in our classrooms, and I’m grateful to witness it every day.”

Brittany Foley

District Manager

Brittany Foley

Brittany Foley leads with a deep belief in the power of high-quality early childhood experiences to shape confident, curious learners. She serves District 2 as District Manager. Brittany joined The Gardner School in July 2014, inspired by its commitment to nurturing academic growth and building meaningful relationships with children and families. She loves seeing the impact school leaders have each day and watching those connections grow into strong, supportive communities. Brittany leads with empathy, clarity, and accountability to create environments where children feel inspired, and teachers feel valued. Her favorite memories come from everyday moments, especially the big smiles, warm hugs, and excitement children bring to school.

Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, especially her three children, Chase, Chloe, and Cam. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration from National Louis University.

“The joy children bring into our schools is the reason I do this work. Those moments stay with me.”

Caron Ihde

District Manager

Caron Ihde

Caron Ihde brings nearly three decades of early childhood experience to her work supporting children, families, and school teams as District Manager for District 1. She joined The Gardner School in July 2017, inspired by her desire to nurture the tremendous growth that happens in a child’s early years. Caron loves seeing the creative and meaningful experiences teachers provide and watching children fully engage in their learning. She supports Executive Directors by helping them grow as leaders so they can make the best decisions for children, families, and team members. Caron believes TGS offers warm, inviting schools where families and teachers build strong communities that often feel like home.

Outside of work, she enjoys crafting and reading nonfiction about historical figures and events. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education.

“Families need a place that feels safe and steady. Being part of that for children will always be a privilege.”

Erica Sager

District Manager

Erica Sager

Guided by a lifelong passion for early learning, Erica Sager supports joyful, high-quality school environments where children thrive, serving as District Manager for District 4. She joined The Gardner School in August 2008, inspired by the organization’s commitment to exceptional early childhood education. Erica loves visiting each school in her district and seeing the passion, creativity, and dedication teachers bring to their classrooms. She listens closely to each school’s unique needs and offers support drawn from her 20 years of experience to strengthen development and safety across all ages. One of her favorite memories is watching her son’s teacher transform a dramatic play center into a pumpkin patch, creating pure magic for students.

Erica enjoys time with her three children and planning small adventures together. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling.

“High-quality early childhood education sets children up for success, and I’m grateful to support the teams who make that possible.”

Sara Shoulars

District Manager

Sara Shoulars

Sara Shoulars leads with a deep belief that high-quality early childhood education begins with strong teams, caring relationships, and environments where children feel safe and supported. She brings more than 20 years of experience to her role as District Manager, including achieving NAEYC Accreditation — the highest level of program quality and excellence. Sara is passionate about mentoring teachers, supporting school leaders, and helping teams grow with confidence. She believes The Gardner School stands out for its commitment to children and families, and for how each school community works together to nurture both learning and belonging. Outside of work, Sara loves spending time with her family and finding joy in the simple moments that matter most. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashworth University and a Child Development Associate credential from Ellis University.

“Supporting children, families, and the teams who serve them is at the heart of everything I do.”