Meet the Staff

Tamara Reddington

Bird’s Nest Co-Owner, Founding Director, and Lead Teacher – Preschool (Ages 3–5)

Tamara Reddington has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds degrees in Child Development and Curriculum & Instruction and is licensed in both Early Childhood and Special Education. In 2024, she was honored with the Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction Award for her excellence in teaching. As both an educator and administrator, Tamara is passionate about creating spaces where children and families feel they truly belong, with a special focus on inclusive, play-based learning environments where every child can thrive. At Bird’s Nest, she blends her experience with a commitment to best practices and an emergent curriculum that follows the interests of the children—while ensuring the program aligns with the Illinois Early Learning Standards and fosters strong family partnerships, community connections and staff growth. She believes play is the work of childhood and strives to create a warm environment where the joy is palpable and children are eager to learn. When she’s not in the classroom, Tamara enjoys spending time with her husband, Jon, and their three sons—Asher (20), Jonas (15), and Keenan (11). She loves cheering on her boys in swimming and water polo and traveling to places where the water meets the land.

Michelle Hansen

Bird’s Nest Co-Owner, Operations Administrator and Early Childhood Teacher

“I look forward to creating relationships with every family, every student. It’s through these relationships that we all learn, grow and flourish!” Michelle Hansen brings a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and community leadership to her role as co owner and Early Childhood Teacher at Bird’s Nest Early Learning and Care Center. She holds a degree in Communications with a concentration in Journalism from Bradley University. Before opening Bird’s Nest, Michelle worked for four years as a paraprofessional in the blended early childhood classroom at Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School, where she supported students with diverse developmental needs and provided classroom-wide support. Michelle is also deeply invested in the local community. She has served as PTO president, led school-wide events, coached youth softball and guided a Girl Scout troop. In 2023, she was honored with the Hometown Hero Award for her outstanding service and leadership. Michelle and her husband, Matt, a mechanical engineer, have lived in Big Rock for 15 years. Together, they are raising three children—Abby (13), an eighth grader at HBRMS, and twins Emma and Eli (11), both sixth graders at HBRMS. Michelle enjoys watching and playing sports, crafting and exploring new experiences with her family.

Amy Weinhert

Lead Teacher – Early Learners (Ages 2–3)

“I’m so excited to partner with you and your child this year—it’s going to be a year full of llearning, laughter, and growth!” With over 13 years of experience in early childhood education, Amy has taught children from 6 weeks to 12 years old—but her passion shines most in working with toddlers. As the Lead Teacher in our Early Learners classroom (ages 2–3), she loves guiding little ones through some of their most important milestones—developing independence, building friendships, and discovering the joy of learning through play. Amy comes from a big, lively family as the middle child of seven siblings and now has 18 nieces and nephews. She married “the best guy” she knows in 2017, and together they are raising two wonderful daughters who attend Hinckley-Big Rock schools. A few of Amy’s favorite things? She loves Earth Science and music (especially choir), and in her downtime, she enjoys reading, painting, snacking or swimming.

What Our Parents Are Saying!

“We absolutely love this preschool! Mrs. Tamara and Mrs. Michelle are truly wonderful teachers who make such a difference in the children’s lives. Even though it’s a new school, it already feels like such a special community. My daughter has already learned so much, both academically and emotionally. She is making great friends along the way as well which is super important, especially in such a small community. It is such a fun, caring, and engaging environment and the kids are thriving, growing in confidence, and seem to genuinely look forward to going each day. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and feel so thankful for such a positive start to the school year! 10/10 recommend!!”

-Kari R.

“Birds Nest is a safe, loving, nurturing, and stimulating environment enriched by skilled and compassionate staff. They offer an engaging and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Through structured play and activities, children learn to interact with peers and adults, develop self-regulation, build language and early math skills, and gain confidence. I appreciate the individualized attention my child receives thanks to the low child-to-staff ratio. The location is excellent, and the service they offer to the community is invaluable, delivering high-quality childcare and essential skills that prepare preschoolers not just for kindergarten, but for life, establishing a solid foundation for future academic and personal success! I wholeheartedly recommend Birds Nest to any family! “

-Katie C.