We require on-going training for our staff through State classes, orientation videos, in-house training, and other certified professionals in the education field. All our staff is trained in First Aid and CPR.
Meet Our StaffAshley Rogers, the Director, and Founder of The Learning Ladder Early Learning Center, established in September 2021. Ashley has a long history of social work dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art, an Early Childhood Education credential from Rasmussen University, and is currently pursuing dual degrees in Social Work and Business Administration at Dominican University. Additionally, she has achieved her Child Development Associate Credential for infant and preschool settings and is accredited as an ECE Level 5 and SAYD Level 5 educator by The Gateways I-Learning System. She is also certified in CPR and First Aid and holds Illinois Food Handler and Manager of Sanitation certifications.
Ashley has devoted her career to service, working as a Residential Case Manager at Hephzibah Children's Association, where she supported youth with behavioral disorders, abuse, neglect, and homelessness.
Additionally, Ashley has worked as a Human Service Case Worker for the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she assisted families in need.
Summer Butler, our esteemed Director, has been an integral part of The Learning Ladder Early Learning Center since its founding in September 2021. Summer has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/English from Loyola University in New Orleans and furthered her academic credentials with dual master’s degrees in education from Dominican University in River Forest, IL and Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.
Summer launched her distinguished teaching career in 2002 at St. Eulalia School in Maywood, where she served as a 2nd grade teacher. Over the past two decades, she has imparted her knowledge and skills to students in grades K-9 at several esteemed institutions. Notably, she has made significant contributions as a Middle School and Primary Teacher at St. Martin de Porres on Chicago’s West Side, as well as at Stevenson School (District 89) and the ACERO UCSN Charter Network's Sandra Cisneros School. At Cisneros School, Summer achieved remarkable success, closing the 6th grade math learning gap by 70% and the English learning gap by 50%.
Summer holds a Type 03 certification with endorsements in ESL, Middle School, English, and Social Studies, complemented by a robust academic background in Spanish as a second language, enhancing her ability to connect with both parents and students. Her dedication to early childhood education is reflected in her certifications as an ECE Level 5 and SAYD Level 5 educator by The Gateways I-Learning System, administered by the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies.
Additionally, she is certified in CPR, First Aid, and holds Illinois Food Handler and Sanitation Manager certifications. Summer’s commitment to excellence and her passion for education continue to elevate our center’s standards and impact.
Viola Rogers, our dedicated Assistant Teacher, and Meal Preparer. With a distinguished 40-year career as a Public Service Administrator for the State of Illinois Department of Human Services, Viola brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service. A long-time resident of Maywood, IL, Viola has raised three children in the area and has actively contributed to the community through charitable work with organizations such as Fisher House for families of hospitalized veterans, Kobe Prison Ministry for incarcerated individuals, and the Ronald McDonald House for families with children undergoing long-term hospital care.
Viola is also a devoted member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, a Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to faith and service. After retiring, Viola joined The Learning Ladder Early Learning Center team. Viola is accredited as an ECE Level 4 and SAYD Level 1 teaching associate by The Gateways I-Learning System, administered by the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. She is certified in CPR and First Aid, as well as an Illinois Food Handler and Manager of Sanitation. Her extensive experience and passion for service enhance our center’s commitment to providing a nurturing and high-quality learning environment.
Cathleen Rogers, our Administrative Staff member, and Assistant Teacher. Cathleen brings a wealth of experience from her 34-year tenure as an Intermodal Service Representative for CSX Transportation. A dedicated member of Valley Kingdom Ministries in Oak Forest, she has led services for children's ministries and held a Senior Leader position with the 22nd District of the Girl Scouts in Morgan Park.
After retiring, Cathy joined The Learning Ladder Early Learning Center family. She is accredited as an ECE Level 4 and SAYD Level 1 teaching associate by The Gateways I-Learning System, administered by the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. Additionally, Cathleen is certified in CPR and First Aid, and holds certifications as an Illinois Food Handler and Manager of Sanitation. Her extensive background and commitment to education enriches our center's efforts to provide exceptional care and learning experiences.
Victoria Rogers, our distinguished Lead Teacher. As a devoted mother to a young toddler, Victoria is deeply committed to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for children at The Learning Ladder.
Victoria has earned prestigious credentials as an ECE Level 3 and SAYD Level 1 teaching associate from The Gateways I-Learning System, overseen by the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies. She is also certified in CPR and First Aid and holds additional certifications as an Illinois Food Handler and Manager of Sanitation.
Her extensive training and practical experience make her an invaluable asset to our team, enhancing both our educational programs and enrollment efforts. Victoria’s dedication to fostering a supportive learning atmosphere exemplifies her significant role in advancing our center’s mission.