Meet the Team

Scott and Jodi Thomason - Owners

Scott and his wife, Jodi, began their journey with early childhood in 2001 as a small in-home daycare in Peoria. Their vision has always been to provide the Peoria area with unique, top-notch childcare experiences that challenge the status quo. After moving and expanding their in-home daycare in 2004, they have been very fortunate to continue fulfilling this vision through the openings of The Wonder Playschool and the acquisition of A+ Children's Academy. They take pride in each of their centers and are grateful for the opportunities to ensure unparalleled care for the children entrusted to their care.

Karen Coyle - Executive Director

Hello and welcome to The Wonder Playschool! After knowing Scott and Jodi Thomason for over a decade and regularly recommending their in-home daycare to families, I am so grateful to be partnered with them as they continue providing the greater Peoria area with such a unique and high-quality early childhood programs.  It is my goal to give you and your child the best early childhood experience possible. My family and I have lived in Peoria for almost 20 years.  My husband and I have 3 children, one currently at home and two living in Arizona.  We are active in our local church, serving with the youth group as well as on mission trips to Brazil. 

Karen Coyle has been with Wonder since May of 2017 and has served as a certified early childhood educator for over 20 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Early Childhood Education with an Endorsement in Mathematics. Karen started her career as a kindergarten teacher in Wheeling, Illinois, and has been partnering with families in giving all children a jumpstart to school success ever since. Karen’s work experience also includes serving as a Family Educator, Preschool Teacher, and Teacher Mentor in DCFS-Licensed Child Care and Home Provider settings for the Peoria County Regional Office of Education Preschool for All Program. She also served as lead teacher in the full and half-day preschool classrooms at UPC Discovery in Peoria, Illinois for many years. During this tenure, Karen implemented research-based practices, including the Project Approach. She presented student-led Projects at the National Association of the Education of Young Children’s Conference as well as at the Heart of Illinois Association of the Education of Young Children’s Conference. 

Jennifer Bowman - Human Resource Director

Hello! My name is Jennifer Bowman. I am the Human Resource Director here at The Wonder Playschool. I am very excited to get to know your child and you! I have always had a passion for working with children, so while attending Olivet Nazarene University I majored in social work. After graduating I worked with foster children and teens for 3 years. I began to question if that was what I wanted to do—spending 90% of my time behind a desk. I didn’t feel like I was making the difference in children’s lives like I had always envisioned doing, so I explored with early childhood classes at ICC. Thus began my Early Childhood journey! I have been a teacher with every age group and have loved every moment of it! I have been trained in and have implemented Creative Curriculum in childcare centers. I believe that a teacher has a responsibility to create a safe environment so that children feel emotionally secure. Children should be given choices and have an active role in determining how they will learn. Children need our support to mature in all areas, and as a teacher we strive to help children become successful and eager to learn. I also began to learn the business side of childcare and found another passion for the behind the scenes things. I was a director for 8 years at a childcare in Hopedale, IL. When I saw pictures of The Wonder Playschool and sat and talked to the owner Scott, I knew I wanted to be part of this amazing center. I have been here since 2016 and have loved every moment of it! I look forward to meeting you and your family!

Kristy - Adventurers Lead Teacher

Before moving to Peoria, I worked with infants and toddlers for nine years in Bloomington. I have also earned my Child Development Associate certification. I love working with young children because I love the having the privilege of helping them learn and grow, seeing them experience new things, and watching their excitement as they develop new skills. I love seeing them grow into their personalities and being able to form special bonds with them. In my free time, I enjoy kick boxing at FXB and spending time with my family playing board games or being outside at the park playing basketball. I enjoy taking my kids out to do fun things. 

Kara - Adventurers Support Teacher

After graduating high school, I attended Bradley University and majored in nursing. While in college and after graduation, I worked in home care, caring for elderly clients with dementia. I then began nannying and found a huge passion in childcare. I was a nanny for a year and a half. Bonding with children, watching them learn and experience new things, and seeing the small things that they find joy in is what makes me feel fulfilled in working with children and it shows me how beautiful the small things are in life that I otherwise may overlook.

Erin - Investigators Lead Teacher

After graduating high school, I attended ICC and ISU where I received my degree in early childhood education. I worked for several years at a childcare center before transitioning into a nanny role that lasted ten amazing years. During those years and still today, I serve in kids' ministry and worship at my church. I have cared for children from birth to age twelve and loved watching them learn and grow every step of the way. Seeing the world through their eyes is amazing. I particularly love sharing my love of reading with them! During my personal time, you can find me spending time with my husband and kids, listening to music, and trying out new restaurants.

Kristi - Investigators Support Teacher

As a mother of three, I know how much joy and love children bring into your life. I began babysitting at a young age and loved it. Later, I was a working mother for a while, then a stay at home mom and cared for friends' and family members' children. Being around children has always been enjoyable for me and a huge part of my life. With my own children older, it is so wonderful being surrounded by little ones again. I love seeing the children at Wonder thrive and grow!

Nicole - Explorers Lead Teacher

I graduated in Primary Education Science from the University of Padua in 2020. Following graduation, I taught children ages 3-4 in a kindergarten for one year, then spent the next two years teaching in the primary public school in Italy. I moved to Peoria in August of 2023 for my husband’s work and have been enjoying this city so far! What I enjoy most about working with children is seeing them learn and use that learning to do things on their own. I love seeing their curiosity and creativity, and being able to watch as they use their imaginations. In my free time I enjoy walking and jogging, spending time with friends and family, watching movies, reading books, and traveling around the world.

Devon - Support Teacher

I was born and raised in Peoria, IL, where I graduated from Richwoods High School in 2016. During my time at Richwoods, I developed a love for sports and physical activity while participating on the soccer and cross-country teams. After high school, I attending Northern Illinois University, where I received my bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Public Health. Though I had planned to become a physical therapist, my senior internship with the Kishwaukee Community Wellness Department sparked my passion for working with kids! My last semester of college was spent teaching nutrition and wellness lessons in eight local Dekalb County elementary schools to children in grades K-8. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy hiking, hammocking, watching documentaries, and exploring new cities!

Brittany - Support Teacher

For over twenty years I have been working in the field of early childhood. Throughout this time I have worked with children between the ages of birth-five. I attended Illinois Central College studying education, and have two children of my own (a daughter and a son). When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful family making the best memories I can.