Kalei Fowkes
Lead Teacher (she/her)
Kalei carries a decade of experience as an early educator in Reggio-inspired and progressive schools in both Chicago and Atlanta, and has spent extensive time studying the Municipal Preschools and Infant Toddler Centers of Reggio Emilia. She loves to read, write, inquire, and collaborate on an unending list of issues, but her particular area of interest is creating alternative narratives around the concept of “school readiness.” Kalei holds a Master of Science in Child Development from Erikson Institute and completed her undergraduate studies in psychology and art history. She might - just might - go back to academia once more for a doctoral degree, but that is a consistent subject of internal debate. When she is not working, you might find Kalei in the ballet studio, at a rock climbing gym, attending the shows of her favorite musicians, or just enjoying cozy time with her two cats, Oliver and Noodle at home. Kalei joined the Park West in 2023 and is grateful to continue learning alongside such a dynamic community of families and educators.