At Smarty Party we offer the opportunity for children to make new friends, advance their academic skills at their own pace, employ their imagination and creativity, and develop a love of learning. We also have fun ways to make your child’s party as unique as your child! We will help you select a theme, plan all activities and keep it fun- We can’t wait to get your party started!
Our talented and caring staff has been working to create programs that will captivate the minds of the children.
Jen Toomey is a certified elementary school teacher with 13 years classroom experience teaching 1st – 5th grades. She holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from DePaul University and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. Jen is a Title 1 Teacher at Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts (AACA) and an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University. Her areas of expertise include literacy, curriculum development, and training and mentoring new teachers. As a mother of 2 school-aged children, Jen knows the importance of connecting with children and building meaningful educational experiences. She currently oversees Smarty Party’s summer camp programs, winter and spring break activities, birthday parties, and special events such as movie nights, trunk shows, and family functions. Jen’s enthusiasm, high energy, and bubbly personality engage children the moment they arrive.
Jolene McMahan, a certified elementary school teacher with 5 years classroom experience, taught Spanish for grades Pre-K to 8 and team-taught 3rd grade with Smarty Party co-founder, Jen Toomey. She received her undergraduate degree with majors in Spanish and Psychology from Hamline University in St Paul, Minnesota and holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Jolene has worked extensively in the Chicago-area healthcare systems as a Master Assessment Specialist and Psychotherapist. Her specialty includes second language acquisition and instruction, as well as developmental, intellectual, and academic achievement testing. She passionately believes every child’s learning environment should be fun and provide an opportunity to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Jolene currently oversees all Smarty Party’s Spanish Programs, Spanish Summer Camps, and Spanish Clubs that include both on and off site after-school classes at neighborhood public and private elementary schools. Jolene’s warmth and dedication make children feel at ease while sparking their love for learning.
