Board of Directors
Our Leadership and Board of Directors bring a diverse range of experience and backgrounds together to guide our work and advance our mission.
Leadership Team
Sharonda Brown-Kern, the Founder and Executive Director, has always been passionate about public service and early childhood education. She has dedicated the past 20 years of her career to serving underserved children and families in Illinois, both in the public and nonprofit sectors. Sharonda began her journey as an early childhood teacher and later transitioned to a consultant, trainer, and technical assistance provider. More recently, she has worked as an Early Childhood Program Support Specialist, providing technical assistance to State-funded Preschool for All Expansion programs.
Sharonda spent her childhood in Chicago before moving to the Northwest suburbs for high school. Her family faced numerous obstacles that could have hindered her success in school and life, but they overcame these barriers with the help of public services. The challenges faced by her family were similar to those experienced by the families she serves in her career. Throughout her education her grandmother, Rose, was a significant source of support. She always encouraged Sharonda to do her best in school. In honor of her grandmother and her belief that all children can succeed regardless of their background and where they come from, Sharonda established the Concrete Rose Learning Center.
Sharonda has a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Professional Educator License with endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Additionally, she possesses a Gateways to Opportunity Training and Technical Assistance credential.
Instructional Staff
Melissa Morales – Interim Teacher/Program Coordinator
I’m Melissa Morales, originally from Highland Park, IL, a dedicated teacher assistant with a passion for nurturing young minds. Having worked extensively with children aged 0-6, I’m committed to helping them build the foundational skills crucial for their future success.
I am currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the College of Lake County, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2024. My academic journey has been marked by my membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and earning honors certificates from the college, proving my commitment to excellence in my field.
Looking ahead, I aim to further my education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with a focus on dual language endorsement. This goal aligns with my passion for supporting diverse learning needs and fostering inclusive educational environments.
Outside of my professional and academic pursuits, I enjoy listening to music and drawing, which provide me with creative outlets and relaxation.
My name is Odalys Mateos, but everyone calls me Ody, and I am incredibly excited for this
school year. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child. I know this is going to
be a great year for all of us to grow and learn together.
I’ll start by letting you know a little bit about me. I grew up in Highland Park Illinois, and I
currently still reside there. This will be my first school year working at Concrete Rose Learning
Center. And I couldn’t be more excited. I previously worked at a childcare center for three and a
half years. There I completed my Infant/Toddler CDA. I will continue my education at College of
Lake County with a graduation date of December 2025. I know how much you care about your
child’s education, and I will do everything in my power to ensure a successful school year. We
are going to learn so many great things, and I am looking forward to every minute of it.
In my spare time I love to spend time with my family , reading a good book, and spending
quality time with my children, I look forward to getting to know each and everyone of you.