Meet the Team

Amy Johnson

Executive Director

Amy joined NPN in 2006. After finding a long-lasting nanny share through NPN, she began volunteering by planning small social events for parents in her neighborhood. With a background in non-profit program management and event coordinating, she moved into a part-time staff position coordinating volunteers in 2012. Amy’s role grew to managing NPN’s programming and events and building partnerships with NPN’s many supporters. She became Executive Director in 2020. She lives in Irving Park with her husband, sons and dog.

Yoona Wagener

Marketing & Outreach Manager

Yoona joined NPN in May 2026 as the team's Marketing & Outreach Manager. She comes to NPN understanding the value of finding community as a first-time parent and is passionate about connecting Chicago parents with resources and support. Yoona has over a decade of editorial and content experience with roles as consumer tech editor, nonprofit marketer, technical writer, and content and website consultant. Yoona and her husband and daughter live in Avondale and enjoy outdoor adventures all year round.

Jana Kline

Director of Advertising

Jana joined the NPN team in 2017 and is responsible for advertising operations. Her experience runs the gamut from small, privately owned companies to global conglomerates. As such, she brings a strong and varied advertising background to NPN. With two Chicago kids, Jana understands the unique challenges of raising children in an urban environment and the importance of finding the resources needed to do so. She is excited to bring both her professional and personal experience to NPN. Jana lives in Chicago’s North Side with her husband, two children and an ill-tempered cat.

Nelia Opperman

Accountant

Nelia’s involvement with NPN started in 2005 when she was approached by NPN management regarding tax issues facing the organization. Since then, she continued on being involved with NPN doing various tasks including data entry, event postings, bookkeeping, budgeting and planning, research, audit, tax and financial reporting. Nelia’s work experience includes international tax management positions at Motorola, Aon, and Baxter Labs. She has a BS degree in Education, an MBA, CPA, and attended Roosevelt University and DePaul University.

Doloris Schombert

Web Developer, Operations & Membership Manager

 Doloris joined the NPN tech team in 2004. She desires to help families to grow with love. Doloris became a techno-geek when she took her first computer class at DePaul University. When she's not computing, you can find her and her family riding bikes along the lakefront.

Julianne Neely

Interim President

Julianne Neely, MSW, LCSW, is the founder and owner of a IFC Counseling, pediatric mental health practice and the mom of a big, blended foster-adopt family. Both personally and professionally, she is passionate about helping children feel seen, supported, and able to thrive by strengthening the caregivers and communities around them. Julianne first discovered NPN in 2012 as a new business owner and mom hungry for resources and connection. She found life-changing support for her children through the Developmental Differences Fair, for herself through support groups and has also appreciated the meaningful professional connections NPN fosters. Her love for NPN’s mission has only grown over the years, and today she is proud to serve on the board, giving back to the community that has given so much to her family.

Jennifer Burke

Treasurer

 Jenny joined NPN and the board in 2021. As a CPA and tax partner who specializes in helping not-for-profit organizations, Jenny brings business and financial expertise to NPN, as well as advice on navigating the financial complexities of the pandemic. As a new mom making the most of her NPN membership, she brings a fresh perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to the team. Jenny, her husband, and son live in the Loop.

Danielle Gould

Vice President

 Danielle joined the NPN board in 2021. An attorney and mom of two, Danielle attended NPN’s Preschool and Elementary School Fair prior to her oldest daughter starting kindergarten and joined the NPN board to get more involved in community matters. She brings her rich volunteer experience, organizational skills, and legal guidance to NPN. Danielle and her family live in Lakeview.

Jay Hannah

Jay joined the NPN Board in 2025. A father of one and husband are his favorite titles, but he currently serves as the Admissions Director at Intercultural Montessori Language School in the West Loop and Oak Park. Jay brings a background in education and media, with previous work in higher education and news reporting. Jay and his family live in Little Italy.

Kate Klein

Secretary

 Kate Klein is Head of School at Fusion Academy, Lincoln Park. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Beloit College and a Masters of Arts in Education from Goddard College.

Kate began her teaching career in Michigan, teaching at a Waldorf school. She moved to Chicago and taught and served as an administrator in Chicago Public Schools for 15 years, and was Head of School at GCE Lab School. She has been with Fusion since 2023. Kate and her family live in Lincoln Park.

Brian Puerling

Brian Brian Puerling is an early childhood education leader, author, and speaker who brings deep expertise in education, technology, and child development to the NPN Board.⁠

Brian has held leadership roles across Chicago schools and organizations, including Chicago Public Schools, Catherine Cook School, and Guidepost Montessori, and currently works in early childhood education leadership. He has also presented nationally and internationally on education, technology, and social-emotional learning.⁠

He is the author of several books on teaching and learning in the digital age and has served on advisory boards for organizations including Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, and Encyclopedia Britannica Early Learning.⁠