But from the moment they met Miss Ebony, the leader at Right At School in Mokena, Illinois, everything changed. What started as a practical solution for two working parents quickly became a source of emotional support, growth, and stability that went way beyond what was expected.
Melissa and her husband, both teachers, leave their house every morning at 6:45 a.m., almost two hours before their kids’ school day begins. They were looking for care that not only covered the early hours, but more importantly, felt safe, warm, and supportive for their children Cullen and Carsyn.
They enrolled Cullen and Carsyn at RAS in Mokena Elementary hoping it would solve the logistical problem. Melissa’s husband handled the morning drop-offs, so he was the first to meet Miss Ebony. From the start, he noticed how genuinely kind and welcoming she was every morning. She greeted the children with a big smile and treated them like her own.
It wasn’t until months later that Melissa finally met the program manager in person, but it felt like “she had known her for 20 years.” What stood out wasn’t just Miss Ebony’s kindness—it was how deeply she knew her children. Their conversation flowed naturally, centered entirely on Cullen and Carsyn, with a level of insight that made it clear she truly understood them.
The attentiveness meant everything, especially for Cullen. He’s complex, emotional, sensitive and not always easily understood by caregivers. But Miss Ebony saw him. She didn’t try to brush off his feelings or make him fit a mold. Instead, she took the time to learn what worked for him. “Miss Ebony really just knows how to handle him,” Melissa said.
What amazed Melissa even more was how effortlessly Miss Ebony’s approach mirrored what they were doing at home. Without ever needing a formal conversation, Miss Ebony picked up on the strategies that worked for Cullen. The result was a sense of consistency that helped him thrive at Mokena Elementary and at home. As a team, Miss Ebony and Cullen’s parents nurtured his sense of responsibility and allowed him to really grow and mature.
At the end of the school year, Miss Ebony gave each child a handwritten, personalized letter. Each note included thoughtful reflections about what made them special. She highlighted traits that only their closest family members could point out. Melissa said, “both of the notes were spot on,” adding that, “as a mom, I could’ve written the exact same thing about my kids.”
For Melissa, Right At School has provided far more than just supervision or structure—it’s been a source of emotional care, true partnership, and unwavering trust.
In many ways, Miss Ebony has become like a second mom to her kids, offering the kind of attention and understanding that goes well beyond what Melissa ever expected from a typical before-school program.
“It was the best thing we’ve ever decided as a family,” she said.
