our team

nicole toalson

founder & executive director

Nicole Toalson founded The Green Bean in 2009 with a clear, heartfelt vision: to create a nurturing place where her son - and other children - could grow, learn, and feel truly at home. What began as a small home daycare in Logan Square has since grown organically, evolving alongside the needs of the families and community it serves, while always preserving its sense of warmth and care.

Nicole earned her B.A. in Journalism and Political Science from Indiana University and later completed her early childhood accreditation through the City Colleges of Chicago. Before shifting her career to center around her family, she built a creative and dynamic professional path in arts, communications, and media. Beginning with an internship at Weber Shandwick PR, moving through a sales role at Thrill Jockey Records, and eventually producing television at NBC, Nicole’s career has always been rooted in creativity.

Today, that creative spirit lives on in the classroom. Nicole brings her love of learning, design, and art into every corner of The Green Bean, shaping an environment that feels thoughtful, inspiring, and beautifully intentional. A highlight of her career was traveling to Reggio Emilia, Italy for professional development - an experience that continues to inform her educational philosophy and one she hopes to repeat.

Nicole is also a certified yoga teacher and a licensed Social Emotional Learning facilitator for the school. She finds great joy in teaching yoga to the children and weaving SEL practices into daily life, nurturing not just curious minds, but confident, compassionate hearts as well.

hannah mcknight

admissions director, bucktown

Originally from Orlando, Florida, Hannah began her journey in Early Childhood Education while participating in an ECE program during high school. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Florida and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Infant and Toddler Studies at National Louis University. Since beginning her career in childcare in 2017, Hannah has worked in a variety of early childhood settings throughout both Florida and Chicago.

Hannah is deeply passionate about supporting young children through each stage of development and finds great joy in watching them reach important milestones. From encouraging first steps to helping children learn to write their names, she feels grateful for the opportunity to positively impact children’s lives, while being inspired by them every day.

Outside of the classroom, Hannah enjoys staying active through sports like kickball and badminton. She also loves music, singing, and dancing, and enjoys attending concerts as well as writing and performing songs with friends. Hannah is excited to be part of the Green Bean community and looks forward to getting to know all of the families and children.