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.

reilly veloria

site director, river north

Reilly Veloria is delighted to serve as one of the directors at The Green Bean in River North, bringing a wealth of experience and a lifelong passion for early childhood education. Growing up in a home where her mother transitioned from teaching to running an in-home daycare, Reilly was surrounded by children from an early age. She fondly remembers the “extra brothers and sisters” in her life and knew from a young age that she wanted to work with little ones. Her summers were spent as a camp counselor with the Chicago Park District, where she cared for 3- to 5-year-old campers, ensuring every day was filled with fun and curiosity.

Reilly earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with an endorsement in preschool special education, from Northern Illinois University while gaining hands-on experience as an infant and toddler teacher. She went on to teach preschool special education in a public school setting, cherishing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded her experience as a nanny for five children, building strong relationships and fostering a supportive, nurturing environment. Reilly continues to pursue professional development in early childhood education, always seeking to grow as an educator.

A lifelong Chicagoan, Reilly now lives in Bucktown with her bulldog, Franklin. Outside of work, she enjoys walking the 606, exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends. A former competitive figure skater and one-time Oprah fan encounter, Reilly brings energy, warmth, and joy to every moment at Green Bean.

hannah mcknight

associate site director, river north

Hannah McKnight is thrilled to be part of The Green Bean team, bringing a deep passion for early childhood education and a commitment to nurturing young learners. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Hannah’s journey in ECE began in high school, where she participated in a specialized program that ignited her love for working with children. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Florida and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Infant and Toddler Studies at National Louis University.

Since 2017, Hannah has worked in a variety of preschool settings across Florida and Chicago, gaining invaluable experience and insight into child development. She finds great fulfillment in guiding children through their milestones; from taking their first steps to writing their own names - and treasures the meaningful relationships she builds along the way. For Hannah, teaching is not just a profession, but a two-way journey: she impacts children’s lives while being inspired and enriched by them in return.

Outside of the classroom, Hannah enjoys staying active through sports like kickball and badminton. She has a lifelong love of music, singing, and dancing, and delights in attending concerts as well as writing and performing songs with friends. Since moving to Chicago in 2021, she has embraced the city with enthusiasm and curiosity. Hannah looks forward to bringing her energy, creativity, and joy to The Green Bean, and is excited to meet the children and families she will serve!