our founder

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.