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.

janae rogers

area director, bucktown

At the center of Janae Rogers’ work is a thoughtful blend of intention, care, and dedication to early childhood education. Grounded by family life and simple daily rituals, she finds balance in reading, time with loved ones, and long walks with her dogs, while travel continues to inspire her purposeful approach to leadership.

From a young age, Janae knew she was meant to teach. As a child with a vivid imagination, she often played school with her sister and cousins, always stepping into the role of the teacher. That early passion followed her into adulthood and naturally led her to a career in early childhood education, where she discovered the joy of supporting children during their most formative years of exploration and growth.

Janae earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development in 2014 and later completed her Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education in 2016. Her career has spanned classroom teaching and leadership roles, including Assistant Director, Director, and Area Director, experiences that shaped her thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to education.

Born in Brooklyn, and raised in Chicago, Janae remains deeply connected to her community. As a valued member of The Green Bean family, she builds meaningful partnerships with families, supports educators, and helps create a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, safe, and supported.