Leadership Team

Silke Duke

Silke Duke has been the Executive Director of ImagiNation Learning Center since April 2007. Her primary responsibility is to oversee the operations of the entire company. Specifically, she is responsible for the management of company financials, human resources, program and curriculum development, support and development of the center management teams. Silke reports directly to the ImagiNation Learning Center Board. Prior to leading our company, Silke managed our centers as the District Manager for Knowledge Learning Corporation along with five other centers in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Silke has over twenty years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, including ten years of experience as Director in various child development centers in the USA and Germany. Besides her early childhood education degree, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Giessen University in Germany.

Born in Germany, Silke immigrated to America in 1995 and was proud to become a United States citizen. Silke lives in Alexandria with her husband John, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. Her son, Alex, serves as a logistics officer in the US Army. During her free time, Silke enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, her monthly book club connection, and socializing with close friends and family.

“Leading ImagiNation Learning Center is more than just a great professional experience. It’s an opportunity for me to share my passion for early childhood education and to inspire others in making a difference in the lives of young children and their families.”

Lisa Matteson

Lisa Matteson is the Assistant Executive Director for ImagiNation Learning Center.  Lisa has worked for ImagiNation Learning Center since 1993, filling a number of different positions over the years.  Working as a toddler teacher, spending many years as a Center Director, and ultimately becoming the Assistant Executive Director, Lisa’s long history with ImagiNation Learning Center is just one indication of the commitment that you can come to expect when you join our family!

Lisa’s primary responsibility is to support the leadership teams as they manage the day-to-day operations at the center.  In addition, Lisa has focused on many of the Human Resources tasks required to maintain a strong, caring educational staff for your children. Lisa excels at providing sound fiscal management, developing employment onboarding tools to streamline the hiring process, and is instrumental in the development and composition of our published materials.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology-Child Life from Utica College of Syracuse University in New York State.  Lisa has lived in Virginia for over thirty years and is busy raising her two youngest sons.  Now that one of her sons has grown and flown, she also volunteers as a kitten foster, shelter cuddler, and kitten foster family recruiter for Friends of Homeless Animals.

“ImagiNation Learning Center is committed to meeting the emotional needs of each stakeholder at all times.  Its purposeful act of matching employment roles to each stage of an employee’s life has generated satisfied long-term employees”.

Sherry Kose

Sherry Kose is the Director of our newest location, ILC Bristow.  She is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the center, and has a passion for organizing special events, as well as ensuring that the Compass curriculum is utilized in all classrooms. Sherry believes that supportive relationships are key in creating positive early childhood experiences.

Sherry started her career with ImagiNation Learning Center in 1992 while attending college.  Upon graduation, she continued working for us as a preschool teacher for several additional years.  In 1996, she took a position with Loudoun County working in the STEP Preschool Program.  Missing the strong “family” connection, Sherry returned to ImagiNation Learning Center in 2000 as a Preschool Teacher and was promoted to Assistant Director shortly after.  After many years as assistant director, coupled with her own children growing more independent, Sherry agreed that it was the right time to advance her career to include Center Director.  In her short tenure as Director, Sherry has gained confidence to trust her decisions and skills. She enjoys creating additional relationships with new families and teachers.  Sherry has over thirty years of experience working with young children in an educational setting.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from George Mason University.

Growing up in Northern Virginia, she currently lives in Manassas, with her husband and two sons (both ILC Alumni).  Sherry spends much of her free time watching her boys play baseball, spending time taking weekend trips and enjoying family and friends.

“ImagiNation Learning Center has a unique quality of truly creating a home away from home while providing a professional, educational, fun environment for the youngest learners.  I am proud, and excited to be part of a company that is truly dedicated to what is right for children and families”

Kara Cunningham

Kara Cunningham started at ImagiNation Learning Center in 2005 right out of college as a teacher and was promoted shortly after to an Assistant Director position responsible for the support of the Center Director in all responsibilities regarding the operation of the center. In 2015, she was promoted to her current position as the Director at ILC’s largest center in Chantilly.  Kara’s ability to create and nurture strong interpersonal relationships and her “Can Do” approach to any task or challenge make her a great asset to the center and company.

Kara holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Ferrum College and has over 18 years of experience in the field of early childhood education.  She has lived in Fairfax County for over 35 years and currently resides in Chantilly. Kara enjoys spending time with her 9 nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

“I couldn’t be more satisfied in my role as the Center Director at ImagiNation Learning Center.  It is really rewarding to know that through my professional contributions I am touching children’s lives and making a difference!”

Jennifer Trynock

Jennifer Trynock has been with ImagiNation Learning Center since 1997. While working as a knowledgeable and passionate teacher in various classrooms, she also took on challenging leadership responsibilities as a Manager in Training. In 2015, she was promoted to Assistant Director at ILC Chantilly and then in the Summer of 2023, she was promoted to Center Director.

Jennifer’s strong customer service skills, her extensive experience in and knowledge of early childhood education make her a great asset to our company, staff and families.

Jennifer is a graduate from Chantilly High School and acquired her associate degree in early childhood education while attending Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas, VA. She has three sons and has lived in Virginia all of her life.

“I hope that I can contribute every day to the experiences of our families that our center environment truly feels like a home away from home.”

Rachael Gardner

Rachael Gardner is the Director at ILC Gainesville. Rachael began at ImagiNation Learning Center in 2020 as a parent and later, as the “Clubhouse” teacher, supporting students K-2 in their distance learning programs. As a former elementary school teacher, she was initially drawn to ILC, because of the flexibility it afforded her growing family. She went on to teach the Jr. Kindergarten classroom before transitioning into her role as Center Director. Rachael’s primary responsibilities include the day-to-day operations, supporting teachers and fostering the connection between the classroom and home.

Rachael holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications, Public Relations from Radford University and a Master’s Degree of Education (Pre-K-6^th) from George Mason University. She brings a wide range of experience from her background of classroom teaching, which drives her strong emphasis on curriculum and student engagement. She believes in fostering a relationship with students and families alike in order to provide a nurturing environment for all.

Rachael grew up in Prince William County and currently lives in Fauquier County. She and her husband live with their two sons. They enjoy spending time with their boys, trips to the beach, and all things family time!

“There is no greater comfort than knowing your child(ren) are loved and nurtured each day, even when you can’t be with them. I’m proud to provide a warm and welcoming environment where teachers, parents, and students feel at home.”

Rachel Nystrom

Rachel Nystrom joined ILC as a parent in 2016. Shortly after enrolling her daughter at ILC, she expanded her relationship with the center by serving a term on the board of directors. In 2020, Rachel decided to make a career change which led to her joining ILC as a substitute teacher. As a substitute, she gained experience in several different classrooms until eventually becoming a full-time teacher in the preschool class. Rachel continued to express interest in growing with ILC and was promoted to Assistant Director at the opening of our new Bristow center.

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and a master’s degree in health service administration. She is originally from Maryland but currently lives in Warrenton with her husband and two daughters. Her oldest daughter is an ILC alumni, and her younger daughter is enrolled at our Bristow location.

“From the moment we started with Imagination Learning Center it has felt like family. The experiences we have had with ILC has enriched our lives in more ways than I can count!”