Meet our Staff

Director: Emily Raatz

Blue Room Lead Teacher: Cori Hobart

Hi, my name is Cori. I am a recent graduate from the University of Iowa and I've been working at Loving Arms since April of 2016. I am the lead teacher of the infant (blue) room. I love working with babies and watching them grow. It is an incredible experience to witness them reach all of the important milestones in their first year.

Red Room Lead Teacher: Cara Hobart

Hello, my name is Cara and I have been working at Loving Arms since August of 2015. I am the lead teacher of Red Room (ages 12-18 months). I love working with children and getting to watch them discover new things every day. It is very important to me that kids receive all of the love and attention that they deserve.

Orange Room Lead Teacher: Yvette Aguilar

Pink Room Lead Teacher: Nayeli Aguilar

My name is Nayeli Aguilar and I have had the privilege of being part of Loving Arms since 2013. I work with the 2 year olds and I enjoy every aspect of teaching. I have realized in my years that they can teach us as much as we can teach them. Together with a team of amazing and creative teachers, I am committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. I look forward to continued success and new discoveries with an amazing team of teachers at Loving Arms.

Yellow Room Lead Teacher: Clarissa Jackson

I've lived in Iowa City since 2000 and have a daughter that attends Lemme Elementary. I wanted to work at Loving Arms because of my love of children! The opportunity to be involved in these children’s development socially and educationally is so rewarding. Everyday is fun!

Rainbow Room Lead Teacher: Bashair Qasim

Hello my name is Bashair Qasim I am originally from Palestine. I moved to iowa in 2007 . I started as a photographer and Arabic tutor/translator and also worked for ICCSD for 3 years . I have a graphic design certificate from Kirkwood community college and also have a CNA certificate from Petra institute in Arkansas and went to college in Palestine majoring in Social science . I loved all my previous jobs, but found out that my passion is in teaching preschool age kids . I enjoy every aspect of teaching and have realized that kids can teach us as much as we teach them. This is one of my favorite things about teaching especially at Loving Arms Early Learning center.