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Health & Fitness

Bringing Young Families Together: Ms. Deena's Story

Deena Ciavarella has taught music and art to toddlers in the community for the past 13 years.

Deena Ciavarella has a passion for community involvement.

She has taught music and art classes to toddlers through the Village of Lake in the Hills for the past 13 years. As many as 900 parents and their kids have attended her classes over the years.

Her Toddler Tunes and Art and Exploration classes are always fun and exciting. And she is always energetic and full of life.  

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“I love presenting these classes in the community in which I live,” Ciavarella said. “I believe that bringing families together in a fun and safe setting helps to build a sense of community that many suburbanites are seeking.”

Ciavarella, affectionately called Ms. Deena by her students, began teaching Toddler Tunes in Oak Park  in 1996. Two years later she moved to LITH and began her first class through the village hall in 1999.

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Her interactive classes teach children—ages 1 to 5 years old—social, verbal and musical skills. They also give parents and caregivers a chance to socialize with other adults.

In fact, a group of women in one of her first classes formed a playgroup on her recommendation. Thirteen years later, they are still friends.

“That makes me feel good because I know my work in the community has made a difference,” she said. “I love when I am out and about and run into families that have come through my classes. We share memories and smiles as they remember the classes, friends, or simpler times.”

In addition to the art and music classes, Ciavarella also hosts numerous one-day toddler parties and presents Tot Tunes at the Huntley Parent-Tot Center twice a month during the school year. Her next session of classes in LITH begins April 30. 

Ciavarella has passed on her passion for community involvement to her two teenage daughters, Emma and Sara. They are members of the Interact Club, sponsored by the local rotary club, and the National Honor Society.

Also, Emma volunteers as a fourth-grade catechist and this fall will attend Loyola University-Chicago as part of the honors program. Sara coaches junior cheerleaders, volunteers at a Huntley animal shelter, and participates in her school’s government club.

“One of the best things about being a mom is the pride that comes from your kid’s achievements,” Ciavarella said. “Whether it is hearing them use their manners, getting a good report from school, or watching them share with another child, you know you have helped them do that.”

“Parenting is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have and you have to wait a really long time for your results,” she adds. “But it’s worth the wait.”

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