Meet Our Team!
Luci Grause, Owner + Founder
Luci is the owner and founder of Skip & Scoot. She holds a Masters of Physical Education from Columbia University Teachers College and specializes in designing and implementing innovative kid's fitness curricula. Throughout her career, Luci taught prek-12 physical and health education in DC area public schools, as well as served as head coach for a varsity high school field hockey team. Fitness and sports have been major players in Luci’s life at every stage, and sharing these things with our younger generation is supremely important to her. Luci grew up in Massachusetts and now lives with her husband and two kids in Chicago. When not teaching or exercising herself, she enjoys reading, days at the beach, family walks, naps, and the great Chicago food scene.
Melissa Fuentes, Lead Teacher
Melissa Fuentes, PT, DPT, CSCS is a pediatric physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist who received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. She graduated from the University of Illinois with Bachelor's Degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology. She started her career in orthopedics, including sports injury rehabilitation for youth and adults. She now exclusively works with children from birth to teenage years. She has experience addressing the needs of children who are delayed in reaching gross motor milestones, as well as those with developmental and neurological disorders, including but not limited to autism, prematurity and genetic conditions. Melissa enjoys promoting purposeful play time to help engage children while they are developing strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. She grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and was a competitive gymnast, in addition to becoming a coach as she got older. When she isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her own baby and the rest of her family, especially outside during Chicago summers. She likes to stay active and loves to run, do yoga and strength train.
Annie Eggleston, Lead Teacher
Annie, lovingly referred to as Miss Annie, graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor's in Sociology and double minors in Psychology and International Business. After moving to Chicago in 2015, Annie met many parents who were looking for childcare and a strong sense of community in the city. With these things in mind, Annie opened the Play2Day, a beautiful, well-loved playspace located in Lincoln Park. With the Play2Day journey recently coming to a close, Annie is thrilled to still be a part of the Chicago children's business community with Skip & Scoot. We are also thrilled since, Miss Annie has become an adored “local celebrity” with the families and children of Lincoln Park. When Annie isn't playing with kids, she loves to read, so when you meet her be sure to tell her about your favorite book- children's or otherwise!
Anna McFadden, Events Assistant
Anna is a Boston, MA native who moved to Chicago 3 years ago. Anna graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Studies and Western New England University with a Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Anna has worked with kids for the past 14 years babysitting, volunteering, and teaching. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working with kids with Autism at a pediatric clinic in Chicago. Coming from an avid hiking family and as a former Irish dancer, Anna has always enjoyed and prioritized living an active lifestyle. Anna values the physical and mental health benefits that regular exercise provide. She is very excited to be part of the Skip & Scoot team to share her passion for fitness with kids!
Amy Brophy, Lead Teacher
Amy has an extensive background in musical theater and dance, and has spent the past decade touring, singing, teaching and performing around Chicagoland. She brings a wealth of musical experience and unique creativity to our classes. She recently worked as the Assistant Director on The Polar Express national tour. Working with children is the true joy in her life. When not teaching children’s choreography and youth music theater classes, you can find Amy exploring Chicago by bike or nannying some very lucky kids!
Kristin Rattigan, Lead Teacher
Kristin has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor’s in Psychology from Illinois State University. She also has a Master’s degree in Child Psychology. She spent several years working as a nanny while finishing school. She then went on to work as a school counselor, working with children through emotional and behavioral difficulties. She currently works in a private practice, that specializes in working with children and teenagers. She also has a children’s yoga certification and is passionate about teaching children yoga and breathwork to better their mental health. In her free time, Kristin loves being outside, hiking, listening to live music, finding different ways to stay active, and traveling.