Maggie Kohler
hello@maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
Neuroscience Grad · Elgin, IL
From Elgin classrooms to the streets of Medellín, Colombia, I've spent half my life working with kids. Now, with a degree in neuroscience, I'm studying how intentional care and support shape the developing brain.
A little more about me
Every child carries their story into the classroom. For kids who've lived through trauma, that story is written into the developing brain.
I’ve spent half my life working with kids in communities I care deeply about; both in my hometown of Elgin (outside Chicago) and for 2 years on the streets of Medellin Colombia. In each environment, my experience has shown me the power that intentional care and support can make for a developing child.
After returning to the US, I have spent the last few years focusing on backing my experience up with education, by completing a degree focused on Neuroscience. While in school, I also launched a local business (called Bodega) focused on empowering families to receive fresh produce and integrate healthy food education into their homes.
Today I'm pursuing research assistant, lab, and graduate opportunities in child development and trauma. If these passion areas excite you too - I would love to connect!
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Where I’ve been
EDUCATION
Bachelor's in Neuroscience
University of Illinois Chicago · 2026
A.S. in Neuroscience
Elgin Community College · 2021–2023
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
SKILLS
Trauma-informed care
Early childhood education
Neuroscience
Scientific writing
Classroom support
Small business operations
Youth programming
Child development
Program planning & facilitation
Behavior & emotional support
Animal research
Dissection
Aug 2022 to Present
Founder
·
Bodega
Elgin, IL
Bodega is an Elgin-based business focused on providing fresh food (direct from local farms) to families in our community. I built a company from the ground up around something I saw firsthand living in Colombia: fresh, accessible food changes how people live. Food can be an incredible catalyst for community, health, and development - and I wanted to be part of that in Elgin.
In this role, I've learned firsthand how a small business works, from pricing and sourcing to operations and growth, and built a model where revenue and community are balanced goals - growing together. It's shaped how I think about social impact: sustainable financial models, designed well, can meet real community needs.
Check us out at elginbodega.com
Fall 2023 to Spring 2026
Student
·
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
Bachelor's in Neuroscience, 2026
My formal education has only expanded my deep love for seeing science connect with life. I started at Elgin Community College, earning an Associate of Science in Neuroscience, then transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago to finish my Bachelor's. Along the way, I got hands-on in the lab, from dissection-based anatomy work paired with formal research writing to a study of scopolamine's effects in mice. Each course brought me back to the question I first asked in a preschool classroom: what is happening in a child's brain when life has been hard, and what helps it grow?
2019 to 2021
Paraprofessional
·
School District U46 (MORE@4)
Elgin, IL
As a Paraprofessional in U46's MORE@4 program, a trauma-informed preschool program, I supported lead teachers in creating a safe, steady day for young learners. In this role, I became a go-to support for students having the hardest time adjusting, using what I was learning about how young brains respond to stress to help them settle, connect, and engage.
2017 to 2019
Children's Program Coordinator
·
Fundación Viento Fresco
Medellín, Colombia
As Children's Program Staff at Viento Fresco, a Medellín foundation serving at-risk children and youth, I planned and facilitated programming for kids from early childhood through adolescence. In this role, I designed and led youth sports engagement programs and partnered with teachers to plan and deliver classroom support, all in Spanish.
Let’s Connect!
Maggie Kohler
© 2026 Maggie Kohler · maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
hello@maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
Neuroscience Grad · Elgin, IL
From Elgin classrooms to the streets of Medellín, Colombia, I've spent half my life working with kids. Now, with a degree in neuroscience, I'm studying how intentional care and support shape the developing brain.
A little more about me
Every child carries their story into the classroom. For kids who've lived through trauma, that story is written into the developing brain.
I’ve spent half my life working with kids in communities I care deeply about; both in my hometown of Elgin (outside Chicago) and for 2 years on the streets of Medellin Colombia. In each environment, my experience has shown me the power that intentional care and support can make for a developing child.
After returning to the US, I have spent the last few years focusing on backing my experience up with education, by completing a degree focused on Neuroscience. While in school, I also launched a local business (called Bodega) focused on empowering families to receive fresh produce and integrate healthy food education into their homes.
Today I'm pursuing research assistant, lab, and graduate opportunities in child development and trauma. If these passion areas excite you too - I would love to connect!
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Where I’ve been
EDUCATION
Bachelor's in Neuroscience
University of Illinois Chicago · 2026
A.S. in Neuroscience
Elgin Community College · 2021–2023
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
SKILLS
Trauma-informed care
Early childhood education
Neuroscience
Scientific writing
Classroom support
Small business operations
Youth programming
Child development
Program planning & facilitation
Behavior & emotional support
Animal research
Dissection
Aug 2022 to Present
Founder
·
Bodega
Elgin, IL
Bodega is an Elgin-based business focused on providing fresh food (direct from local farms) to families in our community. I built a company from the ground up around something I saw firsthand living in Colombia: fresh, accessible food changes how people live. Food can be an incredible catalyst for community, health, and development - and I wanted to be part of that in Elgin.
In this role, I've learned firsthand how a small business works, from pricing and sourcing to operations and growth, and built a model where revenue and community are balanced goals - growing together. It's shaped how I think about social impact: sustainable financial models, designed well, can meet real community needs.
Check us out at elginbodega.com
Fall 2023 to Spring 2026
Student
·
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
Bachelor's in Neuroscience, 2026
My formal education has only expanded my deep love for seeing science connect with life. I started at Elgin Community College, earning an Associate of Science in Neuroscience, then transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago to finish my Bachelor's. Along the way, I got hands-on in the lab, from dissection-based anatomy work paired with formal research writing to a study of scopolamine's effects in mice. Each course brought me back to the question I first asked in a preschool classroom: what is happening in a child's brain when life has been hard, and what helps it grow?
2019 to 2021
Paraprofessional
·
School District U46 (MORE@4)
Elgin, IL
As a Paraprofessional in U46's MORE@4 program, a trauma-informed preschool program, I supported lead teachers in creating a safe, steady day for young learners. In this role, I became a go-to support for students having the hardest time adjusting, using what I was learning about how young brains respond to stress to help them settle, connect, and engage.
2017 to 2019
Children's Program Coordinator
·
Fundación Viento Fresco
Medellín, Colombia
As Children's Program Staff at Viento Fresco, a Medellín foundation serving at-risk children and youth, I planned and facilitated programming for kids from early childhood through adolescence. In this role, I designed and led youth sports engagement programs and partnered with teachers to plan and deliver classroom support, all in Spanish.
Let’s Connect!
Maggie Kohler
© 2026 Maggie Kohler · maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
hello@maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
Neuroscience Grad · Elgin, IL
From Elgin classrooms to the streets of Medellín, Colombia, I've spent half my life working with kids. Now, with a degree in neuroscience, I'm studying how intentional care and support shape the developing brain.
“
[A short line in Maggie’s voice about what she values in her work. Something warm and personal.]
A little more about me
Every child carries their story into the classroom. For kids who've lived through trauma, that story is written into the developing brain.
I’ve spent half my life working with kids in communities I care deeply about; both in my hometown of Elgin (outside Chicago) and for 2 years on the streets of Medellin Colombia. In each environment, my experience has shown me the power that intentional care and support can make for a developing child.
After returning to the US, I have spent the last few years focusing on backing my experience up with education, by completing a degree focused on Neuroscience. While in school, I also launched a local business (called Bodega) focused on empowering families to receive fresh produce and integrate healthy food education into their homes.
Today I'm pursuing research assistant, lab, and graduate opportunities in child development and trauma. If these passion areas excite you too - I would love to connect!
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Where I’ve been
EDUCATION
Bachelor's in Neuroscience
University of Illinois Chicago · 2026
A.S. in Neuroscience
Elgin Community College · 2021–2023
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
SKILLS
Trauma-informed care
Early childhood education
Neuroscience
Scientific writing
Classroom support
Small business operations
Youth programming
Child development
Program planning & facilitation
Behavior & emotional support
Animal research
Dissection
Aug 2022 to Present
Founder
·
Bodega
Elgin, IL
Bodega is an Elgin-based business focused on providing fresh food (direct from local farms) to families in our community. I built a company from the ground up around something I saw firsthand living in Colombia: fresh, accessible food changes how people live. Food can be an incredible catalyst for community, health, and development - and I wanted to be part of that in Elgin.
In this role, I've learned firsthand how a small business works, from pricing and sourcing to operations and growth, and built a model where revenue and community are balanced goals - growing together. It's shaped how I think about social impact: sustainable financial models, designed well, can meet real community needs.
Check us out at elginbodega.com
Fall 2023 to Spring 2026
Student
·
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
Bachelor's in Neuroscience, 2026
My formal education has only expanded my deep love for seeing science connect with life. I started at Elgin Community College, earning an Associate of Science in Neuroscience, then transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago to finish my Bachelor's. Along the way, I got hands-on in the lab, from dissection-based anatomy work paired with formal research writing to a study of scopolamine's effects in mice. Each course brought me back to the question I first asked in a preschool classroom: what is happening in a child's brain when life has been hard, and what helps it grow?
2019 to 2021
Paraprofessional
·
School District U46 (MORE@4)
Elgin, IL
As a Paraprofessional in U46's MORE@4 program, a trauma-informed preschool program, I supported lead teachers in creating a safe, steady day for young learners. In this role, I became a go-to support for students having the hardest time adjusting, using what I was learning about how young brains respond to stress to help them settle, connect, and engage.
2017 to 2019
Children's Program Coordinator
·
Fundación Viento Fresco
Medellín, Colombia
As Children's Program Staff at Viento Fresco, a Medellín foundation serving at-risk children and youth, I planned and facilitated programming for kids from early childhood through adolescence. In this role, I designed and led youth sports engagement programs and partnered with teachers to plan and deliver classroom support, all in Spanish.
Let’s Connect!
Maggie Kohler
© 2026 Maggie Kohler · maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
hello@maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
Neuroscience Grad · Elgin, IL
From Elgin classrooms to the streets of Medellín, Colombia, I've spent half my life working with kids. Now, with a degree in neuroscience, I'm studying how intentional care and support shape the developing brain.
“
[A short line in Maggie’s voice about what she values in her work. Something warm and personal.]
A little more about me
Every child carries their story into the classroom. For kids who've lived through trauma, that story is written into the developing brain.
I’ve spent half my life working with kids in communities I care deeply about; both in my hometown of Elgin (outside Chicago) and for 2 years on the streets of Medellin Colombia. In each environment, my experience has shown me the power that intentional care and support can make for a developing child.
After returning to the US, I have spent the last few years focusing on backing my experience up with education, by completing a degree focused on Neuroscience. While in school, I also launched a local business (called Bodega) focused on empowering families to receive fresh produce and integrate healthy food education into their homes.
Today I'm pursuing research assistant, lab, and graduate opportunities in child development and trauma. If these passion areas excite you too - I would love to connect!
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Where I’ve been
EDUCATION
Bachelor's in Neuroscience
University of Illinois Chicago · 2026
A.S. in Neuroscience
Elgin Community College · 2021–2023
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
SKILLS
Trauma-informed care
Early childhood education
Neuroscience
Scientific writing
Classroom support
Small business operations
Youth programming
Child development
Program planning & facilitation
Behavior & emotional support
Animal research
Dissection
Aug 2022 to Present
Founder
·
Bodega
Elgin, IL
Bodega is an Elgin-based business focused on providing fresh food (direct from local farms) to families in our community. I built a company from the ground up around something I saw firsthand living in Colombia: fresh, accessible food changes how people live. Food can be an incredible catalyst for community, health, and development - and I wanted to be part of that in Elgin.
In this role, I've learned firsthand how a small business works, from pricing and sourcing to operations and growth, and built a model where revenue and community are balanced goals - growing together. It's shaped how I think about social impact: sustainable financial models, designed well, can meet real community needs.
Check us out at elginbodega.com
Fall 2023 to Spring 2026
Student
·
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
Bachelor's in Neuroscience, 2026
My formal education has only expanded my deep love for seeing science connect with life. I started at Elgin Community College, earning an Associate of Science in Neuroscience, then transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago to finish my Bachelor's. Along the way, I got hands-on in the lab, from dissection-based anatomy work paired with formal research writing to a study of scopolamine's effects in mice. Each course brought me back to the question I first asked in a preschool classroom: what is happening in a child's brain when life has been hard, and what helps it grow?
2019 to 2021
Paraprofessional
·
School District U46 (MORE@4)
Elgin, IL
As a Paraprofessional in U46's MORE@4 program, a trauma-informed preschool program, I supported lead teachers in creating a safe, steady day for young learners. In this role, I became a go-to support for students having the hardest time adjusting, using what I was learning about how young brains respond to stress to help them settle, connect, and engage.
2017 to 2019
Children's Program Coordinator
·
Fundación Viento Fresco
Medellín, Colombia
As Children's Program Staff at Viento Fresco, a Medellín foundation serving at-risk children and youth, I planned and facilitated programming for kids from early childhood through adolescence. In this role, I designed and led youth sports engagement programs and partnered with teachers to plan and deliver classroom support, all in Spanish.
Let’s Connect!
Maggie Kohler
© 2026 Maggie Kohler · maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
hello@maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
Neuroscience Grad · Elgin, IL
From Elgin classrooms to the streets of Medellín, Colombia, I've spent half my life working with kids. Now, with a degree in neuroscience, I'm studying how intentional care and support shape the developing brain.
“
[A short line in Maggie’s voice about what she values in her work. Something warm and personal.]
A little more about me
Every child carries their story into the classroom. For kids who've lived through trauma, that story is written into the developing brain.
I’ve spent half my life working with kids in communities I care deeply about; both in my hometown of Elgin (outside Chicago) and for 2 years on the streets of Medellin Colombia. In each environment, my experience has shown me the power that intentional care and support can make for a developing child.
After returning to the US, I have spent the last few years focusing on backing my experience up with education, by completing a degree focused on Neuroscience. While in school, I also launched a local business (called Bodega) focused on empowering families to receive fresh produce and integrate healthy food education into their homes.
Today I'm pursuing research assistant, lab, and graduate opportunities in child development and trauma. If these passion areas excite you too - I would love to connect!
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Where I’ve been
EDUCATION
Bachelor's in Neuroscience
University of Illinois Chicago · 2026
A.S. in Neuroscience
Elgin Community College · 2021–2023
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
SKILLS
Trauma-informed care
Early childhood education
Neuroscience
Scientific writing
Classroom support
Small business operations
Youth programming
Child development
Program planning & facilitation
Behavior & emotional support
Animal research
Dissection
Founder
·
Bodega
Elgin, IL
Bodega is an Elgin-based business focused on providing fresh food (direct from local farms) to families in our community. I built a company from the ground up around something I saw firsthand living in Colombia: fresh, accessible food changes how people live. Food can be an incredible catalyst for community, health, and development - and I wanted to be part of that in Elgin.
In this role, I've learned firsthand how a small business works, from pricing and sourcing to operations and growth, and built a model where revenue and community are balanced goals - growing together. It's shaped how I think about social impact: sustainable financial models, designed well, can meet real community needs.
Check us out at elginbodega.com
Aug 2022 to Present
Student
·
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
Bachelor's in Neuroscience, 2026
My formal education has only expanded my deep love for seeing science connect with life. I started at Elgin Community College, earning an Associate of Science in Neuroscience, then transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago to finish my Bachelor's. Along the way, I got hands-on in the lab, from dissection-based anatomy work paired with formal research writing to a study of scopolamine's effects in mice. Each course brought me back to the question I first asked in a preschool classroom: what is happening in a child's brain when life has been hard, and what helps it grow?
Fall 2023 to Spring 2026
Paraprofessional
·
School District U46 (MORE@4)
Elgin, IL
As a Paraprofessional in U46's MORE@4 program, a trauma-informed preschool program, I supported lead teachers in creating a safe, steady day for young learners. In this role, I became a go-to support for students having the hardest time adjusting, using what I was learning about how young brains respond to stress to help them settle, connect, and engage.
2019 to 2021
Children's Program Coordinator
·
Fundación Viento Fresco
Medellín, Colombia
As Children's Program Staff at Viento Fresco, a Medellín foundation serving at-risk children and youth, I planned and facilitated programming for kids from early childhood through adolescence. In this role, I designed and led youth sports engagement programs and partnered with teachers to plan and deliver classroom support, all in Spanish.
2017 to 2019
Let’s Connect!
Maggie Kohler
© 2026 Maggie Kohler · maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
hello@maggiekohler.com
Maggie Kohler
Neuroscience Grad · Elgin, IL
From Elgin classrooms to the streets of Medellín, Colombia, I've spent half my life working with kids. Now, with a degree in neuroscience, I'm studying how intentional care and support shape the developing brain.
“
[A short line in Maggie’s voice about what she values in her work. Something warm and personal.]
A little more about me
Every child carries their story into the classroom. For kids who've lived through trauma, that story is written into the developing brain.
I’ve spent half my life working with kids in communities I care deeply about; both in my hometown of Elgin (outside Chicago) and for 2 years on the streets of Medellin Colombia. In each environment, my experience has shown me the power that intentional care and support can make for a developing child.
After returning to the US, I have spent the last few years focusing on backing my experience up with education, by completing a degree focused on Neuroscience. While in school, I also launched a local business (called Bodega) focused on empowering families to receive fresh produce and integrate healthy food education into their homes.
Today I'm pursuing research assistant, lab, and graduate opportunities in child development and trauma. If these passion areas excite you too - I would love to connect!
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Where I’ve been
EDUCATION
Bachelor's in Neuroscience
University of Illinois Chicago · 2026
A.S. in Neuroscience
Elgin Community College · 2021–2023
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
SKILLS
Trauma-informed care
Early childhood education
Neuroscience
Scientific writing
Classroom support
Small business operations
Youth programming
Child development
Program planning & facilitation
Behavior & emotional support
Animal research
Dissection
Founder
·
Bodega
Elgin, IL
Bodega is an Elgin-based business focused on providing fresh food (direct from local farms) to families in our community. I built a company from the ground up around something I saw firsthand living in Colombia: fresh, accessible food changes how people live. Food can be an incredible catalyst for community, health, and development - and I wanted to be part of that in Elgin.
In this role, I've learned firsthand how a small business works, from pricing and sourcing to operations and growth, and built a model where revenue and community are balanced goals - growing together. It's shaped how I think about social impact: sustainable financial models, designed well, can meet real community needs.
Check us out at elginbodega.com
Aug 2022 to Present
Student
·
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
Bachelor's in Neuroscience, 2026
My formal education has only expanded my deep love for seeing science connect with life. I started at Elgin Community College, earning an Associate of Science in Neuroscience, then transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago to finish my Bachelor's. Along the way, I got hands-on in the lab, from dissection-based anatomy work paired with formal research writing to a study of scopolamine's effects in mice. Each course brought me back to the question I first asked in a preschool classroom: what is happening in a child's brain when life has been hard, and what helps it grow?
Fall 2023 to Spring 2026
Paraprofessional
·
School District U46 (MORE@4)
Elgin, IL
As a Paraprofessional in U46's MORE@4 program, a trauma-informed preschool program, I supported lead teachers in creating a safe, steady day for young learners. In this role, I became a go-to support for students having the hardest time adjusting, using what I was learning about how young brains respond to stress to help them settle, connect, and engage.
2019 to 2021
Children's Program Coordinator
·
Fundación Viento Fresco
Medellín, Colombia
As Children's Program Staff at Viento Fresco, a Medellín foundation serving at-risk children and youth, I planned and facilitated programming for kids from early childhood through adolescence. In this role, I designed and led youth sports engagement programs and partnered with teachers to plan and deliver classroom support, all in Spanish.
2017 to 2019
Let’s Connect!
Maggie Kohler
© 2026 Maggie Kohler · maggiekohler.com