Meet our Team!

I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BA in Communications Education and spent nearly ten years as a high school English, Speech and Drama teacher on the south side of Chicago. Years later, my husband and I stood in an observation room watching children happily engaged in a variety of activities. We were hooked on Montessori from those first moments, watching children work in different ways, at different speeds and being led by their interests. Our daughter was enrolled that fall and three years later, when our twins were ready to begin preschool, I began my training at Seton Montessori Institute.

All three of our children completed Montessori through 8th grade and, after years of leading my own 3-6 classroom, I am living my dream at Lupine Montessori School.

As my journey continues, I look forward to promoting Montessori’s vision of peace in my work as a Head of School, a teacher trainer, and life-long Montessorian!

My husband and I first learned about Montessori in 2008 through our daughter’s journey at a local Lithuanian Montessori program. We watched our daughter slowly emerge from a protective cocoon and blossom into a confident individual whose love of learning continues to serve her well as she heads into Junior High. After the birth of our second daughter and taking some time off to be fully present in motherhood, I began my Montessori training at Seton Montessori Institute, graduating in 2016.

Since that time, I have enjoyed the collaborative spirit that is part of the classroom community. I love offering encouragement to children, sharing their triumphs and delighting in the challenge of new ideas and experiences. It is my commitment to create a beautiful environment designed to meet the needs and growing interests of each child, providing opportunities for exploration leading to confident and creative self-expression.

I was inspired to pursue a career in Montessori education as a parent of three children who attended Montessori for their primary years. I love that the Montessori way is intended to prepare the children for all aspects of life and not just for school.

As I spend more and more time in the beautiful classroom community, I see the children empowered to be independent, follow their interests, and to be the best of themselves. The primary years are my favorite because the children are just bursting with curiosity, activity, and growth. It is exciting to be an observer and guide on these first years of a child’s journey of life.

I graduated from DePaul University with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in Spanish. I’m married and have two amazing daughters, Chloe and Eva.

As my husband and I looked into preschools for our oldest, we were introduced to the amazing world that is Montessori education. I was immediately drawn to the learning environment and the philosophy of Maria Montessori. I began volunteering at Chloe’s school and eventually worked as an assistant in their toddler program. When Eva was born, my husband and I found Lupine Montessori and we are so thankful and excited to be part of this loving community.

I am delighted to be a member of the wonderful Lupine community and look forward to this new journey in the Casa.

My Montessori journey began when I was 24 years old at Denali Montessori in Anchorage, Alaska. It was a five-day substitute teaching job that ended up lasting eight years. I had never heard of Maria Montessori, however, I could see immediately the purpose and passion within each teacher to do this work and the enthusiasm demonstrated by the children while engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.

I graduated from Augustana College in 2003 with English and Sociology degrees as well as earning NCAA, All American Honors playing tailback for the football team. I completed my Montessori training for lower elementary at Seton Montessori in 2015. I have presented workshops at both state and national conferences on approaches to Physical Education and the benefits of purposeful activities in green spaces. My wife and I enjoy camping, reading, hiking, fires, cycling, and family hammock time with our daughter.

Montessori called to me in 2016 and I have been in love with it ever since! I love creating beautiful things with my hands such as decorating, planting, and sewing! In my free time, I like to shop, read, and go to the gym. I love sharing my experiences and learning from the students and team at Lupine!

I graduated from Drake University in 2009 with a degree in Art History, and I try to incorporate art into my everyday life! Painting, drawing, and digital art are a few areas I enjoy.

When I was expecting my daughter back in 2019, I was first introduced to the Montessori way of teaching through a dear friend. I immediately fell in love, and have strived to continue that mindset with my daughter every day!

We enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors hiking and fishing, and have an all-around appreciation and love of nature! You might even catch us hugging a few trees here and there!

I am so incredibly excited to be a part of the amazing Lupine Montessori team!

I started my Montessori journey in 2012 as an adolescent math and science specialist.

In 2014, I started my elementary training. Montessori is my passion and I absolutely love working with kids. Prior, I worked as an environmental educator at Nature’s Classroom. I graduated with a degree in environmental studies with a focus on marine biology. Before Montessori, I wanted to research sharks. My past times include playing sports but I also love gardening, reading thrillers and historical fiction, and music.

My husband and I, along with our 3 kids, are beyond excited to join the Lupine family!

After seeing a TED talk on the importance of creativity in education, I became particularly interested in alternative education methods. Montessori was the answer to many concerns I realized while earning my Master’s in Elementary Education and in my public school teaching experience.

Besides education, I have two degrees in Acting and work as a professional actor in Chicago. I am happiest when spending time with my wife, two stepsons, dog, and aquatic frog.

I am honored to be part of the Lupine community!

I’ve been teaching in some capacity since I graduated from U of I in 1995 with a degree Speech Education. I began my career teaching English, Speech, and Yearbook classes in public high school. I homeschooled my girls from kindergarten through their sophomore year of high school. In addition, I led several homeschool co-op classes in Speech, Poetry & Photography, Spanish, and Yearbook.

I’m excited to be a part of the Lupine family!

I worked in information technology for about thirty years. During that period, I was a programmer/analyst, systems analyst, and database administrator. Looking for a change, I tutored high school students in algebra and geometry while working for Saga Education, a nonprofit that provides tutoring to underserved high school students in the Chicago Public School system. I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University. My wife JoAnn and I live in Woodridge with our new puppy.

I am a recent graduate from Lewis University, holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology along with 46 credit hours toward a master’s degree in early childhood special education. I am furthering my education by learning more about Montessori education.

My true passion in life is to interact with children and their families to facilitate the academic success and enrichment of our youth.

The oldest of three girls, born and raised in Lockport, Illinois, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to support the students, families, and staff of the Lupine Montessori School.

For years, I fostered young minds as a teacher – both for children with autism and in preschool. While I now run my own virtual assistant and social media business from home (hello, flexibility!), I often miss the infectious energy and joy kids bring.

Being a mom of four keeps things lively – three amazing daughters in college and my youngest, Sawyer, keeping Lupine busy. We're a big family that loves dance parties, game nights, and reliving the drama (and strategy!) of Survivor.

I’ve been a teacher, Boy Scout leader, PTO President and mom to three beautiful children. I love any type of arts and crafts! Along with scrapbooking, reading is another passion of mine that I enjoy sharing with the students.

You may find me where I began in the Lower Elementary or subbing in another classroom.

It is both an honor and a privilege to work with this wonderful team of educators, these beautiful children, and their wonderful parents who have contributed to making Lupine such a great community to be a part of.

You will see me around Lupine in many capacities! In the mornings you can find me with the Before School Care children. I also sub when needed and help out in the front office.