Lead Faculty

ADMINISTRATION

Program Director/Administrator

Marla founded Creative Learning Montessori School in 1985, and in 1997 expanded the Center to include our Infant program and Elementary School. Marla’s activities as Director include overseeing all aspects of Creative Learning Montessori School. Marla spends her days working within all our programs and communicating with parents. Having two children of her own at Creative Learning over the years has given her the unique opportunity of experiencing the program from the viewpoint of a parent as well as educator/administrator.

CREATIVE LEARNING MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY STAFF

Upper Elementary (3rd, 4th, 5th grades)

Miss Erin joined our Upper Elementary program in 2025. Erin does an amazing job offering an individualized education for her students while preparing them to transition to a variety of educational experiences beyond our program.

Children in her class have confidence, a strong academic knowledge, and compassionate social skills to carry them into their next academic setting.

Erin is certified in Montessori Elementary Education, has an Illinois Teaching License and a Masters Degree in Education.

Lower Elementary (Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grades)

Miss Kaitlyn joined our staff in 2019 as she took on the leadership role with our Lower Elementary students. Kaitlyn was instantly loved by her class as she blended core curriculum subjects with deep dives into cultural studies and the individual interests of her students.

Kaitlyn is licensed as an Illinois Elementary teacher as well as having her Montessori Lower Elementary certification.

Kaitlyn is joined at CLMS by her three children; her two boys in our Elementary School & her daughter in our Early Childhood Program.

CREATIVE LEARNING INFANT THROUGH PRE-K LEAD STAFF

Primary (Preschool 3 – 5 year olds)

Miss Carrie is the senior member of our Early Childhood teaching staff, joining us in the fall of 2015 with prior experience working in early childhood programs. Carrie has 3 kids of her own, two of whom have attended CLMS. Carrie has worked with all our age groups and, in 2018, moved to the Primary Room. After a year in the classroom, she completed her Montessori Primary training and has led the class with learning and fun ever since. Carrie’s certification in both Montessori and traditional Early Childhood Education makes her the perfect lead for our Primary room as she blends styles to offer a program that molds to her group.

The afternoons in the Primary room are led by Mr. Matt. Matt joined our team as an assistant in 2024 as he took his first dip into the Early Childhood world. It has proven to be the perfect match for him and he now works with Carrie until she leaves for the day and then leads the class until closing. Matt fills the class with a fun blend of structured activities and free play that allow for a relaxed end to a busy day.

Pre Primary (Preschool 2 & 3 year olds)

Miss Laisha joined our team in 2024 and was instantly the perfect fit for our Pre-Primary class. With a background working with many age groups in traditional programs, and an instant interest in adding Montessori certification, Laisha magically leads our younger preschool students. She runs a classroom full of fun and learning, while gently guiding her little group as they grow in abilities and independence.

Laisha is the mom of one, who joins us as a CLMS student.

Infants & Toddlers

Miss Ashanti leads our Toddler class as she oversees the jump from infancy to toddlerhood where children develop new physical, social, and academic skills. Ashanti’s devotion to our little guys shines as she provides fun activities and the consistent guidance that her little folks do so well with. She is a loving, energetic and talented teacher for our young learners.

In our Infant class Miss Lily leads with a gentle and calm presence. Lily has been with CLMS since 2023 when she joined us as an assistant. Finding that she was a natural with children, she continued on and completed her training to become a lead teacher. Now Lily heads our Infant room, offering a calm, sweet, energetic, and loving environment for our youngest friends. Lily tracks schedules and the ever-changing needs of infants with skill.