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Faculty

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)

Karen created our Upper Elementary program in 2001. Karen does an amazing job continuing to offer 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. Karen is certified in Montessori Elementary Education, has an Illinois Teaching License, and a Masters Degree in Education.

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

Kaitlyn joined our staff in 2019, with her first experience teaching in a Montessori classroom. Kaitlyn has a wonderful rapport with children of all ages and is loved by her Lower Elementary students. Kaitlyn is a certified Illinois Elementary teacher with experience in traditional classrooms that compliments and strengthens her work in our Montessori environment. Kaitlyn’s many teaching strengths help her create a wonderful program for her class. Kaitlyn has two preschool children with us at CLMS.

Elementary After School

Tiffany leads our after school fun and elementary summer program – providing the perfect blend of organized activities and free play for our elementary kids with extended hours.Tiffany has worked at CLMS since 2017 in every age group and every position. Tiffany jumps in with the love for her students and offers caring, relaxed guidance to the children in any group she is working with. Her versatility and ability to shift with the interests and moods of the kids makes her the perfect match for this part of our program.

CREATIVE LEARNING INFANT THROUGH PRE-K LEAD STAFF

Full Day Primary (Preschool 3 – 5 year olds)

Carrie joined our staff in the fall of 2015 with experience working in early childhood programs as well as having 3 kids of her own. After working in the Toddler classroom, Carrie moved to the Primary Room with our preschool students. After a year in the classroom, she completed her Montessori Primary training and has led the class with learning and fun ever since. She is a loving and talented teacher for our young learners. Carrie’s youngest daughter is a student in our Elementary program.

Nikita works alongside Carrie to keep the Primary room running smoothly. Nikita has been a part of the CLMS staff since 2018 and worked with infants, toddlers, Pre-Primary, & now Primary. Once she joined the Primary class she knew it was the group for her. Nikita anticipates the needs of the class and each child as an amazing support for all.

Pre Primary (Preschool 2 & 3 year olds)

Arely originally joined our team in 2015 as an assistant and we were thrilled when she completed the steps needed to become lead qualified. Arely has worked in many of our age groups and has now found her perfect placement with our 2’s & 3’s. She runs a classroom full of fun while gently guiding her little group as they grow in abilities and independence.

Lyubov taught in an English language high school in the Ukraine for years, and made a seamless switch to much younger students upon joining our staff. Lyubov started as an assistant in 2002, knew it was where she belonged, and took classes to become teacher-qualified. She has worked with the Pre=Primary class for her entire career at CLMS and is truly an expert at the care and teaching of this age group.

Ashley joined the CLMS team in the fall 0f 2021 and immediately was an amazing addition. Ashley has a great instinct for the needs of children and works seamlessly in any group. Ashley has the important position of working between Pre-Primary and Toddlers so she is able to provide a familiar face to children of our program as they “move-up” as well as offering the important insight of knowing each child as they prepare for their move to Pre-Primary.
Toddler/Twos

Christie joined us in 2020 as an assistant in the Infant room and now leads our Toddler class. Her enthusiasm, and love of providing a fun and cozy environment for her students makes each child happy to come through her door in the morning. Christie oversees the jump from infancy to toddlerhood in her young friends as they develop new physical, social, and academic skills.

Tiffany became a staff member in 2017 and has worked every classroom and age group in her years with us. Tiffany’s affection for her students and caring, relaxed guidance makes her perfect for this age group. Her versatility and ability to shift with the interests and moods is oh so important for this group. Tiffany works mornings with the toddlers and jumps to our Elementary after school group in the afternoon.

Ashley joined the CLMS team in the fall of 2021 and immediately was an amazing addition. Ashley has a great instinct for the needs of children and works seamlessly in any group. Ashley has the important position of working between Toddlers and Pre-Primary so she is able to provide a familiar face to children of our program as they “move-up” as well as offering the important insight of knowing each child as they prepare for their move to Pre-Primary.
Infants

Lexy has been with CLMS since 2013 when she joined us as a part-time assistant. Finding that she was a natural with children, she continued on and received her training to become a lead teacher. Now Lexy heads our Infant room staff with an amazing ability; offering a calm, sweet, energetic, and loving environment for our youngest friends. Lexy tracks schedules and the ever changing needs of infants with skill. Lexy has 2 children in our program enjoying time with friends in their classes.

Jessica is a part-time staff member with us since 2020. Jessica started with our toddlers, and now takes over the lead position in our baby room when Lexy leaves for the day. Jessica is a natural with children and, though new to childcare, has taken to it since day one! Jessica is working toward being an elementary school teacher and is sure to benefit any group she is with.

Fatima is our Infant Room assistant having been with us since 2020. Being the mom of 3 young children, she smoothly offers all the TLC required in an Infant room. Her enjoyment of the children is evident as she juggles bottles, naps, play, and guidance for our little friends.

All-School Support

Andrea joined our staff in 2005 and taught in our preschool classrooms for 15 years. Now, having cut back on her work hours, Andrea offers support to all our classrooms and is loved by the children schoolwide. Andrea has a deep love of the Montessori method and brings her wonderful enthusiasm to CLMS daily. Her love of students and their potential makes her the perfect influence on our students.

Su has been a lovely addition to our CLMS staff since 2019 when she joined us to get some classroom experience as she pursued her Early Childhood Degree. Su has worked part-time with us as she has continued her classes, and works with all age groups and in a variety of roles.