ADMINISTRATION

Program Director
Marla founded Creative Learning Montessori School in 1985, and in 1997 expanded the Center to include our Infant and Elementary Education programs.
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.

Administration
Morgan joined Marla in the office in the fall of 2015 after having been with the school in a teaching role since 2007. She now runs our office keeping track of all the administrative duties and acting as support for the school as a whole.

Elementary School Coordinator
Karen took on the challenge of being our Elementary Coordinator in the Fall of 2010 after being with our school since 2001. Karen uses her strong organizational skills, dedication to the school and love of our students to assure each child has a stellar education. In addition to her administrative role, she continues to lead our Upper Elementary class.

CREATIVE LEARNING MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY STAFF

Upper Elementary (3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th grades)

Karen (also listed in Administration) 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, beginning her experience in Montessori Elementary. 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. Kaitlyn’s many teaching strengths help her create a wonderful program for her class.

Kaitlyn is joined for her first year of teaching at CLMS by Marla (see Program Director) so she is able to spend the year becoming acclimated and comfortable with her new Montessori classroom.

Elementary After School

Lisa leads our after school fun and elementary summer program with energy and enthusiasm – providing the perfect blend of organized activities and free play for our elementary kids with extended hours. Lisa’s years of professional experience in child care and her personal experience of raising her own 6 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. She is a loving and talented teacher for our young learners. 

Andrea joined our staff in 2005. We had been trying to fit her talents with our needs for several year prior to that, and when we finally did, it was a perfect match! Andrea has a deep love of the Montessori method and brings her wonderful enthusiasm to the classroom daily. Her love of students and their potential makes her the perfect teacher for this class.

Pre Primary (Preschool 2 & 3 year olds)

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.
Karen is a long standing caregiver and educator on our team, having joined our staff in 1992. She and Lyubov complement each other beautifully offering the perfect leap into the preschool world for our 2 & 3 year olds. Karen’s daughter was a student at CLMS from infancy through 6th grade.

Toddler/Twos

Lexy (lead teacher Toddler group) has been with our staff since fall 2013. Lexy worked in many of our school groups including Elementary after school, Infants and Primary on a part time basis and then joined our Toddlers as their full time teacher. Lexy’s devotion to our little guys shines as she plans fun activities and provides the consistent guidance that her little folks do so well with.

Dulce is the newest member of our teaching team, and a perfect co-teacher with Lexy.  She immediately was loved by her students and is a wonderful presence in their life.

Infants

Kaitlyn started at CLMS in the fall of 2013 as an assistant in our Infant room. She was the perfect match from the moment she walked through the doors, and while working full time she returned to school to get the classes and knowledge she needed to be lead qualified. Kaitlyn now runs a beautiful program for our littlest friends.

Arely also joined our team as an assistant and we were thrilled when she completed the steps needed to become lead qualified.  Arely and Kaitlyn make an amazing team for the youngest members of our little community of children.