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 splits her time between teaching our Primary room for the bulk of the day and doing a thousand and one administrative tasks in the afternoon.
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)
Denise joined our staff in 2009 as a part-time teacher in our Primary room & has also worked with our Toddler class. Denise has a wonderful rapport with children of all ages and is now loved by her Lower Elementary students. Denise is a certified Illinois Elementary teacher as well as having her certification in Montessori preschool and Lower Elementary. Denise’s many teaching strengths help her create a wonderful program for her class.
Elementary After School
Lisa leads our after school fun 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 day.
CREATIVE LEARNING INFANT THROUGH PRE-K LEAD STAFF
Full Day Primary (Preschool 3 – 5 year olds)
Morgan joined our staff as an assistant in 2007 and we knew right away she was a natural with kids. After working in the Pre-Primary, Elementary and Infant/Toddler classrooms, Morgan is Montessori certified and lead’s the Primary Room with our preschool students. She is a loving, energetic and talented teacher for our young learners. The afternoons in the Full Day Primary room are led by Ally, who joined our staff in the fall of 2016. Ally joined us with experience in preschool education. She brought with her a love of children’s activities that fill the class with fun for the end of their busy day.
Carrie is the newest member of our teaching staff, joining us in the fall of 2015 and coming to us with experience working in early childhood programs as well as having the experience of having her own children. Carrie co-teaches with Morgan in the morning and then does a wonderful job of taking on the lead position to offer our Primary children a perfect end of their day.
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.
Infant/Toddler/Twos
Chrissy (lead teacher Toddler group) has been with our staff since fall 2013. Chrissy has worked with our Elementary after school group and Toddler groups on a part time basis and then joined our Toddlers as their full time teacher. Chrissy’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.
Kaitlyn (lead teacher Infant group) 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.