Our Staff
Each room is staffed by a Lead teacher with early childhood education. Our lead teachers have Montessori certification, Montessori professional development training or the opportunity to acquire the certification through AMS. All professional staff meet yearly requirements for continuing education with additional trainings.
All staff participate in Professional Development opportunities throughout each school year and are given the opportunity to attend Montessori-based workshops and conferences.
Teacher-student ratios are 1:5 (Young Toddler), 1:8 (Toddler House) and 1:12 (Children’s House and Kindergarten). Lead teachers have assistants who have completed various levels of certified Montessori training.
Teachers and assistants are assessed each year by the Head of School and the parents so that the staff is continually improving their skills and capabilities.
Teacher Training
- All Day Montessori teachers are Montessori certified or are in the process of completing their certification.
- All lead teachers have bachelors degrees in education or comparable student teaching experience.
- Assistants are strongly encouraged to complete their undergraduate degrees.
- All Day Montessori requires all lead teachers to complete their Montessori certification and provides financial assistance for this purpose.
Staff – Academic Term 2022-2023
Toddler Houses
Young Toddler House (15 months – 30 months)
Denneille Thomas
Lead teacher, Asst. Director of ADM Young Toddler/Toddler House Program
Denneille or Mrs Nell joined the ADM family in 2021. She is married with three children, ages 9, 14 & 15. Previously, she worked with children for over 10 years in a home daycare setting. Most recently she was a teacher’s assistant with 1st and 2nd grade special education students. She recently received her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Practice from National Louis University. This achievement led her back to her passion of working with preschool age children. When not teaching Mrs. Nell loves to spend time with her family! Nell has completed the Discover Montessori course at Seton Montessori Institute.
Karen Harris
YT Assistant Teacher
The youngest of 10 children, Karen Harris was born and raised in the Beverly neighborhood. After earning her associate’s degree from NIU she moved to San Francisco where she taught for 5 years at the exclusive Getty Montessori PlayGroup. She eventually moved back to the Beverly neighborhood to raise her family of four girls, all Montessori trained of course. She has returned now to her first love, teaching young minds in the Montessori tradition.
Danielle Griffin
YT Assistant Teacher
Danielle is the oldest of three children born and raised in Chicago. She has worked with children as a camp counselor, babysitter, and swim instructor. Danielle was a floating assistant at Guidepost Montessori at Parker in Colorado for two years while she studied film at the Colorado Film School. She joined ADM in November 2022 and is excited to be making her mark with the YT community!
Jane Doran
YT and Toddler House Floater
Jane joined All Day Montessori late September of 2022. A little back story on Jane would be that she worked with Ivy League Kids at Mount Greenwood Elementary School. Jane would be mentoring and guiding students on the right path in life. She also worked with her local Youth Ministry and was always a helping hand in her and other communities. Jane came from a big family so she always took care of her younger cousins. She’s excited to work with ADM. Jane is very outgoing and outspoken.
Toddler House I (2 years – 3.5 years)
Jasmine McCowns
Co-Lead Teacher
Jasmine McCowns was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She received her associate’s degree from Olive Harvey College and her Bachelor’s in Business Management from Chicago State University. She has been in early childhood education for 8-plus years as a lead teacher and substitute. As a teacher, her aim is to create a welcoming and nurturing learning environment where she can inspire and motivate all her students to become extraordinary leaders and decision-makers. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her partner and family. She was excited to become a part of the ADM family.
Jasmine has completed the Discover Montessori course at Seton Montessori Institute.
Ashiya Archie
Assistant Teacher
Ashiya joined the ADM team during the summer of 2021. Ms. Ashiya graduated from Simeon Career Academy in June 2021. While there Ashiya was part of the Sojourner Scholars program. This program helps students promote intellectual growth, community and civic participation. Ashiya also did the CTE program, and was part of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Day of Service on the St. Sabina campus. She plans on continuing getting her certification to become a licensed electrician and work in the trades. Ashiya has also volunteered for After School Matters and helped build free libraries and put them in local communities. One of her passions is working with children. Prior to joining ADM, she helped run an in-home day care.
Ashiya has completed the Discover Montessori course at Seton Montessori Institute.
Toddler House II (2 years – 3.5 years)
Shannon O’Keefe-Anderson
Co-Lead Teacher
Hello my name is Ms. Shannon. I have recently joined All Day Montessori in January 2021, but it already has my heart. I started off as a substitute teacher, working with all ages at the school. I co-taught in CH1 with three to six year olds. I have known for years that I wanted to make a career out of working with children because they really light up my life. I started my career working at daycares. I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, which led me to working in DCFS as a caseworker. After leaving DCFS, I returned to my previous daycare and received my Teaching Certificate. I happily worked as the teacher for the infant room for two years. Prior to coming to ADM, I had nearly seven years working professionally with children along with fifteen years of informal experience. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our animals. My goal as a teacher is to provide a complete education to all children with love and fun.
(Shannon is currently in the Infant/Toddler Montessori Endorsement Program through Seton Montessori.)
Brianna Burge
Co-Lead Teacher
Hello! I’m Brianna or Ms. Bri. I recently joined the ADM family September 2022 as the Co-Lead teacher for Toddler House 2. I have a BA in Family Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Services from Eastern Illinois University. I have been in the early childhood education field for 3 years as both a lead teacher and permanent substitute. When I am not teaching, I am spending time with my family and dog! I come from a big family of 7 brothers and sisters, most of whom are younger than me. They are where my passion for children and education derived from. As a teacher my goal is to encourage my children to flourish and become independent young people.
Brianna has completed the Discover Montessori course at Seton Montessori Institute.
Rolanda Tetteh
Young Toddler and Toddler House Floater
(Info coming soon).
Jumitrius Reed
Young Toddler and Toddler House Floater
(Info coming soon).
Children’s Houses (36 months – Kindergarten)
Children’s House 1 (Annex Building)
Betsy Sosa
Lead Teacher, Director of ADM Young Toddler/Toddler House Program
Ms. Betsy is an AMS certified Montessori Directress with an early childhood background. She joined the ADM staff in 2016. She had been working in a Montessori Environment for the previous ten years. In her free time she enjoys sewing, painting with watercolors, cooking, and being with her cat, Marce. While here at ADM she has been teaching Spanish to all the students and enjoys getting to spend time with each and everyone of them.
Chelsea joined ADM in 2021 and beginning her second year as a teaching assistant at All Day Montessori! She has worked with children and professes that they are always a joy to be around and work with. In her free time, she loves going to the zoo, museums, and aquariums, riding her bike, going to new restaurants and exploring new towns.
Chelsea has completed the Discover Montessori course at Seton Montessori Institute.
Children’s House 2 (Annex Building)
Angela Franklin
Lead Teacher
Angela joined the ADM staff in 2017. She has found much joy in working with children for the previous five years. Before starting to work with the kids, Angela worked with the elderly population in places like Iowa, California, and Hawaii. When she is not at ADM, Angela enjoys cooking and traveling the world.
Nevel Kasiner
CH Assistant
Ms Nevel has been with ADM since 2013. She has been working with young children for over 20 years, with emphasis on children with special needs. Her background includes integrated learning programs, early childhood training and special needs adult services.
Khalia Milon
Children’s House Floater
Ms. Khalia joined the ADM family in 2018. Ms. Khalia graduated Simeon Career in 2019. She has been babysitting and working with children since she was 14 years old. She has Completed the Discover Montessori course at Seton Montessori. Ms. Khalia also professionally roller skates. She has been in multiple tv shows and commercials. Also, teaches children skate lessons on weekends.
Jada Hayden
After Care
Jada returns to ADM for her second year. She is a Senior at St. Xavier University seeking a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She hopes to begin her student teaching in Spring of 2023. She strives to get to know the children and help them with their needs.
Michaela Hoskin
Childcare Coordinator
Michaela has been at All Day Montessori since 2019. Michaela is an amazing artist and truly loves being creative with the children. She enjoys drawing, painting and playing sports. Michaela has spent many summers as a camp counselor and art teacher at Holiday Home Camp in Lake Geneva. Michaela plans to return to school to finish her degree in early childhood. Fun fact about Michaela, she is a twin.
Michaela holds a Food Sanitation Certification.
Debbie Kelley
Administrative Mentor
DebbieK@alldaymontessori.org
Debbie Kelley has recently joined All Day Montessori as a part-time Executive Director. Semi-retired, she is thrilled to support All Day Montessori School as it continues on its journey of continuous school improvement.
Debbie has been in Montessori for over 40 years with experience as a Montessori teacher, director, consultant, workshop presenter, past and present accreditation commissioner, teacher trainer and Head of school.
Debbie Kelley earned her Masters degree in education from National Louis University, her AMS Montessori Primary Certification from the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center and her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northeastern. She holds a certificate of advanced professional education from AMS and earned the Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She served as Head of School of Brickton Montessori School for 25 years and was instrumental in leading the school through numerous school accreditations. Over the past seven years she has served in a leadership capacity at the Montessori Academy of North Hoffman and the Montessori School of Englewood.
Debbie has many interests and hobbies. She loves spending time with her 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren. Her hobbies include gardening, singing, dancing, reading, bike riding, photography and travel.
Julia Eskenazi
Montessori Mentor
Julie Eskenazi joined ADM as a mentor in fall of 2021. She is excited to be working with the staff to support their individual development as authentic Montessori practitioners.
Julie’s Montessori career spans 29 years. She has experience as a Montessori parent, assistant, head teacher, mentor, trainer and workshop presenter. Julie holds Montessori certificates for the Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood levels. Julie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech with an emphasis in interpersonal communications from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Julie has several interests and hobbies. She enjoys reading, knitting, cycling, gardening, theater and getting together with friends for dinner.
Ariel Wellington
Kitchen Coordinator
(Info coming soon.)
Irene Hermanowski
Substitute Teacher
(Info coming soon).
Administration
Caitlyn Solomon
ADM Head of School
headofschool@alldaymontessori.org
Caitlyn (She/Her) is eager to return to All Day Montessori as the Head of School! She has worked in a Montessori classroom for over nine years as a teacher and administrator, including six years at ADM! Caitlyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and her 3-6 Montessori certification from Xavier University in Cincinnati. Her love of learning continued as she got her M.ED in Educational Policy and Leadership with a focus on Diversity and Equity in Education from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Caitlyn also works as a white Anti-Racist facilitator for a consulting firm founded by a Montessorian in Chicago. When not in school, Caitlyn loves riding her bike, crocheting, reading, and being with her family.
Cyndi Williams
Business Manager
cwilliams@alldaymontessori.org
Cyndi joined the ADM staff in the Spring of 2016. She received her BA from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction from the American College of Education. A former 6-12 Language Arts and Social Studies teacher with years of office management and accounting experience, Cyndi is married with three children and enjoys the theater, reading and travel. Her granddaughter is the delight of her life.
Cyndi has completed the Discover Montessori course at Seton Montessori Institute.
Brie Maloney
Administrative Assistant
assistant@alldaymontessori.org
Brie (she/her) joined the team at All Day Montessori in the fall of 2022. She graduated from Saint Xavier University in Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. With over six years of experience, Brie taught at both Catholic and public schools before deciding to begin working on the clerical side of education. When not making sure things run smoothly at ADM, she loves attending concerts, collecting vinyl, and enjoying coffee on rainy mornings. She’s so happy to be here at All Day Montessori!