The teachers at Prairieland Montessori help children explore the classroom materials, discover new activities and pose questions to jump start the learning process. We periodically assess each child’s progress using standard criteria to ensure they are getting the full experience from the program.
Lincoln Ave Campus
Rachel B. – Director
Rachel initially pursued a path focused on law and public policy with a degree in Pre-Law and Political Science, before discovering a passion for education and child development. Before joining Prairieland, Rachel served as an Early Childhood Montessori Guide for six years and earned an Early Childhood Montessori Credential from Seton Montessori. She has published research with the American Montessori Society, and is deeply interested in the connection between children’s development and the success of society as a whole.
Drawn to Montessori education because of Maria Montessori’s philosophy of respecting the child, respecting others, and respecting the environment, Rachel is committed to fostering independence, compassion, curiosity, and peace in every student. She believes that education has the power to shape not only confident and capable individuals, but also a more thoughtful, peaceful, and connected world.
Jill V. – Lead 2.5-6 Classroom
Ms. Jill has been a Montessori directress for children ages 3-6 since 2001 and earned her Montessori certification after studying at MMTTC in Evanston. The respect for all living things, including ourselves, allowing a child to blossom with an independent approach, the mixed ages in a room, and the curious mind of a 3-6 year old are just a few reasons Jill enjoys being a directress.
Jill began her Montessori journey at Montessori Connection in Highland Park for thirteen years, spent two years at Chairavalle in Evanston, and then was at Niles North High School where she taught a 3-6 class while teaching high school students the Montessori philosophy. Jill is now looking forward to being a part of your child’s learning experience at Prairieland Montessori starting this fall.
Emily C. – Lead 2.5-6 Classroom
Emily, our Cottontail directress, has competed her 3-6 education at Seon Montessori. Emily was raised in the mountains of New Mexico and received a BA in studio art from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Always fascinated by the way a young mind develops, Emily chose to follow in the footsteps of her parents and become a teacher.
She obtained a Master’s in Teaching from National Louis University and taught first grade. Emily had always been intrigued by Maria Montessori and her philosophy and decided she wanted to experience it for herself. That journey happily led her to Prairieland.
Emily spends her free time making art, organic gardening, and traveling. She also enjoys DIY-ing with her husband in their historic home. Their household includes two cats and a dog.
Maria R. – Lead 3-6 Classroom
Maria completed her Early Childhood Montessori certification at Seton Montessori Institute. Maria was born in Mexico and her first language is Spanish so she enjoys conversing in Spanish with the children. She has worked in the Montessori community for over 8 years and has served infants through elementary age children. Maria is passionate about the Montessori philosophy and aims to grow in her depth of understanding each day.
Maria spends her free time traveling, listening to music, hiking, and spending time with her family. She also enjoys learning how to cook different types of Mexican food.
Samantha (Mantha) H.. – Lead 2-3 Classroom
Mantha is the lead directress in the Cottontail pre-primary classroom, where she finds great joy in supporting young children as they grow into independence, confidence, and curiosity. She has been teaching for seven years and began her Montessori journey five years ago working with infants.
Mantha holds an elementary education degree from Eastern Michigan University and earned her 0–3 Montessori certification through the Prepared Montessorian Institute. Her background in early childhood education and deep respect for the Montessori philosophy guide her approach in the classroom.
Mantha is committed to creating a calm, engaging, and developmentally rich environment where toddlers are free to explore, express themselves, and build meaningful connections. She believes in honoring each child’s unique rhythm and delights in the wonder and humor that toddlers bring to each day.
In her free time, Mantha enjoys reading, creating, and going to concerts. She is also deeply connected to her family and carries the memory of her beloved brother Nicholas with her in all she does.
School St. Campus
Holly Scholz – Executive Director
Holly founded Prairieland Montessori to share her passion for early childhood education. Her son attended a Montessori school during his early years, and she saw how positively impacted he was by his experience. After growing up in a family preschool environment, Holly knew that a Montessori preschool was the perfect calling for her.
Holly holds an MBA from DePaul University, and Infant-Toddler 0-3 AMS certification from Montessori of Alameda. She has also taken the full program of Early Childhood Education classes at Oakton Community College.
Adelin F. – Lead Toddler/Pre-Primary Classroom
Adelin attended Seton Montessori for her AMS 0-3 training program.
Dalyn K. – Lead Toddler/Pre-Primary Classroom
Dalyn attended Seton Montessori for her AMS 0-3 training program.
Tasha H. – Lead Infant Classroom
Tasha brings several years of infant experience to her role in the Infant classroom. She has a calm, caring manner with the babies, and loves to help them grow and develop! Tasha attended Seton Montessori Institute for her Infant-Toddler 0-3 AMS Montessori Assistant certificate, and has a number of college courses in Early Childhood Education.
Wicker Park Campus
Allison V. – Director
Allison has loved being a Montessori Educator since 2003. Having been a Teacher’s Assistant, Lead Teacher, Administrator, Adult Montessori Teacher Trainer and parent to two children enrolled in Montessori schools; she has a passion for studying child development and introducing families to the wonders of the Montessori Method.
Allison graduated from Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Studies and a M.Ed from Roosevelt University in Elementary Education. She earned certification from the American Montessori Society for 3-6 (Early Childhood) and 6-9 (Elementary I). She also has an administration certification from Roosevelt University (Type 75) that prepared her for her role as Director at Prairieland Montessori School.
She loves to learn about Chicago history, architecture and costume design. As the daughter of Deaf parents, Allison is fluent in American Sign Language and will incorporate a curriculum of sign language into the Wicker Park classrooms.
Sofia G. – Lead Primary Classroom
Sofia has been a Montessori educator since 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy with a focus on education policy and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute. In 2024, she completed her Montessori training through the Prepared Montessori Institute. She enjoys bringing culture into the classroom through her background as well as the children’s.
Estefani G. – Lead Toddler/Pre-Primary Classroom
Estefani completed her Montessori 0-3 training with Seton Montessori, and she holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has spent over 10 years in the Montessori field. Estefani was born and raised in Mexico, where she most remembers enjoying gross motor activities as a child. With these experiences in mind, Estefani strives to create many opportunities for gross motor activity with the children. Her favorite part of working with children is being able to teach mindfulness and help the children practice this skill in the classroom. Outside of school, Estefani enjoys spending time with her family.
Jackie V. – Lead Infant Classroom
Jackie has been working in the Montessori field for over 4 years, and she enjoys teaching others about the Montessori philosophy. Jackie brings her Mexican and Italian culture to the classroom, and she especially enjoys singing Spanish songs with the children. She loves being able to experience new milestones and firsts in the infant classroom. In her interactions with children and families, Jackie strives to bring positive energy and humor. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys trying new foods and traveling. She hopes to travel to Dubai one day!
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