It takes a special person to work with children, and at Village Green Montessori School we have strict requirements for those interested in joining our team.

Village Green Montessori is a full member school with the American Montessori Society. All Village Green Montessori Head Teachers are fully trained and certified Montessori Directresses. The American Montessori Society requires an extensive 400 hour training period including a one year internship under the direction of a fully certified Montessori Directress. Assistant Teachers have a variety of Education Backgrounds including several who hold bachelor's degrees in Education. All of our teachers are CPR and first aid certified, and are required to keep their credentials current.

Ann Phillips, School Director
Head of School

My name is Ann Phillips and I was trained in the Montessori Method at the Seton Montessori Institute in Hinsdale, Illinois.  I began teaching in 1998 at Highland Park Montessori School where I completed my practicum training and then held a lead teacher position.  After moving to Libertyville with my family, I founded Village Green Montessori in 2002.  The school was named after my childhood street where I grew up the youngest of 6 children in a wonderful neighborhood.  My respect of the Montessori method of teaching grew as I witnessed an atmosphere where younger and older children work together forming community much like a family or neighborhood.  Developing respect, compassion, self esteem, grace, courtesy, and kindness are goals of Village Green Montessori.  VGM was created to provide a comfortable environment where children can come joyfully and grow at their own pace to their fullest potential.  I live in Libertyville with my husband, Don, son Sean 18, and daughter Lauren 20, who is attending college at Drake University.  I enjoy photography, Yoga, movies, reading, and writing.  I love spending time with family and friends and hope to make everyone feel like a part of the VGM Family.  Village Green Montessori is a member of the American Montessori Society, and the Illinois Association of Montessori schools.  VGM is a registered school with the Illinois State Board of Education and is a not-for-profit corporation. Welcome To Our School.

Nicole Shemroske, Assistant Director
Head Directress
Green Room

My name is Nicole Shemroske. I am returning to Village Green for my ninth year. I received my Montessori Teacher Certification from Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center of Chicago. My Montessori internship and practicum training was completed at Chiaravalle Montessori School of Evanston. I held a Head Directress position at Chiaravalle Montessori from 1987-1989. I then took time off from my teaching career to stay at home and raise my family. In 2003, I resumed my Montessori career here at Village Green as Co-Directress with Ann Phillips. In 2004, I became Head Directress upon opening our second classroom. I realized from a young age, I was destined to work with children. Over the years, I have enjoyed working in various settings with children including heading up a Latch Key Program for an Elementary School, Summer Camp counseling, and even spending a year abroad as an Au Pair. For the past few summers, I directed VGM Fun in the Sun Summer Camp.  In 2010 I took on the role of Assistant Director here at VGM.

My philosophy with children is simple…give them guidance, follow their interests, be a good listener, always have a good sense of humor, and help spark their love for learning.  I live in Buffalo Grove with my husband, Philip, and children Briana 21, a serious writer who will begin her third year in college. Luke 20, is an artist, and Sage 14, who loves to dance and sing in high school. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, running, biking, dancing, spending time with my friends and family, and listening to music.  I look forward to continuing and participating in the exceptionally warm and supportive community at Village Green Montessori.

Sue Petersen
Head Directress
Yellow Room

I am pleased to be returning for my fifth year here at VGM.  I am excited to be part of the full day team teaching staff in Yellow Room.  I am looking forward to seeing old friends as well as getting to know all the new children joining us this year.  Prior to joining VGM, I spent three years teaching at the Libertyville Cooperative Nursery School.  I have enjoyed working with various age groups from 2.5 – 6 years.  Volunteering by teaching Sunday school, coaching, leading Girl Scouts, as well as assisting in my own children’s classrooms are just a few of my pastimes.  I received a BS in Early Childhood as well as Elementary Education from Northeastern Illinois University in 1990 and hold a K-8 teaching certificate.  Additionally,  I completed my Montessori training in 2009 and became a certified Directress through the Mecca Seton Montessori Institute in Clarendon Hills.  

My husband John and I live in Libertyville with our 3 children:  Jeff (20) who is currently attending Winona State University, Eric (17), and Maggie (14), my Father and our Boxer, Scout.  My favorite hobbies include knitting, biking, and kayaking.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to your child’s education.

Peggy Coleman
Head Directress
Blue Room & Yellow Room

My name is Peggy Coleman and I am thrilled to be back for my fourth year at A Village Green Montessori School.  I so appreciate the warmth felt here at VGM by staff and families alike.   Having started in a Montessori classroom out of a work study program at Maine South, I have accumulated more than 35 years experience in Montessori schools. I received my American Montessori Training and Certification at the Seton Montessori Institute and had the benefit of strong Montessori mentors. Previous to joining VGM I was a committed member of the Libertyville Montessori School staff for almost 25 years. I am proud to be part of the VGM team providing a loving, consistent, high-quality environment for children to grow in. I believe in the Montessori principles of a prepared environment, individual achievement and mutual respect among class participants. I love to watch friendships grow and see children mentor other children along the way. The sense of community is felt daily as staff and parents work together to insure the best possible environment for the children. 

My husband Ron and I have lived in this area for 17 years and have five grown children.  We are basking in pride as we watch them as adults in the world. Thank you in advance for the chance to get to know you and your children. I am excited to build a relationship with your family!

Suzanne Leve

Head Directress
Orange Room

Hello! My name is Suzanne Leve and I am pleased to be returning for my third year at Village Green. 

I received my Directress training and certification from the Seton Montessori Institute in Clarendon Hills, and my focus in college was Early Childhood Education.  I have 11 years experience directing Montessori pre-school classrooms, and many years experience in parenting (times three)!

Being a mother made me aware of the qualities we, as parents, desire in the caretakers of our cherished children. As a teacher, it is second nature for me to emulate those qualities. It still fascinates me to witness firsthand the wisdom of the Montessori method.  The children learn from and care about one another, and form a community of their own.  

My husband and I both grew up on the North Shore and chose to raise our three daughters here.  Spending time with friends and family is a favorite pastime, along with gardening, biking, boating, observing nature, photography, and reading.  I am impressed by all the things this school has to offer and by the warmth and enthusiasm of its creative staff.  Along with fostering a love of learning, VGM emphasizes love for the child. I look forward to another year of spending my days in the joyful world of preschoolers.

Dawn Mitchell

Co-Head Directress
Blue Room

My name is Dawn Mitchell and I’m very excited to join the VGM team this fall as co-directress in the Blue Room alongside Ms. Peggy. After enjoying many successful years as a graphic artist  I continued to feel a calling towards education, and a few years ago I had an opportunity to pursue that dream. I completed my directress training at the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston and received my Montessori certification in Early Childhood from the American Montessori Society in June 2009.  In addition to my Montessori certification, I hold an undergraduate degree from Purdue University, and have completed several Masters’ level courses in early childhood education through National-Louis University. 

Over the past few years, I have learned many things about children’s physical growth, language, speech, and social and cultural development. Of the many theorists who have contributed to our understanding of children’s learning, I identify most strongly with the philosophy uncovered by Maria Montessori. Both my internship experience at Old School Montessori (where my daughter attended pre-school and Kindergarten) and my journey as a Montessori parent have allowed me to see first-hand how the education process is an exciting opportunity for children to discover themselves. The Montessori prepared classroom, with its varied ages, provides an environment where children can fine tune physical, social and cognitive skills, understand their likes and dislikes, and gain confidence. I truly believe that everything children learn in these early years assists them throughout their lifetimes. The culture at Village Green Montessori is so supportive of this kind of learning, and I look forward to watching all the wonderful children at VGM grow and discover their potential in the world!

In addition to calling A Village Green Montessori my new home, my husband and six-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn and I have recently moved to Libertyville and are pleased to be part of this fun and close-knit community.  

Susan Owens
Assistant Teacher
Green Room

My name is Susan Owens and I am returning to VGM for my tenth year. I am proud of the fact that I have been teaching at VGM since shortly after it opened in 2002.  I have taught in many of the VGM classrooms and this year am excited to be assisting in the green room. I have a B.S. in elementary education.  I taught first grade in Tennessee for 5 years and directed a traditional preschool in Missouri for 2 years.  I’ve also completed the Montessori Basics training course at Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL.  I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience back to the green room as I come alongside your children in their learning process.  I am married to Alan who is on staff at The Chapel in Libertyville. I am mother to Sarah who is 17 years old and in her junior year in high school this Fall.  My hobbies include music, reading, gardening and home decorating.  I consider it a privilege to enter another year of nurturing and educating your children as well as working with the wonderful staff at VGM.

Teiama Sippio

Assistant Teacher

Green Room

I look forward working with Ms Nicole in the Green room for my second year and getting to know you and your children.  I have worked with children for the past 12 years.  First, as a kindergarten teacher at Lion’s Math and Science Academy in Waukegan, IL, then as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Child’s Place in Gurnee, IL.  Prior to coming to Village Green, I worked as a pre-school teacher at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. I have enjoyed a variety of interesting studies; I received a Bachelors of Arts degree in General Studies with a double minor in education and psychology from Columbia College of Missouri. In 2010, I completed the Seton Montessori Institute Assistant Paraprofessional course.  

My goals for children are to guide them towards leadership while focusing on having fun! I am structured but loving, and always enjoy learning from my students. I treat my class as if they are an extension of my own family.  

Any second of free time I get, I spend it with my family! I am happily married and have two children.  My son Damazz (14) and my daughter Denver (7) are indeed the love of my life.   I love family outings, home decor, nature walks, girl time with my daughter, attending my son’s football games, and home decorating. I am also state certified in makeup artistry.  I’m extremely excited to continue my journey here at Village Green Montessori!

Colleen Weiglein

Assistant Teacher

Green Room

My name is Colleen Weiglein over the past years I have worked in the Blue, Yellow, and Green rooms.  Prior to coming to VGM, I was a religious education teacher at St. Joe’s in Libertyville as well as provided childcare for two Libertyville families.  During the summer of 2010, I completed the Seton Montessori Institute Assistant Paraprofessional course.  

I know that children need to feel safe, loved and understood to open their minds to knowledge.  It is my goal to listen to what they are saying in their verbal and non-verbal voices and foster their love of learning. After taking time to be home with my own children,  I am delighted to be part of your child’s self-directed lessons.  It is a privilege to be part of the amazing VGM family and to be affecting the lives of children through Montessori's discovery of what she referred to as "the child's true normal nature". 

I received my BA at the University of Dayton in communications, marketing and psychology.  I spent many years in corporate America as a training specialist, stock market radio broadcaster, marketing manager and pharmaceutical sales executive.

My husband Glenn and I have lived here in Libertyville for 20 years with our children Andrew (17), Abbey (14) and Elise (11).   Away from VGM, I enjoy time with family and friends, traveling, and volunteering.  I look forward to meeting the families of my new Green Room friends.  It’s going to be a fantastic year!

Maura Glynn

Assistant Teacher

Yellow Room

My name is Maura Glynn and I am very excited to be starting my journey here at Village Green.  I recently graduated from Kendall College where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Eduation.  I currently hold a teaching certificate for Kindergarten - 3rd grade with a special education approval.  Recently I’ve also completed the Montessori Paraprofessional Assistant Teacher Training course. Over the past nine years I have been a full time nanny and working my way through college. I moved to Libertyville during high school and attended Libertyville High School.  I am very close with my family.  We love spending time together.  In my free time I enjoy running, listening to music and expressing my creativity through art.  

Working with children has always been a passion of mine.  While at VGM, I intend to support a trusting, nurturing, educational environment.  I will also help the children at VGM to develop a love for learning, a positive self image and the social skills necessary for them to be successful in their future pursuits.  I look forward to getting to know you and your children at VGM.

Kathy Olson

Assistant Teacher

Orange/ Green Room

My name is Kathy Olson and I am excited to join the staff at Village Green.  I am looking forward to working with Miss Suzanne in the Orange Room.  I received a BA in Elementary Education from St. Norbert College with a minor in Early Childhood Education.  My husband and I spent six years in the Pacific Northwest where I taught second grade in Washington State before we moved back to the Midwest.  This summer I completed the Montessori Paraprofessional Assistant Teacher Training course at Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center.  

I live in Libertyville with my husband David and our three children, Matthew (11), Katie (9) and Nicholas (5).  I enjoy biking, hiking, reading, gardening, watching football and spending time with family and friends.  I am excited about joining the Village Green family and getting to know your children.  After staying at home with my children, I am excited to be back in a classroom to help educate and nurture your children to be their individual best.

Amy Loizzo

Assistant Teacher

Yellow Room

My name is Amy Loizzo and I will be assisting in the yellow room this year.  I am thrilled to be joining the Village Green Montessori family this year and I completed the Montessori Paraprofessional Assistant Teacher Training course this summer.  I have worked with children of varying ages over the years in a variety of settings including Summer Camp Counselor, Religious Education teacher, and in a Kindergarten After School Club program before starting my career as a mother. I live in Libertyville with my husband John and our 3 daughters, Hannah (13),  Emily (10),  and Julia (8). In my experience as a parent, some of my fondest memories are of my children's preschool years.  I could not be more enthused to have the opportunity to work with this age group again.  I look forward to a fantastic year supporting the teachers and nurturing the children's learning and development. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening with my girls and transforming something we have grown into a delicious dish.

OFFICE STAFF

Shelly Sisk
Co-Office Manager

Hello, my name is Shelly Sisk.  I am happy to be returning to VGM as an Office Manager with Dagny Power.  I live in Grayslake with my husband Jim, and our two children, Courtney 14, and Michael 11.  I spent several years at home with my children, then worked as a Contract Closer for Chicago Title Company.  Prior to that, I spent 10 years as an Office Manager for a real estate management company.  In my free time I enjoy exercising, gardening, cooking and spending time with my family and friends.   I love being a part of the VGM Staff and I am looking forward to continue working with and meeting all of our new families.

Dagny Power
Co-Office Manager

Hello! I’m Dagny Power.  At Village Green, I share the role of office manager with Shelly Sisk.  My husband and I live in Libertyville with our two sons, Thomas (11) and John (8).  I am extremely proud to say that I’ve been part of the Village Green family for many years as a parent, and as a volunteer in the Green Room.  Both of my sons attended Village Green through their Kindergarten years.  Then, to my delight, in May 2009, I became part of the staff.  Previously I spent many years as a Project Manager and in Customer Service.  I graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a love of all things Southwestern.  Hiking, biking, swimming, reading, and spending time with my family are my favorite activities.  I look forward to working with you and your children!

“SPECIALS” TEACHERS

Jean Giardina
Discover Science Teacher

My name is Jean Giardina and I am excited to be offering Discover Science as one of the special programs.  Discover Science is an enrichment program that is designed to allow your child to explore their world in a fun, interactive way.  This will be my sixth year of teaching the program at VGM .  Discover Science is a natural extension of my science background and my love of working with children.  I have a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Food Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  After 12 years of working in research and development in the food industry, I decided to stay home to commit more time to my family.  My husband Jon and I live in Libertyville and have three children, Jacob - 12, Anna - 10 and Grant - 7.   My daughter Anna and Grant are also graduates of VGM.  I look forward to giving your child the opportunity to see that science is a part of their everyday life and showing them that hands-on discoveries are a lot of fun!

LeAnn Malecha
Music and Spanish Specials Teacher

My name is LeAnn Malecha and I look forward to spending time with the children and staff at VGM teaching music as a “special” that will rotate throughout the VGM morning classes and Spanish for the afternoon classrooms.  I have been a teacher for 24 years in the public school system. Most recently I held the position of Music Teacher for K-5 children in Wadsworth.  Prior to that I taught and was the music specialist for  2-4 year olds at Condell's Intergenerational Center.   I currently direct a Pre-School/Kindergarten choir at First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville, as well as give private piano lessons.  I enjoy singing in church choirs, playing the piano and having mini concerts with my three daughters, Camille (23) and Beth (20) who both attend Augustana College and Emily (14).  One of my favorite ways to enjoy a day is with children through music.

Samantha Doughty
Yoga Specials Teacher

My name is Samantha Doughty and I am thrilled to be a part of the Village Green Montessori team, offering a special yoga program to the children. As a teacher, I strive to bring a feeling of contentment and tranquility to my students not only while practicing yoga but also into their daily lives. I believe in making things fun for the children as well as educational.  We will incorporate language, art and music into our yoga practice. 

I completed my RYT-200 training at The Temple of Kriya Yoga and have done several children specific trainings including Yogakids and Radiant Heart Yoga.  I had the opportunity to study under many wonderful yoga teachers. I teach at Total Body Yoga, Stevenson High School, and am the Yoga Coordinator at Lifetime Athletic, where I also serve as the yoga coordinator.

My greatest joy has come from raising my two lovely children, Amelia Grace (6) and Dylan (3).  They are kind and gentle, patient and amazing.   We have been practicing yoga together since they were days old and they love it!   My interests include traveling the world, music, hiking, swimming and as much family time as possible.  Namaste!