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 fully accredited American Montessori School. 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 17, and daughter Lauren 19, 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 not-for-profit corporation. Welcome To Our School.

Nicole Shemroske
Head Directress
Green Room

My name is Nicole Shemroske. I am returning to Village Green for my eighth 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. For the past few summers, I directed VGM Fun in the Sun Summer Camp. I realized from a young age, I was destined to work with children. Over the years, I have enjoyed working in various settings for 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.  

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 20, a serious writer who will begin her third year in college. Luke 19, is a budding artist, and Sage 13, who loves to dance and sing, will be a 8th grader. 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 of Village Green Montessori.

Sue Petersen
Head Directress
Yellow Room
Morning and Afternoon Classes

I am pleased to be returning for my fourth 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 (19) who is currently attending Winona State University, Eric (16), and Maggie (13), 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
Yellow Room

My name is Peggy Coleman and I am thrilled to be back for my third year at A Village Green Montessori School.  Having started in a Montessori classroom out of a work study program at Maine South, I have accumulated more than 34 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 most of the last 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 16 years and are graduating the last of five children this year! 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!

Lisa Moulton
Head Directress
Blue Room

Welcome to Village Green!  My name is Lisa Moulton and this will be my fifth year working with the amazing children, parents and staff of VGM.  

Education sets us on a journey and my background is as follows: I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa.  My Montessori Director Training was completed at the Seton Montessori Institute in Clarendon Hills, Illinois in 2009.  In my 20’s I participated in a foreign exchange program (AIFS) and had the opportunity to travel and explore many countries and cultures.  This experience began a lifelong curiosity about our world.  Maria Montessori’s emphasis on teaching young children about this planet we all share continues to be a major focus in our classroom. The World is so incredibly cool.  Creativity in education is a passion of mine and inspiration can sometimes come from the smallest idea or many times from the children themselves.

John (husband of 21 years) and I have lived all over and spent the last ten years raising our three children in Libertyville.  Lindsay is a senior at LHS, Nick is a freshman and Max is a fifth grader.  I first discovered Village Green as a parent, when my youngest son Max attended VGM and then graduated in 2005. 

The Montessori method encourages children to be confident, curious and independent self-starters.  Our classroom approach looks at each child as an individual to see what they need most.  “A teacher is best when the student barely knows she exists, when her work is done, her aim fulfilled, they will say:  “We did it ourselves.”  - Lao Tzu.  I feel extremely fortunate to work with your children each day and help them to discover their full potential.  

Susan Owens
Assistant Teacher
Yellow Room

My name is Susan Owens and I am returning to VGM for my ninth 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 yellow 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 to the yellow 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 16 yrs. old and entering her sophmore 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.

Suzanne Leve

Head Directress
Orange Room

Hello! My name is Suzanne Leve and I am pleased to be returning for my second year at Village Green. I felt right at home in the welcoming atmosphere created by Ann and her staff.  Last year it was delightful working with Miss Lisa and the children of the blue room.  Since the schools growing popularity has generated the need for an additional classroom, I will be Head Directress of the newly opened Orange Room.

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 10 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.

Nancy Nedland

Assistant Teacher

Orange Room

Yogi Spouts
Yoga, All Rooms

I am looking forward to a fourth exciting year at VGM.  For the past three years I have worked as an assistant teacher in many of the VGM classrooms.  I look forward to working with your children alongside Ms. Suzanne in the orange room.  Before coming to Village Green, I enjoyed working in the district 70 elementary and middle school classrooms as a substitute teacher.

I recently completed the Montessori paraprofessional training through the Seton Montessori Institute.  I have a B.A. in Psychology, and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and I have worked with children and families throughout my entire career. I am happy to be able to share my experience and expertise through the parent advice column on the VGM website.

As a certified Yoga instruction I have been excited to develop a yoga program for the children of VGM.  I will continue to teach yoga class for all VGM students as a “special” that will rotate throughout all four classrooms.

I truly enjoy working with children of all ages.  I am glad to have the wonderful opportunity to get to know the children of VGM; children are my favorite kind of people!  I have lived in Libertyville for more than 10 years with my husband Jon, my daughter Lily (16) and my sons Joey (15) and Derek (12).

Colleen Weiglein

Assistant Teacher

Blue Room

My name is Colleen Weiglein and I am thrilled to be teaching with Miss Lisa in the Blue Room.  Last year I had the wonderful opportunity to join  the Yellow Room team after substituting at VGM the previous year.    Over the past six years, I have been a religious education teacher at St. Joe’s in Libertyville as well as provided childcare for two Libertyville families.  This past summer 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 19 years with our children Andrew (16), Abbey (13) and Elise (10).   Away from VGM, I enjoy time with family and friends, traveling, and volunteering.  I look forward to meeting the families of my new Blue Room friends.  It’s going to be a fantastic year!

Teiama Sippio

Assistant Teacher

Green Room

I look forward working with Ms Nicole in the new Green room 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.  For the past two years I worked as a preschool 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 psychology and education from Columbia College of Missouri. This past summer 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 (13) and my daughter Denver (6) 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 am extremely excited to start my journey here at Village Green Montessori!

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 13, and Michael 10.  I have 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 (10) and John (7).  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, running, 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 a special program  for the fifth year at Village Green Montessori.  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 fifth 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 - 10, Anna - 8 and Grant - 5.   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 (22) and Beth (19) who both attend Augustana College and Emily (13).  One of my favorite ways to enjoy a day is with children through music.