Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, Ms. Susan received a B.S in Elementary Education from SIU at Carbondale in 1983. After graduating, she spent several years working for United Airlines before leaving the industry to begin a family. Ms. Susan became interested in Montessori and began teaching in 1999.  She received her Elementary I & II Certification from Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center and has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with NASA Endeavor STEM Leadership Certification from Columbia Teachers College.  Ms. Susan has three adult children and a grandson, all of whom have attended Montessori school. In her spare time, Ms. Susan enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, running, biking, and yoga. She has a menagerie of pets including a dog, bearded dragon, box turtle, and a newly adopted tarantula, some of which reside in the Upper Elementary at CLMS!

How did you learn about Montessori? My mom suggested Montessori when I was looking for a preschool for my oldest child. A few years later, I began teaching, took my training and co-founded a Montessori school where my kids attended throughout their elementary years. They have wonderful memories of their time in Montessori school!

What do you love about Montessori? I have always felt that Montessori mirrors real life.  At the upper elementary level, it is so much about building relationships and creating a community of learners who work together and value each other.  Montessori fosters a love of learning and offers students the opportunity to discover and pursue their passions.  I love the multi-age grouping, peer teaching, and being witness to the development of each student’s capabilities and confidence over the 3-year cycle!    

One rule you live by: Never stop learning and persevere!

Favorite Montessori Quote: “An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”  Maria Montessori