Our Staff
![Kristin[1]](https://www.acarath.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kristin1.jpg "Kristin[1]")
Kristin
Owner/Director - Since 1987
Acarath is a family-owned business. My mother opened Acarath in 1987, and officially retired in 2007. I have my bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. Before I assumed an administrative role, I worked in almost every capacity at the school. I have Montessori credentials for 3-6 and 6-9-year-olds. I also hold a multitude of certifications ranging from commercial pool operation to professional food service. What I love about Acarath is the teaching moments – not only for the children, but for us as adults. We are never too old to learn new things!
My husband is a head swim coach for an area YMCA and is recognized as a swim coach by the Illinois Swimming Hall of Fame. I have two grown children – both attended Acarath (thanks to Miss Eileen for their early start). Loretta, my oldest lives in Tulsa OK and is a District Manager for Aldi. Abbie, my youngest lives here in the Chicago area and is an ICU nurse in a city hospital.
I enjoy spending time with my husband and four – yes four dogs! My most cherished time – hands down - is when my family is together.
Michelle
Director - Since 2005
I started working at Acarath in 2005 as a daycare assistant. Over the years I worked in all areas of the school. In 2022 I earned my bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and working on earning my MBA. I am also Montessori certified for 3–6-year-olds.
My husband is a veteran and a Purple Heart recipient. Together we have two beautiful girls. My oldest is an Acarath Alumni and my youngest will be starting at Acarath soon. We are grateful to all the dedicated staff for their hard work building a strong foundation to help in their growth.
When I am not at Acarath I enjoy spending time with my family. Any activity that leads us outdoors is where we prefer to be. My favorite thing about Acarath is the support. From the staff to the students, you can feel the love and support shared throughout the building.
Kelley
Admissions Director - Since 2021
I started with Acarath as an administrative assistant in June 2021, after many years of working in retail management. Little did I know when I started in this position that this was one of the best decisions I had ever made. I love everything about Acarath! From the family-like environment to the fantastic staff. I enjoy working with some of the greatest families. Most of all, I love working with the children and watching them learn and grow!
I am a mama of 2 daughters, one teenager and a younger one who will be a future Acarath alumni. I reside in Bensenville in a home with my children, my father, my brother, and my pup. I also have 2 sisters that live close by. I am really close with my family, we’re all each other’s best friends!
When I’m not here at Acarath, I thoroughly enjoy having family time. Whether it’s us lounging on the couch watching movies or going out into the world and having great experiences! A fun fact about me, I am lover of music. I grew up in a musical family, played multiple instruments, and will sing or hum randomly throughout the day. My life is a self-proclaimed living m
Eileen
Lead Montessori Teacher - Preschool - Since 1987
Hello! My name is Miss Eileen, and I am a Montessori teacher at Acarath Montessori Center. I have been with Acarath Montessori since 1987. I have had the pleasure of working in almost every capacity at the school before becoming a head Montessori teacher in 2000. I have loved every year at Acarath and have met so many wonderful people throughout the years. One of the greatest feelings is getting to see the children I used to teach come back and visit me years later.
Some fun facts about me include my love for all sports and Shark Week! My favorite color is blue, and I absolutely love being near the water and the beach with my family. I have been married to my husband for over twenty years and have two beautiful daughters named Patricia and Madelyn. My favorite food is pizza, and anyone who knows me would tell you how afraid of spiders I am!
I have been with Acarath for so long and I could not imagine spending my time anywhere else.
Laine
Lead Montessori Teacher-Kindergarten/1st Grade - Since 1999
Hello, my name is Laine Kim. I started working at Acarath as the lead Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher in 1999. I am a teacher, a wife, and a mother of an amazing son, Josh. I have a Bachelor of Science in merchandising from Northern Illinois University and a minor in marketing. I received my Montessori certification in 1996 from the American Montessori Society. I am an avid soccer fan and I love cooking all types of cuisine. Dumplings are my favorite food to cook, eat, and share with friends. My teaching method is to teach every child as if they are my own.
Pam
Lead Montessori Teacher-Preschool - Since 2002
Hi, I am Ms. Pam. I am the multi-age lead Montessori teacher at Acarath Montessori Center. While I have been happily a part of this wonderful school since 2002, it was working as an assistant for Ms. Eileen when I knew I wanted to become a Montessori teacher. Certified in 2008, I continued to assist Ms. Eileen and received invaluable training within her classroom until 2020. In September 2020, I was honored to open my own classroom serving students ages ranging from 3 to 5 years.
I live in Schaumburg, in a multi-generational home with my mother, sister, daughter and myself. Family is important and I like to include those family principles of togetherness, belonging, and a fun environment into our classroom. For that, I am excited and look forward every year to getting to know my students and welcoming them to our school family.
A few of my favorite things are pizza, french fries, the color red, fall, and video games. Fun fact, I have a movie crew where we see just about any movie, but our favorites are Marvel movies.
Ling
Lead Montessori Teacher-Preschool - Since 2021
Hello, my name is Ms. Ling and I have worked as a certified educator for more than three decades in different countries. I have experience teaching preschool and kindergarten. I have taught Chinese, English, and communication in different settings (middle school, language schools, and college adult classes).
I received my B.A., and teaching certificates in early 90s; myMaster of Education in 2002; and my Master of Speech Communication from SJSU in 2007.I received my Montessori certification in 2015.
I am also an author! Some of my published books are: Ten Little Puppies of Happy Island (Children’s book in English and Chinese); and Intercultural Communication Apprehension (ICA): International Students’ Perceptions.
I now live in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. I am passionate about working with children. On September 1st, 2021, I took the opportunity to start my career at Acarath. I hope with my guidance, children will enjoy learning and reach their fullpotential.
Melissa
Music Teacher - Since 2007
Hello, my name is Melissa and I have been the music teacher at Acarath since 2007. I earned my bachelor’s degree in music education from Illinois State University where I participated in the Honors Music Mentorship Program and graduated Cum Laude. Since then,I have taught vocal and instrumental music, musical theater, and dance in both public and private schools. I have served as musical director, composer, arranger, and performer in community theater productions, music concerts, recitals, and church services. In addition, I conducted numerous pit orchestras and directed the youngest choirs of the Palatine Children's Chorus. I have been teaching private music lessons since 1991 and love teaching the children at Acarath!
Connie
Art Teacher - Since 2022
My name is Connie Weng, “Miss Connie,” to my little artist friends. I have been passionate about all things art-related my entire life. I enjoy painting, molding clay, coloring, and especially drawing. I integrate math terms, art history, multi-media, problem-solving, and fun into the lessons I create. I believe that fundamental skills such as learning to hold a pencil correctly are huge achievements for beginners. I enjoy helping children to achieve new levels of skill and confidence. In 2006 I was one of the founders of the “Get Smart with Art” program at Neubert Elementary School in Dist. 300, where my twin sons were attending. From 2008-2019, I taught K-5 art classes at schools in McHenry and North Kane Counties. I am thrilled to be part of such an energetic and dedicated team here at Acarath Montessori. Let the creativity flow!
Courtney
Dance/Gymnastics Teacher - Since 2024
Hello! My name is Courtney Garcia, and I am the Dance and Gymnastics teacher at Acarath Montessori Center. I previously worked at Acarath for 6-years and could not be happier to return. Growing up in Elgin, I have always loved to Dance. I started taking Dance classes at four years old and continue to learn and grow as a dancer to this day. I am trained in many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop. I graduated from Larkin High School, where I danced in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy.
In 2002 when I began teaching, I realized that sharing my love of dance was my true passion. I have volunteered my time and skills to many local groups, charities and events. In 2011 I started to coach gymnastics and in 2018 I began coaching softball. My family, work, and accomplishments are things I take great pride in. It is my hope that through my work I can inspire dancers of all ages.
Jessica
Lead Swim Teacher Since 2020
Hi, my name is Jessica Thomas, I’m the Lead Swim Instructor. I began my aquatic profession in 2020 at Acarath Montessori Center. I am a Certified Pool Operator and American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard. My love for swimming blossomed when I took swim lessons as a child and grew when I joined the Schaumburg High School swim team. My favorite part about teaching swim class is that I’m teaching a lifesaving skill. I also enjoy observing the children progress from assisted swimming to independent swimming.
Pat
Montessori Assistant - Since 2002
What I like best about Acarath is the staff, the children, and their families. There is nothing better than seeing a child’s face when they finally master a work or concept. Watching the children working and playing together, or having a child run to you before they go home and give you a hug.
Hannah
Montessori Assisant - Since 2006
What I like best about Acarath is being able to watch and be a part of a child’s growth in life through education.
Kim
Cook - Since 2006
What I like best about Acarath is coming to work and seeing all the children. You never know what they are going to say, and they are so cute.
Najma
Montessori Assistant - Since 2013
What I like best about Acarath is seeing the children develop new skills. With the curriculum and activities required, students are learning new things and growing every day. I love being a part of such a passionate and caring team!
Karen
Montessori Assistant - Since 2014
I enjoy working with the kids and spending time with my grandchildren. I love working alongside a dedicated group of teachers who genuinely care about teaching and building a great educational foundation for all the children.
Joann
Daycare Assistant - Since 2019
I love to see their smiling faces and helping the children have a good day at school. I also love to watch them grow into great learners.
Shania
Montessori Assistant- Since 2020
Working at Acarath Montessori Center has been a heartfelt journey of growth and connection. I’ve found my passion in teaching, in nurturing each child, and in being a small but meaningful part of their story. What I love most is the chance to pour love and care into every moment, knowing it reaches not just the children but their families too.