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Elementary Teacher, Ms. Erin

Erin studied business in college, but quickly realized that her passion was somewhere else.  After going back to school for her MAT from National Louis University, Erin happened upon Montessori quite by chance.  After discovering the Montessori method, she knew that a Montessori environment was where she was supposed to be.   She then studied Montessori at Seton Montessori Institute and has been working in a Montessori classroom ever since.  Erin has spent time guiding children from the preschool through middle school levels and has enjoyed every level.  Each of her three children have had the benefit of a Montessori education and that further instilled a love for the philosophy in her.  Erin’s favorite thing about guiding students in the Montessori classroom is getting to see the joy and pride in the face of a student as a new concept has been realized.

Primary Assistant Teacher, Ms. Aga

Agnieszka (Aga) Specjal holds an Associate in General Studies from Harper College in Palatine and completed an Assistant Teacher training provided by Seton Montessori School.  Originally from Poland, she has lived in the United States since 2010. Having a Polish diploma in teaching, she taught Polish American children at Czesław Milosz Polish School in Schaumburg. Seeing the benefits firsthand of a Montessori education, both of her two children are now enrolled at Green Friends Montessori. Agnieszka loves the sense of community and watching the progress and the growth of the children at Green Friends.  As for hobbies, she loves playing piano, knitting, biking, reading books, traveling and photography.   

Director, Ms. Vandana

Vandana has been guiding children in classroom environments since 1999.  Her admiration for the developing young child led her to complete the Montessori Teacher certification in 2009 at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.  She has taught at Montessori schools of all shapes and sizes, but Green Friends has a special place in her heart.  Vandana's dedication and nurturing disposition support children as they evolve into independent, life-long learners and she lovingly guides the adults who take care of them with compassion and understanding. 

“The needs of mankind are universal. Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet. The Montessori child should come to relish the texture of that diversity.”   

Maria Montessori

​​Elementary Teacher, Ms. Dhyeya

Dhyeya grew up in Northern California where she enjoyed spending time in nature and first began working with children as a camp counselor. Dhyeya received a B.A from Mills College in Oakland California where she studied art history and studio art. She continued on to work as a welding fabricator in San Francisco until she discovered the teachings of Maria Montessori. Soon after, she enrolled at the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center and started her career at Green Friends. She is passionate about creating a space for the children to explore, learn and discover themselves.

“Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child to open up himself to life.”   Maria Montessori 

Primary ​Lead Teacher, Ms. Paurnami

Paurnami holds a BA in environmental science and a Montessori Early Childhood Teacher credential from Seton Montessori Institute.  She worked as a naturalist and educator at nature centers in the Midwest, and has taught in Montessori early childhood classrooms since 2014.  Paurnmai is passionate about helping children connect with the natural world and follow their inner drive to discover and learn!  Paurnami shares in the children's joy as they explore the world around them, make connections, and grow to be responsible, caring leaders.

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