Lower Elementary Faculty

Directresses

Heather Wilcek

25 years at Brickton Montessori School

Website Heather Wilcek Room 105Heather Wilcek has been at Brickton since 1996 and during that time has worked in several positions, such as after-school assistant, Physical Education Instructor, and After School Coordinator, before becoming a Directress. Heather earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern University and her certification in Elementary Montessori education at MMTTC in 2001.

 

 


Aarti Arora

4 years at Brickton Montessori School

Aarti Arora has been at Brickton since 2017. She started volunteering in Lower Elementary, and was interested in learning more about the Montessori philosophy. She decided to take the Lower Elementary training, and just recently received her certification from Seton Montessori Institute in early 2019. Aarti earned her MA in English and History from the University of Mumbai in India. During her free time, she likes to read books, draw, travel, and listen to music.

 


Specialists

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Kathy Hummel, Music

25 years at Brickton Montessori School

Kathy Hummel began teaching Music at Brickton in 1996. An accomplished musician, Kathy earned her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Northern Illinois University, her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University and Orff Schulwerk certification from De Paul University. She has taught music in Montessori schools for over twenty years. Kathy provides music instruction using the Orff Schulwerk method for Toddlers, Children’s House and Elementary students. She also instructs the Elementary students in chorus and band. Kathy teaches flute and plays in the Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra.

 


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Liz Skrodzki, Reading Specialist

9 years at Brickton Montessori School

Liz Skrodzki serves as our Reading Specialist since 2012.  She is experienced in various areas of literacy and social emotional learning. Liz has a master of arts degree in Teaching and Reading. Previously, she was the director of public relations and marketing for Goodman Theater and director of the Wilmette Children’s Theater. In addition to education, Liz is also passionate about yoga and works with yoga teachers to present Storyoga experiences at Montessori conferences, libraries and schools.


Christin Anzalotti, Coordinator of Diverse Learning

10 years at Brickton Montessori School

The ability for each student to reach their full potential is always at the forefront of what we strive for at Brickton Montessori School, and Christin Anzalotti, Coordinator of Diverse Learning, provides direct assistance to students who have additional learning needs. Anzalotti joined Brickton as an independent contractor in 2011 and became a staff member in 2015. Anzalotti works closely with both teachers and staff to ensure effective differentiation for all students including special needs, English as a Second Language and gifted students. Christin has more than 22 years experience teaching children with a variety of learning needs. She has a master’s degree in special education with a B.A. in both elementary education and psychology.