Marcy Flanagan (Children’s House Directress)
Brickton Montessori Staff (2019-PRESENT)
My name is Marcy Flanagan, and I am proud to be a part of the Brickton family. I am from Lombard, IL and received my Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio State University. I completed my Montessori Early Childhood certification at Seton Montessori Institute and have been working in Montessori education for over 15 years.
I have a true passion for working with young learners. Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academically, socially/emotionally, physically—is a responsibility in which I feel privileged to take part. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive and caring environment.
I have been married for over 10 years and have two wonderful children, Micah and Agnes, who also attend Brickton. In my personal time, I enjoy reading, listening to music and podcasts, playing with our dog, Turtle, and spending time with friends and family.
I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!
Jane Paha (Children’s House Directress)
Brickton Montessori Staff (2023-PRESENT)
I bring my lifelong love of learning to the classroom. I am particularly passionate about increasing biodiversity in my own backyard. I am replacing my lawn with Illinois native prairie plants. I look forward to sharing my love of the natural world with your children. My husband, Michael and I have been keeping bees on a produce farm for the past twenty years. Tending to our hives of bees have taught us to be more observant of the seasonal changes and the flowering plants available. We work hard in the spring and summer, rest in the fall and winter; much like the bees.
I am always looking for opportunities to understand better how all human beings can live and work together peacefully for the good of all and protect our natural world. It seems to me these are the two most important objectives we can strive for.
For me, the best part about teaching is witnessing the joy of learning spark in a child. Those are the moments I remember when I think back on my years of teaching, those are the memories that make me smile.
I look forward to getting to know your children and forming a partnership with you.
Liz Skrodzki (Reading Specialist)
Brickton montessori staff (2012-present)
Liz is a veteran educator, author, trainer and program developer. Experienced in several areas of literacy and Social Emotional Learning, she has been Reading Specialist at Brickton since 2012. Liz has a Master of Arts in Teaching and one in Reading. However during the Pandemic, she became like a first year teacher in online learning, seeing students via video conferencing. Early in her career she was director of Public Relations and Marketing for Goodman Theater and Director of the Wilmette Children’s Theater. As a Yoga enthusiast and practitioner she works with Yoga Teachers to present Storyoga experiences at libraries, schools and Montessori conferences.
She was a perfect parent until she and her husband had her two children, now adults.