Lower Elementary Faculty

Heather Wilcek (Lower Elementary Co-Directress)

Brickton Montessori Staff (1996-PRESENT)

Heather joined Brickton in 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.

“I started here as a way to get my foot in the door at a school before I graduated. Once I graduated, I began working in the elementary classroom. I had no clue what Montessori was! Quickly, I became interested and discovered the philosophy matched up with my own personal beliefs as a teacher and a human.  I took the LE (Lower Elementary)  training in 2000 and the rest is history. They are my people and my favorite age! “

Aarti Arora (Lower Elementary Co-Directress)

Brickton Montessori Staff (2016-PRESENT)

Aarti earner her Bachelors, Masters, and education diploma in her native India from 2008-2012. Her Montessori journey with Brickton began in 2016. 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 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.

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.

Christin Anzalotti, MEd, LBS1(Coordinator of Diverse Learning)

Brickton Montessori Staff (2011-PRESENT)

Christin holds a Master’s Degree in Moderate Disabilities, with a B.A. in Elementary Education/Psychology.  She has 25+ years teaching children with diverse learning needs, including talented and gifted support; remedial support, and teaching executive function skills, in both public and private schools, as well as supervisory/administrative experience. Christin has state certification in Moderate Disabilities PreK-age 22. Her professional memberships include the Association of Educational Therapists, the International Dyslexia Association, and the Council for Exceptional Children.  In 2009, she was honored with the Howard Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Teaching.  Christin joined Brickton Montessori in 2011 as a Learning Specialist/Coordinator of Diverse Learning.

Christin firmly believes it is important for students to feel understood and empowered. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment where students feel understood and feel good about themselves. She believes this is an important key to success and to helping students build the necessary confidence to independently problem solve. Christin is passionate about advocating for her students.