Director
Donna Butcher is the founder and Director of CHMS Dundee.
To contact Donna by phone please call
847-426-3570 or by email donna@chmsdundee.com
Our Mission
The goal of Children's House Montessori School is to help each child reach their full potential of growth, independence and 
learning within a safe environment. This environment should give them freedom within limits to teach them to make appropriate choices, become individually independent, manage their time, and work in the community with others. The best interest of the child will always be at the core of our actions and decisions. The children will be treated with respect in order to develop respect for others and build their self-esteem. A child excited to come to school each day opens their life up to a wide world of learning and experiences.
History
Children's House Montessori School opened its doors in October 1991 with Co-Directors Elizabeth Maliska and Donna Butcher. We had a total of 8 children in a morning 3-6 class and later that year added a small afternoon class. We have grown enormously since then with morning and afternoon preschool, full day Kindergarten, one 6-9 classroom and a complete Montessori-trained staff with Donna as sole owner and full-time director since 1998.
Our Staff
In order of the picture starting with the top left;
Hello, I'm Becky Coduto. I am a lead teacher in the 3-6 classroom. This is my 8th year at Children's House and I am proud to be
a part of this dedicated staff. In addition to my AMS Montessori credential, I have a BA in Human Services from Judson University.
I delight in watching our students acquire confidence in themselves and independence in their thoughts and actions. When I am
not at school, I'm enjoying time at home with my husband and my two sweet daughters. Both of my girls, ages 10 and 3, have
benefited greatly from their own Montessori experiences. If you have any questions regarding the morning or afternoon
preschool you can email me at becky@chmsdundee.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hi, my name is Paula Frederiksen. I work in the mornings in the 3-6 year old room. I have over 25 years of Montessori experience working with children from six weeks thru nine years old along with my birth-3yrs. & 3-6yr. old Montessori Teaching Certificates. I love working with children and am always amazed by their development throughout the year. I am proud to say this will be my third year at CHMS and I love it! I have only worked at one other school so I hope that tells you something about my loyalty and dedication. I have been married for over 23 years and have two beautiful daughters who are now 16 & 11, both of
which went through the Montessori Program. When I am not at work I am watching my girls play basketball and travel softball.
If you have any questions you can email me at paula@chmsdundee.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hi, my name is Danuta Loane. I became interested in the Montessori education because of my daughter. I have a degree in Fine Art and began assisting in the classroom introducing different art projects to the children. I also painted the tree mural on the classroom wall. I completed the Para-Professional training course for Montessori assistants last summer. I learned a lot. I absolutely love working in the 3-6 classroom. It is great to watch the year long progress in the children.
Hello! My name is Su Ranga and I am the Elementary Directress at CHMS. I have a Masters in Education, and over 20 years experience teaching preschool through third grade. I hold Montessori certificates 3-6 years, and 6-9 years and am certified Orff music instruction. I am passionate about education and enjoy sharing my knowledge and motivating children. In addition to teaching all the academic subjects, I teach music and drama and have led various drama and science workshops for young children. In 2001, I presented at the Annual American Montessori Society Conference in Chicago, on Methods for Integrating International Folk Dancing into the Curriculum. In my spare time I love to read and spend time with family and friends. If you have any
questions you can email me at mrsranga@chmsdundee.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
I am Donna Butcher, the founder and Director of Children's House Montessori School. I have been involved in Montessori
since 1981 teaching 2-3 year olds, 3-6 year olds and 6-9 year olds. I have a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Illinois University in Elementary Education and hold my Montessori Teaching Certification at the 6-9 level. I grew up in the Dundee area and have worked hard to make CHMS a quality program with a fabulous staff that will add a greater value to the community and it's families.
I am a widow and the mother of two fabulous sons, Brent (age 26) and Jamison (age 22) who both received the benefits of a Montessori education. When I am not working, I am involved in many church activities, love to read, listen to music, ride my bike, explore photography and spend time with friends and family. If you have any questions you can contact me at donna@chmsdundee.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hi, My name is Rosa Maria Sharif. I have been married for 27 years and have three wonderful children ages 29, 26, and 21. I work
with the Elementary children in the morning. I enjoy teaching them Spanish and reading with them everyday. In the
afternoon I assist with the preschoolers and Kindergartners. I have over 25 years experience working with children and
enjoy watching them learn and grow. This is my third year at CHMS and I hope to have many more wonderful years here. In my
spare time I love cooking and spending time with my family.
Associations
American Montessori Society
Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS)
Illinois State Board of Education
