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
I am Donna Butcher, co-founder of CHMS in 1991 and sole owner since 1998. I have worked in Montessori education since 1981 teaching at the toddler, 3-6 and 6-9 levels. I have been a full time administrator since 2000, personally overseeing all aspects of our school with the help of this amazing staff!! I have a Bachelors Degree from Northern Illinois University in Elementary Education and hold an American Montessori Society Certificate for 6-9 year olds. We all continue to grow professionally by attending workshops and conferences. I am a widow with 2 grown sons, Brent (28) attending DePaul Law School and Jamison (24) a successful sound engineer and musician, who both benefited from a Montessori Education . I am actively involved in leadership in the grief support ministry at Willow Creek Community Church, I love music, reading, photography and time with friends and family. I grew up in West Dundee and strive to make this program a great asset and service to the community and it's surrounding areas.
Hello! I am Becky Coduto. I am a Lead Teacher in the 3-6 year old classroom. This is my 11th year here at Children's House and I am proud to be a part of this dedicated and loving staff. In addition to my Montessori Teaching Certificate, I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services from Judson University. When I am not teaching, I enjoy my time with my husband and my two daughters ages 7 & 14. The education my girls received here at CHMS, to quote Maria Montessori, "Has not only prepared them for school, but for life." I look forward to sharing this love of learning with your child. I can be reached at : becky@chmsdundee.com or by cell/text which is located in our school directory.
Hi, my name is Paula Frederiksen. I am one of the teachers working in the morning & afternoon 3-6 year old classroom. I have over 29 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 years. I have been married for 26 years and have two beautiful daughters who are now 19 &15, both of which went through the Montessori Program. I am proud to say this will be my sixth year at CHMS and I love it! I have only worked at one other school full time so I hope that tells you something about my loyalty and dedication. I can be reached at: spfred1@sbcglobal.net or by cell/text which is located in our school directory. Hello! My name is Su Ranga and I am the Elementary Teacher at CHMS. I have a Masters in Education, and over 20 years experience teaching preschool through third grade. I hold Montessori certificates for 3-6 years and 6-9 years, and am certified in Orff music instruction. In 2001, I presented at the Annual American Montessori Society Conference in Chicago, on Methods for Integrating International Folk Dancing into the Curriculum, and I regularly attend educational and professional development conferences. In addition to teaching all the academic subjects, I teach drama, and have led various drama camps and science fairs for young children. I am also a proud grandmother with a 2-year-old grandson and a granddaughter on the way! I can be reached at: sranga@sbcglobal.netHola! My name is Rosy Sharif and I've been working with young children for over 25 years. This is my 6th year at Children's House. I am the assistant in the 6-9 year old Elementary classroom. I enjoy teaching Spanish to my students. I also help Mrs. Ranga design the costumes for our drama performances. I have three children, two boys and a girl. I love spending time with family. My hobbies are reading and crocheting.Associations
The American Montessori Society
Association of Illinois Montessori Schools
Illinois State Board of Education
