One of my favorite books tells the story of Miss Rumphius, a woman who is charged with traveling to faraway places and making the world a more beautiful place. Alice is a real adventurer. She reads books, studies about other places, then sets off to explore. She does this with ease, but is uncertain how she will make this already amazing world even more beautiful. While admiring volunteer flowers, lupines, she decides to plant as many seeds as she can so that these flowers can be enjoyed by all. Her small, simple act creates a beautiful world that benefits all.
In a way, this is Maria Montessori’s story too. She studied something that she loved, traveled all over to keep her message of hope for children alive and, without a doubt, planted seeds where ever she went.
Inspired by the vision of Dr. Montessori and the story of the Lupine Lady, we have created a school where making the world a better place is a natural part of learning and growing. It is a special environment where seeds of knowledge, independence and compassion are planted and cultivated.
Nurturing your child in a quality Montessori setting and making the world more beautiful – the Lupine pledge.
Meet the Lupine Team
Head of School
Tina Davidson
I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BA in Communications Education and spent nearly ten years as a high school English, Speech and Drama teacher. When my husband and I were teaching in a high school district on the south side of Chicago, we were very lucky to have had many opportunities to learn about “new” strategies in teacher training like brain-based education, quantum learning and teaching, and multiple intelligences. Years later, we were standing in an observation room watching a little girl slice a banana for her classmates. The rest of the children were happily engaged in a variety of activities. We were hooked on Montessori from those first moments, watching children work in different modalities, at different speeds and being led by their interests. Our daughter was enrolled that fall and three years later, when our twins were ready to begin preschool, I began my training at Seton Montessori Institute. 15 years later, all three of our children have completed their full Montessori cycle and, after 12 years leading a 3-6 classroom, I’m ready to begin a new chapter in my Montessori story.
My dream of opening a Montessori school has become a reality. And it’s a big dream! At its heart is a strong community of people who care about children and the best possible opportunities for them. As my journey continues, I look forward to promoting Montessori’s vision of peace – learning to understand, understanding to sympathize and sympathizing to create an atmosphere of peace and hope. Academics and compassion go hand in hand. I believe we can make the world more beautiful and we will do that, planting one seed at a time.
3-6 Directress
Lina McAndrew
My husband and I first learned about Montessori in 2008 through our daughter’s journey at a local Lithuanian Montessori program. We watched our daughter slowly emerge from a protective cocoon and blossom into a confident individual whose love of learning continues to serve her well as she heads into Junior High. After the birth of our second daughter and taking some time off to be fully present in motherhood, I began my Montessori training at Seton Montessori Institute, graduating in 2016.
Since that time, I have enjoyed the collaborative spirit that is part of the classroom community. I love offering encouragement to children, sharing their triumphs and delighting in the challenge of new ideas and experiences. It is my commitment to create a beautiful environment designed to meet the needs and growing interests of each child, providing opportunities for exploration leading to confident and creative self-expression.
3-6 Directress
Amanda Morrison
I first learned about Montessori when my now teen-aged daughters were toddlers. I discovered the idea of children building their self-confidence when allowed to do things for themselves. I did what I could at home to support this idea and give credit to the teachings of Montessori for the success I see in them today. Several years later, I decided to open my own licensed in-home daycare center. I took what I knew of Montessori and implemented the philosophy with the daycare children. Later, as I pursued work outside of the home as a certified kids yoga instructor, I began work at a Montessori school in Palos Park. While there I worked as an assistant and was encouraged to seek certification to become a lead teacher. I trained at Seton Montessori Institute in Clarendon Hills.
I am passionate about the early childhood years because there is so much potential and opportunity for the child to grow in so many ways. It is truly the launching pad for life. As a teacher, it is my goal to never stop learning and growing from what I see and do every day. I believe the Montessori method has been around for over 100 years because it simply works.
3-6 Directress
Tahseen Mohajir
I was inspired to pursue a career in Montessori education as a parent of three children who attended Montessori for their primary years. I love that the Montessori way is intended to prepare the children for all aspects of life and not just for school.
As I spend more and more time in the beautiful classroom community, I see the children empowered to be independent, follow their interests, and to be the best of themselves. The primary years are my favorite because the children are just bursting with curiosity, activity, and growth. It is exciting to be an observer and guide on these first years of a child’s journey of life.
Elementary Guide
David Chorney
My Montessori journey began when I was 24 years old at Denali Montessori in Anchorage, Alaska. It was a five-day substitute teaching job, an infrequent opportunity in the substitute teaching game that ended up lasting eight years. I worked in all four kindergartens, six lower elementary classrooms, six upper elementary classrooms, as well as for the PE teacher, music teacher, art teacher, and librarian. I had never heard of Maria Montessori, however I could see immediately the purpose and passion within each teacher to do this work and the enthusiasm demonstrated by the children while engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.
I graduated from Augustana College in 2003 with English and Sociology degrees as well as earning NCAA, All American Honors playing tailback for the football team. I completed my Montessori training for lower elementary at Seton Montessori in 2015 where I have worked for the last six years as an aide, co-teacher, and PE teacher. I spoke at the 2015 AIMS conference in Chicago and the 2017 AMS conference in San Diego on approaches to Physical Education as well the 2018 AIMS conference with my wife on the benefits of purposeful activities in green spaces. My wife and I welcomed our daughter on June 3, 2017. We enjoy camping, reading, hiking, fires, cycling, and family hammock time.
I believe that Maria Montessori has given humanity one of its greatest gifts. She has provided us with a philosophy grounded in science and a method that honors the child’s social, emotional, and academic growth. My goal as an elementary guide is to create an environment where children can work purposefully towards independence through exploration.
Elementary Guide
Ashley Zupan
I started my Montessori journey in 2012 as an adolescent math and science specialist.
In 2014, I started my elementary training. Montessori is my passion and I absolutely love working with kids. Prior, I worked as an environmental educator at Nature’s Classroom. I graduated with a degree in environmental studies with a focus on marine biology. Before Montessori, I wanted to research sharks. My past times include playing sports but I also love gardening, reading thrillers and historical fiction, and music.
My husband and I, along with our 2 kids, are beyond excited to join the Lupine family!
Support Staff
Michelle Brandt
My Name is Michelle Brandt. My husband and I have lived in the area for 25 years.
I’ve been a teacher, Boy Scout leader, PTO President and mom to three beautiful children. I love any type of arts and crafts! Along with scrapbooking, reading is another passion of mine that I enjoy sharing with the students.
Lower Elementary Assistant
Meaghan Nichols
Montessori called to me in 2016 and I have been in love with it ever since! I love creating beautiful things with my hands such as decorating, planting, and sewing! In my free time, I like to shop, read, and go to the gym. I can’t wait to share my knowledge and gain knowledge from this school year with Lupine!
Adolescent Guide
Renee Kunkel
My name is Renee Kunkel. I’ve been married to my husband, Matt, for almost 22 years. We have 18 year old twin daughters, Hannah and Delaney, and Molly, a 3 year old blue pit bull. I enjoy dabbling in photography and playing all sorts of board games.
I’ve been teaching in some capacity since I graduated from U of I in 1995 with a degree Speech Education. I began my career teaching English, Speech, and Yearbook classes in public high school. I homeschooled my girls from kindergarten through their sophomore year of high school. In addition, I lead several homeschool co-op classes in Speech, Poetry & Photography, Spanish, and Yearbook. I’m looking forward to beginning a new adventure at Lupine while my daughters begin their college educations. I’m excited to be a part of the Lupine family and meet all of you!
Office Manager
Mickey Peterson
My name is Mickey Peterson and I was born in Chicago and raised in Romeoville, IL. I began working with Lupine Montessori in 2019 and brought with me prior Montessori office management experience. Working with Lupine Montessori has been the best career move for me. I love my job and enjoy working with the wonderful staff and families. I’ve never met a more caring team of individuals dedicated to their students. Prior to coming to Lupine, I worked 10 years with the Alzheimer’s Association. I spent the last three of those years as the Manager of several annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s events raising over one million dollars to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Before working with the Alzheimer’s Association, I worked 15 years with Waste Management’s corporate office holding and Executive Administrative position and later promoted to Charitable Contributions Representative.
I’m married and have one grown adult son. In my spare time I enjoy crafting and spending time with my beautiful Granddaughter, Ellie. Life is amazingly good!
