Academic
Mrs. Jane Baker, Administrator of Education
Mrs. Jane Baker, a graduate of Wheaton College, earned her BA in Education. She taught in the public system for many years and then caught a vision for Montessori education. She earned her AMI certification at the Ohio Montessori Training Institute in Cleveland and has 14 years of experience working with 3-6 year olds in primary classrooms. Jane graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School as did both her mother and her daughter. Her daughter also attended a Montessori school through 6th grade. Jane and her husband host international students who come to the US to learn English.
Ms. Bonnie Israel, Directress
Ms. Israel received her B.A. degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She earned her AMI certification in primary (3-6 year olds) from the Toronto Montessori Institute and AMI certification in elementary (6-12 years) education at the Washington Montessori Institute. Ms. Israel has taught in Montessori schools for over 30 years and has 4 children who attended Montessori schools. Ms. Israel has received Level I Orff-Schulwerk music teacher training and certification from DePaul University. Playing piano is one of her special interests and she enjoys teaching music to the children in the classroom.
Mrs. Arlette Wasik, Directress
Mrs. Wasik holds a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Secondary Art Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an Association Montessori Internationale Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. She has worked at WSMS for four and a half years, beginning as a childcare assistant, and then working as Ms. Israelʼs classroom assistant. Prior to working at WSMS Mrs. Wasik was a registered and board certified art therapist and licensed professional counselor working mainly with children in an
inpatient psychiatric hospital, in a hospice setting, and in community art studios. In addition, she served on the board of the Illinois Art Therapy Association for four years. Mrs. Wasik raised her family in Oak Park and has recently moved back to Chicago. Each day she is humbled by the miracle of the absorbent mind and is ever grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful children of WSMS.
Ms. Amanda Orfei, Directress
Amanda Orfei attended the University of Illinois for her B.A. in Psychology and her M.Ed in Early Childhood Education. It was in her masters program that Amanda was first introduced to Maria Montessori. She immediately felt that there was something special about this philosophy. Soon after graduation she traveled to Denver, CO for the AMI Assistants to Infancy certification (0-3 yrs). Amanda taught in a toddler classroom for many years and then went back for her AMI Primary certification (3-6 yrs) from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. Amanda's respect, patience, and high expectations for her students help in developing each child's potential. Amanda is excited to work with such a wonderful community here at WSMS.
Ms. Sunmi Lim, Classroom Specialist
Ms. Lim earned her college degree in child development and psychology at Sung Kwan University in Korea. She received her American Montessori Society certification in primary (3 to 6 years) from the Meca-Seton Montessori teacher training program and has assisted in Montessori classrooms for over 6 years. In addition to her professional Montessori career, Ms. Lim works at Sunday school as a director, plays the piano and is fluent in Korean.
Child Care
Ms. Gloria Nash, Child Care Supervisor
Mrs. Nash's child-care career has spanned over 20 years. She received her Montessori Classroom Assistant Training in St. Louis, Missouri. Gloria provides encouragement, respect, and a positive attitude to all the children, staff and parents at WSMS. Ms. Nash develops and implements creative and educational play activities and supervises the child-care program. Mrs. Nash has attended a number of workshops through Triton College, Morton, and Dominican, where she continues to grow and enhance the activities offered throughout the child care session.
Business Management
Mr. Bruce Hartney, Business Manager
Bruce Hartney received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Spring Hill College and his Master’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has over 30 years of experience working in the business community. Bruce wears many hats and is responsible for the day-to-day business operations of WSMS. He is a 30-year resident of Oak Park, where he lives with his wife and teenage daughter.