FACULTY
OUR FACULTY: DEDICATED TO THE "WHOLE CHILD"
At Brickton Montessori School, our teachers are more than instructors—they are guides, mentors, and observers. With many staff members celebrating over 10, 15, and 20 years with us, our faculty provides a stable and nurturing foundation for your child’s educational journey
LEADERSHIP
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Erica Lane | Head of School (staff since 1997)
Erica has served the Brickton community for almost three decades. A Montessori student herself as a child, she brings a lifelong passion for the philosophy. Erica is AMS-credentialed for Elementary I, II, and Administration, and holds a Professional Educator License (PEL). She serves as a leader in the broader Montessori community as the Membership Coordinator and Vice President for the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS).
Megan O’Hehir | Early Childhood Director (Staff since 2004)
Megan’s journey at Brickton began in our summer camp and has spanned two decades. She earned her AMS Early Childhood certification from Seton Montessori Institute and holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Kelly McDermott | Director of Advancement (staff since 1990)
A lifelong educator dedicated to early childhood development, A lifelong educator dedicated to early childhood development, Kelly earned her Montessori certification from the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center after attending Clarke College. Kelly joined Brickton in 1990 as a teacher before transitioning to administrative and community roles in 2012. As a proud Brickton parent whose three children attended the school, she is excited to continue building community relationships and supporting Brickton’s future as our new Director of Advancement.
Nido / Toddler (infant - age 3)
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Ludwicka “Lulu” Rodriguez | Infant/Toddler Specialist (Staff since 2022)
Originally from Puerto Rico, Lulu holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and brings a musical, joyful energy to the classroom through nursery rhymes and sensory discovery.
Kearra Pastor | Young Toddler Lead (Staff since 2024)
Kearra comes to us with a background in leading young children in other daycare settings. She is completing her infant/toddler Montessori credential and is known for her calm, peaceful demeanor that helps our youngest learners feel safe and confident.
Zoe Bouris | Toddler Lead (Staff since 2023)
Zoe brings creativity and fun to our Toddler program, serving as its lead teacher. Understanding the developmental needs of Toddlers as they strengthen their life skills, develop their vocabulary, and become self-sufficient is the major of Zoe’s work, and she manages this task with confidence and a smile.
Jackie Toro | Flex Lead Teacher (Staff since 1999)
With over 25 years at Brickton, Jackie has experience in every program of the school. She has served as Afterschool Coordinator and worked in many classrooms with students 0-12 years old. She is Montessori-certified for ages 0–3 and has been a stable presence in the infant/toddler program forseveral years now.
CHILDREN’S HOUSE (PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN)
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Allison Potter | Children’s House Lead (Staff Since 2025)
Allison discovered her passion for Montessori education when her two children attended Beverly Montessori School, prompting a career transition from assistant to certified lead teacher. Based in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, she holds an Early Childhood Certification, an AMS Inclusion Endorsement, and is currently completing her AMS Administrative Credential. Dedicated to holistic education, she is also a certified Positive Discipline parent educator who loves traveling, biking, and sewing in her free time.
Jane Paha | Children’s House Lead (Staff since 2023)
Jane brings a lifelong love of learning and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and peace education to her students. She began her Montessori journey on the other side of Chicago at The Ancona School in the mid-2000s, joining our Children’s House in 2023.
Marcy Flanagan | Children’s House Lead (Staff since 2019)
Marcy has almost two decades of experience in Montessori education. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and completed her Montessori training at the Seton Montessori Institute. Marcy brings her many loves to our afterschool programming as well, leading singing, drama, and nature classes.
ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Heather Wilcek I Lower Elementary Lead / Elementary Coordinator (staff since 1996)
Celebrating 30 years at Brickton—including 27 years teaching first through third grade—Heather is a passionate educator and proud parent of two school graduates. Her greatest joy is helping students discover how to learn, building their confidence, and partnering with families during these crucial developmental years. Beyond the classroom, she mentors new teachers, coordinates alumni connections, and leads the Yearbook Committee. After three decades, she remains deeply dedicated to this wonderful community and its mission.
Aarti Arora | Upper Elementary Lead (Staff since 2016)
Aarti holds a Master’s in English and History. After volunteering at Brickton and falling in love with the philosophy, she earned her Elementary certification from Seton Montessori Institute.
Selena Brosnan - Makerspace Teacher (staff since 2012)
Selena leads our Upper Elementary program with a diverse background in English, Art History, and Tech. She recently completed her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and will serve as our Makerspace teacher on our new campus.
Anna Carter-Goldsmith | Middle School Lead (Staff Since 2020)
Anna is a dedicated educator whose international and specialized teaching background led her to Montessori. After teaching students with learning differences in Virginia and volunteering to train teachers in South Africa, a substitute role in Charlottesville inspired her to pursue Montessori full-time. In 2020, she moved to Chicago and joined the staff at Brickton Montessori School. Having completed her Montessori Secondary training in 2022, she is thrilled to apply her diverse global experience to Brickton's Middle School classroom.
SPECIALIZED STUDENT SUPPORT
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Liz Skrodzki | Reading Specialist (Staff since 2012)
A veteran educator and author, Liz holds two Master’s degrees (Teaching and Reading). She works across age levels to foster literacy and social-emotional learning.
Christin Anzalotti - Student Support Specialist (staff since 2019)
With over 25 years of experience, Christin ensures that every student—including those with special needs, ESL requirements, or gifted abilities—receives the individualized support they need to thrive. She began her time at Brickton as an independent contractor in 2012 and became part of the staff seven years later.
THE BRICKTON STANDARD
All Children’s House, Elementary, and Middle School Lead Teachers hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, along with advanced Montessori certifications. Lead Teachers in every program hold Montessori credentials through the American Montessori Society or Association Montessori Internationale.
Feedback
The Brickton Experience
“My time at Brickton began all the way back in the toddler classroom, when my older sister, Vivian, was starting in kindergarten just down the hall. I have vague memories of my first few experiences at Brickton, but I remember being terrified to leave my dad’s hip. Little did I know Brickton would become a home away from home, full of mentors and friends. I graduated from the Middle School program in 2020, and along the way I benefited from the instruction of teachers such as Heather Wilcek, Erica Lane, Charles Martin, and more. I think of their advice often, and the impact they have had on the way I view myself as a student and young adult.”
Brickton Alumnus Elliott Natura (Class of 2020)
Contact Us!
Brickton Montessori School is where every child’s unique talent flourishes through an inspiring Montessori experience in the heart of Chicago. We invite you to tour Brickton and witness firsthand how our students thrive.
Contact us at (773) 714-0646 or email info@brickton.org to schedule a personalized visit.
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