After experiencing the Montessori classroom alongside her own children and witnessing their natural curiosity and love of learning flourish at Keystone, Annie felt inspired to follow their lead. She pursued her Montessori training and earned her 0-3 certification from Seton Training Institute in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, through the American Montessori Society (AMS).

With a background in outdoor education and biology, Montessori’s hands-on, nature-based approach felt like the perfect fit. Annie is passionate about working with the youngest learners and finds daily joy and wonder in the classroom. She embraces the dual role of educator and learner, often reminded by the toddlers of life’s simplest yet most profound lessons: clean up after yourself, have patience, live in the moment, be silly, and, most importantly, "I can do it myself."

Keystone has been a meaningful part of Annie’s journey as both a parent and an educator, and she is grateful to be part of such a nurturing community.

A member of the Keystone community since its founding in 1994, Katie’s journey with Keystone began as a student in Primary Extended Day. After graduating from Keystone Montessori’s middle school program, she attended Trinity High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Dominican University.

Her passion for Montessori deepened while apprenticing with Kelly Berg in Primary, leading her to pursue Montessori training at The Montessori Training Center of St. Louis through the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) under Dr. Annette Haines. From there, the rest was history. She continues to be inspired by Montessori students, who constantly demonstrate new ways in which children are capable, independent, and eager to learn. Each new year and group of students brings fresh adventures and discoveries.

In 2021, Katie stepped into the role of Interim Director at Keystone, and in 2022, she made the position permanent.

Outside of school, she enjoys reading, baking, and cooking. She also proofreads advanced copies of novels for independent authors around the world. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling the country with her two beagles, Winnie and Ivy—who, despite their initial hesitation, have learned to appreciate road trips (especially when cheeseburgers are involved).

Kathryn joined Keystone fresh out of graduate school and Montessori training at the Washington Montessori Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, through the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

At Keystone, she found the freedom to grow into an experienced educator while staying true to her Montessori ideals. Over the years, she has come to see that Keystone is more than just an exceptional Montessori school—it is a family. Now, as both a teacher and a parent, Kathryn takes great joy in watching her own children thrive within the Montessori method and this supportive community.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, gardening, taking long walks, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Jamie first discovered the power of the Montessori approach as a parent, when her two sons joined Keystone Montessori as toddlers. Inspired by the philosophy and the school’s close-knit community, Jamie began her journey at Keystone as part of the office staff. She later led our Parent-Infant program before becoming our Middle School guide in 2021.

Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Concordia University and a Master’s in Teaching and Learning from DePaul University. She brings with her a rich background in education, having worked in both public and private high schools across the Chicagoland area.

Jamie is passionate about guiding adolescents through this transformative stage of life and creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and staying curious alongside her two sons.

Meghan discovered the Montessori philosophy in 2013 and quickly became passionate about its pedagogy. She completed her training at the Montessori Teacher Training Institute in Miami, Florida, through the American Montessori Society (AMS). Over the years, she has worked in multiple Montessori schools, learning from experienced mentors and valuing each opportunity to grow as an educator. Before joining Keystone, she spent seven years as a lead guide in both Toddler and Primary classrooms.

Meghan became part of the Keystone Montessori community in 2022 when her older child joined the Toddler program. Inspired by the school’s environment and philosophy, she officially joined the Keystone staff in 2024.

Outside the classroom, Meghan enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, who never fail to impress her and make her laugh, along with their sweet dog, Otto.