Meet our staff

Bansari Modi was born in India into a family of educators who instilled in her a love of learning and nurturing. She started helping out children by tutoring in the school where her grandmother was head of the school. She came to USA in early 90's as a Physical Therapist and cherished educating and helping the community working with children & adults. She continued to foster her love of education by volunteering with North South Foundation helping raise money to help under privileged children in India, attend college by organizing Spelling, Math, Science and Geography Bee workshops and competitions in USA.

Bansari joined Flossmoor Montessori School in January 2014 to promote Montessori way of learning in children. She takes special interest to witness the children’s great accomplishments as they develop in Montessori environment with dynamic blend of freedom and responsibility. She believes that most precious gift for children is the opportunity to reach their fullest potential by fostering an environment prepared to meet their learning needs.

She is married and has a son. She enjoys cooking, reading, sailing, travelling, learning about different countries and culture, spending time with family and nature.

Ms. Emily is a graduate of Governors State University with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. She has nearly 10 years experience working with children from birth to age 11-years. After completing her practicum at FMS, she realized how much she respected and understood the foundations of Montessori education. Ms. Emily brings an extensive knowledge of child development and background of implementing developmentally appropriate practices at both a classroom level, and a whole school level.

Ms. Leticia has over 13 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She has worked with Early Intervention providing translation services for Spanish speaking families and assisting with developmental and speech therapy as well.

Her first experiences working in a Montessori school found her as an assistant in a Primary level classroom. Falling in love with the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, she decided to pursue a certification from Seton Montessori Institute in the Infant-Toddler level. Her love of teaching and the Montessori way has never wavered. She has been working as a Pre-Primary lead for almost 9 years, and has had the opportunity to work as a Program Coordinator and Assistant Director as well. Her passion is being in the classroom, preparing a space for children to grow independently and confidently in their own capacities.

Ms. Lisa has worked ten years with the Chicago Public School, high school division as a Teacher Assistant. She received her Paraprofessional License in Education. She has worked with the Middle School division focusing on children with special needs.

Ms. Lisa's love for working in early childhood has allowed her to assist countless children to overcome their educational struggles. She has completed the Infant-Toddler certification course at Seton Montessori Institute.

Ms. Haritha was born in Southern India into an agriculture-based family. At a young age she knew she wanted to be a teacher and started her career as a Pre-Primary teacher. Her introduction to the Montessori led to a life-long commitment to the philosophy, and she completed her AMI Primary training in 2008.  

Ms. Haritha strongly believes that the Montessori Method is not just for children, it's a way of life. As a certified AMI guide, she worked as a lead for 11 years in India. In order to enhance her understanding of ‘the universal child,’ she jumped on the opportunity to teach in Morocco, for 4 more years. She is happy to bring her wisdom and experience to FMS.

Ms. Haritha aspires to create a self-sufficient Montessori space for the underprivileged, which is supported by people with different abilities.

Ms. Kamakshi is a dedicated learner and teacher with more than 15 years of experience in Montessori Education. She completed her Primary (3-6yrs) Montessori Training at the Montessori Training and Research Center in Hyderabad, India. Having worked in a Montessori school in Singapore for the last 14.5 years, she is ready to continue her professional experience here in the Homewood-Flossmoor community, and also live closer to her daughter who lives in the area. 

Her goal is to help shape the future by creating a caring and exciting place for children to explore, learn, and grow.  

It is vital that children are offered meaningful opportunities to individually develop their full potential, enabling them to step out into the world as responsible, engaged, competent and respectful citizens with an understanding and appreciation that learning is for life.