Team
Team
At W Montessori Academy, our Montessori teacher plays a crucial role in each child’s educational journey. Rather than lecturing, the Montessori teacher acts as a guide, carefully observing each student’s progress. They are skilled in knowing exactly when to step in to offer guidance, when to allow a student to work independently, and when to challenge them with the next step in their learning sequence.
This approach ensures that each child receives the individualized support they need while fostering independence and confidence. By guiding rather than directing, our Montessori teacher helps students navigate their own learning paths, encouraging them to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
Jennifer Havenga
Head of School
Janell Evans
Administrator & Primary Teacher
Jacqueline Catano
Primary Teacher & Assistant Director
Kasia Kuznia
Lead Pre-Primary Teacher
Cynthia Flores
Lead Primary Teacher & Director
Mikala Hartnett
Assistant Primary Teacher
Hannah Maltas
Assistant Pre-Primary Teacher
Anna Amante
Assistant Pre-Primary & Primary Teacher
Arleth Medina Garcia
Assistant Primary Teacher
May Wang
Mandarin Teacher & Assistant Primary Teacher
Cynthia Flores
Lead Primary Teacher & Director
Wanted to be...
a doctor
Cynthia Flores
Lead Primary Teacher & Director
Ms. Cynthia fell in love with the Montessori philosophy after working in the classroom because it emphasized hands-on learning and encouraged children to question and explore their environment. She believes this philosophy helps children develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Ms. Cynthia graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She received her Montessori Credentials from MMTTC in 2023. As a teacher, she is committed to creating a fun, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all students. She believes that every child has the potential to succeed and that as educators, it’s our job to help them reach their full potential. Her goal as a teacher is to inspire and empower her students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. When she’s not in the classroom, you can find Ms. Cynthia spending time with her three kiddos, husband and family. They love going on vacations, especially to places where they can ride their ATV’s.
