Team
Team
Our Staff
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
Cynthia Flores
Lead Primary Teacher & Director
Jacqueline Catano
Primary Teacher & Assistant Director
Kasia Kuznia
Lead Pre-Primary Teacher
Nicole Manikatov
Teacher
Mikala Hartnett
Assistant Primary Teacher
Hannah Maltas
Assistant Pre-Primary Teacher
Anna Amante
Assistant Pre-Primary & Primary Teacher
Arleth Medina Garcia
Assistant Primary Teacher
Jennifer Havenga
Head of School
Wanted to be...
a garbage man
Jennifer Havenga
Head of School
Ms. Jen serves as the Head of School at W Montessori Academy. She leads an incredible teaching team who share her commitment to enriching and educating the minds of young children through the Montessori philosophy. She received her Montessori credential from Seton Montessori Institute in 2003 and has nearly twenty-five years of experience leading Montessori and traditional classrooms. As a former Montessori student, Ms. Jen is passionate about this method as she believes it emphasizes independence, learning in harmony, and understanding each child’s unique pace of development. She feels very fortunate to call this her job! Ms. Jen has two wonderful children of her own, Mia & AJ. In her free time, she enjoys walking, reading and being near the ocean.
Nicole Manikatov
Teacher
Wanted to be...
a Teacher
Nicole Manikatov
Lead Pre-Primary Teacher
Ms. Nicole has been an early childhood educator for the past 10 years working with children 2 to 6 years of age and is excited to continue her teaching career at W Montessori Academy! Ms. Nicole has a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from The University of Iowa and has received early childhood credentials from the College of Lake County as well as a Montessori Paraprofessional Certificate from Seton Montessori Institute. Ms. Nicole has always had a passion for working with children and strives to help each child in her classroom reach their full potential and develop a love for learning. In her spare time, Ms. Nicole enjoys gardening, home reno projects and spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Mila and Rory.
Hannah Maltas
Assistant Pre-Primary Teacher
Wanted to be...
a Veterinarian
Hannah Maltas
Assistant Pre-Primary Teacher
Ms. Hannah is currently in her second year at W Montessori Academy. She has seen firsthand how the Montessori method can empower children to become confident, capable, and independent learners. Ms. Hannah holds a Montessori Paraprofessional Certificate and is in her final semester at Elmhurst University pursuing a BA in psychology, with a focus on child development. Her academic background allows her to bring a unique perspective into the classroom, understanding not just what children learn, but how they learn best. The Montessori philosophy allows her to provide an environment filled with carefully curated materials and activities that inspire children to fully engage with the world around them, developing a lifelong love of learning. Ms. Hannah enjoys crafting, especially through fiber arts like crochet. She shares her home with two wonderful cats, who bring a lot of joy to her life. Ms. Hannah believes that nurturing creativity and curiosity in young children helps build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and she’s excited to continue growing as an educator alongside her students!
Anna Amante
Assistant Pre-Primary & Primary Teacher
Wanted to be...
a hair stylist
Anna Amante
Assistant Pre-Primary & Primary Teacher
Ms. Anna enjoys assisting in both pre-primary and primary levels. She was born and raised in Poland and moved to the United States in 2011. Ms. Anna started her career in May of 2014 at a Montessori school in Chicago. Ms. Anna loves her job! She can see beyond a tough day or unexpected turn. Working at W Montessori Academy gives her the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and make a difference every day. Ms. Anna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and a Master’s in Physical Education and Sports Management from Wroclaw, Poland as well as a Montessori Paraprofessional Certificate. Ms. Anna loves sports and traveling the world.
Arleth Medina Garcia
Assistant Primary Teacher
Wanted to be...
a business woman
Arleth Medina Garcia
Assistant Primary Teacher
Ms. Arleth is passionate about fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. Ms. Arleth holds a degree in International Business and a Montessori Paraprofessional Certification. As an understanding, patient, and playful person, she strives to create a supportive atmosphere for all of her students. She has two beautiful kids who inspire her every day. In her free time, she loves to travel, support her children at their sports events, enjoy a good book, and savor a cup of coffee. Her mission is to foster a love for learning through innovative teaching methods and real-world connections, while respecting each child’s unique learning journey.
Jacqueline Catano
Primary Teacher & Assistant Director
Wanted to be...
a teacher
Jacqueline Catano
Primary Teacher & Assistant Director
Ms. Jackie developed a passion for education early on and began her academic journey by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood education, focusing on special needs. This foundation allowed her to appreciate diverse learning styles and needs of children. Ms. Jackie continued her education at Benedictine University and her introduction to the Montessori Philosophy in 2020 sparked a fascination that helped shape her teaching career! She is currently completing her practicum through Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center. She believes that children are our future and she is committed to instilling essential values in her students, teaching them not only academic skills, but the importance of caring for one another and our planet. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys roller blading and spending time with her dog and family.
Mikala Hartnett
Assistant Primary Teacher
Wanted to be...
a animal police officer
Mikala Hartnett
Assistant Primary Teacher
Ms. Mikala wanted to become a Montessori teacher to share her passion for nurturing independence and a lifelong love for learning in young children. Having experienced the Montessori method as a child, she felt a deep connection to its hands-on, child-centered approach. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in education, particularly in the primary classroom for children aged 3-6. She loves teaching because it allows her to guide children in developing practical life skills, confidence, and curiosity about the world. Watching them grow and explore their potential brings her immense joy and fulfillment as a Montessori educator. As a mother and outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys activities like running, biking, swimming, which further fuels her holistic approach to education. Ms. Mikala holds a Montessori Paraprofessional Certificate.
Kasia Kuznia
Lead Pre-Primary Teacher
Wanted to be...
a teacher
Kasia Kuznia
Lead Pre-Primary Teacher
Ms. Kasia obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePaul University in 2017. Shortly after she completed her Montessori Infant and Toddler credentials from Seton Montessori Institute. Her passion for Montessori education started after just one visit to a local school where she fell in love with the philosophy and that approach to education. Outside of work, Ms. Kasia loves spending time outdoors with her son and Fiancé. During warm seasons you can find her gardening or going for long walks with her dog, Chocolate.
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.
