Meet our KMS Staff

Primary Level

Jo Cole - Lead Teacher, Spanish, Administrator
Jo has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. She completed her Montessori training at the Seton Montessori Center in Clarendon Hills, Illinois under the direction of the 2005 AMS Living Legacy recipient, Celma Pinho Perry. Jo has her early childhood certification from the American Montessori Society. She has been teaching at KMS since 1977. Contact her on the school phone listed at the top of page.

Gloria Arneson - Lead Teacher, Office Administrator
Gloria has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. She completed her primary level Montessori training from Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL and is certified in early childhood from AMS. She has been teaching at KMS since 1992. Gloria’s children are KMS alumni. Contact her on the school phone or by emailing kmsgarneson@gmail.com.

Heather Harrison - Lead Teacher
Heather joined KMS in 2016 but has over 20 years teaching experience as a Montessori primary teacher. Heather received her associate’s degree in early childhood from College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois and took additional college credits at Northeastern Illinois University. She attended Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center and has her early childhood associate credential from AMS.

Elementary Level

Maria Turner - Lead Teacher
Maria has moved up to being a Lead Teacher after taking her Elemenary I Certification from being an assistant in 2021. Maria is the proud mother of three children who attended KMS and loves the Montessori method of learning. This past spring she worked as the Elementary Assistant and has also taught the Enrichment Program in the past along with helping at lunch, recess and subbing when needed since 2019. Maria attended Purdue University with an emphasis in Spanish and Psychology.

Denee Frazier - Lead Teacher
Denee has been a substitute teacher since 2007 and is beyond excited to jump into the world of Montessori education! She holds a Bachelor's Degree in French from Michigan State University, has a deep passion for all things involving music, and loves learning about different cultures through international travel. Denee joined KMS in 2022.

Carol Istvanek - Assitant, Extended Day Coordinator
Carol completed her Montessori assistant training at the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL. Carol’s daughters are KMS alumni. She has been at KMS since 1999.

Extended Day

Shanna DeLacy - Extended Day Coordinator
Shanna has over 16 years experience in the childcare field teaching at Extended Love Child Development Center. She attended Gateway College for Early Childhood Education and has recently taken continuing education courses from UW Milwaukee. Shanna joined KMS in 2021.