Montessori School of Lake Forest announces new Acting Executive Director, Nan Barrett
October 16, 2018

Montessori School of Lake Forest Board President Kelly Dunn Rynes is proud to announce the appointment of Nan Barrett to the position of Acting Executive Director. “We are so honored to have Nan, a recognized Montessori leader and visionary in our community, join us as we begin this next chapter in MSLF’s rich history.”

As a strong community educator and leader, Mrs. Barrett held various teaching positions at Forest Bluff School, where she became School Principal. Nan has been involved in various organizations and programs, including Executive Director of Lake Bluff Preschool, presenter at LEAD’s Parent University, and Woodlands Academy Father’s Club. She is a certified “Love and Logic” facilitator and independent Parent Consultant. She has published parenting articles in Sheridan Road magazine and was hired by the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA) to contribute Montessori based tips for a mobile app.

“My interest and commitment to Montessori education began 30 years ago at MSLF where my daughters attended the toddler program. I am indebted to MSLF for introducing me and my family to Maria Montessori’s vision of ‘an education for life’. It has had an extraordinary impact on the happiness and success of my now adult daughters’ lives. I am excited to rejoin the MSLF community and partner with teachers, staff, and parents to fulfill our mission of providing each child with a life-long love of learning.”

Mrs. Barrett replaces Ann Jordahl, who resigned from her role as Executive Director earlier this year. “Ann has been an integral part of the MSLF community for more than 20 years and the school has benefited in countless ways. We are grateful for her contributions and wish her the very best as she embarks on her own new chapter,” said Kelly Dunn Rynes

Mrs. Barrett steps into this role at a critical time for MSLF, and joins a newly appointed Board of Directors led by President Kelly Dunn Rynes, and Vice President Jodi Shakin. Also joining the Board this year are an exemplary group of parents and community leaders: Christine Alevras, Germain Castellanos, Amanda Crisel, Samantha Falbe and Jeff Mills.

The Board of Directors is rounded out with an enthusiastic group of dedicated leaders returning for the 2018-2019 school year: Tamara Mannelly (Secretary), Dean Shaffer (Treasurer), Court Carruthers, Sarah Cassidy, Ben Grum, Chris Tennyson, Kim Wisneski, and Daniela Würfel.

Pictured are 2018-19 Board Members: Back row – standing L to R – Dean Shaffer, Daniela Würfel, Chris Tennyson, Kim Wisneski, Christine Alevras, Amanda Crisel, Tamara Mannelly, Samantha Falbe, Jeff Mills and Germain Castellanos; Front row – seated L to R – Kelly Dunn Rynes, Ann Jordahl, Sarah Cassidy and Ben Grum



About MSLF

As one of the premier Montessori schools in the nation and with a long-standing history of 50 years in the Lake Forest community, the Montessori School of Lake Forest (MSLF) offers exceptional learning programs for children ages birth to 12 years. Program options range from half-day to full-day and year-round academic offerings. The school is home to a diverse student body, encompassing eight countries and more than 30 communities in the Chicagoland area.

Contact: Hope Allegretti, Admissions & Marketing Director 847-918-1000
www.mslf.org

MSLF Retirement Announcement

January 29, 2025
Dear MSLF Community, After over 20 years of teaching Lower Elementary students at MSLF, Kathryn Jasinski has shared her plans to retire from teaching at the end of the current school year. There is no doubt about the impact Miss Jasinski has had on our school community during her long tenure here. Kathryn has been well known for her dedication to her students, to developing the whole child, and for her passion for Montessori education, always staying true to the core tenets of Montessori philosophy. Her legacy at MSLF will certainly live on in each of the students who have been lucky enough to have been in her class and in the many words of wisdom she has shared with her fellow colleagues, past and present. No doubt each one of her current or former students who receives a note from her in the mail instantly recognizes her perfect cursive writing and the thoughtful note inside. Kathryn’s care of her students extends well beyond their time in her classroom as she has kept in touch with dozens of her former students and has even welcomed some back to work alongside her as assistants. She has been a mentor to many, imparting her years of expertise on all those who have had the privilege of working with her. While we are sad to see her go, we know that she will enjoy her well-earned retirement, and we look forward to celebrating Kathryn’s legacy more this year. MSLF is pleased to announce that Laura Earls will be the new Lower Elementary lead teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Laura has been co-teaching in our Upper Elementary classroom since the beginning of the current school year. Laura Earls joined the MSLF team from Higher Ground Education where she was Regional Program Lead, working to elevate program quality in all Guidepost Montessori schools across the Chicago area. It was during this work that she realized how much she missed working directly with children in the Montessori classroom and decided to return to teaching. Laura received her BA in art history from the University of Dallas and completed graduate work at the University of Notre Dame. Soon after, Laura shifted her career to education and earned her AMI Elementary Montessori Certification (6-12 years old) at the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. She then taught in an Elementary classroom at Forest Bluff School, and her classroom was profiled in Paula Polk Lillard’s book, Montessori Today. After moving to Wisconsin to raise her three children, Laura received her AMI Primary Montessori Certification (3-6 years old) at the Midwest Montessori Institute. After that, she worked as a Primary Directress and Director of Admissions at a Montessori school in Wisconsin, as Head of School of Forest Bluff School, and as Senior Head of School at Guidepost Montessori. Laura has three grown children who all experienced Montessori education themselves and are thriving in college and beyond. Laura has lived and studied in both Paris and Rome and is an accomplished pianist. Laura is excited to make the transition to the Lower Elementary classroom and looks forward to working closely with current and new Lower Elementary families next year. She also looks forward to meeting families in the Lower Elementary classroom during the Open House on February 5. With Laura transitioning to the Lower Elementary classroom following the current school year, MSLF will be conducting a search for a new co-teacher to work alongside Debbie Lincoln in the Upper Elementary classroom for the 2025-26 school year. We are thankful to Laura for all the support she has offered the Upper Elementary community this year. Please join me in wishing Kathryn a peaceful and fulfilling retirement and in welcoming Laura to the Lower Elementary community. Sincerely, Hope Allegretti Head of School - Executive Director Montessori School of Lake Forest

Montessori Assessments at MSLF

By Teresa Pavelich • January 8, 2025
An overview of how Montessori schools assess student progress and development
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