Jo Ann Cole
Our Kindergarten Directress and Administrator, graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside in 1977. She completed her Montessori Academy training at the MECA-SETON training center in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, under the direction of well-known educators, Celma and Desmond Perry. This is Jo’s 38th year at the Kenosha Montessori School. Jo also worked at the Barrington Montessori Summer Camp in Barrington, IL, during her internship period. Jo is certified and a member of the American Montessori Society. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and will instruct the students in Spanish. Jo is a member of the American Federation of Aviculture. She is also a breeder of exotic birds and owner of Jo’s Exotic Birds, Ltd., here in Kenosha.
Gloria Arneson
Our Pre-School Directress and Assistant Administrator, graduated in 1982 from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA with B.A. degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. Gloria completed her Montessori Education in the Pre-Primary Level at the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL. She is a certified member of the American Montessori Society. This is her 23rd year at KMS. Gloria has four children, three having graduated from the KMS Kindergarten Program and Paul, who graduated from our elementary program in 2006.
Marianne Giannis
Our Upper Level Directress, graduated in 1986 from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, with a B.A. in Music Education. She has also attended Carthage College for classes in Special Education Licensure. Marianne attended the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL and completed her Montessori training in the summer of 2005. She is also a trainer/consultant for Midwest Teacher Training Center located in Deerfield, IL. This is Marianne’s 14th year at KMS. She has two children who graduated from our elementary program, Zach in 2005 and Alex in 2009.
Dorothy Olson
Our Upper Level Assistant, became a certified Montessori Assistant after completing training in Hinsdale, IL, at the MECA-SETON Training Center in July of 1990. Dorothy has two grown children, Louis and Katie, both graduates from KMS Kindergarten.
Corydon Martin
Our Upper Level Assistant, graduated with a degree in graphic design from Carthage College in 1989. Most recently, he attended the Wellspring Montessori Teacher Education Center in Glen Ellyn, IL. Corydon has two daughters, one is currently attending Racine Montessori School.
Carol Istvanek
Our Pre-School Assistant, completed her Montessori Assistant training in the summer of 1999 at the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL. She was instrumental in launching our KMS Website. Carol has three grown children; Steven, Robin and Ashley. Robin and Ashley graduated from our Upper Level Program in 2006 and 2008 respectively.
Donna Povkovich
Our Enrichment Program Coordinator, is currently working to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary education. Donna was the head coordinator of Treehouse Learning LLC. in Kenosha for the last three years. She also assisted in a preschool in Nevada for six years while also attending the University of Phoenix. Donna has two children, Tyler and Abby. She is looking forward to a career at Kenosha Montessori.
Judy Upmann
Our Montessori Assistant, will be helping out during lunch, recess, and substituting. Judy completed the Childcare Services Program at Blackhawk Technical College. Judy has two daughters, Janet and Cheryl.