Our Team

Since joining MCA in 2015, I have developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy and its emphasis on independence, respect, and lifelong learning. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from National Louis University, an endorsement in Bilingual Education, and earned my Infant/Toddler Montessori credential from Seton Montessori Institute.

In my dual role, I have the privilege of supporting both our youngest learners and our dedicated teaching staff. As a bilingual educator, I love incorporating Spanish into our daily routines through songs, conversations, and activities that celebrate language and culture. Sharing my own culture with the children and our school community is something I value deeply, and I believe that creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all is essential.

Every day is a new opportunity to learn, not only from our students but also from each other. It is truly rewarding to watch each child grow, explore, and discover their unique potential. I believe that when we model kindness, curiosity, and respect, children are empowered to do the same. In a Montessori environment, their natural desire to learn transforms them into joyful explorers of the world around them.

My name is Samantha Darlington and I have been in the Early Childhood field for about 13 years. In that time I alternated between nannying and teaching. I am currently working towards my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Administration at College of DuPage. I love animals- I had a dog named Bailey for 13 years and now I have a cat named Murphy! I am very close with my family who mostly all live nearby. I love swimming, reading, movies, stand-up comedy, hiking, exploring cities and spending time with friends and family. I adore helping children learn and grow and feel honored to be a part of the early childhood community. This Fall Ms. Samantha is going to Seton Montessori Institute to obtain her Infant-Toddler Credential.

Ms. Fabi is one of our Green Room co-leads and a longtime member of the MCA community. She joined Montessori Children’s Academy in 2007 and has brought her warmth and experience to many of our classrooms over the years. She holds her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification from Seton Montessori Institute.

Ms. Fabi is deeply passionate about sharing her culture and enjoys learning about the diverse backgrounds of others. She looks forward to incorporating multicultural lessons and activities into the classroom, helping children build a sense of respect and curiosity for the world around them.

A proud mother of three MCA alumni and cares deeply for her pets. Ms. Fabi loves spending time outdoors and traveling with her family. She also enjoys practicing yoga and brings that mindfulness into the classroom, using it as a tool to support students' social-emotional development and self-regulation.

Ms. Alina has been a part of the Montessori community since 2008 and has shared her talents at MCA since 2017. As the Purple Room directress, she brings a wonderful blend of creativity, warmth, and academic strength to her classroom. A native Spanish speaker, Ms. Alina weaves language and culture into the daily experience of her students through music and conversation.

With a Montessori Infant/Toddler teaching diploma, a CDA, and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Cuba, Ms. Alina is especially passionate about incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) into the toddler environment in developmentally appropriate ways.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys yoga, Tai Chi, and traveling the world. Ms. Alina is very close to her family and is the proud mother of an adult son.

Ms. Aileen joined the Montessori community after discovering a passion for early childhood education following the birth of her daughter in 2021. She holds a degree in Art History from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ms. Aileen has previously worked as a camp counselor at her local YMCA, a Certified Nursing Assistant for the elderly, and an arts administrator at an art gallery. Aileen is excited to grow in the Montessori environment and support children's learning. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring Chicago’s art scene, upcycling projects with her daughter, and reading about plants and gardening.

Ms. Samira is our Nido Room directress. She has been a Montessori educator for nearly 19 years. As a dedicated mother of four and proud grandmother of three, she finds great joy in spending quality time with her family, especially cooking and sharing meals together.

In the classroom, Ms. Samira creates a calm and nurturing environment where our youngest learners feel safe to explore at their own pace. She loves singing to the infants and guiding them through sensory-rich experiences that support their development and sense of security. Her gentle presence and deep understanding of infant care make her a cherished part of our school community.

Prior to working at MCA, Ms. Karen worked as a public education teacher for 24 years. She joined our Nido Room team a little over a year ago. She has enjoyed working with our infants and loves that they bring so much joy to her heart. Ms. Karen has two daughters who are 14 and 11 years old. She enjoys traveling with her family to new places.

Lindsay is part-time assistant teacher. She is currently taking early childhood education classes at College of DuPage. She has two wonderful boys (10 and 16 years old) who love to help her rescue dogs with Magnificent Mutts. During the pandemic they fostered over twenty dogs and they all found their forever homes. She plans to enroll in Seton’s Montessori teacher program in the near future. She loves taking great care of infants and toddlers and looks forward to seeing them grow into their full potential during their first years at MCA!