Tracy has worked as a certified Montessori toddler teacher since 2007. Tracy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Human Services, and an Infant Toddler Credential from American Montessori Society.



Tracy believes in the role of active learning: learning to do and doing to learn. She adheres to the philosophy that Montessori is child-centered, allowing for and challenging students to take the lead in their own learning.

She has two boys who were graduates of a Montessori program. She enjoys running, gardening and watching her sons play competitive hockey.

Nikki Crancer

Nikki started her career with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Spanish. She began working in Human Resources, but quickly realized education was her calling. She went back to school where she completed her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning. After teaching at the elementary level for a number of years, she decided to stay home and raise her three daughters full time. Now that her girls are in school, she is excited to join the Elmhurst Montessori Preschool family.

Nikki lives in Elmhurst with her husband and daughters. She enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling and watching her daughters find their own passions in life.

Michelle Horist

Michelle began her career in marketing management after graduating from Loyola University Chicago with degrees in Marketing and International Business. After deciding to stay home with her two daughters, she found a passion for helping children learn, explore, and grow. She was drawn to the child led approach of Montessori education and appreciates each child's independence and innate curiosity. She loves the confidence and excitement that children experience as they move through each stage of the learning process. While at home, she incorporates the Montessori philosophy with her two young daughters by encouraging exploration and independence.

In her free time Michelle enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with family. 

Kiersten has her degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. She has experience at the preschool, elementary and middle school levels. She has spent the past years at home helping raise her family. Now that all the children are in school full time, she is being drawn back to education. Influenced by her time at home she is passionate about the child centered approach and fostering children's natural independence. 

Kiersten loves spending time with her husband and their children. They enjoy playing sports and going camping while also appreciating quality time together at home. 

Jackie has a degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. She taught third and fourth grade in Indiana and Florida before taking a break to start a family. She returned to work part time in retail before coming back to teaching. Jackie loves how Montessori encourages children to learn at their own pace and help develop their independence.

When at home with her family Jackie enjoys baking, reading and walking her dog. 

Molly spent many years working as a fitness instructor, but as her own children grew, she decided to shift her focus to helping children of varying backgrounds and needs. She returned to school to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, with a concentration in Child and Family Services. During this time, she became a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and then worked as an instructional aide with preschoolers with special needs. This was where she discovered that working with young kids was what she truly loved to do. She is a firm believer in the Montessori philosophy because it empowers kids and promotes independence and critical thinking skills.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending her kids’ sporting events, spending time with her family, and is learning to golf.