Faculty and Staff
Our exceptional faculty at Countryside Day includes internationally recognized, innovative teachers who combine strong teaching skills with specialty expertise. The hallmark of their work with students is their role as mentor to each individual student. Their educational acumen is matched by their passion for inspiring and empowering our students to reach their full potential, as students, classmates and citizens.
- Administrative
- Early Childhood
- Elementary
- Middle School
- Spanish
- Music
- Art
- Physical Education
- Campus & Facilities
- CDS Founders
Wendy Calise
“Our classrooms of mixed age groups, with freedom of choice, are micro-communities designed to emulate real life. This allows us to teach each student at his optimal academic level while at the same time giving him space to ‘practice life.’ It is this powerful combination that results in students who are so well prepared to enjoy successes and tackle challenges with confidence.”
Role:
Head of school
Middle School Teacher Language Arts, Math
29 Years
Education
Association Montessori Internationale Primary and Elementary Diplomas
Bachelor’s Degree, Northwestern University Major: Psychology
Master of Middle School Science, DePaul University
Certificate for Mediation Skills Training related to Alternative Dispute Resolution at Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies
Director, Montessori Teachers Institute for Professional Studies
International Montessori Presenter and Consultant
Karen O’Malley
“Our approach to teaching is one that challenges children every day with opportunities to be leaders as well as fostering a love of learning. Our core values of respect, responsibility and resourcefulness define our mission of helping children to become exceptional adults. You might call it a ‘dress rehearsal for life’.”
Role:Director of Admissions, Business Manager
Years at CDS22 Years
EducationBS Accounting and Economics, St. Mary’s University
Email Karen O’Malley
Jim Aspinall
“One of the benefits of working at Countryside Day is to see the full development of the child from toddler through Middle School.”
Role:Director of Operations
Years at CDS12 Years
EducationBS Loyola University of Chicago
Email Jim Aspinall
Janeth Mendoza
“Our students have the freedom to be, to choose and to learn all at their own pace; they are the leaders of their own education.”
Role:Director of Marketing
Years at CDS5 Years
EducationBachelors in Broadcast Journalism, Columbia College Chicago
Additional ExperienceToddler Assistant, Fluent in Spanish and English
Email Janeth Mendoza
Frank Kulle
Founder
Years at CDS51 Years
EducationUniversity of Illinois with a degree in General Engineering and Business Administration.
About FrankFrank grew up on the South side of Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in General Engineering and Business Administration. He met Annette on her first day of college and they were married one week after graduation.
They spent two years in Germany in the Corps of Engineers where he talked Annette into her first camping adventure in a pup tent in Italy. The rest, as they say, is history. They have camped all over the US and Canada including Alaska and the Yukon; they camped in Europe; and have been four-wheel drive camping in Australia five times!
Annette Kulle
Founder
Years at CDS51 Years
About AnnetteAnnette is a native of Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Math. She and Frank have been married for 53 years. It was her idea to start a Montessori school.
Annette and Frank have three children, Krista (deceased), Jay and Wendy – all former CDS students – and seven grandchildren, Riley, Dante, Rogan, Gianni, Cecilia, Christian, and Rino. Annette likes to think of them as one for each day of the week!
Jennifer Robinson
“Our emphasis on character development is one of the greatest benefits of being a member of the Countryside community. The students at CDS experience the highs and lows of real situations. These experiences and their consequences, good or bad, all contribute to who our students are and who they will become. We are all a product of our environment. It is encouraging to see how honest, real and impactful ours is at school.”
Role:Toddler Teacher
Years Teaching6 Years
Years at Countryside1 year infant assistant teacher
6 years toddler teacher
Association Montessori Internationale, Assistants to Infancy Diploma
M.Ed Loyola University, Maryland
BFA Interior design, IADT Chicago
Infant Teaching Assistant, Adjunct Professor at Loyola University, MTIPS Presenter
Email Jennifer Robinson
Andrea Rivera
Toddler Teacher Assistant
Years at CDS3 Years
Education
Harry S Truman College, Chicago
Associate Degree in Arts
Fluency in the following languages: Spanish and English (Verbal and Written)
Veronica Armenta
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will lay the foundation for independence and success both now and later in life. The autonomy of Montessori philosophy is my passion. I enjoy helping the children achieve their goals and being able to make a difference in their lives. In addition, as a native Spanish speaker, I feel fortunate to share my language and culture with the children.”
Role:Toddler Teacher and Spanish Teacher
Years Teaching20 Years
Years at CDS20 Years Toddler Teacher
5 Years Spanish Teacher
Association Montessori Internationale Toddler Diploma
B.A. Social and Behavioral Sciences, National Louis University
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Toddler Classroom Assistant, Care Club Assistant, and Spanish Teacher
Uli Soto
Infant Teaching Assistant
Years at CDS3 Years
EducationOakton Community College
Rebecca Bailey
“At Countryside, each child is encouraged to grow to their fullest potential. Every day the toddlers work to pursue passionate, innate inquiry in an environment that is rich with caring, thoughtfulness, character, and community while fostering independence. Respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness lay the foundation at Countryside for children to cultivate a well-rounded learning experience, with emphasis on skills of independence, self-discipline and problem solving. Through our prepared communities, the children become lifelong learners, and are well prepared for adulthood.”
Role:Toddler Teacher
Years TeachingFirst Year
Years at CDS5 Years Toddler Teaching Assistant
Education
Association Montessori Internationale, Assistants to Infancy Diploma
Bachelor of Arts, University of Wisconsin, Major: Exceptional Education
Minor: American Sign Language Studies
Shaneequa Pool
"When a child is given the freedom to explore what drives their curiosity, it shows them that they are respected. Even at the youngest age, we respect the child by showing them the way so that they can do it themselves. It is a precious gift for me to be able to help foster that independence and allow a child the freedom to act, to choose their own path, and correct their own mistakes."
Role:Physical Education Teacher: Toddler, PreK/K, Elementary Programs
Years Teaching9 Years Dance Instruction
Years at CDS3 Years Physical Education Teaching Assistant
EducationBA ‘10 Performing Arts Dance Choreography, Columbia College Chicago
Kimberly Shultz
“Each child is unique. I am able to personalize lessons since they are presented individually when the child is ready. Each child is able to follow an interest and build upon the lesson. It is exciting to see a child share what s/he has learned with a friend. This happens when a child is given the guidance and freedom to discover for himself.”
Role:PreK/K Teacher
Years Teaching9 Years
Years at CDS14 years PreK/K Teaching Assistant, 9 years PreK/K Teacher
Education
Association Montessori Internationale Primary Diploma
B.A. Fine Art, Indiana University
Primary Classroom Assistant
Published Author
Maya Munson
Pre-K/K Teaching Assistant
Years at CDS2 Years
Education
Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, North Park University
Master’s in Library and Information Science, Dominican University (Present)
Bhavini Shah
The greatest gifts I can give our children are to embrace the roots of responsibility and independence. It helps develop their personality and the importance of their life, to themselves and to others.
Role:PreK/K Teacher
Years Teaching15 Years
Years at CDS2 Years
Education
Association Montessori Internationale Primary Diploma
Bachelor in Commerce and Economics, 30 Hr IMSE
Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Training
Approved Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training Course Oct 2015
Level 1
Primary Assistant, Elementary Care Club Director, Elementary Assistant
Other LanguagesHindi, Gujarati and Marathi
Carina Gamez
PreK/K Teacher Assistant
Years at CDSFirst year
EducationAssociates Degree in progress
Michele Aspinall
“Being resourceful is so important when solving life’s problems. It requires courage, commitment, determination and perseverance. Working with the children to acquire this quality is extremely rewarding to me because I know it’s about more than academics: I’m giving them the skills they need for succeeding in life.”
Role:
Director Early Childhood Programs
All Year Montessori Teacher PreK/K
20 Years
Years at CDS10 years PreK/K Teaching Assistant
20 years All Year Montessori Teacher
Association Montessori Internationale Primary Diploma
B.A. Graphic Design, Illinois Institute of Art
Toddler, PreK/K, and Elementary Classroom Assistant, Care Club Director, Published Author, Ad Designer, MTIPS Consultant, International Montessori Presenter
Email Michele Aspinall
Shana Brunell
AYM Assistant
Years at CDS2 Years
Education
UW-Whitewater Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology
Minor in Communication Disorders
Kathy Wos
All Year Montessori PreK/K Teacher Assistant
Years at CDS10 Years
EducationHouse of Typography Certificate of Graphic Arts/Typography
Kim Anderson
“Children learn how to be respectful, responsible, and resourceful by working collaboratively and solving problems not just academically but also socially. The mixed-age classrooms help students learn to genuinely care for one another no matter how old they are. Watching an elementary student wipe the tears of a toddler and reassure them that everything will be fine makes teaching in a Montessori classroom the best place in the world. We don’t just teach character, we live it.”
Role:
Director Elementary Program
Lower Elementary Teacher
22 Years Elementary Teacher
Years at CDS17 Years
Education
Association Montessori Internationale Elementary Diploma
B.S. Special Education, LD, BD, Illinois State University
MEd, Master in Education, Loyola University, Maryland
Orton-Gillingham Certification
Fountas and Pinnell Training, PreK-8th
High School Special Education Teacher
Classroom Assistant PreK/K, Toddler
Published Author
Taylor Wesenberg
“At Countryside, we cultivate a mindset of resiliency and grit. Students are presented with challenges that drive them, both academically and socially, to become resourceful individuals. The skills they develop in the classroom are exactly what they need to become successful adults.”
Role:Upper Elementary Teacher
Years Teaching6 Years
Years at CDS2 years Elementary Teaching Assistant
6 years Upper Elementary Teacher
Association Montessori International Elementary Diploma
B.S. Elementary Education, Indiana University
Fountas and Pinnell Reading Training
Elementary Classroom Assistant
Sean Doyle
“During my teaching career prior to Countryside, things like RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, AND RESOURCEFULNESS were taught maybe once a week, and maybe for half an hour. At Countryside, these 3Rs are taught EVERY DAY and ALL DAY. In turn, we are helping our children get the tools they need to not only be successful today, but to be successful for the rest of their lives.”
Role:Lower Elementary Teacher
Years Teaching15 Years
Years at CDS6 Years Lower Elementary Teacher
Education
Association Montessori Internationale Elementary Diploma
M.A.T., National-Louis University
B.S. Radio/TV/Film, Indiana State University
4th Grade Teacher in Glenview Public Schools
Veronica Armenta
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will lay the foundation for independence and success both now and later in life. The autonomy of Montessori philosophy is my passion. I enjoy helping the children achieve their goals and being able to make a difference in their lives. In addition, as a native Spanish speaker, I feel fortunate to share my language and culture with the children.”
Role:Toddler Teacher and Spanish Teacher
Years Teaching20 Years
Years at CDS20 Years Toddler Teacher
5 Years Spanish Teacher
Association Montessori Internationale Toddler Diploma
B.A. Social and Behavioral Sciences, National Louis University
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Toddler Classroom Assistant, Care Club Assistant, and Spanish Teacher
Magali DePilla
“Responsibility is an important skill for a child to learn at a young age. Understanding this value early in life helps them grow into successful adults. At Countryside, we encourage and guide each child to make this a central part of their learning.”
Role:Spanish Teacher: PreK/K, Elementary, Middle School
Years Teaching10 Years
Years at CDS6 Years Spanish Teacher
Education
Bachelor’s Degree, Northeastern Illinois University
Double Major, Spanish K-12 and Secondary Education
Bilingual certification
Middle school endorsement
Spanish Immersion Teacher
Teacher at Fenger High School
Joseph Francavilla
“Music serves an integral role in our culture at large, and the Countryside community values the importance of these traditions. It is a privilege to work with children as they explore creativity through music. This work allows them to learn more about themselves and their place in the world and provides them with shared cultural experiences they carry throughout their entire lives.”
Role:Music Director
Years Teaching20 Years
Years at CDS18 Years Music Teacher
Education
Master of Music, Piano Performance, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University
Music Consultant, Children’s Opera Composer, Pianist, Piano Instructor, Choral Director, Published Music Arranger, Music Engraver
Email Joe Francavilla
Christa Tucker
Elementary Assistant
Years at CDSFirst year
EducationBachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education grades K-6, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Gaetano Calise
“By design, Countryside Day Middle School is a carefully prepared environment that helps teenagers master the secrets of the world of adulthood: how to act appropriately in given situations, earn a living, understand everyday law and economics, and how to express their feelings and friendship. Students are considered adults in training. These adolescents want nothing more than to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to make contributions in ways that are real. They want to know that what they think, do and say, actually makes a difference.”
Role:
Director Middle School
Science/Math/History Teacher
Elementary Physical Education Teacher
28 Years
Years at CDS23 Years Elementary Teacher
5 Years Middle School Director/Teacher
Association Montessori Internationale Elementary Diploma
NAMTA/AMI Adolescent Orientation
B.S. Biological Sciences, Illinois State University
Maters in Middle School Science, DePaul University
MTIPS Consultant
MTIPS International Montessori Presenter
MPRC Accreditation Team Member
Joseph Francavilla
“Music serves an integral role in our culture at large, and the Countryside community values the importance of these traditions. It is a privilege to work with children as they explore creativity through music. This work allows them to learn more about themselves and their place in the world and provides them with shared cultural experiences they carry throughout their entire lives.”
Role:Music Director
Years Teaching20 Years
Years at CDS18 Years Music Teacher
Education
Master of Music, Piano Performance, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University
Music Consultant, Children’s Opera Composer, Pianist, Piano Instructor, Choral Director, Published Music Arranger, Music Engraver
Email Joe Francavilla
Magali DePilla
“Responsibility is an important skill for a child to learn at a young age. Understanding this value early in life helps them grow into successful adults. At Countryside, we encourage and guide each child to make this a central part of their learning.”
Role:Spanish Teacher: PreK/K, Elementary, Middle School
Years Teaching10 Years
Years at CDS6 Years Spanish Teacher
Education
Bachelor’s Degree, Northeastern Illinois University
Double Major, Spanish K-12 and Secondary Education
Bilingual certification
Middle school endorsement
Spanish Immersion Teacher
Teacher at Fenger High School
Veronica Armenta
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will lay the foundation for independence and success both now and later in life. The autonomy of Montessori philosophy is my passion. I enjoy helping the children achieve their goals and being able to make a difference in their lives. In addition, as a native Spanish speaker, I feel fortunate to share my language and culture with the children.”
Role:Toddler Teacher and Spanish Teacher
Years Teaching20 Years
Years at CDS20 Years Toddler Teacher
5 Years Spanish Teacher
Association Montessori Internationale Toddler Diploma
B.A. Social and Behavioral Sciences, National Louis University
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Toddler Classroom Assistant, Care Club Assistant, and Spanish Teacher
Magali DePilla
“Responsibility is an important skill for a child to learn at a young age. Understanding this value early in life helps them grow into successful adults. At Countryside, we encourage and guide each child to make this a central part of their learning.”
Role:Spanish Teacher: PreK/K, Elementary, Middle School
Years Teaching10 Years
Years at CDS6 Years Spanish Teacher
Education
Bachelor’s Degree, Northeastern Illinois University
Double Major, Spanish K-12 and Secondary Education
Bilingual certification
Middle school endorsement
Spanish Immersion Teacher
Teacher at Fenger High School
Joseph Francavilla
“Music serves an integral role in our culture at large, and the Countryside community values the importance of these traditions. It is a privilege to work with children as they explore creativity through music. This work allows them to learn more about themselves and their place in the world and provides them with shared cultural experiences they carry throughout their entire lives.”
Role:Music Director
Years Teaching20 Years
Years at CDS18 Years Music Teacher
Education
Master of Music, Piano Performance, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University
Music Consultant, Children’s Opera Composer, Pianist, Piano Instructor, Choral Director, Published Music Arranger, Music Engraver
Email Joe Francavilla
Jinny Hyun
“I love that at Countryside we are not only devoted to educating our students, but to show them how we can use what we learn here in the real world and how we can make personal connections with it in our daily lives. Art is not a class where we learn only how to draw and paint, but through our support and encouragement students can express themselves and make personal connections that not only help them understand the subject better, but it can make a impact on how they see how art makes a difference all around us.”
Role:Art Teacher, Upper Elementary and Middle School
Years Teaching25 Years
Years at CDS6 Years Art Teacher
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Pasadena Art Center College of Design, California
Computer Graphics and Package Design with a minor in Product Design
Art Director, Designer and Photo Stylist Hallmark Cards, Inc, 10 yrs.
Art teacher including arch welding, product designer, photographer and freelance graphic designer
Gaetano Calise
“By design, Countryside Day Middle School is a carefully prepared environment that helps teenagers master the secrets of the world of adulthood: how to act appropriately in given situations, earn a living, understand everyday law and economics, and how to express their feelings and friendship. Students are considered adults in training. These adolescents want nothing more than to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to make contributions in ways that are real. They want to know that what they think, do and say, actually makes a difference.”
Role:
Director Middle School
Science/Math/History Teacher
Elementary Physical Education Teacher
28 Years
Years at CDS23 Years Elementary Teacher
5 Years Middle School Director/Teacher
Association Montessori Internationale Elementary Diploma
NAMTA/AMI Adolescent Orientation
B.S. Biological Sciences, Illinois State University
Maters in Middle School Science, DePaul University
MTIPS Consultant
MTIPS International Montessori Presenter
MPRC Accreditation Team Member
Shaneequa Pool
"When a child is given the freedom to explore what drives their curiosity, it shows them that they are respected. Even at the youngest age, we respect the child by showing them the way so that they can do it themselves. It is a precious gift for me to be able to help foster that independence and allow a child the freedom to act, to choose their own path, and correct their own mistakes."
Role:Physical Education Teacher: Toddler, PreK/K, Elementary Programs
Years Teaching9 Years Dance Instruction
Years at CDS3 Years Physical Education Teaching Assistant
EducationBA ‘10 Performing Arts Dance Choreography, Columbia College Chicago
Juan Armenta
Facilities Manager
Years at CDS23 Years
Jim Aspinall
“One of the benefits of working at Countryside Day is to see the full development of the child from toddler through Middle School.”
Role:Director of Operations
Years at CDS12 Years
EducationBS Loyola University of Chicago
Email Jim Aspinall
Frank Kulle
Founder
Years at CDS51 Years
EducationUniversity of Illinois with a degree in General Engineering and Business Administration.
About FrankFrank grew up on the South side of Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in General Engineering and Business Administration. He met Annette on her first day of college and they were married one week after graduation.
They spent two years in Germany in the Corps of Engineers where he talked Annette into her first camping adventure in a pup tent in Italy. The rest, as they say, is history. They have camped all over the US and Canada including Alaska and the Yukon; they camped in Europe; and have been four-wheel drive camping in Australia five times!
Frank Kulle
Founder
Years at CDS51 Years
EducationUniversity of Illinois with a degree in General Engineering and Business Administration.
About FrankFrank grew up on the South side of Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in General Engineering and Business Administration. He met Annette on her first day of college and they were married one week after graduation.
They spent two years in Germany in the Corps of Engineers where he talked Annette into her first camping adventure in a pup tent in Italy. The rest, as they say, is history. They have camped all over the US and Canada including Alaska and the Yukon; they camped in Europe; and have been four-wheel drive camping in Australia five times!
Annette Kulle
Founder
Years at CDS51 Years
About AnnetteAnnette is a native of Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Math. She and Frank have been married for 53 years. It was her idea to start a Montessori school.
Annette and Frank have three children, Krista (deceased), Jay and Wendy – all former CDS students – and seven grandchildren, Riley, Dante, Rogan, Gianni, Cecilia, Christian, and Rino. Annette likes to think of them as one for each day of the week!
