Hatem Elagha
Executive Director
Hello all. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Kindi Academy. I believe in the vast potential and intelligences embedded in each and every child. My goal is to unleash that power and bring those skills and abilities to the world. The school is built on that premise.
The school started as a home schooling project for my own children and grew into the school we have today. Many people say they get a family feel being around in the school. That feeling haven't evanesced through the years! Add that to a top quality academic program, and you have a magical recipe. This is what Kindi is all about!
I am married with seven children, three graduated from Kindi and two are current students. My oldest two missed out on the fun!
I love reading, food, being with friends, and travelling. I am proud of all my staff and they do a great job day in and day out. I hope to see you as part of the Kindi family soon!
The school started as a home schooling project for my own children and grew into the school we have today. Many people say they get a family feel being around in the school. That feeling haven't evanesced through the years! Add that to a top quality academic program, and you have a magical recipe. This is what Kindi is all about!
I am married with seven children, three graduated from Kindi and two are current students. My oldest two missed out on the fun!
I love reading, food, being with friends, and travelling. I am proud of all my staff and they do a great job day in and day out. I hope to see you as part of the Kindi family soon!
Rania Sadeq
School Pricipal
Hello everyone! I am in my fourth year as a school principal here at Kindi. I am a Professor in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change. I am also an Adjunct Professor working with future teachers.
I have been a board member of an international non-profit medical aid organization for children for over 11 years. My life work, passion, and leadership skills have been dedicated to advocating for children in and out of the United States. I regularly speak on volunteerism and grassroot movements. I have Master’s degree in education in Teacher Preparation and an Art Degree from the University of Central Florida, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and ESL from Yarmouk University in Jordan. My academic research explores intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in education. I am a proud mother of two amazing kids. I am a two-time Chicago marathon runner, traveler, reader, and a philanthropist.
I have been a board member of an international non-profit medical aid organization for children for over 11 years. My life work, passion, and leadership skills have been dedicated to advocating for children in and out of the United States. I regularly speak on volunteerism and grassroot movements. I have Master’s degree in education in Teacher Preparation and an Art Degree from the University of Central Florida, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and ESL from Yarmouk University in Jordan. My academic research explores intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in education. I am a proud mother of two amazing kids. I am a two-time Chicago marathon runner, traveler, reader, and a philanthropist.
Brooke Louviere
Early Childhood Lead
Hi! I am a teacher in the 3-6 program with an Early Childhood Education degree from Dominican University. I hold a Montessori certification from the American Montessori Society. I have over 25 years experience and continue to love being a teacher. I am married and a proud mother of a 12 year old son. When I am not wearing my "teacher hat," I love long-distance running and caring for my pets. I continue to strive and foster a classroom with a love of language and expression, an appreciation of nature, and to be diligent of the task at hand. I have been associated with Kindi for the past 9 years.
Radhika Shah
Early Childhood Lead
Hello! I have been in a Montessori environment for 11 years now, and I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a specialization in English. I come from a very large family, so I've been around children my whole life. Some of the things I enjoy doing include baking, hiking, kayaking, painting, going to concerts and seasonal festivals, watching movies/shows, and traveling. I backpacked in Western Europe for over a month, but I hope to visit Greece and Ireland one day - bucket list!
Katie Willett
Early Childhood Lead
Hello! I am a teacher in the Early Childhood Program, also called 3-6 Program. I have been a Lead Teacher at Kindi since 2017. I attended Aurora University and studied Special Education and Sociology.
In 2015, I was an Administrative Assistant at a Montessori school. It was there that I fell in love with Montessori. That spring I began my training at Seton Montessori Institute and I received my certification in Montessori education.
I have been married since April 2013. I have two daughters, Sadie and Eleanor, and a dog, Harley. I enjoy spending time with my family and doing DIY projects.
In 2015, I was an Administrative Assistant at a Montessori school. It was there that I fell in love with Montessori. That spring I began my training at Seton Montessori Institute and I received my certification in Montessori education.
I have been married since April 2013. I have two daughters, Sadie and Eleanor, and a dog, Harley. I enjoy spending time with my family and doing DIY projects.
Mehreen Alvi
Director of Montessori Education
Lower Elementary Head
"The quality of our lives is a direct reflection of the quality of our thinking and learning."
Hi. I have more than 20 years of experience in the field of Montessori education. I am certified for Early Childhood (3-6 years), Lower and Upper Elementary (6-12 years) and Secondary I and II Montessori education (12-18 years). I have taught all levels, supervised and managed staff teams as an academic program coordinator, and developed and implemented curriculum across the board as a Director of Curriculum.
I moved to the USA ten years ago with my family. Her undergraduate degree is in textile designing from the College of Home Economics and a post graduate degree from Allama Iqbal Open University in History and Political Science. I believe in the saying: "To measure the treasure, flourish the human potential."
Hi. I have more than 20 years of experience in the field of Montessori education. I am certified for Early Childhood (3-6 years), Lower and Upper Elementary (6-12 years) and Secondary I and II Montessori education (12-18 years). I have taught all levels, supervised and managed staff teams as an academic program coordinator, and developed and implemented curriculum across the board as a Director of Curriculum.
I moved to the USA ten years ago with my family. Her undergraduate degree is in textile designing from the College of Home Economics and a post graduate degree from Allama Iqbal Open University in History and Political Science. I believe in the saying: "To measure the treasure, flourish the human potential."
Sashikala Venkatesan
Lower Elementary Lead
Hello All! I came to Kindi Academy with a great wealth of knowledge and long experience with teaching the "littles". Everyone call me Ms. Sashi. I was the founder and Director of Montessori Pebbles for 22 years. I have an M.A. Degree in Child Psychology and a B.A Degree in Sociology and Logic from Jythi Nivas College in India. I hold a Montessori Early Childhood certification from American Montessori Society. I am a loving mother to two grown children and has four grandchildren. I love swimming and am an excellent cook!
Lisa Wright
English Literature & Language Arts
Hey all! I am the ELA teacher for grades 1-4 and teach Illinois history and geography. I have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from North Central College. I then went on to receive my Elementary Education degree from Trinity Christian College. I have taught kindergarten for 3 years and did my student teaching with 5th grade. I believe that learning should be creative and fun, my goal is for my students to get excited about school.
Andrea Grundon
English Literature & Language Arts
Hello. I have been teaching middle school ELA for over ten years. I have my Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from Lewis University and my Master of Science in Reading from the University of St. Francis. I love teaching because of the relationships that I build with my students and the excitement that I see on their faces when they learn something new. I am passionate about reading and sharing literature with my students and their families.
Sevim Memisovski
Geography & Social Studies
Hello, I am the teacher for Middle School Social Studies and Religions of the World at Kindi Academy. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences for Secondary Education, and completed my student teaching at the high school level in U.S. History and Civics courses. Before coming to Kindi, I worked as a Substitute Teacher and Extended Day Supervisor in Evergreen Park at the elementary and middle school level for three years. I am excited to be joining the Kindi Academy team and am looking forward to a great year!
Johali Sotelo
Natural Sciences
Hello everyone! I was born in Mexico and grew up in the northwest side of Chicago. I went to Agnes Scott College for my undergraduate degree; there, I studied Biology and Environmental Studies and Sustainability. I am an outdoor enthusiast! I taught environmental science at an afterschool program for four years. I also helped found an afterschool club called ‘One Drop at a Time’ which seeks to provide equitable environmental education. I am a Master's degree candidate for Multicultural Education, and love to take every opportunity as a learning experience.
Fariba Zandi
Mathematics
Hi. I have had the pleasure of being a part of Kindi Academy for eight years now. Kindi Academy is an amazing school that has a nurturing, loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help build their confidence. Each child is unique, therefore they learn and thrive at their own pace.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. I have 15 years of experience in teaching Chemistry and Physics, and over 25 years teaching math. I grew up in Iran, Tehran. I am married with three kids Armin, Farzeen, and Tina. Outside of the school, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, decorating, hiking, arranging a party, and traveling.
My passion for teaching began when I was 14 when I used to help my friends and family. I find joy in witnessing a child learn something new, knowing that I was a main influence in them doing so. The impact I make in their lives makes for an even bigger and more gratifying impact in my own life.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. I have 15 years of experience in teaching Chemistry and Physics, and over 25 years teaching math. I grew up in Iran, Tehran. I am married with three kids Armin, Farzeen, and Tina. Outside of the school, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, decorating, hiking, arranging a party, and traveling.
My passion for teaching began when I was 14 when I used to help my friends and family. I find joy in witnessing a child learn something new, knowing that I was a main influence in them doing so. The impact I make in their lives makes for an even bigger and more gratifying impact in my own life.
Sanjukta Paul
Mathematics
Hello everyone! I have been teaching mathematics at Kindi Academy for six years. I grew up in India and I have a Master’s degree in Physics and a Bachelor of Education. In my free time I love spending time with my family, gardening, watching movies and traveling. I believe all students can learn anything and as a teacher it is my job to motivate all learners and challenge them to reach their full potential.
Hayat Alquttub
Chair of Arabic and Religion
Hello. I am the Chair of Arabic and Religious Teacher here at Kindi academy. I had my bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Kuwait University. One of my interests is Quranic and Islamic Studies. I have received my Diploma in Quran & Islamic studies from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. My other certificates include EIT certificate, Certificate in Quranic Recitation , Certificate in Geometry and Pattern: Adornment in Islamic Art” from Effat College. I also earned a Teaching Certificate in Arabic and Quran for non-Arabic speakers.
Lina Eltibi
Arabic and Religion
Hi. I have been a teacher at kindi academy for 8 years. I teach preschoolers to fourth graders, and I love teaching each class and all the exploring that comes with it. I am a Quran, Arabic, and Islamic studies teacher, and always very excited to share my knowledge with my students.
I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon. Then moved to live in Jordan when I got married. Twelve years ago I moved to Chicago with my husband and my kids, and now I live in Darien in a beautiful home. I have three kids, two girls, and one boy, and blessed with three beautiful grandkids that are very dear to my heart.
I love teaching and getting to know new students and growing with them. Each student is unique in their own way and it’s an honor to be part of their journey to nurture them and getting them ready for the real world.
I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon. Then moved to live in Jordan when I got married. Twelve years ago I moved to Chicago with my husband and my kids, and now I live in Darien in a beautiful home. I have three kids, two girls, and one boy, and blessed with three beautiful grandkids that are very dear to my heart.
I love teaching and getting to know new students and growing with them. Each student is unique in their own way and it’s an honor to be part of their journey to nurture them and getting them ready for the real world.
Heiam Elkhatib
Arabic and Religion
Hello. I am a Quran and Islamic studies teacher for 1st to 8th grade. I’ve been at Kindi Academy for eight years. I live in Naperville with my husband and four kids. In my free time I love reading, gardening, and spending time with my family. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the smiles on my students faces and to influence children in a positive way.
Teaching students with diverse ethnic backgrounds has opened
my eyes to a better understanding of the world around me and myself.
Fun Facts : I have 11 siblings: 7 brothers and 4 sisters.
Teaching students with diverse ethnic backgrounds has opened
my eyes to a better understanding of the world around me and myself.
Fun Facts : I have 11 siblings: 7 brothers and 4 sisters.
