
Julie Jamison
Lead Teacher
I have been teaching in the Montessori 3-6 classroom since 1984. I am a certified Montessori teacher and received my American Montessori Society credential from Seton Montessori Institute in 1983. I started at MPA, but I took a year off when I gave birth to my first child. I returned to teaching the following year at Montessori Learning Path and spent 22 years teaching there. I rejoined MPA in 2011, and I thoroughly enjoy my time here. I like the outdoors, gardening, travel and spending time with my husband, Jeff, my two married children, Josh and Meghan, and our five grandchildren.

Angelica Villafuerte-Prosser
Lead Teacher
I have been with MPA since 2009 and hold a Bachelor’s in Education from Illinois State University. Every year, I am amazed to see how the children grow. They are able to do so much when we give them the tools they need. I have worked with children since I was 15 years old, from babysitting nieces and nephews, to teaching dance, and continue to do what I love today. My husband, Ryan, and I have one beautiful girl, Shonterria, and we love spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and whenever possible, traveling to our beautiful National Parks.

Joy Hyacinthe
Lead Teacher
I am honored to be working with the children and families here at MPA! I started my education at Western Illinois University. However, I knew I had found my educational home once I met Montessori Education. Returning to school for Montessori Training and now serving as a Lead Teacher at MPA is a dream come true.
My siblings and I are Montessori Private Academy alumni. You can say I have
come full circle. I am now giving back the love of learning that was given to me!

Hannah Mattis
Assistant Teacher
I started at MPA in 2016, and left to stay home with my daughter, Kinleigh, in 2018. I am now back as an Early Childhood assistant and my daughter is here as well in Ms. Julie’s class. We both thoroughly enjoy our time here! I enjoy seeing the children grow into their own, and the excitement that comes with gaining independence and mastering works.
My husband’s name is Tyve, and we also share two dogs, a golden retriever named Delilah and a Dachshund named Mia. As a family we enjoy being on the water, riding dirt bikes, and exploring new places together.

Bev Wowk
Assistant Teacher

Tessa Cornelius
Assistant Teacher