
Julie Jamison
Classroom Director
Assistant: Jennifer Kingsbury
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 four grandchildren.

Angelica Villafuerte-Prosser
Classroom Director
Assistant: Reagan Todd
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.

Courtney Strobel
Interim Classroom Co-Director
Assistant: Reagan Todd
I am excited to embark this year at Montessori Private Academy. I worked for five years in a private preschool, but after being introduced to the Montessori style of teaching, I fell in love. I attended Harlem High School, and then went on to Rock Valley College where I received my Early Childcare Education degree with a minor in social work. I knew at a young age I enjoyed teaching, and after observing in many Montessori classrooms and taking the Seton Montessori Institutes training, I knew I had finally found a perfect fit for me. In my free time my husband and I enjoy everything and anything outdoors. I’m looking forward to the awe and amazement this year will bring from learning and growing with the wonderful students at MPA. Here’s to another great year!

Danielle Prisby
Classroom Director
Assistant: Joy Hyacinthe
I am so excited to begin this year at MPA! In the summer of 2018, I began my journey towards Montessori Certification at the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center. The philosophy is very near and dear to my heart and I take pride in creating a classroom environment where the children will always be the center.
I graduated from Illinois State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, with a focus on child development. It was at Illinois State where I met my husband, Joseph. I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending as much time as I can outside.