Board Members

Christopher Brokemond - Treasurer; member since June, 2004

Diane Washington - Vice President; member since 2009 My Name is Diane Washington and I am honored to serve on the board at Laren montessori. I graduated from Florida A& M University with a Bachelors degree of Science in Computer Information Systems. I currently work as a Senior Business Analyst for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and a Realtor for Real People Realty. My experience with Laren has been outstanding. The teachers are motivated, skilled and a joy to have educating my children. My oldest daughter graduated in 2009, while my 4 year old daughter is still there, and my 3 year old son will be attending soon. I have truly seen the fruits of my labor grow into strong confident young ladies. Laren has proven to be a school of excellence.

Ingra Cooper - Director; member since 2009

Myra Crowell - Secretary; member since 2009 Myra Crowell joined the Laren Board in August of 2009. She brings her many years of sales experience and love of children to Laren by fundraising and participating in many activities. As a parent with a child that attends Laren, Myra is most excited about the many topics her child discusses each day. The hard work and dedication of the teachers are apparent in her child’s educational development and overall growth. Myra stated, “Teaching begins at home and every minute spent with my children is an opportunity to teach them. “Laren is an excellent school for building fundamental reading, writing, and math principles. Myra resides in South Holland with her spouse James Crowell and children Julian and Joel.

Mrs. Martinez - School Administrator since June, 2004; Montessori Directress since August 1992 I have many roles in my life... the wife of Ruben Martinez Jr. since 1998; the mother of 2 beautiful sons, Alex who is 6 years and Cameron who is 2 years; Montessori Directress (Teacher) since August 1992; Laren Montessori School Administrator since June 2004. I am proud to serve in each of these capacities. I love being a wife and mother. My husband makes me laugh and my sons make me smile everyday! I have been teaching at Laren Montessori School for 15 years. I graduated from the University of illinois in Champaign in May 1991 with a degree in Elementary Education. I thought I would like to teach 1st and 2nd grade in an elementary school somewhere in the south suburbs. I came to Laren Montessori in the fall of 1991 where a position was available to teach traditional kindergarten. This opportunity allowed me to learn about the Montessori method and philosophy of teaching young children. After seeing the children in the Montessori environment I knew I wanted to become a part of this style of teaching and learning. I completed my Montessori Teacher Training in 1995 and can't imagine doing anything else. I love to really get to know my students and their families and to see the children grow and blossom during their 2, 3, or 4 years in my class. It amazes me at the end of every year to see how much they have learned and accomplished. It is very hard to see a child and their family move on. As school administrator I so enjoy getting to work with and to know all of the Laren families. It is very important to me that I know each child and their family and that each child and their parents feel security and success at Laren Montessori. I enjoy working to make our school the best it can be for any child. I am so proud to work with our teaching and office staff. They are hard working, dedicated people who truly care about Laren, the children, and each other. They are my second family. The Laren Staff make Laren Montessori the wonderful Children's house that it is today. Laren Montessori is my second home. I really enjoy being a part of it and love coming to Laren everyday!