Board Members

Christopher Brokemond - Treasurer; member since June, 2004

Julie Pals - Director; member since June, 1998

Deborah Alexander - Director; member since June, 2004 My name is Deborah Alexander. I am the grandmother of Paige Alexander. I have been married to a wonderful man for 27 years. I have two daughters. I graduated form Taylor Business with an associate in Business Administration in 1979. I have worked for an advertising research company, two different Law Firms and last, School District 149. I worked in the school district for seven years. I did PTA for 4 years. I have always been involved in my children’s schools. I now have a beautiful granddaughter who I love very much. She is my sunshine. She is in her 3rd year at Laren Montessori School. I enjoy being on the Laren Board because I believe education is very important and it gives me the opportunity to be a part of my granddaughter’s education and watch her grow.

Robin Albritton - Vice President; member since June, 2005 My name is Robin B. Albritton and I would like to begin by thanking the Laren family for the opportunity to serve as a board member at Laren Montessori School. My husband, Milton S. Albritton, Jr., and I are the proud parents of Morgan, age 7, and Miah, age 5, former students of laren (2003-2004). I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University. I have been employed with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for the past ten years. As a social worker for the past twelve years, I know the importance of a child being nurtured and allowed to grow and develop in a healthy environment . This is the reason why I choose the Montessori curriculum for my children; it offers autonomy and helps a child to develop a strong sense of self. My experience with Laren has been remarkable! The teachers are motivated and highly skilled. While at Laren, both of my daughters had exceptional teachers. After Morgan's graduation from kindergarten, the transition from the healthy learning environment at laren to a new school has been difficult. I want to maintain a connection with Laren; therefore, I am honored to serve as a member of the school board. Laren offers a diverse background of teachers, staff and students, as well as a challenging curriculum. Laren has proven to be a school of excellence. I look forward to growing with laren, as well as fulfilling their mission to help children to self actualize.

Lisa Harris - Secretary; member since June, 2002 I am in my 5th year as a Laren Montessori Board Member. I have a 5 year old currently enrolled at Laren and an 9 year old who graduated from Laren. I am a native of Chicago. I earned my bachelors degree form Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently I am a pharmaceutical sales specialist for AstraZeneca Corp. Laren Montessori is like home for my children. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and challenging and engaging. Laren reinforces personal expression, self control, self esteem and diversity. The experience that Laren presents exceeds academic standards. The Montessori philosophy on teaching is a proven method to assist children in developing life-long skills, both socially and academically. I am proud to be a parent at laren and honored to be a member of the school board.

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!