The love of education, working with children, and helping how I can within the community has come full circle for me through my position here at St. Mark's Day School.

I started my career as a teacher in North Carolina. I received my teaching degree originally in PA from Slipper Rock University in conjunction with Carlow University. Later, I received my Master's in Public Administration concentrating in Nonprofit Management from University of North Carolina Charlotte. 

After some time in NC and then the DC area, we have moved to the Barrington area. My oldest daughter is a graduate from St. Mark's Day School. As a parent, this school has held a special place in my heart. The warmth and extended sense of community to me, when I was fairly new to the area, meant a great deal to our family. 

In my spare time, I enjoy art, being outside, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. I am happy that I can extend the warmth and fun energy I have received from St. Marks to current and future families!

~Courtney

cmcellen@mydayschool.org

Carrie Bender

I’m excited to return to St. Mark’s as the Lead Teacher for Preschool 2 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and Tiny Tots (Tuesday & Thursday). I have worked in early childhood education for nearly 30 years, serving in many roles, from teacher to director. I hold an Associate’s Degree in General Education and a certificate in Early Education from McHenry County College. I am also a State and NCLB-Certified Paraprofessional through the Illinois State Board of Education and hold a Certificate in Child Care Administration and a Level 4 ECE Credential through Gateways to Opportunity. 

As both an educator and a parent, I believe children learn best in a fun, loving, safe, and nurturing environment. I value play-based learning, creative expression, and hands-on experiences that allow each child to learn and grow at their own pace.

A few fun facts about me: I have been married to my husband, Jim, for 29 years. We have two wonderful children. We also have a two-year-old golden retriever named Hope.

In my free time, I enjoy yoga, reading, being outdoors, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to a fantastic, fun-filled school year with you and your kiddos!

~Carrie Bender

Ellen Seiler

This will be my first year at St. Mark’s, and I am excited to join the Preschool 2’s/Tiny Tots classroom! I have four years of preschool experience and am First Aid and CPR certified. I complete at least 20 hours of DCFS-approved childcare training each year and plan to continue my education toward a degree in Early Childhood Education.

I love working with young children because they bring so much joy and excitement to learning each day. I especially enjoy encouraging their creativity, confidence, and independence while watching them grow and discover the world around them.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my three children and our new puppy, as well as gardening, reading, and, of course, drinking coffee! I look forward to a fun and exciting year at St. Mark’s.

~Ellen Seiler

Anne Quillen

I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University. I taught for 16 years at a nonprofit child care center, where I designed a classroom for teen moms and low-income students. For the past 20 years, I have taught preschool. I have been married for 32 years and have two daughters. I enjoy reading and am a huge Blackhawks fan! 

I am passionate about teaching and dedicated to caring for your children. I continue to grow professionally by taking courses focused on teaching and caring for young children. I am CPR and First Aid certified, have completed more than 20 hours of continuing education, and hold a Level 5 ECE Credential through Gateways to Opportunity. 

There is nothing better than seeing children smile and learn through play and peer interaction. I am excited to be part of St. Mark's Day School once again!

~Anne Quillen

Karen Finkler

This is my first year at St. Mark’s, and I am thrilled to be joining the community. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 40 years, including 25 years teaching at a nearby preschool. My education includes Early Childhood coursework at College of DuPage and Elgin Community College, along with ongoing professional development through Gateways, conferences, classes, and webinars.

Over the years, I have learned that there is no better way to teach young children than through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. I love seeing the world through a child’s eyes and watching their excitement as they discover, create, and learn.

My husband, Bruce, and I have been married for 51 years and have four children and a dachshund named Hank. I enjoy gardening, sewing, crafts, decorating, puzzles, and spending time with family. I look forward to sharing my experience and passion for early childhood education with the St. Mark’s community.

-Karen Finkler

Michele Drage

I am thrilled to join the St. Mark’s team and especially excited to work with our young pre-k learners. With teaching experience from preschool through elementary, my passion is early childhood education and creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. I believe young children learn best through play, music, art, movement, and hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity and discovery.

I hold a BA in English from Syracuse University and have continued my education at Roosevelt University. I have also completed DCFS-required early childhood training through Gateways to Opportunity, including child development, health and safety, trauma-informed care, and injury prevention. I am CPR certified and a Mandated Reporter.

St. Mark’s is especially meaningful to me, as two of my children attended the Day School. I am excited to return to this wonderful community and share my love of early childhood learning with our students.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jon, and our four children, along with reading, traveling, hiking, and enjoying time at the lake.

~Michele Drage

Angel Nollett

I am excited to join St. Mark's Day School, bringing teaching experience with a variety of age groups and a special passion in my heart for preschoolers. I embrace the St. Mark's mission to foster a joy of life-long learning through play-based activities.

I hold a BA in English with a concentration in Linguistics from the University of Houston and an MA in Linguistics from the University of Illinois. I have continued to expand my knowledge through Gateways to Opportunity training focused specifically on early childhood education and development.

My husband, Bryan, and I have three children. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, board games, escape rooms, and cooking for family and friends.

~Angel Nollett

Susan Dilsaver

I bring several years of experience as a certified early childhood teacher, with a deep understanding of how young children learn, grow, and develop. I believe in creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. My experience has taught me the importance of supporting children socially, emotionally, and academically.

I have been part of the St. Mark’s community for many years and have taught Sunday School for over 30 years. It is especially meaningful that some of our current parents were once my students and still share joyful memories of their time with me.

I also give the monthly Chapel message to the entire school and have served St. Mark’s Church in ministry for many years, currently as Senior Vestry Warden. My love for children, education, and the St. Mark’s community continues to be at the heart of my service.

~Susan Dilsaver

Lana Divello

I’m so excited to be joining St. Mark’s as a Jr. K teacher! 

I graduated from Western Illinois University, and over the years I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams, train and mentor others, and work with all kinds of people. I’ve learned that building relationships has always been one of my favorite parts of what I do. Those experiences have carried over into the classroom in so many ways.

I have completed extensive early childhood education and professional development through Gateways to Opportunity, including training in child development, health and safety, trauma-informed care, and injury prevention. I am also a certified mandated reporter, CPR certified, and ServeSafe certified, ensuring that I am prepared to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children.

As a mom of four, I’ve experienced just about every stage of childhood—from potty training to driver’s ed! My youngest daughter also attends St. Mark’s, making being part of this school community especially meaningful to our family.

I understand the trust parents place in their children’s teachers. My goal is to create a classroom where children feel safe, comfortable, and confident to be themselves while learning, making friends, having fun, and becoming more independent.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy cooking, gardening, watching a good Netflix show, and taking walks with my youngest daughter.

I’m really looking forward to getting to know your kids and your families and having a fun and memorable year together. 

~Lana Divello

Ms. Carol has been encouraging & developing preschooler's natural love of music & movement in the Chicago area since 1998. Children enjoy learning basic music skills & exercise their fine/gross motor skills in her classes. Students also practice self expression & social skills, as they engage with Ms. Carol's guitar & age appropriate props/instruments, & different styles of music! Carol & her husband are empty nesters now & enjoy 'glamping' as much as possible!