Jill Guenther Primary Teacher
Jill Guenther moved to Fort Myers in 1988. She earned her AA degree in Early Childhood Education, and has been a childcare professional for 24 years. When she lived in Sarasota, Florida she was the owner of the Ballet Center of Sarasota which offered dance classes to Pierian Academy Montessori School of Sarasota. It was then that she became interested in Montessori training.
After moving to Fort Myers she was able to attend the Montessori Teacher Training Institute in Miami to receive her Montessori Teaching Certificate for 3 to 6 year olds. She previously taught for 10 years as Lead Teacher in the 4 to 5 year class at Wellington Academy in Fort Myers, and for 10 years at the Montessori School of Fort Myers as the Lead Teacher for 3 to 6 year olds.
Here at Creative Minds Montessori she brings her expertise in childcare and educating young minds to your child. She enjoys very much having a small classroom setting. Using the Montessori Method and materials, each child is taught and respected as the unique individual they are.
Jill is mother to four wonderful children: Megan, 23, John, 20, Kim, 14 and Kelli, 12, and grandmother to 2 year old Steven.
After moving to Fort Myers she was able to attend the Montessori Teacher Training Institute in Miami to receive her Montessori Teaching Certificate for 3 to 6 year olds. She previously taught for 10 years as Lead Teacher in the 4 to 5 year class at Wellington Academy in Fort Myers, and for 10 years at the Montessori School of Fort Myers as the Lead Teacher for 3 to 6 year olds.
Here at Creative Minds Montessori she brings her expertise in childcare and educating young minds to your child. She enjoys very much having a small classroom setting. Using the Montessori Method and materials, each child is taught and respected as the unique individual they are.
Jill is mother to four wonderful children: Megan, 23, John, 20, Kim, 14 and Kelli, 12, and grandmother to 2 year old Steven.
Karen Cichy Primary Teacher
Before coming to Creative Minds Montessori School, Karen volunteered three years with preschool-age children at another Montessori school, teaching gardening and art. She subsequently volunteered three years with Orangewood Elementary students, specializing in the "No Student Left Behind" reading program. Karen brings to Creative Minds Montessori a love of helping young minds to grow and to develop problem-solving capabilities. “I enjoy fostering a peaceful environment while empowering the child to gain independence, express creativity, and develop life skills.”
Professional Credentials
Professional Credentials
- Associate of Arts Degree in business from Edison Community College
- “Early Childhood Credential” from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, an IMC and MACTE accredited Montessori teacher training program.
- 45 Hours State of Florida, Department of Children and Families Training
- “Staff Credential” certification from State of Florida DCF
- “VPK Lead Teacher” certification from the State of Florida
- Classes in computer technology from Indiana University
- Redirecting Children's Behavior Certification
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- 7 years Montessori teaching experience
- 10 years classroom experience