MKU Dieterich Team

Meet Our Team

Montessori Kids Universe Dieterich recognizes that our caring, dedicated teachers are what makes our school so valuable. MKU Dieterich recruits and maintains a high-quality staff through an intensive selection and vetting process. We provide on-going professional development and growth opportunities within our school, and foster a healthy work environment for our employees. Meet the most important aspect of our school: Our quality teaching staff!

Brad Jansen

Owner

Brad and Jordan Jansen are the owners of Montessori Kids Universe in Effingham, IL. They have 4 beautiful children. Charlee attends St. Anthony Grade school, while Cam, Cal, and Curran all are enrolled at MKU. Their children are the most important things in their lives. After being faced with the reality of the lack of quality childcare, Brad decided to give up his career to start something special in the Effingham Community. Jordan grew up on a farm in Effingham County in rural Dieterich. She attended Dieterich High School, and graduated with a degree in Special Education at Lakeland. After getting married, Jordan moved with Brad to North Dakota then to Wisconsin where she worked as a Lead Teacher at a preschool. Jordan currently works at Branches in Effingham as an Esthetician. Jordan’s loves include puppies, coffee, traveling and of course her wonderful family. Brad was born and raised in Effingham County in rural Mason. He attended St. Anthony High School and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 2010. He has spent the last 10 years in the Agriculture business as a Grain Elevator Manager and grain trader. With Brad’s career he worked in Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas, North Dakota, and Wisconsin before moving back to Illinois. Brad loves playing sports, watching Illini basketball, hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time with his wonderful family.

Tiffanee Hartke

Head of School

Tiffanee began her teaching career in 2011, running an in-home daycare to spend more time with her children. She joined Montessori in 2020 and is passionate about bringing new ideas into the classroom. Outside of school, Tiffanee enjoys coaching softball, Jeeping, and working on house projects. She is married to Adam, and they have three children, Kora, Kennedi, and Kris, along with a pug named Cooper and a large cat named Marley. Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “What the hand does, the mind remembers.” because she believes children always need to be hands on and they learn best when they get to experience things themselves.

Hannah DIal

Assistant Teacher

Hannah began her Montessori teaching journey in 2022 after exploring various career paths. She finds inspiration in seeing young children learn and grow with curiosity and independence. Outside of school, Hannah enjoys cooking, baking, horseback riding, and spending time with her family and friends. She is the youngest of two children and has a close relationship with her boyfriend, Matthew. Hannah’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Within the child lies the fate of the future,” a reminder of the impact educators have on shaping young lives.

Samantha Flach

Ones Lead Teacher

Sam began teaching in 2022 and is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and smile. She loves seeing her students achieve new things and change with every lesson. Outside of school, Sam enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time outdoors. She shares her life with her husband, Jarrad, and their son, Lucas, along with their pets: two dogs, Bailey and Chase, and a cat named Lilly. Sam’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Teach by teaching, not by correcting,” because it allows children to learn in their own way without disruption.

Allison Cohorst

Ones Lead Teacher

Allison has been a Montessori teacher since 2022. With years of experience in childcare, including babysitting and professional childcare work, she finds it incredibly rewarding to watch children learn and grow in a Montessori environment. Allison enjoys spending time with friends and family outside of school and is passionate about the Montessori method, which emphasizes independence. She lives in Wheeler, IL, with her two dogs, Bo and Onyx. Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “The essence of independence is to be able to do something for oneself.”

Kaitlyn Cohorst

Two’s Lead Teacher

Kaitlyn started her teaching career in 2021 and joined the Montessori community in 2022. She finds joy in watching her students become more independent and seeing the excitement they feel when they accomplish something new. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys hanging out with family and friends, going to the gym, reading, and traveling. She lives on a farm with her black lab, Onyx, and chocolate lab, Bo, and is proud to be one of 110 grandchildren on her mom’s side! Kaitlyn’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Play is the work of the child.”

Lindsay Wright

Lead Infant Teacher

Lindsay began her Montessori teaching journey in 2024 after discovering her passion for working with younger children when she had her daughter, Delia. She believes Montessori education provides children with the best start before they move on to elementary school and is proud to be part of that early learning experience. Outside of school, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, practicing yoga, and recently, gardening. She’s married to her husband, Alex, and together they have a daughter, Delia, and an Australian Shepherd mix named Maggie. Lindsay’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Let us treat them with all the kindness we would wish to help to develop in them.”

Brandy Fulk

Two’s Lead Teacher

Brandy has been working in childcare since 2016, starting as an assistant and becoming a teacher in 2020. She loves connecting with her students and watching them become independent thinkers. Outside of school, Brandy enjoys reading, going to the movies, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She is an aunt to three energetic kids and values the importance of observation in education. Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Observe little children, observe them anywhere you can.”

Bridget Walters

Lead Infant Teacher

Bridget began her teaching career in 2018 and joined Montessori in January of 2024. She is passionate about how Montessori materials inspire infants to explore their imagination and develop independence through play. Outside of school, Bridget enjoys spending time with her family, especially outdoors with her husband, Cole, and their son, Ezra. They also have a dog named Huxley. Bridget’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “It is interesting to notice that where life is simple and natural, and where the children participate in the adult’s life, they are calm and happy,” as it reflects her belief in the benefits of a simple, engaged lifestyle for children.

Lily Hemmen

Lily has been a part of the Montessori community since 2022, floating between classrooms and forming connections with students across all age groups. She loves how the Montessori method encourages independence in young children. Outside of school, Lily enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with her family and her Goldendoodle, Winston. Her favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Observe little children, observe them anywhere you can.”

Gabi Hardiek

Assistant Infant Teacher

Gabi has been in childcare since 2014 and began her Montessori teaching journey in 2024. She loves watching children grow and develop their unique personalities. Outside of school, Gabi enjoys fishing, camping, and playing volleyball. She grew up in the Dieterich community with her brother and sister and loves spending time outdoors. Gabi’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Of all things, love is the most potent,” as she believes love and encouragement are the best ways to teach.

Josie Meinhart

Josie began teaching in 2024 and is dedicated to inspiring her students with enthusiasm and creativity. She finds joy in helping students grow while also learning from them in return. Josie enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing volleyball, and being outdoors. She grew up in a small town and lives with her dog, Maverick. Josie’s favorite Maria Montessori quote is, “Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them.”