Faculty & Staff
The faculty and staff at Uni Primary are a dedicated team of educators who enjoy an intellectual approach to teaching and learning. As teacher researchers (a Reggio Emilia inspired role of teachers), we seek to "make learning visible" for one another, our families and children, and with the University students and researchers with whom we work alongside. Each of our classrooms and our Adventure Play After School program have multiple adults who collaborate, and we thoughtfully prepare environments and experiences while listening to the voices of the children in our care. We seriously delight in learning with and from the children and each another in our highly professional, intellectually rigorous, vocation.
Staff
An enthusiast in the field of education, Dr. Lewis has served as Uni Primary’s Director for 14 years. She instructs in the elementary licensure program at The College of Education and learns daily from the preschool through college students in her care. Dr. Lewis is uplifted by a dedicated faculty of teachers and Adventure Playworkers committed to the rights of children, their families, and each other. She loves being the principal at University Primary where her own children attended preschool over a decade ago!
School Office Support Specialist: Christine Wyant (she/her)
I have lived in central Illinois my entire life. The small rural town that I currently live in is where I have called home since I was 3 years old. This is my 26th school year at University Primary School. My time here at UPS has not only taught me a lot about children and education, but it helped me to be a mom to my amazing 4 children! I have recently termed myself a “tinker” much like Tinkerbell! I love to create things and make things beautiful and organized, from functional systems to aesthetics! Decorating and crafting are my happy place! I often will find myself not wanting to throw something away thinking I can make it into something else. I also enjoy photography, traveling, spending time with my family and extended family and watching my son pitch for his college baseball team!
Preschool Classroom
I hold a Bachelors in Psychology and Human Development from the University of New Mexico and have 13 years experience in the classroom. I've spent time as a preschool administrator and created and led parent-education workshops for families with young children. In addition, to my love of teaching, I enjoy yoga, being outside, swimming, hiking, riding my bike, gardening, reading, or just relaxing with my family and friends.
Hey there! My name is Olivia Hea. I just recently graduated from the University of Illinois majoring in early childhood education. I am from small town in Illinois called Mount Sterling. This past summer I got to know many faces, working as a play worker for the Adventure Play summer camp. I look forward to seeing familiar faces and cannot wait to be a part of the University Primary team in the Preschool classroom. As a first-time teacher, I am eager to learn inside and outside of the classroom as I’ll be pursuing a master's degree at UIUC in education!
¡Bienvenidos a nuestra clase! I'm Mónica. I just recently graduated from Knox College, a small liberal arts school in Galesburg, IL, with a BA in Elementary Education & Early Childhood Endorsement as well as minors in Spanish and Anthropology & Sociology. I'm from Chicago, IL with familial roots in New Mexico. I am pursuing my master's degree to focus on Bilingual-ESL education. In my free time I love to run, do yoga, cook, dance, and sit outside in the sun. I'm so excited to work with your child!
Kindergarten/1st Grade Classroom
Head Teacher: Ann Clare (she/her)
Having taught kindergarten in Virginia and New York before working as both a teacher and consultant in early childhood classrooms and early intervention in Illinois, Ann is happy to be have spent 10+ years of teaching at University Primary!
My name is Montana Weissner. I grew up in Chicago, and I am very happy to have found a community here in Champaign. I graduated from the University of Illinois with my B.S in Early Childhood Education and am currently pursuing my master's in education. I have always had a passion for teaching and learning, especially learning from the children I work with. I am excited to grow with K/1 as we navigate this year together. In my free time, I love to read, do puzzles, and try out new restaurants around Champaign.
Hi! My name’s Anna Ashton and I’m from the Chicago suburbs. I recently graduated from University of Illinois with my B.S. in Early Childhood and am a second-year co-teacher in K/1! Outside of UPS, I enjoy playing with my dog, finding new plants to add to my collection, and getting together with friends. I’m truly looking forward to learning from and working with such a tight-knit community of family and friends at University Primary!
Second/Third Grade Classroom
Hi! I'm Kristen Miller, I was born and raised right here in Illiois. My family and I have lived in many places, but we are happiest in Champaign, close to friends and family. I've been a teacher in early childhood and elementary classrooms, and also served as a Preschool Director in Champaign and Brooklyn, NY. I like reading and golfing with my family, and love being the head teacher in the 2nd/3rd grade classroom!
Hi! My name is Jade Merritt, and I recently graduated from the University Of Illinois with my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I grew up in the Chicagoland area and have had a very rewarding experience living and learning in Champaign Urbana. In my free time, I like to go shopping, swimming, and dancing. I can't wait to learn more in the 2nd/3rd grade room this school year!
My name is Molly Thornberry, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Illinois Early Childhood Education Program. I was born and raised on a small farm in Springfield, Illinois where I loved to spend my time outside. I am a Co-Teacher in the 2nd/3rd grade classroom where I hope to learn and grow right alongside the students as I earn my master's in education. Because of my adventurous spirit, I have always loved working with kids, and I am so excited to join the wonderful team at University Primary!
Fourth/Fifth Grade Classroom
My name is Alexandra. I grew up in Champaign and both my sister and I attended preschool at University Primary School as children! I am thrilled to return to University Primary School as head teacher for the 4/5th classroom and have held our school very close to my heart over the years. I love theater and dance (especially ballet) and have returned to the stage recently as the wicked fairy Carabosse in the ballet The Sleeping Beauty and as the head of the dragon in The Nutcracker this past December. In my free time, I love to travel, practice speaking Italian, and work on improving my Spanish! At school, I love witnessing (and often joining in) the enthusiasm that is present when students are sharing their thoughts and ideas. I greatly enjoy collaborating with the children as we dive into their inquiries and support their creative visions coming to life.
Howdy, howdy... my name is Krystofer Clevenger and I am a proud member of the 4th and 5th grade team! I was born and raised in Urbana, Illinois and recently graduated from the University of Illinois with my Bachelors in Elementary Education. My mother was also an education graduate from Illinois, so I come from a family of Illinois educators. When I am not teaching, you can find me playing basketball, singing, or babysitting one of my many nieces or nephews. I am excited to be a part of the team!
Co-Teacher: Em Santana (she/her/ella)
Hi, my name is Em! I teach in the 4/5th grade classroom as a co-teacher. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, I just recently graduated with my bachelor's degree in early childhood education. I'm currently a second-year graduate student at the U of I. During my time outside the classroom, I tend to relax at home with my three fur babies: Ro, Ottie, and Daisy or you might find me singing karaoke songs in my apartment. Overall, I'm delighted to be a member of the Uni Primary team as I work towards my master's degree!
Spanish
¡Hola! It has been my pleasure to be a member of the University Primary School family since 2019. Spanish language acquisition and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries are two of my passions. I share my passion with students from elementary all the way through college. I hold a Master's degree that specializes in teaching Spanish Language and Culture.
Adventure Play Afterschool Program & Summer Camp
I’ve been exploring and provisioning for the power of child-directed play for over a decade professionally, after a lifetime of working with children. I love being a “different kind of grown-up” in the eyes of children. For me, this work is tied to radical love & authenticity and it is my honor, privilege & joy to hold space for play- and all it means for children- each day, all year long. I recentrly completed graduate school for mental health counseling & play therapy.
When not playworking at UPS, you'll still find me outside: exploring rivers & forests, taking pictures of all the beautiful things, watching my lush, Urbana garden grow, or practicing counseling locally!
Adventure Playworker: Sheena Segady (she/her)
Sheena Segady is a member of the staff at University Primary School, with over twenty years of experience in education. She joined Uni Primary in the spring of 2023, as a playworker and teacher, after many years of searching for such a dynamic program. She finds great joy and meaning helping children grow and play, and appreciates the depth of this work. When Sheena is not at Uni Primary, she enjoys frolicking with her son, making/experiencing art, visiting museums and libraries, taking photographs, traveling, reading, practicing yoga, singing badly/loudly, and hugging animals.
Adventure Playworker: Max Skaj (they/them)
Hi, my name is Max! I have a biology degree from Parkland College, and now attend the University of Illinois for a degree in Fish and Wildlife Management. I love being outdoors, hiking, camping, kayaking, and cuddling up with my two cats and a good book!
Adventure Playworker: Opal Zaleski (they/them)
My name is Opal and my pronouns are they/them. This will be my fourth year as a Playworker at APAS. I have been working with kids since finishing my Master's in Physics in winter 2017. My work is rooted in youth liberation & autonomy. Outside of work, I enjoy learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), reading non-fiction, and watching cartoons.