Faculty & Staff

Director/Principal of School: Dr. Alisha (Ali) Lewis (she/her)

An enthusiast in the field of education, Dr. Lewis has served as Uni Primary’s Director for 15 years. She instructs in the elementary licensure program at The College of Education, supervises student teachers and social work interns, 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! Dr. Lewis earned her bachelors in Elementary Education at Millikin University and masters and doctorate in Education Leadership here at University of Illinois. Dr. Lewis is an Illinois State Board of Education certified teacher and administrator.

Administrative Associate in the School Office: hiring Fall 2026

Head Teacher: Natalie Roberts (she/her)

I hold a Bachelors in Psychology and Human Development from the University of New Mexico and have 15 years of 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.

Co-Teacher: Melissa Kwan (she/her)

Hi everyone! My name is Melissa, and I grew up in Chicago. I graduated from the University of Illinois with a major in early childhood education and endorsement in ESL and am now finishing my master’s in curriculum and instruction. In my free time, I love to crochet, play guitar, collect rocks, and staying active by going on long walks. I would love to implement more Chinese vocabulary and songs to the children’s everyday lives here at Uni Primary, expanding their vocabulary and knowledge of our community!

Co-Teacher: Elisyana Nordengreen (she/her)

My name is Elisyana Nordengreen. Throughout the school year, you can call me Miss Elise. I am from the South Side of Chicago, and I recently graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Last year, I student taught in the Pre-K classroom, and I am excited to be back in such a welcoming community at University Primary. As I work toward completing my master’s degree, I look forward to nurturing each student’s curiosity while using empathy to help build meaningful friendships and a supportive classroom community. A fun fact about me is that I love crafting and making lattes!

Co-Teacher: Angelica Markantonis (she/her)

Hello, my name is Angelica Markantonis and I am a graduate student at the University Of Illinois and I am studying Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. I am working in pre-school this school year and I am looking forward to learning from all the new students. I love reading and listening to music and spending time with friends and family! 

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 have spent 12+  years of teaching at University Primary!

Co-Teacher: Abby Lynch (she/her)

Hello Uni Primary families! My name is Abby Lynch, and I’m a K/1 co-teacher pursuing degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Library & Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In my undergraduate years, I studied elementary education with an endorsement in ESOL.  Because of my experience here at Uni Primary, I have grown a deep interest and joyful inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach. Specially, I have appreciated time to explore my skills as a documentarian of learning and to embrace curiosity through inquiry. I value and cherish childhood dearly and view it as fundamental human right. Thus, I’m eager to continue on this journey, celebrating the joys of teaching, learning, researching, growing, and just being with this sweet school community!

Co-Teacher: Seoyoun Park (she/her)

Hello! I’m Seoyoun Park studying Elementary Education, and I’m so grateful to join K/1 as one of the co-teachers this year! As I enter K/1, having previously spent time at UPS through James Scholar research, the preschool classroom, and K/1 student teaching, I’m so excited to notice and wonder with students! I’m filled with hope as we prepare to walk alongside students on their journey of learning that honor exactly who they are. And I love playing violin and piano! 

Head Teacher: Kristen Miller (she/her)

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!

Co-Teacher: Rani Ramrattan (she/her)

My name is Rani Ramrattan, and I am excited to be returning for my second year as the 2nd/3rd grade co-teacher! I was born and raised in Champaign, and I feel incredibly grateful to be teaching in the same community where I grew up and attended school. I am currently pursuing a degree in Special Education along with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors,  creating all kinds of crafts, and dancing to music. I look forward to learning and growing alongside the students who teach me just as much as I hope to teach them throughout the year.

Co-Teacher: Andrea Sosa-Lopez (she/her)

Hi! My name is Andrea Sosa-Lopez. I grew up in Aurora, IL and moved to Champaign-Urbana for my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and graduated in 2026. My first language is Spanish, and I am very passionate towards cultivating a sense of belonging for all students and their backgrounds. I chose to pursue a master’s degree in Language and Literacy and a bilingual/ESL endorsement here at Illinois while I am in the role of co-teacher. At University Primary, my hope is to explore students’ curiosities and expand learning through their interests. I also hope to create a space where students can appreciate the Spanish language through a multitude of lenses and activities. In my free time, I like going on long walks, playing volleyball, getting coffee with friends and family, and doing different art projects!

Head Teacher: Alexandra Warwick (she/her)

Alexandra Warwick holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Language and Literacy from the University of Illinois. In addition to her elementary teaching licensure, she holds an endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language. With more than a decade of experience as a teacher, some of Alexandra’s current professional interests include literacy education and dyslexia. She recently earned certification as a Slant System Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher and is currently completing coursework towards certification as a Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist.

Alexandra also has extensive experience as a ballet and drama teacher. She enjoys volunteering backstage in local productions and occasionally appearing on stage too. At University Primary School, she enjoys the creative inspiration of collaborating with her teaching team and supporting students’ ideas and curiosities. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing Italian and Spanish, creative writing, and traveling with her spouse.

Co-Teacher: Danielle Guralnick (she/her)

Hello, my name is Danielle! I am originally from Oak Park, IL, and moved to Champaign-Urbana in 2021 to start college at UIUC. I graduated in 2025 from the College of Ed with my Bachelors in Elementary Education and am currently working on my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. During my time at Uni Primary, I hope to continue cultivating perseverance, discovery, and a love of learning with the students. In my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and hanging out with friends and family!

Co-Teacher: Mishal Nizar (she/her)

My name is Mishal Nizar. I was born in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and now live in the Chicago suburbs. I recently graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and this fall I’ll be starting my master’s in Curriculum & Instruction. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring different countries and cultures, as well as creating all types of art! At Uni Primary, I’m excited to learn from experienced educators, continue growing as a teacher, and deepen my understanding of play-based, child-centered learning while building meaningful relationships with the people there! 

Spanish Teacher: Cristina Flores (she/her)

¡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. 

Director: Kelsey Langley (she/her)

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.

Adventure Playworker: