A Dedicated Leadership Team
MAHDI DADRASS
He trained at the Seton Montessori Institute, holds a Montessori 3-6 Certification and taught at the highly esteemed Near North Montessori School in Chicago. Mahdi’s extensive involvement with his family’s existing schools — leading the expansion of classrooms, enrollment and programs — combined with his experiences, observations and collaborations with other leading Montessori institutes have given him a deep understanding of the ideal Montessori learning environment. Mahdi holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as a certificate of Vocational Specialist in Montessori Early Childhood Education with High Honors. You can contact Mahdi at mahdi@southloopmontessori.org or (312) 431-8050.
SAMEER SHANBAG
For the Princeton Review, he served as an SAT teacher and his involvement in undergrad and law school mentorship programs was instrumental to the growth and the success of students and mentees. Sameer has also worked with large not-for-profits, including volunteer teaching roles educating CPS students on legal concepts. Sameer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois’ College of Law. You can contact Sameer at sameer@southloopmontessori.org or (312) 431-8050.
TIFFANY MONREAL
KAITLYN SLIWSKI
MINA DADRASS
Mina Rahbar Dadrass was born on April 22nd, 1955 in the city of Borujerd, Iran. She found her calling working with and teaching deaf and blind children in Iran as a young woman. In 1978, she moved along with her husband Reza and newborn son Mahdi to Chicago, where she started a family and her lifelong path of love and educating children. She dedicated 40 years to educating children, families, and teachers as well as creating a legacy of Montessori schools that will continue to spread her message of love to all for decades to come. Along with her own family, her greatest love was the love that was created through the schools that she founded. The time that she spent so carefully nurturing children over the years were some of the happiest times of her life.
Mina loved spending time with her family and friends and devoted much of her time to them. She lived to make others smile and was a true joy to do just about anything with. She loved spending time in nature and traveling to the ocean and mountains, where she found great peace and positive energy. Mina was incredibly talented and creative; she loved to sing, dance, and excelled naturally at most everything. She enjoyed hosting and bringing her friends and community together, and she was the best cook most people have come across. Mina was hugely proud and in love with her Persian culture. She was an advocate for women and children and embodied the divine feminine spirit in alignment with the universe.
Anyone who was ever in the presence of Mina knows her energetic drive, infectious smile, contagious laugh, captivating personality and unforgettable storytelling. Her intuitive ability to teach children, as well as fearlessly guide and nurture everyone around her made up every fiber of her being. She taught the universe so much about Montessori, educating children, and most importantly, how to spread love to those around her. Mina was an earth mother and the shining example of strength and courage; she spoke in the language of love.
She taught us that no matter what challenges you are facing, spreading love and kindness to those around you will guide you to peace. We miss her immensely and her legacy will live on in all of our hearts and in the loving way we educate children and give to those in need. We will forever be inspired by her and cherish her beautiful spirit that remains around us.
MINA DADRASS
Mina Rahbar Dadrass was born on April 22nd, 1955 in the city of Borujerd, Iran. She found her calling working with and teaching deaf and blind children in Iran as a young woman. In 1978, she moved along with her husband Reza and newborn son Mahdi to Chicago, where she started a family and her lifelong path of love and educating children. She dedicated 40 years to educating children, families, and teachers as well as creating a legacy of Montessori schools that will continue to spread her message of love to all for decades to come. Along with her own family, her greatest love was the love that was created through the schools that she founded. The time that she spent so carefully nurturing children over the years were some of the happiest times of her life.
Mina loved spending time with her family and friends and devoted much of her time to them. She lived to make others smile and was a true joy to do just about anything with. She loved spending time in nature and traveling to the ocean and mountains, where she found great peace and positive energy. Mina was incredibly talented and creative; she loved to sing, dance, and excelled naturally at most everything. She enjoyed hosting and bringing her friends and community together, and she was the best cook most people have come across. Mina was hugely proud and in love with her Persian culture. She was an advocate for women and children and embodied the divine feminine spirit in alignment with the universe.
Anyone who was ever in the presence of Mina knows her energetic drive, infectious smile, contagious laugh, captivating personality and unforgettable storytelling. Her intuitive ability to teach children, as well as fearlessly guide and nurture everyone around her made up every fiber of her being. She taught the universe so much about Montessori, educating children, and most importantly, how to spread love to those around her. Mina was an earth mother and the shining example of strength and courage; she spoke in the language of love.
She taught us that no matter what challenges you are facing, spreading love and kindness to those around you will guide you to peace. We miss her immensely and her legacy will live on in all of our hearts and in the loving way we educate children and give to those in need. We will forever be inspired by her and cherish her beautiful spirit that remains around us.
Our team of educators are proven leaders in their field, known for inspiring students to achieve their full potential.
We deliver the highest standard of Montessori education in the Chicagoland area through instilling Dr. Montessori’s philosophy into our community.