Lila Jokanovic

COMS Children’s House (3-6) Head Directress, 2008-Present

Professional Information:
B.S., Human Relations/Writing/English, Rockford College, Rockford, IL
M.F.A. Columbia College, Chicago, IL
Montessori Primary (3-6) Training Program 2008/2010 at Midwest Montessori
Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL.
English/Writing Instructor at Columbia College, Chicago IL., 2001-2009

Favorite Quote:
“ Trees are the earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.
–Rabindranath Tagore
“ We shall find peace. We shall hear angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with
diamonds.”
– Anton Chekov

Hobbies:
Reading (anything that will stand still long enough. Favorite authors include Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh, Willa Cather, and mysteries when my brain feels too full). Writing (mostly fiction, and freelance pieces when commissioned). Knitting (scarves). Cooking (I love trying new gourmet recipes – this is probably because when I first moved here from India the only thing I knew how to make was cereal).

Off-School hours you may find me:
Volunteering somewhere, on the elliptical machine at the gym, sharing school- day stories with my husband…unless there is a Law & Order marathon on – in which case, you will find me in front of the TV.

Long-distance running (this is meditation for me). Research (on just about everything). Relaxing with my husband and two cats (named Igor, Vigo, and Wabash – in order of weight and height).

It came somewhat as a surprise to me to find out that I was passionate about education (this has also been a surprise to my parents and many of my high school teachers!). More specifically, I am passionate about ensuring that everyone is provided with access to a solid education. Most of my professional and volunteer activities are related to this – whether teaching meditation at a local domestic violence shelter, freelance writing assignments, or providing after school creative writing programs for at-risk teens. In my free time I write fiction (some of which has been published).

Dream of:
Maria Montessori’s dream was to provide an environment in which children could unfold to reveal their true nature as peacemakers. This is one of the reasons I have studied, and continue to study, the Montessori approach to teaching. My long-term dream, then, is to continue what Dr. Montessori started: To open schools / to create space where the child and her/his development are sacred – especially in those areas where this concept is largely overlooked.