About Our School
We are currently in the search for our school's shopfront location in West Humboldt Park where we can cultivate an equitable learning environment where each child—especially those historically pushed to the margins—is seen, heard, and nurtured in their full humanity. Every element—from the curriculum to the classroom culture—affirms identity, promotes justice, and fosters belonging. For us, this means intentionally centering children from the Black Diaspora, not as an act of exclusion, but as a step toward healing and balance in systems where they have long been excluded. We invite families that do not identify as Black to join us in alignment with our mission.
Our Teacher Leaders
Baobab Tree Children's House is affiliated with the Wildflower Network of Schools, in which teachers are supported and equipped to found, design, and operate their school independently. Both of Baobab Tree's Founding Teacher Leaders currently also serve on our board.
Our Staff
Our Board
Mia Maldonado
Secretary
Mia Maldonado (she/her) has worked in college admission and college counseling for the past decade and her professional interests focus on increasing equity and access for marginalized students within education. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College with a double major in Comparative American Studies and Theater. She also earned her Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Sondra Jones
Treasurer
Sondra Jones (they/them) is an educator, school administrator, singer/songwriter, parent and school founder. They attended Oberlin College with a double major in Sociology and African American Studies, and are training towards their Montessori Early Childhood credential. They have partnered with various local Chicago organizations throughout their career working with youth in Chicago. They live in West Humboldt Park with their 2 youngest children.
Ann Baltzer
Chairperson
Ann Baltzer (she/her) is a middle and high school science educator. She has a BA in Psychology from Macalester College and an MEd in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri St. Louis. She is a proud resident of the Humboldt Park neighborhood where she lives with her husband and two children.
Danielle Dolce Lescouflair
Board Member
Danielle Dolce-Lescouflair (they/them) is an educator, parent and school founder. They have a BS of Integrated Ministries from Moody Bible Institute and have taught in Montessoir Early Childhood classrooms for 4 years. They live in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago with their 3 children.
Giniqua Delaney
Board Member
Giniqua Graham is a nonprofit professional and community advocate with a deep commitment to equity, family engagement, and child-centered education. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University, with a focal point in family dynamics and African American studies.With over 10 years of experience building partnerships, managing programs, and supporting youth and families across Chicago, she brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to leadership. She amplifies storytelling that centers the authenticity of lived experiences within communities of color. Giniqua is passionate about educational models that honor children’s curiosity, autonomy, and whole-child development, and she is excited to support Baobab Tree Children's House’s mission of cultivating a joyful, inclusive learning environment.
Brittny Bouye
Board Member
Brittny Bouye is an Early Childhood Educator born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She brings a deep passion for child development and education, serving as a classroom teacher, K-3 tutor, and dance coach for students in grades 2-8. Brittny holds a Bachelor's degree in Family and Individual Development and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about watching children grow, learn, and reach their full potential, and believes in empowering students to know they can achieve anything they set their minds to. As a board member, her goal is to ensure children are learning while the school continues to grow in creative and meaningful ways.
Pascale Ife Williams
Board Member
Bio coming soon
Kathryn Schaffer
Board Member
Bio coming soon
Caitlin Reusche
Board Member
With over fourteen years of Montessori teaching experience, Caitlin is the co-founder of and Teacher Leader at Mountain Laurel Montessori in Philadelphia, PA. She is passionate about sparking a child’s curiosity and connecting with parents. As a mother of two children, she enjoys hiking, biking and running through new cities and communities with her family. Caitlin is an infant toddler and early childhood Montessori-trained guide from Seton Montessori Institute. She hopes to attain her doula certification in 2026 to fully support families from birth through childhood.
Caitlin holds her B.A. in Political Science from St. Joseph's University with a minor in Business. She holds an MAT from the University of Chicago's Urban Teacher Education Program and holds an English as a Second Language Endorsement. She has developed children and family enrichment courses for preschool-aged families through Northwestern University and founded a child and caregiver summer Montessori program. Caitlin is serving as an adjunct faculty member at Chestnut Hill College, teaching in their Early Childhood Montessori program.