Algonquin

Our Teachers

Ms. Sakina

Ms. Sakina

I am Ms. Sakina, I have been teaching since 2009 and was the first teacher at the first Best Brains location in 2011. I direct the Abacus Program at Best Brains Corporate and have trained franchisees for other Best Brains locations (now over 150 of them). I started my own center, Best Brains of Algonquin, in 2016. My passion is to get kids excited about learning. I co-founded a nonprofit when I was eleven and recently co-created a podcast. I love playing outdoors and reading with my two boys. In my spare time I scrapbook and help my husband with his business consultancy.

Ms. Katherine Castiglione

Ms. Katherine Castiglione

I have been an abacus teacher at Best Brains for over two years. I am attending National-Louis University to achieve a Bachelor's degree in Elementary education and an endorsement in Early Childhood education. I am the president of Educator Rising club and a part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I have a love for learning and connecting with my students. Outside of school you could find me spending time with family and friends, reading books and penning my own, being outdoors, and star gazing.

Ms. Danielle

Ms. Danielle

My name is Danielle and I have been working at Best Brains for several years now. I grew up in Lake in the Hills and graduated from Huntley High School in 2018. I am currently pursuing my BFA in Musical Theatre at Southeast Missouri State University. I have been active in theatre since elementary school, having performed in and even choreographed/directed numerous productions at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. Outside of school and work, I enjoy singing, spending time with my family and dogs, and watching movies with friends!

Ms. Dawn

Ms. Dawn

Hi! I’ve been in education since 1994. I started out teaching 2nd grade for a few years, then I switched to preschool, and I was a home-school supervising teacher for the state of Iowa. After my family moved to Algonquin in 2004, I became a curriculum writer so I could work from home and raise my 3 children: Trent, Grant & Brooke. In addition to writing, I became a substitute teacher for D300 in 2015.

Ms. Claire

Ms. Claire

Hi! My name is Claire and I am a teacher at Best Brains. I also help create the curriculum for Best Brains and the many programs offered. Although I have been teaching for a few years now, I initially earned a degree in engineering due to my passion for math and science. I later became a teacher with the mission to inspire students and share my excitement for learning! Apart from teaching, I enjoy playing with my puppy, spending time with my sister, and gardening.

Mr. Nicholas Demma

Mr. Nicholas Demma

My name is Nicholas Demma and I am currently a Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee majoring in computer science. While my degree is in computer science as a whole, I enjoy the programming part the most. I have been interested in programming ever since I could remember and I started taking coding classes in high school. Since then, I have held several jobs in programming and now I want to share my knowledge with others. Besides programming, I also enjoy playing cards, swimming, and playing sports with friends.

Ms. Renee

Ms. Renee

Hi! I'm Renee. I'm excited to be a part of the Best Brains family! I've been teaching/tutoring for 20 years. I tutored while living abroad. I taught English to children and adults in Italy, Poland and Greece. I was also a co-leader for our McHenry county 4H group. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and four children. I also love traveling, gardening and cooking.

Ms. Cyndi

Ms. Cyndi

I grew up in Northern Pennsylvania. After college I moved to Northern California to start my career in the insurance industry. Moved to Illinois in 1995. Currently I am an Account Manager for a local insurance broker in Schaumburg. I’ve been married for 23 years and have 3 children – 2 boys attending ECC and a daughter at Jacobs High School. In my spare time, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, watching football, baseball & hockey and spending time outdoors.

Ms. Jamie

Ms. Jamie

Hello my name is Jamie Anderson! I have been involved in the teaching/tutoring world over the years through leading a McHenry County 4-H Cloverbuds program, demonstrating Shotokan Karate with my sensei, choreographing and teaching company performance/competition dances, and being a Spanish language tutor at McHenry County College. I am passionate about learning and passing that knowledge on to others. I recently received my Associates in Arts degree from McHenry County College. I have plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas in fall of 2022, where I will be studying Physical Education. Outside of school and teaching, I love to dance, spend time with my family and friends, as well as working on starting up my own dance studio/company.

Ms. Megan

Ms. Megan

Hi! My name is Megan and I am currently a special education paraeducator. This year I work with 3rd-5th grade students in math and reading. Before moving to the school district, I worked as a preschool teacher for 2 years teaching three year olds. I received both my Associates Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and I am currently working towards my Masters degree in Elementary Education. When I am not teaching or at school, I love to spend time reading with my puppy.

Ms. Abby

Ms. Abby

Hi! My name is Abby. I live in Algonquin with my parents and two younger siblings. I am currently a sophomore at Jacobs High School, where I am involved in AP and honors programs, as well as being on the track team. I love reading, spending time with friends and family, and playing volleyball along with many other things.

Mr. Shayan

Mr. Shayan

I am Shayan, I am a current Senior at Barrington High School. I am also a Math Teaching Assistant at the high school for the Algebra 2 math level. My goal is to make sure kids are able to learn as much as they and also have fun! I like playing Ultimate Frisbee and Tennis. In my spare time if I am not busy studying I like to play sports and hang out with friends.

Gabi

Gabi

Hello! My name is Gabi and I have loved learning English and Math my whole life. I am excited to now teach students to love the same subjects. I plan on pursuing a degree in Computer Science. I have previously been a camp counselor and now teach kids how to code. In my free time I like to snowboard, play tennis, and read books!

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