Founder
Sara Hruska founded Spark Montessori because she was passionate about her children, her community, and the power of the Montessori Method for child development.
Sara has 12 years of experience in the corporate world learning how to build and maintain client relationships, develop brands, and lead teams. And while this experience has taught her much, she always had the entrepreneurial itch to start an organization with a more meaningful mission. Having children provided Sara with the ‘Spark’ of inspiration that she needed to launch Spark Montessori, a modern, authentic Montessori school that promotes and supports the values that are both personally meaningful and culturally relevant.
Sara attended Southwest Montessori Preschool in Palos Park and has a Bachelors in Speech Communications with an Italian minor from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
Interim Head of School
Minjung Kim is Spark Montessori’s Toddler Program Director as well as the Lead Montessori Guide for the T1 classroom. Her position as Director helps to provide support and consistency across Spark’s Toddler classrooms. Minjung fell in love with the Montessori philosophy after she had her first daughter and connected with Spark’s founder just as the school was about to open. She has a deep passion for the toddler program and loves seeing the children develop as they reach their milestones. Her strengths are building up the community around her and mentoring her team. She also enjoys helping new parents to feel welcome and supported.
Minjung has been at the school since before it opened and is committed to its vision and mission. She values collaboration, positivity, and proactive problem-solving.
Minjung has a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Gangneung-Wonju National University of South Korea and studied in the Master’s program at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory in Russia. She brings her love of music, harmony, and different cultures into the classroom.
When not serving the children of Spark, Minjung spends time exploring Chicagoland and traveling with her two daughters (who attend Spark’s primary program) and her husband. She also enjoys connecting with Spark families in the neighborhood.