All Aboard...Learning Express, Inc.
Administration
Ms. Candace Mayr
I am the owner of All Aboard…Learning Express, Inc. I am director and teacher qualified having earned a degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Psychology. I started teaching preschool students in 1985. I have been a member and/or board member of the Preschool Owners Association for Illinois Child Care for over 25 years. My goal is to see that all students are given the opportunity to receive a safe and nurturing education that follows set state standards. That is why, in 2004, I assisted my school in the pursuit of successfully attaining National
Accreditation status. All Aboard…Learning Express, Inc. was established in 1993 and continues to be a major love in my life. When I am not at school, my husband and I enjoy spending time with family and visiting our children in college. Our twins, Kyle and Ashley, received a wonderful start in school while attending All Aboard...Learning Express, Inc. They graduated from Immaculate Conception College Prep High School with Honors in May of 2022. Both are enjoying their junior year in college; Kyle is attending the University of Missouri and Ashley is attending the University of Dayton, Ohio. Due to location and family commitments, my office hours are limited, but I am in contact with the school daily. In my administrative capacity, I perform classroom observations, direct teacher meetings, and review daily office communication notes, as well as all classroom daily logs and curriculum plans. I work closely with Ms. Michelle and Ms. Antonella on all day to day operations.
Ms. Michelle Strlek
My name is Mrs. Michelle Strlek and I have been with All Aboard…Learning Express, Inc. for 22 years. I am the school’s Director and
Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Carthage College in 2002. I started at AALE just after graduation, and it has been my home away from home ever since. I have had the pleasure of teaching in every classroom throughout the years. When I am not at work, I may be found on the baseball field with my son Connor. Connor turned 15 in August, he is an AALE alumnus and is a sophomore in High School. My husband and I celebrated our
19th wedding anniversary in June. We enjoy gardening and spending time outdoors. I am thrilled to continue to be part of the All Aboard team and look forward to another successful year! I can be found teaching in Room Kk with Ms. Jill, Ms. Melissa, and Mr. Jacob. The children are the highlight of my day, their curiosity and enthusiasm is amazing. I can also be found working in the office as the Director of our school. Some of my administrative duties consist of classroom observations, daily parent communication, running teacher meetings, day to day operations and reviewing curriculum plans. I have also had the pleasure of leading a team of our teachers in pursuing our NAEYC accreditation. For the past ten years, I have added to my plate the planning and organizing of our annual silent auction. The event is so much fun for our families and staff; we hope to see you there next year!
Ms. Ellen Solis-Harris
My name is Ms. Ellen Solis-Harris. I started teaching at All Aboard...Learning Express, Inc. in February of 1996. I began with the Preschoolers and then moved to Kindergarten for the next six years. In 2002, I started working part time at All Aboard so I could take care of my granddaughter and eventually my grandson. I taught summer kindergarten, and during the school year I put together the Keep Program (Kids Educational Enrichment Program) for children pre K to second grade. In the 2013-2014 school year I returned full time and
taught Preschool, Prekindergarten, and Kindergarten until 2020 when I began working in the office. Before my career in early childhood I taught cosmetology at Truman College. I went to Northeastern University to continue my education in early childhood and my latest studies were to receive my CDA (Child Development Association Credential). I ran a Holiday Bazaar at All Aboard for many years and then our yearly Silent Auction. When I am not at All Aboard...Learning Express, Inc., I enjoy reading, working with miniatures, cooking, and spending time with my family. I can be found assisting in the office four afternoons a week.