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 sophomore 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 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 14 in August, he is an AALE alumnus and is a
freshman in High School. My husband and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary in June. We purchased our first home in June of 2019, and we continue to enjoy adding the special touches to our forever home. 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 nine 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. Antonella Colatorti
I have been at All Aboard…Learning Express, Inc. since 2014. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dominican University, where I double majored in English Literature and Elementary Education, and received my Type 03 teaching certification. I was Vice President of Dominican’s English National Honor Society (Sigma Tau Delta), a proud member of several university social clubs, and various honors programs. In 2016, I married the love of my life, Jerry, and we are the proud parents of Roma (5 years old), and Peter (3 years old).
When I am not at AALE, you can find me enjoying time with my family and friends and baking. I look forward to watching your children flourish as they embark on their educational journeys to life-long learning at All Aboard...Learning Express, Inc. This year I can be found in the office, assisting Ms. Candace and Ms. Michelle.