OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Michelle Nakamura, President
Michelle serves as the Administrative Manager for the School of Education at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). She holds an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Salish Kootenai College and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from UAS. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in higher education from UAS. Michelle is a wife and mom to two children who have attended Montessori Borealis since kindergarten. She actively engages in various volunteer roles, including serving as a Girl Scout troop leader, a Montessori Borealis Site Council Representative, and supports Gastineau Channel Little League, along with other activities her children participate in. Lynnette McNutt, Vice-President
Lynette holds a bachelor's degree from UAS in Science with a major in Biology. Although her family has moved in and out of Juneau with the Coast Guard several times, she is happy to call Juneau her permanent home since her husband's retirement in 2007. Both of her children were Montessori Borealis students. Lynnette has worked for the Juneau School District and Juneau Montessori Borealis since 2008. She holds Montessori Certification at the Elementary level and a Masters degree in Montessori Education through Loyola University of Maryland. Lupita Alvarez, Treasurer
Lupita grew up in Mexico City and moved to Juneau in 1988. With a background in Dance, Recreation and Education, she served as Program Director for the Tongass Alaska Girl Scout Council and Executive Director of Juneau Dance Unlimited. When she discovered Montessori education seeking a preschool for her son, she was inspired to obtain her Montessori teacher certification. Lupita served as Director of the Juneau Montessori School for 15 years and is currently working with the Montessori Borealis Public School. She was a founding member of the Adolescent Montessori Program and has volunteered throughout the years for numerous local, national, and international nonprofit organizations, including SEAFOM since 1995. Jason Olds, Co-Treasurer
Jason Olds serves as the Director of Air Quality for the state of Alaska, where he leads efforts to improve and maintain air quality across the region. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and is an active board member of FAST, AMATS, and WESTAR.
An avid outdoorsman, Jason enjoys hiking and embracing the natural beauty of Alaska. Caitlin Stern, Secretary Caitlin is a biometrician in the marine research section at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, where she analyzes population dynamics models of Alaskan fish and shellfish stocks. Caitlin holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Harvard University and a PhD in behavioral ecology from Cornell University. She is actively involved as a board member for Congregation Sukkat Shalom, Juneau's Jewish community. Her two daughters attend Montessori Borealis. In her free time, Caitlin likes to be outside with her family, hiking, camping, berry picking, paddling, or skiing. Rick Trostel, Board Member
Rick Trostel is the beloved music teacher at Montessori Borealis, where he inspires students through his passion for music education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Montessori Elementary Diploma, bringing a unique blend of scientific curiosity and Montessori principles to his teaching. Rick is actively involved with AMI-EAA, and has participated in the Montessori Refresher Course and Summer Teacher Conference to enhance his skills. Beyond the classroom, Rick is actively engaged in the Juneau community. He is involved with the Eaglecrest Ski School and performs with the Juneau Symphony, along with other music performances around town. Rick’s dedication to sharing the joy of music is evident in every aspect of his life, making a lasting impact on students and audiences alike. Lena Merrell, Board Member
Lena is a dedicated dental hygienist with a strong background in advocacy and community involvement. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene. Lena is on her second year as the President of the Montessori Borealis Site Council. She is passionate about advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and supporting teachers, and schools. Her two children have been a part of Montessori Borealis since they were three years old, and they plan to continue through 8th grade. Lena deeply appreciates the teachers' commitment to fostering a strong supportive learning community. In her free time, Lena enjoys the great outdoors—whether it's commercial fishing with her husband, hiking with their dog, or adventuring in the beautiful surroundings of Southeast Alaska. She also loves playing games at home during rainy days and dreams of traveling more. Callie Conerton, Board Member
Callie Conerton was born and raised in Juneau. She has a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Southeast and a Masters in Teaching and Learning from University of Alaska Anchorage. She is AMI Elementary Trained through Montessori Northwest and teaches Lower Elementary (first, second, and third grade) at Montessori Borealis Public School. She enjoys playing ice hockey, downhill skiing, traveling, cooking, being outside (not in total downpour), and laughing. Board Members (Bio's and Pictures to come) --- Cecil McNutt |
