2023 Board of Directors Elections
Each year the Montessori Children's House Parent Association holds an election for our Board of Directors. It’s a small thing, but incredibly important to our legal responsibilities as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our bylaws dictate that 25% of our membership must participate in the election for it to be valid. Our membership is made up of all parents and guardians of currently enrolled children. This year we need a minimum of 86 voters to certify the election.
Ballots were sent out on Thursday, June 1, 2023. If you did not receive it, check your spam folder then contact us. This election runs from 7:30 PM on 05/31/2022 until 11:30 PM on 6/09/2022.
The board recommends a slate of directors for election. It is not a competitive election, and it is recommended that all members on the slate are elected. This year we have nine outstanding candidates. Their profiles can be viewed below. Write-in candidates are allowed.
Please take two minutes to help up complete this critical legal requirement. If you have any questions, you can email us.
Ballots were sent out on Thursday, June 1, 2023. If you did not receive it, check your spam folder then contact us. This election runs from 7:30 PM on 05/31/2022 until 11:30 PM on 6/09/2022.
The board recommends a slate of directors for election. It is not a competitive election, and it is recommended that all members on the slate are elected. This year we have nine outstanding candidates. Their profiles can be viewed below. Write-in candidates are allowed.
Please take two minutes to help up complete this critical legal requirement. If you have any questions, you can email us.
Hila AlkalayBorn and raised in Israel, my journey took a pivotal turn when I met my husband at university, where we were both pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Our shared sense of adventure led us to relocate to the United States in 2015, choosing to make Redmond our new home. Here, we welcomed our two beautiful daughters into the world: Maya, now 6, and Ariel, who is 2.5 years old, who is attending Paper Birch. Life in Redmond also offered me the opportunity to embrace a lifelong passion: Interior Design. Following this dream, I founded my own company and have been creating aesthetic spaces ever since. Our family values the rich cultural offerings of our area, frequently exploring the excellent museums and enjoying the local parks whenever the weather is cooperative. We are delighted to be a part of the MCH community and are looking forward to contributing to and growing in this wonderful educational environment.
Election Term: 2 Years |
David ForresterOriginally from London, England, I moved to the US eleven years ago, and to the Pacific Northwest three years ago. With a passion for aviation, I am the head of airline contracts at Amazon Air. In my spare time, I enjoy - along with wife Laura, and daughter Ella - all things outdoors - particularly hiking, camping, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing, and sailing. I am thrilled to be on the MCH-PA Board.
Election Term: 2 Years |
Sid KulkarniHi! I'm Siddharth, or Sid Kulkarni, proud parent of two kids at MCH - Norah (EC, Madrona) and Lev (Infant, Kinnikinnick) Kulkarni. My wife (also an MCH music teacher, Becky Greenstein) and I moved to the Seattle-area from New York City in Dec'20, and have since fallen in love with everything the MCH community has to offer. We moved from Bellevue to Redmond last year to stay close to the school, and this year I hope to contribute even more by joining MCH's parent board. For work, I'm a Sr. Technical Program Manager at Instacart, and when I'm not working - I love jogging, I've completed the NYC marathon in 2014 and several half marathons. I also love to hike/visit national parks with my family. At MCH, I'm interested in organizing events for the school such as our camping trips, staff appreciation week, harvest fest, and many more. But most of all, I'm interested in getting to know the community and would like to hear ideas on how we can all make this school better, not just for our kids, but for all the future kids that will go here to have a unique and wonderful educational experience.
Election Term: 2 Years |
Emily NelsonI grew up in the verdant Snoqualmie Valley and graduated from University of Washington after spending my first two years of undergrad at Whitman College. I am also a proud alumna of Cedars Montessori in Fall City, although that was many moons ago...These days I work with my family at our treehouse-centered businesses in Fall City. I oversee operations and special projects at Nelson Treehouse - a custom treehouse design and build firm. Ten years ago I founded an e-commerce business specializing in treehouse hardware for the DIYer - helping thousands of people across the country bring their treehouse dreams to life. When I am not wrangling carpenters (2 of which are my brothers), I can be found adventuring outside with my husband, Patrick (also a carpenter), kids - Douglas in Pacific Willow and Sally in Dogwood - and dog, ToastyBun. We are very grateful to be learning & growing at MCH and I look forward to spending time with this community.
Election Term: 2 Years |
Taryn Rathbone-DaubI grew up in small town Connecticut, and completed my formal education on the East Coast. After earning my undergraduate degree from Williams College and my veterinary degree from Cornell University, I spent two years practicing as a horse vet in California. In 2014, I relocated to the Puget Sound area, where I founded my own veterinary practice. I love being my own boss! When I’m not working, I can usually be found outside spending time with my family, running, gardening or tackling a new house project. Our family joined the MCH community in the fall of 2020, and my son has thrived in the EC program! I look forward to supporting the school and building community with the Parent Association.
Election Term: 2 Year |
Heather SabottaI grew up in Oregon and attended the Montessori School of Beaverton through Upper Elementary, so I am passionate about the Montessori method. My son Quentin is in the Early Childhood classroom, and I am very much looking forward to seeing him build his social and emotional skills throughout his time at MCH and gain a love of self-directed learning. Before Quentin was born, I worked in communications and business operations for Amazon and Microsoft for over 10 years. I love to plan, organize, and execute projects and events, and so I am thrilled to give my time and apply my skills to helping this school continue its success. Outside of school, as a family, we fill our days with traveling, boating, fishing, hiking, cooking, entertaining, gardening and watching movies.
Election Term: 2 Years |
Mullyvan SamrithI was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I studied Business Administration at the University of Texas, Arlington. I lived in Texas for over 30 years before moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2016 to live with my wife Holly. We have a son, Jackson, who is currently in the Kinnikinnick class. I work for UPS as a driver. In my spare time, I like ballroom dancing, hiking, cooking, and time with my family. We love watching our son thrive at MCH Program and seeing him develop.
Election Term: 2 Years |
Darla WatanabeMy name is Darla Watanabe. I am Paxton and Shey Erin’s grandmother. In 2019, I retired from a fantastic 46 year career in nursing, to help my daughter, Cortney Erin, care for Paxton. Within a few weeks of my retirement, Cortney changed jobs and we relocated to Sammamish from San Francisco. Within 4 months of our arrival in Washington, we endured Covid isolation and welcomed Shey into our family in October, 2021. Two boys full of energy have kept me very busy. My claim to fame is baking and spending time in the kitchen with the boys as my sous chefs.
Election Term: 2 Years |
Joy ZhangI’m from China, growing up in Beijing and then living in Seattle since 2016. I received a dual bachelor’s degree in management and economics, and an MBA from Renmin University of China. I’m now studying a master’s program in Real Estate at University of Washington. I worked as a human resource generalist for 6 years until I found my passion in Real Estate. I’m now working as a professional real estate agent. My husband and I fell in love with the beautiful Puget Sound Area and its rainy weather, so we decided to settle down here. When not working, I enjoy baking, hiking, and traveling. My son Royce will be joining MCH in the fall of 2023. Our whole family is thrilled about it and we're looking forward to connecting with other families as well as giving back to the community.
Election Term: 2 Years |