2026-2027 Board of Directors
Current Term: 2026-2028
Daniel Steinberg, President
I am a native of Philadelphia, though I spent my formative years on a small farm just outside of Sacramento. After moving back to the East Coast, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and my master’s in Information Systems from Drexel University. Professionally I live at the intersection of design and technology, focused on user experience and digital product design. My wife and I moved to the Seattle area in 2016 to slow down a bit and get closer to nature and it’s been incredible. We now call Redmond home with our eight-year-old son Cameron (Cedar) and love exploring the Pacific Northwest, trying new food, and taking on DIY projects around the house. We’re thrilled to be going on five years at MCH and are looking forward to connecting even more with other families while giving back to the community that we’re so lucky to be a part of.
I am a native of Philadelphia, though I spent my formative years on a small farm just outside of Sacramento. After moving back to the East Coast, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and my master’s in Information Systems from Drexel University. Professionally I live at the intersection of design and technology, focused on user experience and digital product design. My wife and I moved to the Seattle area in 2016 to slow down a bit and get closer to nature and it’s been incredible. We now call Redmond home with our eight-year-old son Cameron (Cedar) and love exploring the Pacific Northwest, trying new food, and taking on DIY projects around the house. We’re thrilled to be going on five years at MCH and are looking forward to connecting even more with other families while giving back to the community that we’re so lucky to be a part of.
Current Term: 2025-2027
Taryn Rathbone-Daub, Executive Vice President
I 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 sons have thrived at the school! I look forward to supporting the school and building community with the Parent Association.
I 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 sons have thrived at the school! I look forward to supporting the school and building community with the Parent Association.
Current Term: 2025-2027
Heather Sabotta, Vice President
I 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 Upper Elementary program and daughter Finley is in EC. I love seeing them build their social and emotional skills throughout their 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, cooking, entertaining, gardening and watching movies.
I 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 Upper Elementary program and daughter Finley is in EC. I love seeing them build their social and emotional skills throughout their 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, cooking, entertaining, gardening and watching movies.
Current Term: 2026-2028
Abra Conitz, Secretary
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Montana & Washington State and as an adult have moved around a bit, always ending up back in the PNW. As a former teacher, it was important to me to find a school that also created community for our family, which we have found in MCH! My daughter, Matilda, is part of the Nootka Rose classroom and absolutely loves it. I am an attorney who helps support representing children who are impacted by the child welfare system. I love to read, cook, and listening to music - both by myself and with my family. I am excited to have the opportunity to join the board to help continue the community and school have meaningful connections, events and support throughout the year.
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Montana & Washington State and as an adult have moved around a bit, always ending up back in the PNW. As a former teacher, it was important to me to find a school that also created community for our family, which we have found in MCH! My daughter, Matilda, is part of the Nootka Rose classroom and absolutely loves it. I am an attorney who helps support representing children who are impacted by the child welfare system. I love to read, cook, and listening to music - both by myself and with my family. I am excited to have the opportunity to join the board to help continue the community and school have meaningful connections, events and support throughout the year.
Current Term: 2025-2027
Wesley Dorne, Treasurer
A Pacific Northwest transplant from Boston, I found my way to Seattle with my wife Jesse after working at TripAdvisor.com (Feel free to ask me for travel tips!). Our family's journey with MCH began when we moved to Redmond five years ago, and we've been deeply invested in this community ever since. Our daughter JoJo has flourished here, moving from Salmonberry through Pacific Willow, while our youngest, Cora, has grown from Kinnikinnick into Dogwood. As Senior Manager at the Downtown Seattle Association, I oversee downtown Seattle's parks and coordinate major community events like the annual tree lighting ceremony. This role has given me extensive experience in strategic planning, community engagement, and event management—skills I'm excited to bring to the MCH board. I'm passionate about creating meaningful experiences that bring people together, and I see serving on the board as an opportunity to contribute to the school that has given our family so much.
A Pacific Northwest transplant from Boston, I found my way to Seattle with my wife Jesse after working at TripAdvisor.com (Feel free to ask me for travel tips!). Our family's journey with MCH began when we moved to Redmond five years ago, and we've been deeply invested in this community ever since. Our daughter JoJo has flourished here, moving from Salmonberry through Pacific Willow, while our youngest, Cora, has grown from Kinnikinnick into Dogwood. As Senior Manager at the Downtown Seattle Association, I oversee downtown Seattle's parks and coordinate major community events like the annual tree lighting ceremony. This role has given me extensive experience in strategic planning, community engagement, and event management—skills I'm excited to bring to the MCH board. I'm passionate about creating meaningful experiences that bring people together, and I see serving on the board as an opportunity to contribute to the school that has given our family so much.
Current Term: 2026-2027
Aaron Wu
I grew up in Shenzhen, China, and came to the States for my master's degree in New York. After spending 14 years in the New York metropolitan area, my wife and I decided to move to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to enjoy the wonderful climate and start a new chapter. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions of our lives. I am a firm believer in the Montessori method, which focuses on fostering independence and a lifelong love of learning, and MCH has been a very important part of this wonderful journey. Professionally, I worked as a controller for JPMorgan for five years before transitioning into the blockchain and fintech space as a Senior FP&A Manager in 2020. Outside of work, I am an active investor, which fuels my passion for journaling, reading, and exploring new ideas. Above all, I love spending time with my family and friends."
I grew up in Shenzhen, China, and came to the States for my master's degree in New York. After spending 14 years in the New York metropolitan area, my wife and I decided to move to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to enjoy the wonderful climate and start a new chapter. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions of our lives. I am a firm believer in the Montessori method, which focuses on fostering independence and a lifelong love of learning, and MCH has been a very important part of this wonderful journey. Professionally, I worked as a controller for JPMorgan for five years before transitioning into the blockchain and fintech space as a Senior FP&A Manager in 2020. Outside of work, I am an active investor, which fuels my passion for journaling, reading, and exploring new ideas. Above all, I love spending time with my family and friends."
Current Term: 2026-2028
Abby Schilbach
A Connecticut native, I moved to Seattle on a whim after a cross-country bike trip 16 years ago and never looked back. Our family has grown up alongside MCH, with kids in nearly every program from the infant room through elementary. Having fundraised at a local Oregon food bank and led a student-run nonprofit at UW Foster, I care deeply about building communities. I’m excited to bring that experience, along with my background in tech marketing to help ensure MCH continues to thrive for families to come.
A Connecticut native, I moved to Seattle on a whim after a cross-country bike trip 16 years ago and never looked back. Our family has grown up alongside MCH, with kids in nearly every program from the infant room through elementary. Having fundraised at a local Oregon food bank and led a student-run nonprofit at UW Foster, I care deeply about building communities. I’m excited to bring that experience, along with my background in tech marketing to help ensure MCH continues to thrive for families to come.
Current Term: 2026-2027
Forrest Koran
I grew up in Portland, Oregon, and work in embedded systems engineering. Before parenthood I was active for several years in the Mazamas mountaineering club. Since my daughter was born I've been home with her full time. I tend to have a lot of overlapping interests, lately sewing, gardening, birding, working on the house, and keeping my Australian Cattle Dog, Diego active. My daughter joined MCH in 2025 and is currently in the toddler program at Dogwood, and I'm really looking forward to getting more involved with this community.
I grew up in Portland, Oregon, and work in embedded systems engineering. Before parenthood I was active for several years in the Mazamas mountaineering club. Since my daughter was born I've been home with her full time. I tend to have a lot of overlapping interests, lately sewing, gardening, birding, working on the house, and keeping my Australian Cattle Dog, Diego active. My daughter joined MCH in 2025 and is currently in the toddler program at Dogwood, and I'm really looking forward to getting more involved with this community.
Current Term: 2026-2028
Ningyu Zhang
My family and I moved to Washington after spending nearly nine years in Nashville, Tennessee. Our daughter joined MCH three years ago, and we appreciate the supportive environment, sense of community, and the Montessori approach to education. She is currently in Cedar and has especially enjoyed growing through music, independent learning, and the friendships she has built at MCH. I work in the technology industry and enjoy solving problems and learning new things. Outside of work, I like attending my daughter’s music performances, tackling small home improvement projects, and spending time with my family and our two cats. I am interested in serving on the Parent Association Board as a way to give back to a community that has meant greatly to our family.
My family and I moved to Washington after spending nearly nine years in Nashville, Tennessee. Our daughter joined MCH three years ago, and we appreciate the supportive environment, sense of community, and the Montessori approach to education. She is currently in Cedar and has especially enjoyed growing through music, independent learning, and the friendships she has built at MCH. I work in the technology industry and enjoy solving problems and learning new things. Outside of work, I like attending my daughter’s music performances, tackling small home improvement projects, and spending time with my family and our two cats. I am interested in serving on the Parent Association Board as a way to give back to a community that has meant greatly to our family.
Current Term: 2026 - 2028
Sulafa Talha
My name is Sulafa, and I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, Mowafg, and our three children, Siddig, Sarah, and Noor. We moved to the United States from the United Arab Emirates (where I grew up) several years ago and have enjoyed making the Pacific Northwest our home. I especially love the region’s beautiful trees, green spaces, and strong sense of community. I am the founder and publisher of enji369.org, a technology magazine focused on digital innovation and education. MCH has been an important part of our family’s journey, and over the years I have served in several school-wide roles and programs, including as a previous Parent Association (PA) member. These experiences have given me the opportunity to collaborate with families, staff, and school leadership while supporting the broader MCH community. What I value most about MCH is its authentic Montessori approach, which nurtures independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our family is grateful to be part of this community, and we look forward to another wonderful year together.
My name is Sulafa, and I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, Mowafg, and our three children, Siddig, Sarah, and Noor. We moved to the United States from the United Arab Emirates (where I grew up) several years ago and have enjoyed making the Pacific Northwest our home. I especially love the region’s beautiful trees, green spaces, and strong sense of community. I am the founder and publisher of enji369.org, a technology magazine focused on digital innovation and education. MCH has been an important part of our family’s journey, and over the years I have served in several school-wide roles and programs, including as a previous Parent Association (PA) member. These experiences have given me the opportunity to collaborate with families, staff, and school leadership while supporting the broader MCH community. What I value most about MCH is its authentic Montessori approach, which nurtures independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our family is grateful to be part of this community, and we look forward to another wonderful year together.
Current Term: 2025-2027
Trish Kwete
Our family is fairly new to the Pacific Northwest, having recently moved from the Midwest. We have two children in the early childhood classes and one in lower elementary. We’ve really appreciated how warm and welcoming the community has been. I have a pediatric nursing background and love working with kids and families. Being part of a supportive, connected environment means a lot to me. We’ve been having a great time getting to know the area and building our Seattle bucket list—so far, we’re loving the food, the bookstores, museums, and all the fun city spots we keep discovering. I’m looking forward to getting more involved, meeting more families, and contributing however I can to support our school community.
Our family is fairly new to the Pacific Northwest, having recently moved from the Midwest. We have two children in the early childhood classes and one in lower elementary. We’ve really appreciated how warm and welcoming the community has been. I have a pediatric nursing background and love working with kids and families. Being part of a supportive, connected environment means a lot to me. We’ve been having a great time getting to know the area and building our Seattle bucket list—so far, we’re loving the food, the bookstores, museums, and all the fun city spots we keep discovering. I’m looking forward to getting more involved, meeting more families, and contributing however I can to support our school community.
Current Term: 2026 - 2027
Vinu Gunasekaran
I’m a Product Manager with a background in data security, healthcare research, and people management. My husband Urvish and I live in Redmond with our 3.5-year-old—who has enjoyed being at MCH for over two years—our 6-month-old baby, and our delightfully goofy Golden Retriever, Hachi.
When we aren't chasing kids or dogs, we love hiking, reading, and perfecting the art of "slow travel" with small humans. On one trip down south, we snapped a whale photo, uploaded it to Happywhale, and accidentally became the proud adoptive parents of a humpback whale! I love connecting with people, and I’m so excited to bring my background and perspective as an MCH parent to the Board to support our wonderful teachers, families, and school community.
I’m a Product Manager with a background in data security, healthcare research, and people management. My husband Urvish and I live in Redmond with our 3.5-year-old—who has enjoyed being at MCH for over two years—our 6-month-old baby, and our delightfully goofy Golden Retriever, Hachi.
When we aren't chasing kids or dogs, we love hiking, reading, and perfecting the art of "slow travel" with small humans. On one trip down south, we snapped a whale photo, uploaded it to Happywhale, and accidentally became the proud adoptive parents of a humpback whale! I love connecting with people, and I’m so excited to bring my background and perspective as an MCH parent to the Board to support our wonderful teachers, families, and school community.