2023-2024 Board of Directors
Current Term: 2022-2024
Jessica Lin, President
I'm a California native, growing up in Southern California and then living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years after that. For my undergrad, I studied Chinese and economics at UC Berkeley. For my master's, I studied criminology at UC Irvine. I worked at Google for 18 years as a program manager and left at the beginning of 2022 to run my own real estate investing business. My husband, Ryan, and I moved to Washington at the beginning of 2017, and have loved being here ever since. We enjoy camping, hiking, and traveling. We have 2 kids at MCH. Vivienne (5) is currently in Nootka Rose and Philip (2) is in Paper Birch. Both kids started when they were about 7 months old and have thrived and grown so beautifully here. Our whole family absolutely loves the school and all the staff that make MCH the wonderful place it is. I love being a part of the parent community and helping people build connections with each other.
I'm a California native, growing up in Southern California and then living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years after that. For my undergrad, I studied Chinese and economics at UC Berkeley. For my master's, I studied criminology at UC Irvine. I worked at Google for 18 years as a program manager and left at the beginning of 2022 to run my own real estate investing business. My husband, Ryan, and I moved to Washington at the beginning of 2017, and have loved being here ever since. We enjoy camping, hiking, and traveling. We have 2 kids at MCH. Vivienne (5) is currently in Nootka Rose and Philip (2) is in Paper Birch. Both kids started when they were about 7 months old and have thrived and grown so beautifully here. Our whole family absolutely loves the school and all the staff that make MCH the wonderful place it is. I love being a part of the parent community and helping people build connections with each other.
Current Term: 2022-2024
Daniel Steinberg, Vice 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. Coming out of school, I started a small web and graphic design agency and more recently joined an online education company as the head of UI/UX design. My wife and I moved to Seattle in 2016 to slow down a bit and get closer to nature and it’s been incredible. We now call Sammamish home with our four-year-old son Cameron and 12-year-young cockapoo Pamela Beasley, and love exploring the Pacific Northwest, trying new food, and taking on DIY projects around the house. We’re thrilled to be joining MCH and are looking forward to connecting 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. Coming out of school, I started a small web and graphic design agency and more recently joined an online education company as the head of UI/UX design. My wife and I moved to Seattle in 2016 to slow down a bit and get closer to nature and it’s been incredible. We now call Sammamish home with our four-year-old son Cameron and 12-year-young cockapoo Pamela Beasley, and love exploring the Pacific Northwest, trying new food, and taking on DIY projects around the house. We’re thrilled to be joining MCH and are looking forward to connecting with other families while giving back to the community that we’re so lucky to be a part of.
Current Term: 2023-2025
David Forrester, Treasurer
Originally 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.
Originally 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.
Current Term: 2023-2025
Emily Nelson, Secretary
I 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.
I 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.
Current Term: 2023-2025
Taryn Rathbone-Daub
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 son has 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 son has thrived at the school! I look forward to supporting the school and building community with the Parent Association.
Current Term: 2023-2025
Heather Sabotta
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 Lower Elementary program. I love 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.
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 Lower Elementary program. I love 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.
Current Term: 2022-2024
John Cramer
I was born and raised in ski town USA. No, really. I was born in Aspen, CO and raised in Telluride, CO. This was all before Visa commercials and famous people sightseeing. But growing up there gave me a love of the outdoors, which brought me to the PNW. I’ve lived in the Seattle area twice, with my most recent tenure starting in 2010. During my first Seattle residency, I worked construction while putting myself through Shoreline Community College prior to heading to WSU for my B.S. in chemistry. Graduate school took me to British Columbia and Portland, OR, followed by a post-doctoral and scientific fellowships at NIH in the MD/DC region. During the great recession, I met my wife while we were both ski instructors in Telluride, CO. Upon returning to the Seattle area, I’ve spent my time volunteering at the animal shelter, supporting my wife while she navigates the corporate world, and managing our family as its grown to 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 kids. Our children started at MCH in the summer of 2022, but Kai (4) has been part of Montessori life in Seattle, and Anya (2) has been part time at a Reggio Emilia program. We look forward to being a part of the MCH Family.
I was born and raised in ski town USA. No, really. I was born in Aspen, CO and raised in Telluride, CO. This was all before Visa commercials and famous people sightseeing. But growing up there gave me a love of the outdoors, which brought me to the PNW. I’ve lived in the Seattle area twice, with my most recent tenure starting in 2010. During my first Seattle residency, I worked construction while putting myself through Shoreline Community College prior to heading to WSU for my B.S. in chemistry. Graduate school took me to British Columbia and Portland, OR, followed by a post-doctoral and scientific fellowships at NIH in the MD/DC region. During the great recession, I met my wife while we were both ski instructors in Telluride, CO. Upon returning to the Seattle area, I’ve spent my time volunteering at the animal shelter, supporting my wife while she navigates the corporate world, and managing our family as its grown to 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 kids. Our children started at MCH in the summer of 2022, but Kai (4) has been part of Montessori life in Seattle, and Anya (2) has been part time at a Reggio Emilia program. We look forward to being a part of the MCH Family.
Current Term: 2023-2025
Hila Alkalay
Born 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.
Born 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.
Current Term: 2023-2025
Mullyvan Samrith
I 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.
I 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.
Current Term: 2023-2025
Sid Kulkarni
Hi! 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.
Hi! 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.
Current Term: 2023-2025
Darla Watanabe
My 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.
My 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.