2019-2020 Board of Directors
Current Term: 2019-2021
Jeremy Syme, President
I grew up on a fruit farm in Fruitland, Idaho (it’s okay to laugh) and eventually found myself getting a Music Education degree from the University of Puget Sound and then a Masters in Communication from WSU--GO COUGS! While working on my masters in 1996, I stumbled into web development and never looked back. I am currently a Senior Technical Program Manager at Bluetooth. I love running, yoga, house projects, and making games for my kids that defy expectations. My wife, Darcie, and I have two children Gavin 11 and Fiona 8. We have been an MCH family since 2010 and based on current calculations will be here until 2025. ! I have been on the board or been a volunteer since 2012. I am excited to continue growing the Parent Association.
I grew up on a fruit farm in Fruitland, Idaho (it’s okay to laugh) and eventually found myself getting a Music Education degree from the University of Puget Sound and then a Masters in Communication from WSU--GO COUGS! While working on my masters in 1996, I stumbled into web development and never looked back. I am currently a Senior Technical Program Manager at Bluetooth. I love running, yoga, house projects, and making games for my kids that defy expectations. My wife, Darcie, and I have two children Gavin 11 and Fiona 8. We have been an MCH family since 2010 and based on current calculations will be here until 2025. ! I have been on the board or been a volunteer since 2012. I am excited to continue growing the Parent Association.
Current Term: 2018-2020
Janny Wheelwright, Vice President
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona where I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Human Development. My husband (Brian) and I met there. We’re passionate about the outdoors and Mexican food. We have three kids: Iris (7, Morado), Jarem (5), and Cora (2). I worked for 6 years with children on the Autism Spectrum before deciding to stay home when our oldest was born. I volunteered with the art and reading programs in the Lake Washington School District until Iris came to MCH this year. Our family moved to the area 3 years ago and we love it! Our favorite family activities include camping, paddle boarding, hiking, and gardening. The learning environment at MCH has been a perfect match for Iris and we’re excited to enroll our other children here in the future. I’m eager to get involved and connect with this community.
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona where I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Human Development. My husband (Brian) and I met there. We’re passionate about the outdoors and Mexican food. We have three kids: Iris (7, Morado), Jarem (5), and Cora (2). I worked for 6 years with children on the Autism Spectrum before deciding to stay home when our oldest was born. I volunteered with the art and reading programs in the Lake Washington School District until Iris came to MCH this year. Our family moved to the area 3 years ago and we love it! Our favorite family activities include camping, paddle boarding, hiking, and gardening. The learning environment at MCH has been a perfect match for Iris and we’re excited to enroll our other children here in the future. I’m eager to get involved and connect with this community.
Current Term: 2019-2021
Jackie Reeve, Secretary
I'm a NJ native (my husband Adam is from England), and we just moved to Washington last summer. I have a Masters in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute, and I was a children's librarian for about 8 years (briefly in public libraries, but mainly in elementary schools). I made a career change a few years ago, and now I work from home full time as a journalist; I'm a sleep writer for Wirecutter, the product review site at The New York Times. I'm a quilt designer as well, and we're starting to raise our first (small) animals at our farmhouse in Fall City. We moved from the Jersey Shore, so this is quite a change for us! My daughter Hannah (7) is finishing her first year in Morado, but this is her 6th year in a Montessori classroom. She went through the toddler and EC programs at an AMI Montessori in NJ, and we have really loved the change, and feel that MCH has been incredible for her confidence and development. I can't wait to get more involved, and hopefully bring my literacy and communications experience to school.
I'm a NJ native (my husband Adam is from England), and we just moved to Washington last summer. I have a Masters in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute, and I was a children's librarian for about 8 years (briefly in public libraries, but mainly in elementary schools). I made a career change a few years ago, and now I work from home full time as a journalist; I'm a sleep writer for Wirecutter, the product review site at The New York Times. I'm a quilt designer as well, and we're starting to raise our first (small) animals at our farmhouse in Fall City. We moved from the Jersey Shore, so this is quite a change for us! My daughter Hannah (7) is finishing her first year in Morado, but this is her 6th year in a Montessori classroom. She went through the toddler and EC programs at an AMI Montessori in NJ, and we have really loved the change, and feel that MCH has been incredible for her confidence and development. I can't wait to get more involved, and hopefully bring my literacy and communications experience to school.
Current Term: 2019-2021
Paula Stohrer Benari, Treasurer
I’m originally from Argentina, in my early teens I moved to Israel and spend there most of my life. By 2008 life brought me to Sammamish, and I can’t imagine a better place to call home. I love the contrast of city views and nature, the life work balance, the rain, and the diversity we have in our region.
I found my professional calling very early in my life thanks to my 8th grade art teacher. Who spotted me in her class, and brought me as an apprentice to her studio, giving me my first job ever at the age of 14, as an illustrator for children’s books. Now days, after a long successful carrier in the design field… I’m still full of wonder, and very thankful for my art teacher and her impact on my life.
My son Sol join MCH in 2016 for first grade. Every morning when he wakes up for school I see the spark in his eyes, full of anticipation for the day to come. MCH is more than a school for us, in many ways is our second home. I’m excited to have a chance to be part of this community, and to keep the spark alive in any way I can.
I’m originally from Argentina, in my early teens I moved to Israel and spend there most of my life. By 2008 life brought me to Sammamish, and I can’t imagine a better place to call home. I love the contrast of city views and nature, the life work balance, the rain, and the diversity we have in our region.
I found my professional calling very early in my life thanks to my 8th grade art teacher. Who spotted me in her class, and brought me as an apprentice to her studio, giving me my first job ever at the age of 14, as an illustrator for children’s books. Now days, after a long successful carrier in the design field… I’m still full of wonder, and very thankful for my art teacher and her impact on my life.
My son Sol join MCH in 2016 for first grade. Every morning when he wakes up for school I see the spark in his eyes, full of anticipation for the day to come. MCH is more than a school for us, in many ways is our second home. I’m excited to have a chance to be part of this community, and to keep the spark alive in any way I can.
Current Term: 2018-2020
Peggy Dees
You might recognize me as Maggie Moseley’s Mom. We are relative late comers to the MCH community; Maggie started in Morado spring of 2017 and is excited to be in Turquesa this fall. Dan and I met in 2003 and have been married over ten years now – our family recently moved to Issaquah (carpool, anyone?). Professionally I am a clarinetist, hiking guide and college teacher. I hold a Doctorate in Clarinet performance from Florida State University and have taught at Universities across the United States where I gained a wealth of experience fundraising and organizing community activities. I would like to use these skills to serve the MCH community.
You might recognize me as Maggie Moseley’s Mom. We are relative late comers to the MCH community; Maggie started in Morado spring of 2017 and is excited to be in Turquesa this fall. Dan and I met in 2003 and have been married over ten years now – our family recently moved to Issaquah (carpool, anyone?). Professionally I am a clarinetist, hiking guide and college teacher. I hold a Doctorate in Clarinet performance from Florida State University and have taught at Universities across the United States where I gained a wealth of experience fundraising and organizing community activities. I would like to use these skills to serve the MCH community.
Current Term: 2018-2020
Sylvia Bowser
I grew up here in Washington playing on the shores of Lake Washington and hiking in the Bandera mountain forests (it’s no wonder the MCH campus feels like home). As a teenager, I took a job at Microsoft and am still going strong 25 years later. I am a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, as my career has centered around Business Management and Administration where I’ve planned events, run business rhythms, managed budgets, dabbled in communications and much more. Through my profession I’ve been fortunate enough to drive volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Club, Hopelink, and Washington Parks Departments, to name a few. I am passionate about nurturing children, animals and supporting people to be the best they can. My daughter Sabrina is in Turquesa and is very excited to continue in the upcoming Adolescent program. We found MCH three years ago and it changed our lives; I can’t imagine us anywhere else.
I grew up here in Washington playing on the shores of Lake Washington and hiking in the Bandera mountain forests (it’s no wonder the MCH campus feels like home). As a teenager, I took a job at Microsoft and am still going strong 25 years later. I am a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, as my career has centered around Business Management and Administration where I’ve planned events, run business rhythms, managed budgets, dabbled in communications and much more. Through my profession I’ve been fortunate enough to drive volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Club, Hopelink, and Washington Parks Departments, to name a few. I am passionate about nurturing children, animals and supporting people to be the best they can. My daughter Sabrina is in Turquesa and is very excited to continue in the upcoming Adolescent program. We found MCH three years ago and it changed our lives; I can’t imagine us anywhere else.
Current Term: 2019-2021
Barbara Leen
I was born and raised in Connecticut and moved here about two years ago from Washington, DC with my son Jack (who is in the Lila classroom). While in DC, I worked at the Department of Justice and in Congress, focusing on immigration law and policy. I am now an attorney at Microsoft. I also teach immigration policy at Evergreen State College. Jack and I love to spend time outdoors hiking and enjoying nature. MCH’s connection with its natural surroundings and incorporation of the natural world into its teaching is one of the many reasons MCH is the right school for our family. I look forward to getting more involved in the MCH community.
I was born and raised in Connecticut and moved here about two years ago from Washington, DC with my son Jack (who is in the Lila classroom). While in DC, I worked at the Department of Justice and in Congress, focusing on immigration law and policy. I am now an attorney at Microsoft. I also teach immigration policy at Evergreen State College. Jack and I love to spend time outdoors hiking and enjoying nature. MCH’s connection with its natural surroundings and incorporation of the natural world into its teaching is one of the many reasons MCH is the right school for our family. I look forward to getting more involved in the MCH community.
Current Term: 2019-2021
Mandy Fajardo
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I joined the Army after high school where I met my husband Chris. We have two children Chris (20), and River (7). I homeschooled our oldest child who’s on the autism spectrum from second grade through high school. We moved to Washington in the summer of 2017, so this is River’s second year at MCH. I love being creative, which means I usually have about three projects that I’m working on at home. I’ve enjoyed my many volunteer activities this past year at MCH, and I look forward to being more involved by joining the Parents Association.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I joined the Army after high school where I met my husband Chris. We have two children Chris (20), and River (7). I homeschooled our oldest child who’s on the autism spectrum from second grade through high school. We moved to Washington in the summer of 2017, so this is River’s second year at MCH. I love being creative, which means I usually have about three projects that I’m working on at home. I’ve enjoyed my many volunteer activities this past year at MCH, and I look forward to being more involved by joining the Parents Association.
Current Term: 2019-2021
Susan Smith
I grew up in Downers Grove, IL, a suburb of Chicago, and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a degree in Media, Marketing and Management in the radio and television department with a minor in creative writing. My daughter is Addison (5) and she is currently in Azul where she loves her teachers and especially the nature trail. I have been married almost 10 years and met my husband Phil shortly before I graduated from college and followed him to Washington where he works at Microsoft. We have lived in Sammamish for the last 6 years and I love our neighborhood. I am a licensed massage therapist in Washington and have run my own private practice, The Massage Smith, from my home for the last 8 years. I am also lucky enough to be able to manage this practice during the hours my daughter is attending school. I love coffee and in my spare time camp, hike, sing some awesome karaoke and just started paddle boarding. Our family enjoys movies, reading and sometimes the occasional family game night. We love MCH and enjoy watching our daughter l thrive here and look forward to connecting with other families while helping to further serve our school community.
I grew up in Downers Grove, IL, a suburb of Chicago, and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a degree in Media, Marketing and Management in the radio and television department with a minor in creative writing. My daughter is Addison (5) and she is currently in Azul where she loves her teachers and especially the nature trail. I have been married almost 10 years and met my husband Phil shortly before I graduated from college and followed him to Washington where he works at Microsoft. We have lived in Sammamish for the last 6 years and I love our neighborhood. I am a licensed massage therapist in Washington and have run my own private practice, The Massage Smith, from my home for the last 8 years. I am also lucky enough to be able to manage this practice during the hours my daughter is attending school. I love coffee and in my spare time camp, hike, sing some awesome karaoke and just started paddle boarding. Our family enjoys movies, reading and sometimes the occasional family game night. We love MCH and enjoy watching our daughter l thrive here and look forward to connecting with other families while helping to further serve our school community.
Current Term: 2019-2021
Sarah Oderyd
I was a Washington Montessori child myself and am the fifth generation of my family to live in the Snoqualmie Valley. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design and I currently sit on the board of my family foundation as well as on the board of Carnation Farms where I am a co-founder and the board secretary. Although my roots lie in the Northwest I’ve spent most of my adult life living in different places in the US. I studied abroad in Scotland and met my husband Daniel in Sweden while traveling in Europe in 2012. We settled in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and lived there until 2016 when we moved our family to Washington to start Carnation Farms with a mission to inspire people to eat better together with an emphasis on locally sourced food.
Both my husband and I are passionate about food and its impact on health, communities and the environment. We are also in the process of starting a farm to table restaurant in the town of Carnation called Carnation Farmhouse with a fresh, seasonal menu sourced from local farms.
Our daughter Stella has been at MCH a year and with our younger daughter Thea starting in September I look forward to getting more involved in the MCH community.
I was a Washington Montessori child myself and am the fifth generation of my family to live in the Snoqualmie Valley. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design and I currently sit on the board of my family foundation as well as on the board of Carnation Farms where I am a co-founder and the board secretary. Although my roots lie in the Northwest I’ve spent most of my adult life living in different places in the US. I studied abroad in Scotland and met my husband Daniel in Sweden while traveling in Europe in 2012. We settled in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and lived there until 2016 when we moved our family to Washington to start Carnation Farms with a mission to inspire people to eat better together with an emphasis on locally sourced food.
Both my husband and I are passionate about food and its impact on health, communities and the environment. We are also in the process of starting a farm to table restaurant in the town of Carnation called Carnation Farmhouse with a fresh, seasonal menu sourced from local farms.
Our daughter Stella has been at MCH a year and with our younger daughter Thea starting in September I look forward to getting more involved in the MCH community.