Mary was born and raised in Chapel Hill and now happily calls Pittsboro home. She is a career educator with a background in experiential and constructivist approaches. She holds an MAT from NC State in middle grades. She has taught middle school for more than 10 years, teaching all the subjects. For her undergraduate work, she studied sustainable development from a global perspective, earning a degree in Anthropology and Spanish. She started her career as an outdoor educator with the NC Outward Bound School, teaching environmental education and character building in a variety of backcountry settings. She thrives in interdisciplinary approaches, empowering students to be leaders and making connections outside the classroom. She has worked in public and charter schools most recently spending several years serving as a teacher representative on her previous schools Governance board committee. These days, she spends most of her time chasing her triplets, outside in her garden, exploring local hikes and rivers with her family, or planning their next adventure. As a WOM parent she's excited to bring her experience to help support this amazing community as it continues to grow.

Amber brings extensive experience in organizational strategy, finance, and operations, with a background in leading global teams and supporting complex initiatives across more than 50 countries. She specializes in organizational transformation, strategic planning, and operational effectiveness, and is known for her creative problem-solving and collaborative leadership style.

As a board member at Willow Oak Montessori, Amber is committed to supporting equitable access, transparent governance, and strong leadership. She values the Montessori approach and its focus on nurturing independent and compassionate learners, and she brings a strategic lens to board discussions that help strengthen the school’s mission and community impact.

Livia brings over two decades of experience in finance and business operations. She has worked in financial management and organizational strategy, with a focus on building sustainable systems and efficient internal processes that support growth. As both a parent and dedicated board member, Livia is passionate about ensuring Willow Oak Montessori has the resources and financial stewardship needed to provide an authentic Montessori education for all students.

Elisabeth is a novelist and former high school teacher. She earned her MA in teaching in 2009 and began her career at two top Boston charter schools (MATCH Public Charter and Benjamin Banneker Montessori Charter) before moving to teach in Chatham County, where she met her husband, a lifetime Chatham resident. They live in Pittsboro with their 2 daughters, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. 

Elisabeth brings experience to the Willow Oak Montessori Board as the former fundraising chair of her children's preschool board, where she resurrected scholarship funding through multiple events and drives. She is an active member in the Pittsboro small business community and regional animal rescue. She plans to use her experience in education, marketing, and community organization to support several committees within the board, with a focus on community outreach and engagement.

Josh is a parent, educator, and advocate for student-centered learning. He is a Teaching Professor of Organic Chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he focuses on making complex material accessible and helping students grow in both skill and confidence. His approach to teaching emphasizes structure, empathy, and curiosity — values that align closely with Willow Oak’s mission to foster independence, respect, and a lifelong love of learning. As a board member, Josh is committed to supporting a thriving school community that empowers both children and educators. Outside of work, Joshua enjoys spending time with his family, particularly nature walks, cooking, and reading with his spouse and two young children. He is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a school that reflects the kind of world he hopes to help build.

Dorothy is an attorney with nearly two decades of experience advising non-profits, educational institutions, and businesses on legal compliance, with a particular focus on employment and non-discrimination law. She grew up in North Carolina as a daughter of an Army sergeant and a teacher’s assistant (now a retired EC teacher), and earned a B.A. in Russian literature at UNC-Chapel Hill and a J.D. at Vanderbilt Law School. After living in Chicago for ten years, she returned to North Carolina to raise her two children, who are now students at Willow Oak. She brings to the board a deep commitment to public education and a strong belief in the Montessori philosophy. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, gardening, and reading.  

Manju credits his dad — an educator — for his awareness of the impact good education has on students of all ages. Manju knows he has benefitted from the educators and schools he has attended, and views his service on the WOM Board as a way to pay his educational benefits forward to subsequent generations and to the community.  He especially appreciates the student choice and mixed-age groupings in Montessori classrooms, which he believes closely represents the real world environment in social and professional settings. He and his wife have two children at WOM, and he is delighted to be able to serve on the Board, combining his computer science and MBA skills to support the school.

Katie was born and raised in Chapel Hill, the daughter of a school guidance counselor.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Smith College and a master’s degree in engineering management from Duke University.  Having worked in various cities throughout the US upon graduating, she was thrilled to move back to North Carolina where she now lives in Chapel Hill with her husband, two daughters, one dog and one cat. 

She currently works as an Automation engineer within the pharmaceutical industry,  dedicated to advancing innovative technologies and streamlining complex operations. With a strong foundation in systems engineering and a passion for continuous improvement, Katie brings strategic insight and technical expertise to her role on the WOM board.  Katie’s experience in cross-functional leadership and her dedication to inclusive, forward-thinking education make her a valuable contributor to the school’s governance and vision.

Alexa is a North Carolina native whose early career in retail evolved into small business ownership, where she created a welcoming space for community members to connect through their shared love of the arts. Her recent work has centered on marketing and community engagement for mission-driven brands, particularly those with a strong storytelling focus that celebrates individuals making an impact.

Alexa’s connection to Montessori education began in childhood through her family’s business, which manufactures cloth and vinyl products for childcare centers nationwide. Today, she proudly represents the third generation involved in the family-run company, based in North Carolina.

She is deeply passionate about supporting businesses and organizations that create safe, inclusive environments where children can grow into compassionate, responsible global citizens. Currently residing in Chapel Hill with her husband, two children, and their Siberian cat, Alexa enjoys live music and theater, antique hunting, meaningful conversations over coffee or delicious food, and spending time in nature with her family.

As a WOM parent, Alexa is excited to contribute her time and energy to help ensure the WOM community continues to feel supported, connected, and nurtured.