As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, CMSAA is governed by a Board of Directors. This Board is responsible for the continuing well being of the school. The decisions they make now are not just for our children, but for our children’s children as well.

The Board’s main role is to provide oversight and set the long term direction and strategy for the school. Like a corporate board, they do not generally need to be involved with the day to day operations of the school, but are responsible for ensuring its fiscal health. They work closely with the Head of School, who reports to the Board, to ensure that sound decision are made for the school’s longevity.

Our Directors serve on a volunteer basis and make a significant impact on the school through their generous gifts of time, energy, and talents. Board members are chosen based on their skill set and ability to serve the larger mission and vision of the school.

Current Board members bring with them expertise in nonprofit management, fund development, marketing and communications, business and financial acumen, legal services, and building and facilities management.

Mike Pyle, President

Ian Phair, Treasurer

Ian works with a private investment company focused on new projects and companies.  He and his wife, Tanya, were looking at Christian schools in the Ann Arbor area for their son and daughter and were immediately struck by the peaceful learning-focused atmosphere of CMSAA.  “I love that my children are integrating learning about faith, academics and all manner of life lessons in a Montessori environment, with which I was initially unfamiliar.  The entrepreneurial aspects of self-organization – even at the youngest age levels – is something I really appreciate.”

Amy Cannon, Secretary

Amy brings a strong professional background in development and communications to the Board.  She attended a Montessori school and she and her husband wanted to give the same nurturing, child-centered experience to their own children.   Her eldest son came to the CMSAA community in 2006 and has since been joined by two younger siblings.   “By making the investment in a Montessori education, we truly believe we are giving our children a gift that they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.  Each of them, in their own unique ways, is thriving at CMSAA.”

Fran Depuydt , Director

Fran is an administrator for Emmanuel House, which is a non-profit home for low-income elderly.  She has had children at CMSAA continuously for 12 years.  She currently has two children in Upper Elementary.  “CMSAA has been such an incredible gift for my children.  The Montessori education has been a great benefit for all, but especially my internationally adopted child who needed so much extra attention and support to help her adjust to school in the Unites States.”

Mike Haessler, Director

Mike works in the Investment Office at the University of Michigan.  He, and his wife Jessica, chose CMSAA for their eldest son 6 years ago because of the strength of its Montessori curriculum and the dedication of its staff. “I believe that a Montessori education places an important emphasis on teaching children how to learn and thereby build a deeper understanding of the world around them.”

Lewey Popoff, Director

Jeanne Nickoloff, Director

Jeanne works in the field of medical communications. When looking at different schools 5 years ago for her son, she realized that CMSAA was the place for him. After attending for a week, she decided it was also the place for her daughter. “I see how the teaching methods, spiritual enrichment, and dedication from the teachers benefit each child in a different way; a way that is unique to them personally and yet instills in all, self-worth, values, and habits that are undervalued and overlooked in today’s society.”

Marc Stough, Director