Board of Trustees

The Hudson Montessori School Board of Trustees is comprised of current parents, alumni parents, and respected community leaders who share a deep commitment to the mission and philosophy of Hudson Montessori. These dedicated individuals volunteer their time, expertise, and leadership to help ensure the continued growth, success, and sustainability of the school.

The primary responsibilities of the Board include strategic planning, long-term financial oversight, and the hiring and support of the Head of School. In collaboration with school leadership, the Board also plays a vital role in defining and preserving the mission, vision, and core values that guide Hudson Montessori’s work with children and families.

Through thoughtful governance, stewardship, and a shared passion for Montessori education, the Board of Trustees helps position Hudson Montessori School for a thriving future.

Erin Matson - President

A member of the HMS Board of Trustees since 2018, Erin Matson is both a current parent and alumna of Hudson Montessori School. Erin is a lifelong resident of Aurora as well as a graduate of Western Reserve Academy (’95), Kenyon College (’99), and Ohio University (’10), where she received her PhD in clinical health psychology.

In addition to her educational pursuits, Erin enjoys mountain biking, golfing, playing the piano, singing, and producing plays for the Aurora Community Theatre.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that was fundamental in developing my own love and foundation for learning. As I age, I am acutely aware of the positive influence that a Montessori education can have on a child; an education, which, in my opinion, encourages children to be caring, worldly, environmentally-aware, conscientious, civic-minded, and intrinsically-motivated to learn.”

Mayur Shah- Vice President

Mayur joined the HMS Board in the fall of 2024. He graduated from the University of Akron with a doctorate degree in Chemistry and worked in the specialty chemical industry for 33 years.

He retired from The Lubrizol Corporation in 2022. Over nearly 30 years at Lubrizol, Dr. Shah held several positions of increasing responsibility. For the last decade of his tenure, he served as the Vice President of Research, Development, and Testing.

His two children (Nayan, 2007, HMS middle school charter class; and Kathryn, 2011) journeyed through all levels offered at HMS and are now successful in their chosen careers—thanks in large part to the strong foundation established at HMS.

Since retiring, Mayur has led several personal expression sessions at the HMS middle school.

Lauren MacLaren - Treasurer

Lauren joined the HMS Board in 2021. Lauren grew up in the area, is a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, Ohio State, and received her MBA from Case Western Reserve.

Lauren is a founding partner of Journey Wealth Management in Beachwood, Ohio. She is Senior Vice President of their Family Wealth division.

Lauren lives in Hudson with her husband, three children, and their dog Coco. The MacLaren children have been part of the Montessori family for over 6 years.

She enjoys spending time with her family, running, and cheering on her favorite sports teams (including her children’s soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and gymnastics teams).

Kara Sygula - Secretary

Kara joined the Board in 2023. She was raised in Stow, OH, is a proud graduate of Boston University, and currently works for Eaton Corporation. Kara became a member of the HMS community in 2022 when her daughters enrolled in HMS Upper Elementary.

In addition to her career and serving in the community, Kara also enjoys running, cheering for her twins at figure skating competitions and soccer games, and spending time with her three dogs (and neighbor’s dog!).

Jennie Abernathy

Jennie joined the HMS community in 2022 and the HMS board in 2025. Jennie grew up in Medina and graduated from The College of William and Mary and the Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her professional background is in growth strategy consulting and corporate strategy, and she is currently pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.

Jennie lives in Hudson with her husband and two daughters, who both attend HMS (as do her nieces), and enjoys family time, running, hiking, biking, travelling, and anything else that is outside and/or physically active.

“We explored multiple educational philosophies when our eldest daughter was a toddler, and the Montessori approach stood out for its respect for the child, time-tested learning environment and methods, and development of life skills that we value: self-directed, curious, and empathetic. I am so grateful to give back to the HMS community that has given my family so much.”

Katie Bell

Katie and her family have been a part of the HMS community since 2021, with all three of her children attending the school.

Katie graduated from the College of Wooster and enjoys staying involved as an Alumni Admissions Advocate. She has spent her career in corporate wellness and digital health, and recently joined the Peterson Health Technology Institute as Director of Engagement and Operations.

In her free time, Katie is an avid hiker, loves to cook, and looks forward to family adventures.

Katherine Bennett

Katherine and her family joined the HMS community in 2018. Both of her daughters started in Children’s House and are currently enrolled in Lower and Upper Elementary. She served on the HMS Family Network for three years and joined the HMS Board of Trustees in 2025.

Katherine grew up in the Philadelphia, PA area. After graduating from Germantown Academy, she attended Vanderbilt University. She graduated cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Communication Studies. Katherine worked in the Human Resources field and Health Insurance Sales before taking a more full-time role at home. She continues to provide administrative support to her husband’s business.

“We were drawn to the Montessori philosophy because it honors the individuality of each child and nurtures their independence. At HMS, our daughters engage deeply with hands-on materials and receive personalized guidance—an approach that has helped their executive functioning skills blossom. Beyond the classroom, we see them intentionally shaping their free time. Whether crafting a project in the basement or scripting a dance routine in the living room, they bring both creativity and perseverance. As a parent it is particularly rewarding to witness your children’s ideas move to a finished product with focus and joy.”

Barron Chambers

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James Flock

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Demetria Kimble

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Daniel Luketic

Daniel has been part of the HMS community since 2022 and joined the HMS Board in 2025. Daniel grew up in Portage County and graduated from Mount Union College where he attended on a full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Daniel has spent his entire career in the tech industry and is currently a Partner at North Coast Ventures (NCV), a leading Cleveland-based venture capital firm focused on making early-stage investments in software companies.

Daniel lives in Bainbridge with his wife, Christine, and their three children who all attend HMS. He enjoys taking camping adventures with his family, traveling to National Parks and playing soccer.

“My wife and I are so happy to have found a school with educators and a mission that is so well aligned to our family’s values.”

Dana Mraz

Dana became part of the HMS community in 2021 when her son, Jacob, entered the Young Children’s Community. In 2025, she expanded that connection by joining the Board of Trustees, contributing both her professional expertise and her perspective as a parent.

A graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School and Malone College, Dana has strong local roots and now lives in Hudson with her husband, John, and their three children. Jacob and Addie are thriving at HMS, while their oldest, Alaina, is pursuing her passion for photography at Kent State University.

Dana built a 30-year career in sales, leading teams and driving growth across North America, most recently as Director of Sales at Caféction Evoca. She has since transitioned into consulting, where she helps organizations strengthen strategy, leadership, and customer engagement.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys reading, traveling, live music, and cheering on her favorite Cleveland sports teams.

“I love Montessori education for the way it nurtures both a child’s curiosity and their character, helping them develop confidence, integrity, and the skills to navigate life with purpose.”

Jay Reidy

Jay has been part of the HMS community since 2021 and joined the HMS Board in 2023. Jay grew up in the area, is a graduate of the University of Akron, and received his MBA at Ohio State.

He is the Aerospace Group President at Parker Hannifin, based in Beachwood.

Jay lives in Hudson with his wife, Malinda, and their three young boys, who all attend HMS.

He enjoys traveling with his family and mountain biking, golfing, and skiing with his boys.

Michelle Smith

Dr. Michelle Smith has been a member of the Hudson Montessori School Board of Trustees since 2014, previously serving as Vice President.

All four of her children have attended Hudson Montessori School; her oldest daughter, Ilyana, graduated from HMS in 2016.

Dr. Smith is an entrepreneur, having built and sold several companies with her husband, Steve. Presently, she is the Managing Director of NimblePros, which provides software services and architecture guidance to companies worldwide. She is also a veterinarian and a graduate of The Ohio State University (B.S. 1996 and DVM 1999).

When not enjoying time with her family, Michelle is a Master Gardener Volunteer in Portage County.

“Having experienced other types of education, I am convinced that Montessori is one of the best options available. It takes each child, wherever they are, and helps them to develop into the best person that they can be. I am honored to help Hudson Montessori continue its long tradition of excellence.”

Dara Steinberg

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Christina Utrup

Christina joined the HMS Board of Trustees in 2024 and became part of the HMS community in 2023 when her son Max started in the Young Children’s Community and her son Jack began in the Children’s House Program.

She grew up in Hudson and attended The Ohio State University. After college, she lived in New York City with her husband Andrew before returning to Hudson in 2018. Christina is a CPA and Managing Director at Ernst & Young, where she focuses on assisting clients with complex accounting transactions.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, biking downtown with the kids, and relaxing at the beach.

Miles VanBlarcum

A member of the HMS Board of Trustees since 2023, Miles van Blarcum is a K–8 alum of HMS (’10).

Miles also attended WRA (’14) and The Ohio State University (’19), where he earned his B.S. in Environmental Economics.

Miles works for a satellite imagery software company which provides monitoring tools for global conservation organizations.

He enjoys whitewater rafting, skiing, and making art.