Creative Montessori School is a private, nonprofit school governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which may include up to 20 members. The Board is composed of trustees, community leaders, permanent members, parents, and faculty representatives who bring a range of expertise and perspectives to the stewardship of the school.

The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that CMS fulfills its mission, maintains long-term financial health, and plans thoughtfully for the future. The Board oversees governance, financial sustainability, and strategic direction, and appoints the Executive Director to manage the school’s day-to-day operations.

Board Leadership & Standing Committees

To ensure strong governance and clear accountability, certain board officer roles are aligned with standing committee leadership. This structure provides continuity, clarity of responsibility, and alignment between board leadership and committee oversight.

• The President-Elect serves as Chair of the Governance Committee
• The Treasurer serves as Chair of the Finance Committee
• The Secretary serves as Chair of the Personnel Committee

2025-2026 Board of Directors 

Sara Schmidtke, President
John Gregg, President-Elect & Governance Chair
Sean Vanlandingham, Treasurer & Finance Chair
Jessica Moody, Secretary & Personnel Chair

Barbara R. Spitzer, Founder
Mary Farley Knipp, Faculty Representative
Dave DeHarde, Executive Director

Michael Atkins
Jennifer Chaney
Jon Gray
Annie Linnemann
D.G. Pantazis, Jr.
Bruce Phillips
Nina Reynolds-Lanier
Elliot Robbins
John Terenzio