Board President:

Yvette Cushman-Baton joins the MRA board as a mother of two, with five years of child-education experience. Yvette currently works at SunGarden Montessori Children’s House, an environment that supports academic education as well as the overall development of character, self-discipline and confidence. Yvette’s deep-rooted interest and understanding in providing children with a life-long educational foundation makes her a strong asset in supporting the pedagogy at the heart of MRA. In addition to her classroom experience, Yvette brings a holistic perspective to the board and a dedication to uphold and implement the vision and integrity of the Molalla River Academy. Yvette has been a member of the MRA Board since November 2009.

board@mra-k8.com

Board Secretary

Michael Giard joins the  board as a father of four with two sons currently attending MRA. He works as a Computer Engineer and Professional Photographer. He hopes to put his technical and business acumen to use at MRA today and in the future. He can often be found teaching Photography to the Elders and has been actively involved since bringing his children to the school in March of 2010. He believes a good education helps to build a solid foundation for life and sees the unique style of MRA as great building blocks for the future and hopes to help cultivate the spirit of MRA to help our children grow.

MRA is deeply grateful to the people who have committed the immense amount of time and dedication that is required as being a part of our Board of Directors. The following individuals have been important contributors to MRA by serving on the Board:

Julie Walker

Marilyn Wilson

Lori Martin

Lance Eves

Deborah Roeser

Christine Dublin

Emily Miller

Stephanie McInerney



Board Treasurer:

Heather Loechle joins the MRA Board as our new Treasurer and second-year parent here at MRA. Heather has been a CPA for 12 years and been in the business community for 14 years. She has extensive experience reviewing and compiling financial statements as well as previous experience serving as Treasurer on another non-profit Board. Heather is particularly interested in helping set up and closely monitor a detailed budget for the school during these critical developing years, while also ensuring the school is producing financial statements that meet the needs of all its users. Along with her strong business and financial background, Heather also brings fresh perspective to the Board as a parent and committed community member. Her commitment to the financial viability of MRA is inexorably linked to her support of the sustainability of the school, and of its vision of the education of children. Heather has been a member of the MRA Board since October 2010.

David Lowder joins the board as the father of a school age son and a preschool age daughter. He has a degree in computer science and nearly 20 years experience working as a software engineer. David believes Molalla River Academy provides a unique learning opportunity for children who have not been successful in a traditional public school. The ability of a small community to focus on the needs of each child combined with a project and theme based arts and sciences curriculum offer the best opportunity for every child to succeed. David has been a member of the MRA Board since May 2011.

Roger Gartrell brings over 20 years experience of self-employment experience to the Board and strong community ties stemming from his time spent coaching and guiding children in a variety of sports. He brings insight unique to being a part of the construction industry, as well as previous Board experience. Roger is a parent of two students here at MRA, and the Board is excited to have Roger's dynamic personality to add to the group. Roger has been a member of the MRA Board since November 2010. 

Emily Miller re-joins the Board as an original member of MRA’s development and curriculum team, as well as a founding Board member. In addition to the rich history she shares with MRA, Emily has a 15 year background in education and brings a wealth of experience and solidarity to the school’s vision as MRA continues to grow. After taking a one-year leave of absence to work at MRA as Curriculum Director, Librarian and Reading Specialist in 2009, Emily returned to her position at North Marion Elementary where she currently works as a Kindergarten teacher.