Board of Trustees

How many children do you have?
One

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2021

Job and Title
General Pediatrician at Michigan Medicine

Education
– BA in Biology from Kalamazoo College
– Master of Medical Science from Drexel University
– MD from Albany Medical College

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
To do my part in keeping Emerson a fantastic school for our children.

What wows you about Emerson School?
I love the high-quality education, amazing students, and community support we have found at Emerson.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To be able to teleport anywhere instantly.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher, a vet, or marine biologist.

What would surprise people about you?
I have hiked the Inca Trail.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I love traveling, planning trips, and spending time with my family and friends.

Who/what inspires you?
Children: I love watching them learn, grow, and explore our world.

Favorite ice cream flavor
I’ll eat any flavor, any time, but I do love the apple pie flavor from Kilwins in the fall.

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
Fun fact, serious fact, quote you live by, word of advice, etc.

How many children do you have?
One

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2019

Job and Title
Senior Project Manager, University of Michigan

Education
BS in Biology at Hillsdale College; BS in Environmental Science at Bowling Green State University; MS in Industrial Hygiene at University of Michigan; MS in Environmental Health at University of Michigan; MBA at University of Michigan

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
My involvement in volunteering at Emerson is driven by a deep commitment to our community and its goals. The school’s mission is what attracted our family to Emerson and I want help ensure that we continue to achieve it going foward by strengthening all the resources needed.

What wows you about Emerson School?
The dedication of the teachers and staff as well as the enthesiam of the students. Emerson is truly a special place in our community.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Time travel! So many people I would love the opporunity to speak to and learn from if I had the chance.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut

What would surprise people about you?
I’m a two-time marathoner and a fourteen-time half marathoner; however definately not the typical build of a runner!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I love camping with the family at national and state parks all across the country.

Who/what inspires you?
My family’s history. Many of my ancestors overcame incredible odds and its what keeps me motivated.

Favorite ice cream flavor
Wolverine Tracks

Coming Soon!

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2017

Job and Title
Director, Strategy & Innovation at General Motors

Education
BA in Political Science Yale University, Mac International Relations London School of Economics

What wows you about Emerson School?
The middle school experience – small-size, a range of incredible teacher that know your kids and stretch them in different ways, and a safe and caring environment all around – has been fantastic for us.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
This is my first board experience and feels like an ideal opportunity to work with the Emerson community as it looks to shape its reputation and define the impact it wants to have in its next chapter.

What would surprise people about you?
I love to camp. Old-school: with a tent, sleeping bag, the works. I do require bathroom and shower facilities though.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The Mary Poppins ‘snap’ that cleans everything up on its own

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I cook, I read, I browse furniture online, and I try to work out.

Who/what inspires you?
Lots of women I know in India who are so quiet in their strength

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A diplomat!

Favorite ice cream flavor
Coffee

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
“When they go low, we go high” by Michelle Obama is a favorite of mine

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2021

Job and Title
School Counselor at Central Academy, Cultural Competency Consultant

Education
BA in Women & Gender Studies, Minor Sociology, MA in Urban & Diversity Education, Double alumnus of Eastern Michigan University

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I love building bridges within the community. It is vital for parents to be involved with their child’s education in any way possible. I serve on the Board of Trustees to make a positive difference, whether big or small, for our staff, students & their families.

What wows you about Emerson School?
Emerson is such a gem in our community. The staff are PHENOMENAL as they see students through the whole child approach. Teachers create a safe and fun learning environment that fosters growth and creativity. Diversity is valued and welcomed within the school which is displayed by the flags hung in the hallway.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
As an empathetic person, the ability to read people’s mind.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
Doctor!

What would surprise people about you?
I love vintage cars from the years 1969 and down. I traveled to Cuba and was able to see cars from the 1950’s still running in their original form. What a beauty!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Driving my son’s to practice or cheering them on at their sports games. Running the Ann Arbor Area Mom Owned Business Page.

Who/what inspires you?
People who share their time, knowledge, and skills with the next generation inspire me.

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
Fun fact—I grew up as the only girl with 5 brothers and now have 3 sons!

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2020

Job and Title
William W. Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School

Education
S.J.D. Harvard Law School

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I would like to contribute to the continuing excellence of Emerson.

What wows you about Emerson School?
I admire the close community and encouraging atmosphere at Emerson that enhances a child’s ability to excel.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To teleport – it looked really fun on Star Trek.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
First an astronaut and then an archaeologist.

What would surprise people about you?
I am largely ambidextrous.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Play tennis and play bridge.

Who/what inspires you?
Optimistic attitudes, dedication and persistence.

Favorite ice cream flavor
Vietnamese Cinnamon from Blank Slate Creamery

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2015

Job and Title
Assistant Professor, Pediatric Rheumatology, CS Mott Children’s Hospital, Michigan Medicine

Education
BS in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University, MD at Saint Louis University

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I am interested in expanding the socio-educational experience for our Emerson students, and serving on the Board allows for more and longer lasting impact.

What wows you about Emerson School?
The small class sizes allows for more individualized attention to students to help them thrive, and makes the community feel tighter, where people know all the students and each other. People are accepted for who they are, allowed to express themselves, and conversations about differing experiences are encouraged and supported by the faculty and staff.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Clone myself so I could be multiple places at once, and be there for everyone who needs me.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
Doctor—which I am!

What would surprise people about you?
I am an introvert and love curling up with a good book. I also really enjoy a good weightlifting session.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Running, gardening, reading

Who/what inspires you?
My mother and grandparents inspire me – they struggled growing up, and yet always helped anyone in need. There’s a lot of respect and love in the community/family for them as a result of the love they gave out.

Favorite ice cream flavor
Dark chocolate

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you first join the Emerson community?
1988

Job and Title
Founder, HR Strategist, Waverley Consulting Group

Education
MBA International Business, Regents University. BA International Business, Eastern Michigan University, Certified Executive Coach, Center for Executive Coaching

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I’m deeply committed to the success of the people and businesses in our local community and ensuring rich educational experiences for children is a vital part of that. Plus, I loved Emerson and want to help it succeed long into the future!

What wows you about Emerson School?
Emerson continues to evolve, which I think is critical to long-term sustainability and success. I also have been wildly impressed with the curricula—elementary and middle school and summer camp offerings!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would have the power to heal anyone who is suffering from anything, at any time.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
First female POTUS

What would surprise people about you?
I love to read about murder. Scandinavian crime writers are my favorite!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I’ve been a runner my whole life, I do a lot of that, outdoors and on the treadmill when it’s too icy (or humid). I also fold a LOT of laundry while re-watching my favorite shows. My husband and I value international experience and take our kids to see new places at every opportunity.

Who/what inspires you?
My children!

Favorite ice cream flavor
Coffee. Rum raisin. Cookie dough. Gold medal ribbon. Cherries jubilee. Don’t make me choose!

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2022

Job and Title
Senior Manager, Customer Success at DocuSign

Education
MPP, University of Michigan; MA – Higher Education, University of Michigan; BA – Sociology, University of Michigan

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
Serving on the board of trustees is an immense honor, and an opportunity to give back to a school that is providing such exceptional experiences to our children and family. My hope is that my time on the board will contribute to the mission of Emerson and help steward it for years to come.

What wows you about Emerson School?
Emerson creates opportunities for students to learn in ways that are uniquely individualized and imparts deep curiosity through its approach. The faculty continually wow me with their care, focus, and flexibility that ensures world-class learning experiences for every student.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Omnilingualism (the ability to decipher, understand, and speak in all languages/forms of communication) would be an amazing way to better understand and communicate with the world around us.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A Lego Master!

What would surprise people about you?
I have a deep love for flight, but have never gotten my pilots license (maybe one day)

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I love being outdoors with my family, doing anything active.

Who/what inspires you?
My wife (Brittney) inspires me to always be empathetic, understanding, and kind in ways that are often selfless.

Favorite ice cream flavor
Chocolate Peanut Butter

A quote you live by
“Relentless Positive Action”

Coming Soon!

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you first join the Emerson community?
2022

Job and Title
Senior Manager, Commerce at Google

Education
AB in English Language & Literature at the University of Chicago

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I care deeply about education and as a graduate of an independent school, I am particularly passionate about the meaningful academic setting and connected community nurtured by Emerson and other peer institutions.

What wows you about Emerson School?
When my oldest experienced his first snow day at Emerson – he was beside himself because it means he would not be going to school that day. It takes a special place to have a child so excited for the learning and nourishment of the classroom that he would prefer to be there than anywhere else.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to eradicate weeds and invasive species just by looking at them – it would really speed up the gardening and landscape management labors and help me in my lifelong battle against garlic mustard and autumn olive.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
Mythologist

What would surprise people about you?
I’ve written one haiku for the past 5589 days (and counting).

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I spot produce the Ann Arbor Moth Story Slam.

Who/what inspires you?
The curiosity of my children and the patience of my wife.

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chip (especially in milkshake form)

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
Fun fact, serious fact, quote you live by, word of advice, etc.

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you join the Emerson community?
2013

Day job
Director, gTech and Ann Arbor Site Director at Google

Education
BA in English, University of Michigan
MBA, Duke University

What wows you about Emerson?
The quality of the teachers and their commitment to the work they do.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I want Emerson School to be the very best possible school it can be, for my children and for yours.

What would surprise people about you?
I’m a dual citizen of the United States and St. Vincent & the Grenadines (and an experienced spear fisherman).

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to time travel – I am passionate about learning and find learning from experience my preferred mode.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Spending time with my family or backpacking in the mountains with my friends (or attending U of M sporting events).

Who/what inspires you?
Nature and the curiosity of children.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
An Imagineer at Disney World

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
Life’s too short to not look for the good in the world (and people) around you.

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2018

Day job
Full-time Parent; Former Director of Finance & Operations at an Independent School

Education
BA in Communication at UC San Diego; MPH in Health Behavior & Health Education at University of Michigan

What wows you about Emerson?
The focus on the whole child, especially the nurturing of our students’ social-emotional development

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I have independent school experience that I hope is helpful to the Board, particularly during this exciting time of growth and development in the school’s history.

What would surprise people about you?
I used to frequently go deep sea fishing with my dad, and on one trip I reeled in a 210 pound blue marlin.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Time travel because I like to immerse myself whenever I go to new places

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Working out, traveling, being a mom, hanging out with our rescue dog, Kacey

Who/what inspires you?
Being in nature, especially among the Big Trees (California Redwoods and Sequoias)

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
An Optometrist or an Architect

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I pretty much like all ice cream, but if I have to pick I would say Peppermint or Ube.