Board Chair

Kari Odorizzi is a Substitute Teacher at MMCS. She received her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of North Dakota and her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of West Georgia. Kari holds a teaching certificate in Georgia in Special Education and a substitute teaching certificate in Minnesota. Kari’s passion for helping youth is evident by her diverse background as a live-in nanny, Ameri-Corps classroom tutor and Activities Coordinator & Volunteer Coordinator at a residential psychiatric treatment facility for kids in addition to her classroom time in the Atlanta Public Schools.

When she’s not subbing as a teacher at MMCS, Kari spends her time at home raising her four children; with two currently attending and loving MMCS. She has always loved the Montessori approach and is happy to be able to be a part of this school. In addition to working with children, Kari has traveled and lived abroad which has given her an uncommon perspective and approach to education and life in general. Kari combines her passion for children and background in education, with her love of different cultures and ways of thinking to help create a unique learning environment at MMCS.

board vice chair

Dayna Grams has lived in Champlin since 2008 and her family were elated when Modern Montessori opened its doors. With 3 of her own children attending the school, she cares deeply about the success of the children attending MMCS and of the teachers and faculty who help make that  happen. She believes her presence on the board will bring a needed perspective, that of a mother who has been a part of the growth of MMCS since its opening and is invested in its success. She believes she brings an important perspective to the board and is committed to the needs of the MMCS and our currently enrolled and future families. As a stay-at-home mom, she has over 10 years of experience with high stakes negotiation, hearing opposing opinions, and compromise. But in all seriousness, she truly believe it’s vital for MMCS to have a board that will take into consideration our place in the community and come alongside our families in cultivating a healthy and engaging environment for learning.

BOARD treasurer

Kathy Mrozek is an MMCS parent, business owner, and lifelong learner. She first learned about Montessori when her oldest child was an infant, and is passionate about Montessori education as a way to foster self-direction, curiosity, responsibility, and a sense of community in our children. Her three sons have been enrolled in MMCS since the school opened, loving the opportunity to combine Montessori with STEM. Kathy holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which she used to launch a career in design and marketing. Her experience includes starting, managing, leading, and growing a B2B marketing firm over the past 15 years, as well as teaching in a post-secondary environment, and serving on the board for the local chapter of EO (Entrepreneur’s Organization). She looks forward to bringing her background, experience and leadership skills to her role as a member of the MMCS board.

BOARD SECRETARY

Leah Barrett is an elementary teacher at MMCS and is excited to start a career in Montessori Education. Leah is new to the field of Montessori but is eager to gain more experience. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University where she first learned about Montessori education and found how the foundations and philosophy of Montessori aligned with her own teaching philosophy. Leah’s experience has taught her that there is more to school than standards and prepared lessons, but a sense of comfort and value within the classroom, a place where learning, independence, and fun can all be together.

BOARD MEMBER

Scott Wilkie has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and currently works as the Communications Director for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In addition to serving on the MMCS Board, Scott serves on the St. Michael - Albertville Schools American Indian Parent Advisory Board. Scott has two daughters that have attended MMCS for the past two years. In his free time, Scott volunteers as a keynote speaker on Indigenous initiatives to raise money for Native American youth in the Midwest.

Scott comes from a family of educators that includes teachers, principals, and superintendents. Spending his life around k-12 education has built a passion for kids and empowering the next generation through strong schools. In serving on the MMCS school board, Scott is able to bring the perspective of his k-12 experience in Anoka- Hennepin Schools, his education as a teacher, and his views as a parent at MMCS.

BOARD MEMBER

Russell Myers is in his fifth year as a volunteer at MMCS, working with students on reading. In the early 2000s he served on the board of Twin Cities Academy charter school in St. Paul, one term as a parent and later as a community member. Professionally, Russ has been a chaplain at Allina Health for thirty years, serving at United Hospital and Allina Emergency Medical Services (EMS). He enjoys cooking, swimming, and being outdoors.

BOARD MEMBER