Board Chair

Leah Barrett is a lower elementary guide and has been with MMCS and serving on the school board since 2020. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University and received her Master’s in Education and Montessori Certification from UWRF. During the 2022-2023 school year, Leah was nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. 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 children can feel safe, happy, and calm while learning.

Term end date: July 1, 2029

Vice Chair

Melissa Schrock has been involved as a MMCS parent volunteer in the classroom since 2020 and currently has 2 sons enrolled in the school. Her and her husband Vern became interested in the idea that traditional Montessori education could be married with STEM, and after 5 years of being all in at this school, they have seen the significant impact it has made in molding their children into confident, independent thinkers!

Melissa brings knowledge from a diverse background in multiple disciplines, to Modern Montessori. She started her career in marine biology research and has lived in both Sweden and Indonesia. She ended up at SEA LIFE Aquarium doing interpretive naturalist work and marine education, developing curriculum for children in pre-K through 12th grade, to Minnesota state standards for science. While at SEA LIFE, she also worked in marketing and sales, making the aquarium all of their incremental revenue apart from ticket sales. In 2016, she made the decision to stay home with her children and is just coming out of that season of life! 

Melissa also earned a BA in journalism print, having worked as a Copy Editor for the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, as well as Bridging the Gap, a women’s ministry in the state of Minnesota. She recently received a pastoral license and is involved in a church plant in the city of Anoka. Currently, Melissa works as a Dive Master at Aquaventure Scuba and Travel in Maple Grove, and has been co-leading a high school Scuba trip for ISD 11, since 2012.

With MMCS’s recent growth to the 8th grade, Melissa is interested in helping to build this program and make it successful for years to come! She is committed to helping the school grow and thrive, so it can stay a pillar in the local community and provide a healthy, alternate option for public school!

Term end date: July 1, 2028

BOARD secretary

Dayna Grams has lived in Champlin since 2008, and her family was elated when Modern Montessori opened its doors. I care deeply about the success of the children attending MM and of the teachers and faculty who help make that  happen. I believe my 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. I believe I will bring an important perspective to the board. While I have no prior board experience, I am committed to the needs of MMCS and our currently enrolled and future families. And let’s face it, as a stay-at-home mom, I now have over 10 years of experience with high stakes negotiation, hearing opposing opinions, and compromise. But in all seriousness, I 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.

Term end date: July 1, 2027

BOARD MEMBER

Kevin Urlaub is a 40-year resident of Champlin. He is the proud parent of five children who all have attended Champlin schools and he is a Grandparent to two MMCS children and next year there will be three attending MMCS.

Kevin has a BA in Public Administration and Economics from St Cloud State University. He has been an Insurance Agent and owner of an agency doing Employee Benefits and Health Insurance for the last 40 years. He has been the President of the North Metro Insurance Agents, and he has served 5 years as the Treasurer of his Church. 

Kevin enjoys summers at the lake and sporting activities.

Term end date: August 1, 2029

Board treasurer

Laura Maro is a proud parent to three students at MMCS. Her oldest has been at the school since its opening year. Laura has loved getting to see the school develop, adapt, and flourish to meet the needs of the students. She has her bachelors in early childhood education from Concordia University and used to be a lead preschool teacher. Laura has been a member of the Fun and Funds Committee since 2021 and has been volunteering weekly or bi-weekly in the school for the past three years. 

In her free time Laura enjoys traveling, getting into nature with her kids (exploring waterfalls on waterfall Wednesdays), watching football with her family on Sundays, and finding all the ice cream shops throughout Minnesota. Laura is excited and honored to be a part of the MMCS school board. 

Term end date: July 1, 2028

BOARD MEMBER

Emily Immaneni, as a lifelong advocate for education and community growth, brings a passion for creating opportunities that empower students, teachers, and families. Emily has 5 years of experience in preK education as a Montessori Extended Day/Preschool teacher. She went on to work as the Director of Life Enhancement at Senior Living Facilities before working in HR for St. Paul Public Schools and a local school bus company. 

As a foster parent of two young children, Emily is deeply committed to ensuring every student has access to a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment. Emily believes that strong schools build strong communities, and is dedicated to working with parents, educators, and fellow board members to make decisions so that MMCS reflects the needs and values of our community.

In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling, hiking, crafts and being outdoors. Emily looks forward to serving our students and community with integrity, transparency, and a focus on excellence.

Term end date: July 1, 2027

BOARD MEMBER

Peter Krueger is proud to serve as a new member of the MMCS School Board, bringing with him a deep commitment to our vibrant Montessori community. Since joining Modern Montessori in 2020 as an E1 assistant, he has embraced every opportunity to support MMCS — from folding cafeteria tables to co-teaching in the classroom. Over the years, Peter has worn many hats: E1 assistant, Art Teacher (a role he still holds and loves), LEGO League staff leader, and most recently, co-lead teacher. When his classroom faced a transition, Peter stepped up to co-teach in order to preserve its warm, supportive, joyful culture. Last but not least, Peter created Cliff the Mighty Mountain Goat, our school’s popular and inspiring mascot!

Students know Mr. Peter as a creative, approachable, and enthusiastic presence at school, and he is passionate about the unique, nurturing environment that Montessori education offers. He was born and raised in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Art from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Peter lives in Fridley with his wife, Amy, and their two children, Ezra and Eleanor. He enjoys painting, drawing, making collages, creating music, and reading.

Term end date: July 1, 2027