Edward Burke
Audit Partner
Cherry, Bekaert & Holland

Edward is a Certified Public Accountant in North and South Carolina and Florida with over 28 years of experience in public accounting. As an Audit Partner in the Raleigh office of Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, he focuses his practice on providing audit and consulting solutions to governments and not-for-profit clients.

Eddie has been responsible for all aspects of audit and consulting services for large and small governments and not-for-profit clients. He has significant experience with forensic auditing, risk assessment services, strategic planning and process redesign, cash flow and cash management services, budget preparation, and property and equipment management. He has served as engagement partner or concurring reviewer for over 50 local government entities during his career, including large cities, counties, school districts, public utilities and various authorities throughout the Southeast.

Eddie is a graduate of Elon University, and is a valued instructor and speaker for Firm-sponsored public sector updates. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA), South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA), Florida Association of Certified Public Accountants (FACPA), Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association (NCGFOA), North Carolina County Finance Officers Association (NCFOA), and the North Carolina Association of School Board Officers (NCASBO). He currently serves on the ACIPA Technical Standards Subcommittee, GFOA Special Review Committee and the NCACPA Government Audit Committee

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Sylvia Saenger
Director of Strategic Planning
Head of School Emeritus
Follow the Child Montessori School

Sylvia served as Head of School from 2001-2010. Sylvia and her husband Dan Heyl are founders of FCM. Their two children, Elise and Kurt, both FCM Alumni, were in Montessori from Toddler House through Upper Elementary.

Since 2001, Sylvia has enjoyed being a part of a community that is dedicated to the education of children using the Montessori philosophy. During this time FCM has grown from four classrooms and 60 students to seven classrooms with over 120 students. Sylvia is responsible for parent education and outdoor education, as well as working to create a solid future and continued vision for FCM.

From 1996 to 2001, Sylvia was the founder of Family Horizons, a company dedicated to growing and nurturing families through education. From 1984 to 1996 Sylvia worked for IBM as a programmer and educator at the IBM Corporate Technical Education Center.

Sylvia enjoys being with her family, baking, cake decorating, camping, doing anything outdoors, basketball, and woodworking.

Sylvia is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Purdue University with a BS in mathematics, computer science, and statistics.

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Dominique Mouthon
Head of School
Follow the Child Montessori School

Dominique Mouthon studied Liberal Arts at Etudes de Lettres Superieures, Lycee Berthollet in Annecy, France. She and her husband, Serge, came to the United States in 1986 and lived in the Boston area for 18 years. Dominique's Montessori journey began as the parent of a three year old enrolled in a Montessori school. She became involved in the school as a member of the board of trustees. Her classroom career started with a position of assistant for two years. She then pursued her AMI primary certification (3-6 years old) in Atlanta, GA, under the guidance of Lilian Bryan.

After graduating, Dominique taught in France for a year prior to joining the Montessori School of Quincy as Teacher/Director in 1996. Under her guidance, the school expanded from 16 children to over 90 children in eight years. She also guided the school to become one of the first Montessori schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to become NAEYC accredited in 1998 and one of the few AMI accredited schools in 1999. The school expanded to four primary classes and an elementary level during her directorship.

Dominique moved to the Raleigh area in the summer of 2004 when she joined the FCM team as Assistant Head of School. She completed AMS 6-12 Elementary teacher training at the Seacoast Montessori Center in New Hampshire under the direction of Gary Davidson and served as Lead Teacher in the Upper Elementary clasroom and FCM's Curriculum Coordinator through 2010. In July of 2010, Dominique began in her new role as FCM Head of School. Because Dominique came to Montessori first as a parent, she is highly dedicated to helping parents bring the Montessori philosophy home and she is sensitive to parenting issues and concerns. She enjoys working with parents as they learn about the dynamic development of their children and helping them find ways to address parenting issues that enables the child to develop most harmoniously.

Dominique is the proud mom of Cecile and Mathilde. Cecile, a graduate of American University, lives in Washington, D.C and Mathilde is a sophomore at University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Both attended Montessori schools as children.

Education:
Liberal Arts at Etudes de Lettres Superieures

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Christopher A. Widmayer
FCM Board of Directors
Vice President
Regency Centers

Chris is serving his second term on the FCM Board of Directors. Chris has been a board member since 2007. Chris is married to Arinn and has two children: Cooper and Dixon (CH-E).

Chris is an Investment Officer with Regency Centers, a national retail real estate company. Chris started with Regency Centers in 2002 in Washington, D.C. and relocated to Raleigh in 2005 where he manages the local office and oversees new development activities for the Southeast.

Prior to joining Regency, Chris received his MBA from the Kenan-Flager Business School at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before attending graduate school, Chris worked in public service where he served as the Press Secretary for United States Senator Richard J. Durbin. During that time, Chris also worked on multiple political campaigns focusing on communications.

Chris currently serves on the Board for Urban Ministries, a local non-profit organization specializing in providing medical services to uninsured low-income residents of Raleigh.

Chris is originally from Evanston, Illinois.

Education:
BA, Miami University (OH)
MBA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Before Regency Centers:
Office of United States Senator Richard J. Durbin
Richard J. Durbin U.S. Senate Campaign
Office of Congressman Bob Carr

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Sarah Kavanagh
FCM Board of Directors
Manager of Clinical Statistics
GlaxoSmithKline
2011-2014

Sarah was nominated to serve on the Board in 2011. She is originally from New York (suburbs, not city) and has lived in North Carolina for 12 years. Sarah has been married to Scott since 2003 and has two fabulous children: Riley (LE) and Sheamus (CH-N).

Sarah is a Manager of Clinical Statistics in the Neurosciences group at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). In her time at GSK, her focus has been on studying various neurological indications such as Restless Legs Syndrome, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia and Parkinson’s Disease. The best part about her job is that she gets to explain complex statistical theories and ideas to people who are not statisticians.

Sarah has served as FCM PTSA Treasurer, has co-coordinated the Back to School Night Auction for 3 years, and has served as room parent for Toddler House during her children’s toddler years.

Education:
BS, Biochemistry 1996, Clemson University
MPH, Biostatistics, 2001, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Judson A. Welborn
Partner
Manning, Fulton & Skinner, P.A.

A partner at one of Raleigh’s oldest law firms, Manning, Fulton & Skinner P.A., Judd concentrates his practice in the areas of construction litigation, real property litigation and business litigation. In addition, he serves on Manning Fulton’s Firm Management Committee.

Judd has been recognized by numerous organizations for his expertise and acumen in the legal field. Judd has been named as Business North Carolina Magazine’s North Carolina's Legal Elite (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), as one of North Carolina's best lawyers under the age of 40 (YoungGuns 2007, 2008, 2009), North Carolina Super Lawyers (2009, 2010) and as a Rising Star in Construction Litigation and as a Future Starin Benchmark Litigation (2010), the nation's only publication of itskind that focuses exclusively on the practice of litigation.

Judd currently serves on the Board of Directors of Carolina Ballet, and is a former
member of the North Carolina Rules Review Commission.

Judd and his wife, Melody Ray-Welborn, are the proud parents of Dax, who recently transitioned from Toddler House to Children’s House in August, and Amos who plans to follow in his big brother’s footsteps when he enters Toddler House in Fall 2011.

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Having a good rapport with children is one of Elim's natural gifts. She worked as a nanny for 7 years, married, and has a 6-year-old daughter, Marielle (LE), whom she enjoys very much. Elim was a Toddler House assistant for 4 years and began asLead Teacher of Toddler House East in 2009.

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education - St. Columban College, Philippines

Assistants to Infancy Certification (Association Montessori International)
The Montessori Institute, Denver, CO 2009

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Gini Emigh
Lead Teacher, Children's House East
2011-2013

Gini is a founding faculty member of FCM. She first came to Montessori education when seeking a preschool for her oldest child. All three of Gini's children attended Montessori Children's House and Elementary programs. She received her AMS primary (3-6 year-old) certification in 1984 and in 2010 received her AMI primary certification from the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis under Annette Haines. She continues to be fascinated by the process of human development and strives to serve all aspects of a child's growth with an eye to allowing unique personalities to blossom within a dynamic, supportive Children's House community.

Gini finds joy and learning in day-to-day experiences, recognizing young children as ideal companions in this pursuit. She walks to and from school on most days and enjoys hiking, camping and theatre. She currently seeks ways to simplify her life, both with regard for the earth and for her own spiritual journey.

BA, Sociology, Carleton College
MS, Botany, Iowa State University
MA Human Development, Pacific Oaks College

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Anne Burke
Lead Teacher, Children's House North

Anne has the tools and imagination to create a classroom environment that supports the needs and curiosities of young children. Her love of the Montessori method is contagious; she has a sense of calmness and confidence that draws children to her. She enjoys guiding children as they grow and develop their sense of independence.

In her free time, Anne enjoys spending time with her faily—husband, Adam, and their two children, Henry (almost 4) and Emerson (almost 2). The Burkes and their two lovable Labs live in Cary.

Anne is a fitness enthusiast; she enjoys going to the gym, kayaking with her husband, and running. She has completed three marathons.

Anne earned a BS in Child Development from Appalachian State University, Boone NC, 1997
She achieved AMS Early Childhood Certification from Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle WA, 2001
Anne has 5 years teaching experience as a Children's House assistant: SAS Institute, Cary NC, 1997-2002
She has been at Follow the Child Montessori School for 9 years as Director of Children's House North.

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Susan Freeman
Assistant Teacher, Children's House North

Susan has been a nanny for twelve years and she is in her eighth year as a Children's House Assistant. She is dedicated to helping children grow and learn in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Wake Community College (3 years)
Early Childhood Core Classes and Internship (2 years)

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Ranjana Patel
Lead Teacher, Lower Elementary
2009-2013

In her environment, Lower Elementary Director Ranjana is able to combine her love of children with her exceptional gifts in teaching math and science. Gentle and encouraging, she likes to create a learning environment that is both peaceful and harmonious in order to maximize her student's ability to learn.

An interesting tidbit about Ranjana is the life experiences she brings to the classroom having lived in Kenya, India, England, Canada, as well as the U.S. Ranjana is married and has two sons. They were both Montessori educated; currently both of them are attending college.

BA Liberal Arts from Vermont College of Norwich University
American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary 6-9 certification in 1996
20+ years experience in a Montessori Lower Elementary
2 years experience in a Montessori Children's House

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Eric Rhinehalt
Physical Education Teacher

I have been the PE teacher and athletic director at Covered Bridge Montessori School, Covered Bridge Academy, and Country Brook Montessori School, all in the Atlanta area.

My goals for the FCM physical education program are very simple. First, I want to bring many of the Montessori principles into the PE program. Secondly, I want to provide a solid foundation in PE fundamentals. Finally, I want your children to have fun, providing a starting point for a lifetime of physical activity and health.

Your children’s PE classes will be on Fridays, so please remember appropriate clothing and a well fitting athletic shoe.

I look forward to meeting you all.

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Krystin Jorgenson
Financial Specialist
WakeMed Health and Hospitals
FCM Board of Directors

Krystin Jorgenson is a current at-large member of the FCM Board of Directors. A Financial Specialist for WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Krystin’s work focuses primarily on charitable contributions to the WakeMed Foundation and maintaining financial records for WakeMed’s Volunteer Associations. Prior to her work at WakeMed, Krystin worked as a Controller for the Triangle Community Foundation.
Krystin’s background includes work with other nonprofits, including the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale, NY.

Education:
BA, Alfred University, Environmental Studies
Certified Public Accountant
Member, NC Association of Certified Public Accountants
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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Lee Clyburn
Chair, FCM Board of Directors
Senior Vice President and Principal, Board of Advisers
Grubb & Ellis, Thomas Linderman Graham

Lee Clyburn was nominated to serve on the Board in 2008. He is married to Tina and has three children, Aubrey (UE), Ellie (UE) and Natalie (CH-E). Lee was elected as chair in 2009.

Lee is Senior Vice President and Principal, Board of Advisers at Grubb & Ellis, Thomas Linderman Graham. Lee specializes in office leasing and has worked with a wide range of professional service firms, technology companies and nonprofit organizations in achieving their commercial real estate objectives. He has managed more than $100 million in leases for Triangle area tenants.

Before entering into commercial real estate in 1997, Lee served as Director of Economic Development for MCNC in Research Triangle Park. He also served as the chief lobbyist for the North Carolina Department of Commerce from 1993 to 1996. Lee has more than ten years of economic development and legislative experience and has worked with numerous organizations in promoting both the region and North Carolina. He helped write the State’s first Strategic Economic Development Plan and helped create legislation regarding North Carolina’s incentives for relocating companies. He has been appointed by Governor Easley to the NC Workforce Development Commission and by State Treasurer Moore as Chairman of the NC Infrastructure Finance Development Authority.

EDUCATION
North Carolina State University – Bachelor’s Degree
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Master’s Degree, Public Administration
Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina

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Stephanie Dorko Austin
FCM Board of Directors
Principal, Stephanie Austin & Associates

Stephanie Austin is a current at-large member of the FCM Board of Directors. Stephanie, a professional fundraiser, has experience with large, statewide political campaigns and nonprofit organizations. Prior to her founding her own firm, Stephanie worked as development director for CED.

A native of Greensboro, Stephanie's background includes working with NC Senate Majority Leader Martin Nesbitt, State Treasurer Richard Moore, UNC president Erskine Bowles and U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd.

EDUCATION
Trinity College, Washington, D.C., B.A. Sociology

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Jonathan Anders
FCM Board of Directors

Jonathan is an attorney with Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP. He is a Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist and represents Employers and Insurers in Workers' Compensation claims before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Jonathan's clients include manufacturers, trucking companies, builders, municipalitles, fire departments, emergency medical services, hospitals and medical providers, and their workers' compensation carriers.

Jonathan has served as FCM PTSA Vice President and has co-coordinated Ridgewoodstock for 2 years. He has been married to Robin since 1997 and has two children: Rose Mary (LE) and Jack (CH-W).

EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A., Economics 1992)
Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University (J.D., 1996)

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Sumi Sarkar
Children's House West Director

Sumi received her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Calcutta, India. Sumi fell in love with Montessori when her oldest daughter began her Montessori education at the age of two. She pursued her AMS Montessori training beginning in 1994 in Raleigh. Sumi reports that she has treasured every moment spent in the classroom. Sumi has taught in Montessori schools for 16 years.

In her free time Sumi enjoys reading books, watching movies, listening to music, practicing yoga, and of course, spending time with family. She has three children—two daughters and one son—who were all Montessori educated through sixth grade.

Sumi began teaching at Follow the Child in August of 2007.

EDUCATION
University of Calcutta, India (B.A.)

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