• Annie Jacob, Chair

Annie Jacob is a mother of three, a local business owner and a longtime Salida resident. She enjoys time with her family, being in nature, connecting in community, yoga, meditation, dance and the arts. Her skill sets include business management, budget planning, fundraising, marketing and community outreach. She strives to see many perspectives, practice compassionate communication and empower others through her leadership style. She is grateful to be a part of SMCS and to support the school through her service on the board.  Annie_Jacob@salidamcs.org

• Leah Underwood, Treasurer

Leah Underwood brings a heart full of experience beginning in 1993 within Salida schools as a student; and to Montessori in 2007, having experience as an employee, parent and volunteer. She combines this with 12 years of non profit accounting experience to serve as Treasurer. Leah holds deep gratitude for the work of SMCS within the community and respect for her fellow board members in their commitment to creating lasting peace within our team and strengthening our partnership with our school.

• Kathryn Falconer, Secretary

The first time Kate and her husband Dan visited Salida 18 years ago they knew it was their place to raise a family. Thanks to the COVID pandemic; a year of homeschooling happened, remote work became a thing, and a fabulous neighbor in BV suggested SMCS, the dream finally happened, just in time for the 2021 school year.

Kate is excited to help the school thrive and reach its full potential as a member of the SMCS Board, which she joined in 2023. Though they are a fairly new family to Salida, Kate has developed a passion for SMCS, wanting to support the school and staff anyway she can. Great education starts with staff environment, she wants to prioritized compensation and recognition for the entire SMCS team, from teachers to aides. Finding SMCS for her kids has highlighted how crucial it is to find the right learning experience for each child and is grateful to be a part of such a wonderful school community. Kate_Falconer@salidamcs.org

• Kayla Manzanares, Director

Kayla is a mother of two, a community participant, and works as a nurse. She is the daughter of an educator and school board members - parents who believed in education and were instrumental in opening a school. She was lucky to have many alternative educational opportunities throughout her life and considers herself a lifelong learner.

She is glad to be able to give back to Salida and the SMCS community as a board member. She is invested in the longevity of the school as it continues to empower and educate our youth.

• Brian DeCamp, Director