Board of Directors

Montessori Peaks Academy YouTube Channel

Next meeting 1/21/26 @ 6:30 (virtual)

Community comments: Do you have any comments to be considered by the MPA Board for future discussion? Please email to Board Secretary, Daisy Urso (durso@mpaboard.org).

Resources:

What does the MPA Board Do?

The Board creates, updates and maintains MPA's strategic plan, which includes effectively evaluating the effectiveness of the Board, Staff, Administration and Students. They attend scheduled board meetings every month throughout year; constantly reviewing the professional leadership of the school, community relations, educational leadership, organizational management, and financial management; address monthly agenda items; review and maintain the current year's operating budget as well as create a budget for the next year; develop MPA policies; and support and promote the Vision and Mission Statement of MPA.

All Board members are committed to ensuring the success of MPA through alignment of vision and our mission with the best practices of professional and quality education. The Principal, Business Manager, Assistant Principal, and the Staff Liaison, who is elected by the MPA staff, also attend all Board of Directors meetings.

Communicating with the Board

The Board meets once a month to discuss the various elements of school governance. These meetings are open to the public and open to any community member who might wish to attend. While the meetings are open, it is important to remember this is a formal meeting and the dialogue primarily exists between Board members as they discuss the various items on the agenda. However, there is a designated time for community members to share their thoughts with the Board during each meeting. This time is called “Community Comments,” and you are welcome to sign up to speak during this time. A sign-up sheet for comments can be found on the lobby bulletin board of the school, along with the meeting agenda.

If you wish to share ideas or concerns with the Board, you are welcome to reach out to any Board member individually. Contact information for each member is found on the school website. The Board welcomes feedback from the community!

For reference, all corporate documents (i.e. by-laws, articles of incorporation, BOD policies) are located on the school website and are also available in the front office and are available for public review upon request. The Board does not generally have access to confidential files of students, school personnel or other federally or state mandated confidential information.

Board Meetings

Regular meetings of the MPA Board of Directors are held virtually on the third Wednesday of every month, starting at 6:30 pm.
All regular meetings are open to the public.
All members of the school community are cordially invited to attend all open meetings of the Board.
A time for public comment is a part of every regular Board meeting. An agenda will be posted prior to the meeting in the Board Meeting folder on the bulletin board inside the front door of the school, and the board documents webpage.

2025-26 Regular Board Meeting Schedule

MPA Board Regular Meeting Schedule - All meetings are virtual unless otherwise noted
July 18, 2025 Training 4-8 p.m.	Aug. 20, 2025 Regular Meeting	Sept. 17, 2025 Regular Meeting	Oct. 15, 2025 Regular Meeting - In Person
Nov. 19, 2025 Regular Meeting	Dec. 17, 2025 Regular Meeting	Jan. 21, 2026 Regular Meeting	Feb. 18, 2026 Regular Meeting
March 18, 2026 Regular Meeting	April 15, 2026 Regular Meeting	May 20, 2026 Regular Meeting	June 17, 2026 Regular Meeting

Board of Directors Documents and Minutes

All corporate documents (i.e. by-laws, articles of incorporation, BOD policies) are located in this section of the website. There are also hard copies available in the front office which are available for public review.

All Board Meetings can be viewed live by visiting our YouTube Channel. If you miss the live version you can replay the video on our YouTube channel as well. Click the link below to subscribe and view our channel.

Meet the Board Members

Justin Sasso

Justin Sasso, Treasurer

Email: jsasso@mpaboard.org

Bio: As a parent of a Montessori Peaks Academy student, I am deeply interested in my child’s education and the institution that guides her education. As the President and CEO of a non-profit 501(c)6, I understand the intricacies of business development, management and budgeting under a not-for-profit status.

I currently serve on the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, a group that works to grow open records access and provide Colorado citizens access to their government. I organize an annual awards of excellence gala for 500 broadcasters, have managed international media pools for Colorado court cases and meet regularly with Colorado’s congressional delegation.

Ted Sanders

Ted Sanders, Vice President

Email: tsanders@mpaboard.org

Bio: As a proud parent of three MPA students, it is my privilege to serve the MPA community as the school enters its next exciting growth phase. Our family has been a part of MPA for five years, and we are deeply appreciative that our children are able to learn in such a unique and supportive environment.

With a background in engineering, business, and law, I hope to be a resource for the school and board as we navigate new challenges, including building out the middle school and continuing to grow our respectful and welcoming community. Away from school and work, you can find our family hiking, biking, dancing, and enjoying all that our side of Colorado has to offer.

Elizabeth Lewis

Elizabeth Lewis, Staff Representative

Email: elewis@mpaboard.org

Bio: Elizabeth Lewis has been a part of the MPA community for eleven years. She is a parent of two MPA student alumni. During her time as a member of the MPA community she has filled several roles including parent volunteer, Primary Floater, MPA PTA President, and Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant. Elizabeth looks forward to continuing to serve the MPA community as Staff Representative on the MPA Board of Directors.

Christine Sarnow

Christine Sarnow, President

Email: csarnow@mpaboard.org

As a dedicated mom of three, with two little daughters thriving at MPA, Christine brings more than a decade of marketing and events leadership to the board. Last year's Celebration of Learning was a real eye-opener for her as she saw kids making their own projects, which blew her away. That's what Montessori is all about-nurturing passion and independence. She is all about growth, whether scaling departments or watching her kids flourish. She wants every child at MPA to feel that same sense of excitement and empowerment.

Beyond the boardroom, you'll find her outdoors, hiking with her family, or bringing the community together around a good cause. She's here to bring that same energy and passion to Montessori Peaks Academy, ensuring every kid's journey is educational and truly transformative in a way that makes their lives, and those around them, better every day.

Daisy Urso

Daisy Urso, Secretary

Email: durso@mpaboard.org

I deeply appreciate the dedication of the exceptional teachers and skilled staff who support my son's education. In gratitude, I am committed to giving back to the MPA community by offering my support and assistance.

Professionally, I specialize in learning and development within the financial services industry, focusing on professional growth and personal enrichment. My work involves designing and delivering training programs that enhance skill sets and improve job performance. I love our state and exploring it with the family whenever we can take the time to adventure.

Tom Coney

Frank Sanchez

As a proud father of two boys at MPA, ages 6 and 10, I’m honored to serve on the MPA Board of Directors. I’m passionate about outdoor activities, such as running, skiing, surfing, and love exploring the world through travel with my family. I also enjoy volunteering in both my children’s classrooms and the broader community.

Professionally, I serve as a Lieutenant with the fire department, where I lead an engine company as a firefighter and paramedic. My career is deeply rooted in service, leadership, and community support. These values closely align with the mission and vision of MPA and the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. I’m excited to bring this same sense of commitment and purpose to our school community.

Sarah Clagett

Sarah Clagett is honored to serve on the Board of Directors, bringing her expertise in leadership development, professional learning, and inclusive education. As a Professional Development & Training Specialist at Arapahoe Community College, she works to cultivate strong organizational cultures and empower employees with tools for growth.

Sarah values creating learning environments where all students feel supported and inspired.

As a parent with two children at MPA, she is deeply invested in their educational journeys. Outside of work and school, she enjoys staying active, exploring Colorado with her family, and engaging in community initiatives.