Matthew VanSweden is a national expert in climate justice and regenerative design with over 20 years of experience in architecture, engineering, and construction. As Sustainability Lead at Progressive AE, he advances decarbonization efforts, sets sustainability strategies, and drives impactful, climate-responsive designs. With a BFA in Collaborative Design, Matthew is dedicated to fostering a healthier, more equitable future for communities and the environment.

Kate Robinson is a co-founding parent and board member at Everbloom Montessori, with over 15 years of experience supporting startups, businesses, and nonprofits. As a Design Strategist and Partner at Further Degree, a strategy innovation studio in Grand Rapids, MI, she helps organizations translate their vision into meaningful impact.

Kate’s commitment to Montessori education is rooted in its potential to instill in every child a profound sense of self-worth and confidence, and the hope of fostering a generation of critical thinkers, unafraid to face the challenges of the future. Kate also served on the board of West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science in Walker, MI from 2014-2020

With 29 years in Montessori education, Emily Jacobson is a passionate advocate for early childhood learning. She has spent 28 years as a lead Montessori toddler guide and is American Montessori Infant-Toddler certified. As a founding director and Head of School at Everbloom Montessori, Emily is committed to creating inclusive, child-centered learning environments. She has served on multiple committees advocating for accessibility in early education. A mother and stepmother of five, her personal experience fuels her dedication to Montessori. Emily’s leadership and vision continue to shape Everbloom, making high-quality Montessori education accessible to all families.

With over 10 years of real estate experience, Isis Luna began her career in residential real estate in New York, continued in Los Angeles, and now focuses on commercial real estate in Grand Rapids, Michigan with Fancy Realestate. A bilingual professional, Isis uses her Spanish language skills to serve the Latinx community, empowering small business owners and local non-profits. As a parent and board member at Everbloom Montessori, she supports the school’s mission of providing an inclusive, community-centered education

Annie holds a M.A.T. in Secondary Education and came to Montessori in 2012 as an assistant in the infant room at Stepping Stones Montessori School. She completed her studies for Infant/Toddler Certification from the American Montessori Society in 2020.

Annie loves working with infants and toddlers, and has a passion for working with new parents as a support to them as they move into a new and momentous life experience.

David is a retired teacher who spent 36 years serving children in public schools as a counselor, elementary teacher and administrator.  He believes that children are our communities most precious treasure. Like tender plants they must be nurtured and developed so that in the fullness of time they become partners in the progress our entire human family.

Ellie is a Non-profit executive leader with 19+ years of experience executing complex transformational strategies to target organizational goals and growth, building and cultivating high-functioning teams, and developing strong philanthropic relationships and programs that support institutional advancement. Her leadership style leans on respect, transparency, and deep collaboration.

Everbloom Montessori is currently seeking to fill three open board seats for Family or Community Representatives who identify as members of the global majority, with a preference for individuals residing in the 49507 area. These board members will help guide Everbloom’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring that our leadership reflects and serves the rich diversity of the communities we support. To learn more or express interest, please contact us at hello@everbloommontessori.com