Board of Trustees

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2011

Day job
Professor, University of Michigan

Education
University of Virginia, BA
George Washington University, MEd
University of Michigan, PhD

What wows you about Emerson?
Teachers, programs, kids and opportunities.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
This school has been an amazing experience for both of my children, and it’s a small way that I can give back to such an incredible school.

What would surprise people about you?
I’d stay in bed all day reading a book if I could on more days than I care to admit.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
A magic wand.  Imagine the possibilities….

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Travel with my kids

Who/what inspires you?
My children. My parents. My brother. My friends.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A dog trainer

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint chocolate chip—especially from Blank Slate!

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
1996

Day job
Professor, University of Michigan Medical School

Education
AB Zoology, Miami University (Ohio);
MD, Ohio State University

What wows you about Emerson?
Emerson oozes brightness and enthusiasm!

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
Emerson has been a wonderful part of our family’s life; the Emerson culture is a source of positive energy!

What would surprise people about you?
I know how to “properly” stack bales of hay on a flatbed farm wagon.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
It would be amazing to be able to read five books—simultaneously and rapidly. There is so much to learn!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I love to walk and talk with my wife, Betsy.

Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by people with passion and persistence.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A zookeeper

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
I enjoy listening to people!

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2012

Day Job
Vice President – Finance and Administration at Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting – Professional Segment

Education
B.A., in Accounting at Michigan State University (Eli Broad School of Business)
M.B.A., University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)

What wows you about Emerson?
I am extremely impressed with the quality of our educators. The level of talent, caring and dedication of the faculty has an incredibly, positive impact on my children.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I serve on the Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee to give back to our community and to hopefully enhance the educational experience of our children.

What would surprise people about you?
I very much enjoy classical music and the theater.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
I often have dreams that I can soar like an eagle!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I enjoy nature and experiencing new places and things.

Who/what inspires you?
My mother and grandmother were extremely resilient people that provided me with the wonderful gifts of hope and optimism.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A sportscaster

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Grand Traverse Bay Cherry Fudge

Quote you live by:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2012

Day job
Parent and social chair for two active young boys
Co-owner, Zippy Auto Wash

Education
B.A. in Public Service, Penn State University
M.S. in Policy Analysis, Penn State University

What wows you about Emerson?
I love how Emerson teachers build character in our children by reinforcing values such as respect, honesty, cooperation, integrity, commitment, compassion, and gratitude.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
Emerson inspires children to love learning and I want this to continue well into the future.

What would surprise people about you?
I got my pilot license to overcome my fear of flying.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
To magically mend the broken hearts of those who have lost their loved ones.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I’m planning the next family outing.

Who/what inspires you?
The imagination of children—no bounds!

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A cruise director, like Julie on the Love Boat

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
My lifelong favorite is coffee, but recently I’ve developed an affection for Blank Slate’s fresh basil (sounds unusual, but worth trying!)

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
I am passionate about backpacking and hope that my children will share my joy of nature throughout their lives.

Connection to Emerson School
Former student

When did you join the Emerson community?
1987

Day job
Lawyer at Hooper Hathaway, P.C.

Education
BA in History at Kalamazoo College
JD at Emory University

What wows you about Emerson?
The quality and commitment of the teachers.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
My experience as a student at Emerson was magnificent and I’m honored to have the opportunity to help guide Emerson into the future.

What would surprise people about you?
I’m skilled at sharpening Japanese knives with a traditional waterstone.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Time travel—to know the future and to change the past could allow me to fix just about anything.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I enjoy playing music, cooking, drinking and collecting wine, watching the Tigers, and traveling with my wife.

Who/what inspires you?
Perfection.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
Alternated between neurosurgeon, astronaut, and professional basketball player.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Pistachio

How many children do you have?
One

When did you join the Emerson community?
2013

Day job
Professor from Practice, University of Michigan Law School,
Partner, Paul Hastings LLP

Education
BA, JD, University of Michigan
LL.M, Columbia University

What wows you about Emerson?
The energy of our school is fantastic! Walking the halls is always an amazing experience to see all the collaboration going on, the thirst for learning and the overall positive vibes of students faculty and administration. What a great place and how lucky our children are to be here!!

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I serve on the Board to hopefully contribute some ideas from my experiences as both an educator and student in a variety of contexts and cultures in our global society. I believe that it is important that our children get a good grounding in both fundamentals and a “global” view of the world….

What would surprise people about you?
Not sure…..but perhaps that while I have always had a career in law in mind, I also wanted to write the great American novel….ala F. Scott Fitzgerald. I’m still working that one!!

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
I would have the super power to need no sleep so I could continue on with whatever I was doing at the time of normal shut off!! Imagine all the things we could do if we could just keep doing them!!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Up north sailing and watching sunsets and traveling the world!

Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by our children who amaze me with their sophistication at an early age, by those who face challenges and never give up, and those who wear a smile on their face!

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
FBI agent or Marine Biologist

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Peppermint stick, it’s the best!

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
I am a third generation Ann Arborite and while I managed to get away for 20 years, my heart was always in AA!

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you join the Emerson community?
2008

Day job
Academic Nephrologist (Kidney doctor) at University of Michigan

Education
BA and MD from Boston University
Masters in Clinical Research from University of Michigan

What wows you about Emerson?
First and foremost, the children.  Over the years I’ve gotten to know many of them and it’s always fun to be around such bright, enthusiastic and caring students.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I see this as an opportunity to further my involvement in Emerson and to help guide the direction of the school going forward.

What would surprise people about you?
Most of my friends know that I am an avid hockey player, but many people don’t realize that (even though I’m Canadian), I didn’t start playing hockey until I was in my late 20’s.  It’s never too late to start!

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Telekinesis. I never seem to have enough arms to grab everything I need. Of course, this power would have to be strong enough so that I could move my 3 kids into line behind me when we need to go somewhere…

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
A lot of my time (like many Emerson parents!) is spent shuttling the kids around to their numerous activities.  Of course, I can’t blame it all on them – I play in an adult hockey league 2 nights a week year-round.

Who/what inspires you?
Human spirit, generosity and kindness inspire me.  We are bombarded with horrible news all the time, but I think it’s important to recognize that there is a lot of goodness in this world and I am always inspired and humbled when I can witness kind acts, whether on a massive scale or during everyday simple life.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A doctor!  Of course, I didn’t know most of my time would be spent in front of a computer…

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Lemon sorbet

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
I grew up in the Toronto area and I’m proud to be a Canadian. Yes, that means I root for Canada at the Olympics (especially winter olympic hockey!). However, I’ve lived my whole adult life in the U.S. and I’m gradually warming to the idea of even becoming a U.S. citizen.

One of the things I try to teach my kids is that it helps to be smart, but being smart doesn’t mean anything if one doesn’t work hard and take advantage of opportunities in life.

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you join the Emerson community?
2011

Day Job
Senior Vice President, Great Lakes Growthworks

Education
B.A., in Political Science at The University of Michigan
M.B.A., Michigan State University

What wows you about Emerson?
It’s truly a supportive and challenging environment where every child is nurtured and is able to thrive.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I want to give back to the community that has given so much to our family. Offering my time, my business experience, and ideas with other Board members is a privilege.

What would surprise people about you?
I could listen to Frank Sinatra all day long

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to time travel

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I love to be outside… coaching soccer, playing soccer, spending time at Lake Michigan, going skiing in good snow.

Who/what inspires you?
Teachers. The dedication, energy & effort that our teachers contribute each and every day is inspiring.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate peanut butter

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
We have 9 month old twin boys that have made our days shorter, our nights longer, our home even happier and our hearts filled with even more love.

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2003

Day Job
Director of Development, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at UM

Education
B.A. in history, Middlebury College

What wows you about Emerson?
I love that each student is deeply cared for by the fabulous faculty and staff.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I serve on the Board to give back to a very special place. I will always be grateful for the supportive and creative learning environment that Andy and Dana were privileged to be a part of, and that helped shape their perspectives.

What would surprise people about you?
I am an enthusiastic birder—who doesn’t make enough time to foster her hobby!

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
To be in two places (or more) at one time, so I could do all the things I want to do!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I enjoy sharing meals with friends, hiking, and getting lost in a good book.

Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by people (of all ages) who work hard to overcome challenges.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A professional downhill ski racer.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Fresh Basil (yes, I’m an ice cream snob!)

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2011

Day job
Social worker, researcher, and photographer

Education
BA, Brandeis University
M.S.W., University of Michigan
Ph.D. in Social Work and Sociology, University of Michigan

What wows you about Emerson?
I love it that my kids are never bored, are always excited to learn, and have absolutely no idea that in some places it isn’t considered “cool” to be bright and intellectually engaged. Emerson is a place where they can fully be themselves.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I believe in Emerson’s mission and I want to support this incredible community to ensure that other peoples’ children can thrive here just as my own children have.

What would surprise people about you?
I often wind up doing pretty adventurous things (e.g., bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, thrill rides on speed boats) because I forget how much they terrify me until the last minute when it’s too late to back out.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to come up with super witty answers in a jiffy to questions like this!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I can usually be found belting out show tunes in my car or advocating for social justice in large and small ways.

Who/what inspires you?
My husband Alan. He is tireless, constantly thinking and innovating to solve problems, and always willing to go the extra mile to help others.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A Broadway star, a psychologist, or a rabbi

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Brigham’s Mocha Chip. (Brigham’s is a Boston-based brand. Sorry, Blank Slate!)

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you join the Emerson community?
1994

Day job
Retired. Twenty six years as an independent school educator, the last 10 as Head of School of Greenhills School. Sixteen years as Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor.

Education
B.A., Bowdoin College
M.A.L.S., Wesleyan University
Ed.M., Harvard University

What wows you about Emerson?
Over its more than forty year history Emerson has creatively adapted to changing circumstances and has served its families well.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I believe that strong communities need educational options to serve all students’ learning and social styles, and that access to those options should be as open as possible.

What would surprise people about you?
I once worked in the same restaurant as Rachel Ray. (She was not yet born, but her mother to be worked there at the time.)

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
To have every one of my golf shots go straight and just the right distance.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Exercise, spend time at the family cottage on the Leelanau Peninsula, visit with our seven grandchildren.

Who/what inspires you?
Nelson Mandela

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
Center fielder for the New York Yankees.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Butter pecan

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2009

Day job
Parent ++

Education
BS in Business at Miami University (Ohio)
JD at University of Detroit Mercy

What wows you about Emerson?
The wow factor at Emerson is a combination of the respect shown for the student voice and development of those students not only academically, but as young people and future leaders. The idea that children are fundamentally good, trustworthy and of value permeates everything that is done at Emerson and the vibe is one of support and excellence. What a cool learning environment!

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I serve on the Board of Trustees to have the opportunity to give back to the educational community that my children are a part of and continue the good work for children of the next generation.

What would surprise people about you?
I love to capture images with my camera, be it a sunset or a smile!

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The genie powers in “I Dream of Jeannie” would come in really handy most days! I’m not sure it’s an “official” super power, but it sounds super to me!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I’m usually driving these days with my dog, Mia.

Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by people who give more of themselves that seemingly possible, be it a volunteer coach or Mother Theresa.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A professional water skier – those shows, those tricks!

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Black cherry

How many children do you have?
Two

When did you join the Emerson community?
2011

Day job
Quality Project Manager at IHA

Education
B.S.I.E., Northwestern University
M.B.A., University of Michigan

What wows you about Emerson?
The enthusiasm and creativity of all the students, teachers and staff!

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I have been volunteering at Emerson since our first year of enrollment. This is a way I can contribute to the school at another level.

What would surprise people about you?
My heritage is Greek and Lebanese even though I don’t have the typical dark coloring – usually people never guess correctly. I love to watch sports.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to read minds so I could always be one step ahead

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I really enjoy attending theater, musical theater and dance productions. I also love to play tennis.

Who/what inspires you?
Great dancers and dance performances, beautiful sunsets, and art are all very inspiring to me.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A ballerina

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate salted caramel

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
One of my mantras is “It is all in your attitude”. Thanks to my dad, these words are always in my head. Anything can be conquered with a positive outlook and good attitude.

How many children do you have?
Three

When did you join the Emerson community?
2013

Day job
Director, gTech and Ann Arbor Site Director at Google

Education
BA in English, University of Michigan
MBA, Duke University

What wows you about Emerson?
The quality of the teachers and their commitment to the work they do.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I want Emerson School to be the very best possible school it can be, for my children and for yours.

What would surprise people about you?
I’m a dual citizen of the United States and St. Vincent & the Grenadines (and an experienced spear fisherman).

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to time travel – I am passionate about learning and find learning from experience my preferred mode.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
Spending time with my family or backpacking in the mountains with my friends (or attending U of M sporting events).

Who/what inspires you?
Nature and the curiosity of children.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
An Imagineer at Disney World

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
Life’s too short to not look for the good in the world (and people) around you.

How many children do you have?
One

When did you join the Emerson community?
2009

Day job
Scientist
Senior Vice President, Chemistry at Lycera

Education
Ph.D., Imperial College, London
B.Sc., Imperial College, London

What wows you about Emerson?
Amazing teaching, great community, and that it is cool to be a geek.

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
To support the wonderful staff.

What would surprise people about you?
As a teenager, I performed the world premier of a clarinet concerto.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
A super memory. If I remembered even half of what I have learned, it would save so much time and I could achieve so much more.

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
As a family we like to play tennis, go to concerts, and seek out fine restaurants.

Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by dedication and persistence. Whether in sports, the arts or professional life, these are the qualities that are most commonly associated with great success.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A pilot then a lawyer, then a scientist

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Zingermans Chocolate Gelato (I know……not really an ice-cream)

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
My guide to life is an old Irish Prayer:

Take time to work,
It is the price of success.
Take time to think,
It is the source of power.
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read,
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved,
It is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to share,
Life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
It is the music of the soul

How many children do you have?
Four

When did you join the Emerson community?
2004

Day Job
Former Project Manager at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, in culinary school at Schoolcraft College

Education
BA in Psychobiology, Wellesley College, minor in Elementary Education.
MA in Literacy and Language Development, Boston College.

What wows you about Emerson?
My children are truly excited to get to school every day, and they are in tears on the last day of the year.  Students feel how much they are valued as individuals and it makes all the difference!

Why do you serve on the Board of Trustees?
I feel so lucky that my children have experienced Emerson School.  Being a trustee gives me the opportunity to serve Emerson to ensure that we stay true to the original inspiring mission while adapting thoughtfully to future challenges.

What would surprise people about you?
I am a beekeeper!  It’s a hobby I acquired in conjunction with my passion for gardening. I love the adrenaline rush when I open the hive and see how all the thousands of bees work together to gather pollen and create honey.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
I would love to have the power to change the length of a day.  Some days I would like to end early, and others need to be extended. Imagine what I could get done in a 28 hour day!

What do you do when you’re not working or at a BOT meeting?
I am a music junkie! I have studied voice and performed for the last 20 years in various genres.  As a child and young adult, I played piano, viola and french horn, and in my adulthood have taught myself guitar & ukulele.

Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by others who love to learn like I do, and from those who are full of fiery passion and dedication to their craft.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
A surgeon

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Zingerman’s Creamery John do ‘Ya? (dark chocolate & hazelnut)

Anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
The hustle and controlled chaos of a restaurant kitchen makes me giddy.