Board of Directors

Working together for the community we serve.

Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy (SBMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by a volunteer Board of Directors who care deeply about our school community. Our Board is made up of current and former parents, along with teachers and staff, who generously share their time, experience, and skills to help SBMA thrive. They work in partnership with school leadership to preserve our mission, uphold the Montessori philosophy, and ensure that every decision supports the well-being of our students, families, and staff.

Emily Neuhausen

President | Current SBMA parent

Emily joined the Board in 2023 and has dedicated her career to the practice of family law. Her daughter completed the Spanish Primary program, and her son is currently enrolled at SBMA. Emily is passionate about nurturing strong family connections and believes deeply in the importance of early childhood education. She values SBMA’s mission and is committed to supporting the school as a place where children and families can learn, grow, and thrive together.

Johnathan (JB) Gerald

Vice President | Current SBMA parent

JB joined the Board in 2024 and brings a unique blend of athletic leadership and educational expertise to his role. With a coaching tenure spanning 11 years (Penn State University, University of Illinois, University of New Mexico, and Syracuse University), he shifted his career focus to education, where he has made significant impacts over the last decade. His oldest finished the N.E.S.T and Spanish Primary program at SBMA, and his youngest will enroll in 2026. JB is passionate about fostering environments where children can thrive both academically and personally. He values SBMA’s mission and is committed to ensuring the school continues to serve families with excellence and care.

Guillermo Arenas

Treasurer | Former SBMA Parent

Guillermo joined the Board of Directors in 2019 and brings his expertise as an economist at the World Bank, offering valuable insight into financial planning and sustainability. Both of his daughters completed the N.E.S.T. and Spanish Primary programs at SBMA, giving him a deep appreciation for the school’s mission and impact. Guillermo is committed to ensuring SBMA continues to provide an exceptional educational foundation where children and families feel supported, connected, and inspired.

Kate Howe

Secretary | Current SBMA Parent

Kate joined the Board in 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in healthcare as a Physician Assistant, along with a strong background in public health. Her knowledge and expertise proved invaluable during the Covid pandemic, when her guidance helped families and staff navigate uncertain times with confidence and care. Both of her children completed the N.E.S.T. and Primary programs at SBMA, giving her a deep connection to the school community. Kate is grateful for the opportunity to give back through Board service and is committed to supporting SBMA’s mission of providing a nurturing, high-quality Montessori education for all families.

David Shaw

Director | Current SBMA Parent

David joined the Board in 2025 and brings both his expertise as an IT consultant and his perspective as a business owner to his role. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, he values the importance of strong systems, teamwork, and long-term planning. His son completed the Mandarin Primary program at SBMA, and his daughter will join the N.E.S.T. in 2026, giving him a deep appreciation for the dedication of SBMA’s teachers and staff. David is committed to supporting the school’s leadership team and ensuring that educators have the resources they need to continue providing exceptional care and learning opportunities for every child.

Nubia Sosa

Director | Staff Liaison

Nubia serves as the Lead Teacher in the N.E.S.T. classroom and as SBMA’s Director of Education. Since joining the school in 2008, she has brought over 25 years of teaching experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Guided by a philosophy that learning should be tailored to each child, Nubia believes that the tools for growth are cultivated both inside and outside the classroom. She is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with parents to ensure each child’s educational journey at SBMA is enriching, personalized, and successful.

Bela Ali

Director | Montessori Resource Specialist

Ms. Bela has been an integral part of SBMA since 1989, contributing nearly four decades of dedicated service to our teaching and leadership team. In 2017, she transitioned from her full-time classroom role to a part-time position, where she continues to provide individualized support to students, enhancing their learning experiences. Deeply committed to the joy and fulfillment of teaching, Ms. Bela takes special delight in working with the children of her former students and warmly welcomes SBMA alumni when they return to visit.

CAS & Associates

Board CPA | Rockville

CAS has been a trusted partner to SBMA for more than 15 years, providing comprehensive financial management services that help ensure the school’s long-term stability and success. Their support includes payroll administration, accounting, budgeting, and financial planning that help to safeguarding the school’s resources and supporting its mission to serve our community.