BOARD PRESIDENT

Kauthar Rahman is the Chief Operating Officer at Meridian Institute, a nonprofit organization that works to develop and implement solutions to complicated and often controversial problems — big and small, global and local. In this capacity, she is responsible for the organization’s strategic planning, human resources, legal and business compliance, risk management, information technology, and operational functions.

Kauthar also served as Chief Operating Officer of Juvenile Law Center, where she led all aspects of the organization’s finance and accounting, strategic planning, human resources, and operations functions. She has over a decade of experience working with nonprofit organizations in key operational roles, including the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, FAVOR Greenville, and the American Red Cross. Kauthar holds an MBA from Brenau University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

A devoted advocate for holistic education and the limitless potential of young minds, Kauthar is committed to fostering an environment where children are empowered to explore, discover, and thrive as independent learners. With an unwavering commitment to student-centered pedagogy, Kauthar works alongside fellow board members to help shape the strategic direction and policies that create an educational environment which fosters individuality, curiosity, and an enduring love for learning, and one that celebrates the innate potential within every child, laying the foundation for their remarkable journey of growth and self-discovery.

BOARD MEMBER

Paul Severin is the Events Producer at WXPN overseeing the planning, logistics, and operations of the non-profit public radio station’s multitude of events. The largest project he works on annually is the XPoNential Music Festival, booking approximately 30 bands and coordinating an event that draws 25,000 people. Paul earned his Master’s Degree in the Non-Profit Leadership program at University of Pennsylvania in 2018. He's also the proud parent with his wife Jessica of 8 year-old twins, Keira and Isaac.

BOARD MEMBER

Marion is the co-head of Capucine Montessori School, a Wildflower school for 3-6 year-olds in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which she co-founded in 2018 with Séverine Meunier. Marion is an AMS certified Early Childhood teacher for 2.5-6 year-olds. She trained at Seton Montessori Institute in the Chicago area. Marion was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil where she attended an American school from preschool through high school. She earned her Bachelors in Journalism from Boston University in 2010, and has remained in the Boston area ever since.

With an M.Ed. from the Mind, Brain, and Education program at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Marion is interested in further understanding how neural-cognitive development unfolds in early childhood and how it is supported in the Montessori setting. She has served on Montessori school accreditation teams and is interested in how we can disseminate best practices to support child development. Marion returns frequently to visit her family in Brazil and helps the Centro de Educação Montessori de São Paulo with teacher training in the summers.

BOARD MEMBER

Fauzia Bilqees, a mother of six, is an unwavering advocate for education and community engagement. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Pennsylvania State University. However, her career path took a different course when she chose to dedicate her time to raising her children.

Driven by her fervent commitment to providing the best possible education for her children, Fauzia embarked on a quest to discover the most effective methods for young learners. Her journey led her to embrace the Montessori method, a philosophy that profoundly resonated with her. Fauzia's success in implementing the Montessori approach underscores her dedication to nurturing resourcefulness, ingenuity, and an enduring love for learning in children.

Fauzia's unyielding commitment to expanding her knowledge is readily apparent in her ongoing pursuit of coursework across diverse fields, including business and finance, computer science, education, and communication. Her passion for lifelong learning extends beyond her personal enrichment; she generously volunteers her time to empower local small businesses in their growth and refinement efforts. Beyond her academic and community commitments, Fauzia is a small business owner herself. She is the proud proprietor of The Body Project, a business specializing in artisan hair, bath, and body products.

Fauzia's dedication to education is exemplified by her active involvement in her children's schools. She serves on various committees and boards, offering her insights and support to enhance the educational experience. Fauzia's devotion to her own family and the wider community stands as a testament to the impact one individual can have on shaping the future through education and community engagement.