Kiana Garcia Zaderej (She/Her/Hers) is the Vice President of Community Investments with First Steps Kent, bringing 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Development, where she has designed and led collaborative funding strategies that expand access to high‑quality early learning for young children and their families. She holds a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from West Texas A&M University and a Master's in Public Administration from Western Michigan University.

Kiana brings expertise in child development, early childhood education, community initiatives, operations, systems work, advocacy, public strategy, and policy to the board. She believes that when young children in our community experience early learning that is both accessible and joyful, we see stronger relationships, healthier development, and neighborhoods that are more connected, more equitable, and more resilient. She is honored to bring her commitment to thoughtful, values‑driven early childhood leadership to the Everbloom community.

Nicholas Albrecht (he/him) is a Technical Operations Lead with 15+ years of experience leading teams and driving operational excellence. He has led cross-functional teams to implement complex initiatives, improve organizational performance, and deliver scalable solutions in high-stakes environments. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Western Michigan University.

A former Everbloom family and one of its founding families, and a member of the East Grand Rapids community,

Nicholas brings expertise in leadership, operations, and organizational effectiveness to the board and believes that accessible, Montessori-focused early childhood education creates a strong foundation for lifelong learning and a more equitable, connected community. He is honored to bring a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to the Everbloom community.

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

Ellie Barnette-Dawson 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.

David Douglas 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.