Join us for a beautification event to "Plant the Parking Lot" on Feb. 15th @ LFM!

About Us

About the Parent Committee

The LFM/YVMSA Parent Committee is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works alongside both campuses to strengthen connections between home and school. We are parents and caregivers who care deeply about creating a nurturing space where children and their families thrive.

All parents and caregivers with a child enrolled at LFM or YVMSA are automatically members of the Parent Committee. Participation in meetings, fundraising, and events is always optional. We believe in growing community the same way children learn — gently, intentionally, and together.

As an independent nonprofit, the Parent Committee brings families, guides, and staff together through inclusive events, service projects, and everyday support. Our goal is to help children feel rooted, confident, and connected to the world around them.

Mission

Our mission is to strengthen the LFM/YVMSA school community by creating meaningful opportunities for connection, supporting families and guides, and enriching every child’s Montessori experience. The Parent Committee is an independent nonprofit that collaborates with families and the school community to foster a warm, engaged environment while remaining separate from the school’s operations. We fulfill this mission through open communication, inclusive events that bring families together, and service and fundraising efforts that uplift and connect our community.

Vision

Our vision is a connected, welcoming community where every family feels supported, every child feels inspired, and meaningful relationships strengthen the Montessori experience for all.

What We Do

The Parent Committee Hosts

Monthly Parent Committee Meetings
The Parent Committee holds monthly meetings focused on planning upcoming events, voting on decisions, and providing a welcoming space for families to connect and support one another. Whenever possible, meetings include childcare (with reservation limits) and dinner for adults and children.
Play Dates, Social, Community, and Service Events
We plan occasional social gatherings, community-building activities, and service events based on family interest. These may be school-wide or specific to individual classrooms.
Fundraisers
The Parent Committee coordinates several fundraisers throughout the year to support community needs, cover costs for Parent Committee–hosted meetings and events, and meet required nonprofit expenses such as tax filings and state fees.

The Parent Committee Supports

School Events
LFM and YVMSA hold many events throughout the year. The Parent Committee assists by coordinating volunteers, gathering in-kind donations, and offering support where needed.
Parent Leads & Classroom Support
We recruit, assign, and organize Parent Leads— parent/caregiver volunteers who help coordinate holiday celebrations, Teacher Appreciation Week, classroom support needs, and communication between families and guides. Parent Leads also help share volunteer opportunities and ways families can assist in the classroom environment.
Communication Between Families and the School
The Parent Committee helps foster strong connections among families and between families and the school community. We support communication efforts that help parents feel welcomed, informed, and engaged.

Executive Board

The LFM/YVMSA Parent Committee Executive Board is composed of volunteer parents and caregivers who help guide the work of the Parent Committee throughout the year. All positions are open to any LFM/YVMSA parent or caregiver and do not require previous experience.

Board members are elected each year prior to summer break. There is no term limit; officers continue serving unless they choose to step down. The essential officer positions include President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, but the Parent Committee recognizes that family schedules and volunteer availability vary from year to year. Board roles may be combined or adjusted as needed, as long as the nonprofit maintains the minimum number of three board officers required for 501(c)(3) compliance. Please contact the Parent Committee if you would like more information about running for a Board position.

Our Executive Board typically includes:

President – Facilitates meetings, coordinates activities, and supports committee operations
Vice President – Assists the President and helps lead projects and initiatives
Treasurer – Oversees financial records and manages nonprofit compliance
Secretary – Manages communication, minutes, and organizational documentation; this position may be combined with another role or temporarily removed if responsibilities can be absorbed by other officers

2025–2026 Executive Board Members

President – Arwen Edsall

Arwen and her family joined Little Friends last school year, and she is grateful for the strong sense of community they have experienced since then. She enjoys supporting connection among families and helping the Parent Committee continue its tradition of engagement and fundraising. Arwen is delighted to serve as President this year and help build a welcoming and inclusive community for all families.

Vice President / Secretary – Allie Knodell

Allie has been part of the Little Friends community since last school year and loves watching her child grow in the Montessori environment. She brings enthusiasm for community-building and enjoys supporting both families and guides through her role on the Board. Allie is excited to serve as Vice President/Secretary and help strengthen the Parent Committee’s work this year.

Treasurer – Tia Foster

Tia recently joined Little Friends this school year and became involved with the Parent Committee right away. She is passionate about supporting children and families and enjoys bringing her experience in early learning systems to her role as Treasurer. Tia looks forward to helping strengthen the Parent Committee’s efforts and contributing to a positive and connected school community.

Page updated

Report abuse