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 part of the Parent Committee community and are welcome to participate in events, meetings, and volunteer opportunities. Participation is always optional.

The Parent Committee is led by a volunteer Executive Board, elected annually, which is responsible for planning, decision-making, and operations.

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.

We believe in growing community the same way children learn — gently, intentionally, and together.

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 may host monthly meetings to share updates, highlight upcoming events, and provide opportunities for families to connect and get involved. These gatherings are intended to be welcoming and community-focused. Organizational planning, decision-making, and operations are handled by the Executive Board to ensure consistency and continuity. Whenever possible, meetings held in person 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 Within the Community
The Parent Committee helps foster strong connections among families and within the school community. While we do not make decisions on behalf of the school, we can help direct families to the appropriate school contacts and support positive, respectful communication.

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. While responsibilities may be shared collaboratively, the roles of Treasurer and Secretary must be maintained as distinct positions to ensure proper financial oversight and organizational recordkeeping.

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

2026–2027 Executive Board Members

President – Arwen Edsall

Arwen and her family joined Little Friends in the fall of 2024, 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 for the second year in a row to continue building a welcoming and inclusive community for all families.

Vice President – Courtney Viau

Courtney found the Little Friends and Young Voyagers community in 2021 is and excited for the opportunity to serve as Vice President of the Parent Committee this year. Since joining the Little Friends community, her family has felt welcomed and supported. Courtney looks forward to helping strengthen connections among families, supporting school events and Committee fundraising efforts, and contributing to a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

Treasurer – Tia Foster

Tia joined Little Friends last 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 continuing strengthening the Parent Committee’s efforts and contributing to a positive and connected school community.

Secretary – Melodie Dickey

Melodie joined Little Friends in 2024 and has loved everything about the school family over the last couple of years. When she is not spending time with her husband and two kids, you can find her in the courtroom working as a lawyer, or baking in her kitchen. She is excited to do whatever she can to support the LFM/YVMSA community and its families!

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