As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MRA is guided by a Fiduciary Board of Directors that oversees the school’s finances and supports its Mission, Vision, and Values. The Board may also help develop policies, procedures, and regulations that support the overall operation of MRA.
Note: This is not a traditional “School Board.” Curriculum or programming feedback should be directed to MRA’s Education Director or Executive Director.
Jen Creager has served on the fiduciary board since 2019 and has prior nonprofit board experience, including serving as a co-president.
She has a bachelor’s degree in social science with an emphasis in global studies and is almost done with an executive master’s in digital transformation and innovation leadership. For work, she is the Head of the Project Management Office for an alternative investment company. Her work includes enterprise AI strategy and aligning projects to organizational strategic goals.
She is a parent of children at the school. Her passion about science and education led her to Montessori. One of her favorite Montessori quotes is, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind,” which reflects her belief that children are our future and why she is passionate about this school.
Jessi Gurr has served on the fiduciary board since 2017. She has more than 20 years of experience in business management and is the owner of Iceberg Web Design, a website development agency in Anoka, Minnesota. Jessi has also served on the Board of Directors for the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce.
She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and philosophy. Professionally, Jessi frequently speaks at conferences and local events on business growth, team culture, and management. She is excited about the rapid changes that AI is bringing to the market and helps teams thrive by learning how to execute in this new technological world.
Jessi has two children who have attended MRA since they were in the Toddler and Children’s House programs. Her boys are currently in E2 and Middle School and have grown through the school’s principles of independence, responsibility, and respect.
Joelle Alvord joined the fiduciary board in November 2025. Although new to MRA, she brings familiarity with Montessori education, as her children previously attended another Montessori school.
Joelle is an honor graduate of Anoka Senior High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in business as well as a master’s degree in business management with a human resources emphasis. She has a strong passion for academics and lifelong learning and continues to stay engaged as a liaison for MRA through Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce AM Connections meetings.
Professionally, Joelle has an extensive background in sales, customer service, and management. She spent 29 years with a company formerly known as GTE Directories Corp., working in the Yellow Pages industry and supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Southern California. Following early retirement, she spent four years with Zillow, selling advertising to real estate professionals. She also has experience in real estate and the health club industry. In addition, she serves as a commissioner on the City of Anoka Economic Development Commission.
In her free time, Joelle enjoys playing cards, snowmobiling, boating, watching sports, and staying active at the gym. She values time spent with her family and friends.
Tiffany Toland has been part of MRA since 2022, when she started working in the office. She stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2024 and began serving on the fiduciary board at that time.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and brings more than 10 years of experience in early childhood education. Tiffany taught a toddler class for over a year and spent six years teaching a traditional Pre-K classroom. She then moved into childcare leadership, serving as an Assistant Director and later as a Director of childcare centers.
Tiffany has a deep passion for early childhood education and finds joy in seeing children gain confidence as they master new skills and overcome challenges independently.
In her free time, Tiffany enjoys reading, playing instruments, cooking, baking, and playing video games.
Karla Wagner has been part of MRA since November 2010 and currently serves as the Education Director. Over the years, she has held several roles within the school, including Toddler Teacher for six years, Children’s House Lead Teacher for eight years, and Music Teacher for three years. She has also served on the fiduciary board for the past two years.
Karla holds a bachelor’s degree in music education with distinction from the University of Minnesota and a Montessori Primary Diploma from the North American Montessori Center. She also holds a Minnesota state teaching license in music education. In addition to her work at MRA, she teaches private piano and voice lessons.
Karla is passionate about the Montessori method and values the way it opens students to a world of learning and discovery. She is a proud mom to two sons, two daughters-in-law, and a grandson.
In her free time, Karla enjoys music, nature, reading, and spending time with her family. She is also a member of the North Suburban Music Club, part of the National Federation of Music Clubs.
Tom has been on the MRA Board of Directors since 2017.
Kira has been on the MRA Board since 2025.
Board members participate in:
They also take part, as able, in community events such as: