Shanan has been a dedicated member of the Board of Management since 2016. With a professional background based in law and business, she brings clear communication and strategic oversight to our governance team. Her why is deeply personal; as a mother to three sons who attended the school, she felt a profound alignment with the Montessori philosophy and considers it a privilege to contribute to an organization that impacts the development of children so significantly.

Shanan is particularly inspired by the idea that Montessori education fosters intrinsic motivation; a concept she believes is fundamental to a successful future. She still vividly remembers her first visit to the school, where she was struck not just by the beautiful grounds, but by the capable, confident, and well-spoken students leading the tours.

When she isn’t volunteering her time to help guide our school’s strategic direction, SB runs a business with her husband and is currently in training to become a Homeopath. She approaches her life and leadership with a strong sense of accountability, living by the quote: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”

David joined the Board in 2023, following a distinguished 30-year career working for independent school organisations. Now retired, he brings long-term experience with independent schools, specifically in the areas of governance, strategic planning, finances, and funding. His “why” for joining the Association is deeply rooted in his history with the school; he knew the community well through his former role as Executive Director of Independent Schools Queensland and had been involved in strategic planning for the school over many years.

David is particularly drawn to the Montessori concept of educating young people to be responsible and valuable persons within a sense of community. He values the school’s dedicated staff, its beautiful natural environment, and its unique ability to look after each individual child.

When he isn’t volunteering his expertise to support our strategic future, David is an avid bush walker and enjoys reading non-fiction. He approaches his life and his role on the Board guided by a simple, kind mantra: “See good in everybody.”

Neil joined the Board of Management in 2020, bringing extensive knowledge and experience across a broad range of commercial operation functions. In his day job, he serves as a National Contracts Manager for a large industrial distribution business, a role that lends itself to the Board’s responsibility for defining operational goals and monitoring administrative performance.

Initially drawn to the Moreton Bay Montessori Association to help the positive experience his own family enjoyed be shared with others, Neil is a strong advocate for the Montessori concept of independence.

What he loves most about our school is the combination of caring staff and the beautiful environment provided for the children. When he isn’t volunteering his time to support the Association’s strategic direction, Neil enjoys music, sport, and gardening. He is guided in his life by a powerful quote: “I am not a product of my circumstances; I am a product of my decisions.”

Nick is our longest-serving Director, having joined the Board of Management in 2008. Initially approached to join when his children were starting their journey at the school, he remained a dedicated member much longer than he first anticipated. Professionally, Nick is a Project and Engineering Manager who specializes in complex technical programs and extensive stakeholder engagement. He brings this project management expertise with strategic planning and contract management experience – skills that directly support the Board’s responsibility for monitoring administrative performance and statutory compliance.

Nick deeply appreciates the Montessori approach to developing a “rounded person.” He values the philosophy’s focus on interpersonal skills alongside academic excellence, seeing these as vital tools for students as they progress into high school and the workforce. On campus, he has always been drawn to the beautiful open green spaces that define our school’s environment.

When he isn’t volunteering his time to ensure the Association’s ongoing viability, Nick is an avid cyclist who rides four times a week. He approaches his responsibilities with a disciplined mindset, living by the quote: “Everyone must choose one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”

Shane joined the Board of Management in 2026, bringing a practical, solutions-focused approach to strategic project management, financial management, and corporate governance.

Professionally, he is a Business Partner across two successful restaurant enterprises, where his day-to-day operations provide him with extensive hands-on expertise in leadership, fiscal control, and long-term business planning—skills he directly applies to supporting the Board’s strategic oversight and governance responsibilities.

Shane’s connection to Moreton Bay Montessori Association spans a decade, having watched his daughter grow and flourish within the school environment. Inspired by the confidence, independence, and strong character she developed during her journey through to her Grade 6 graduation, Shane joined the Board to give back to the community and help steward the school’s future for upcoming generations of students.

Deeply aligned with the Montessori philosophy, Shane is particularly drawn to the concept of Grace and Courtesy, viewing it as a cornerstone for developing lifelong interpersonal skills, kindness, and respectful leadership. On campus, he particularly values the peaceful, natural environment and open spaces that encourage children to explore and build independence.

When he isn’t volunteering his time to guide our school’s strategic direction, Shane enjoys spending time on the golf course. He approaches his life and leadership with a commitment to continuous growth, living by the quote: “Lead with kindness, act with purpose and never stop learning.”

Robert joined the Board in 2026, contributing strong business management acumen and operational oversight to the team. Professionally, they serve as the Managing Director of their own transport advisory business, bringing hands-on commercial experience, executive leadership, and strategic planning capabilities that directly support the Board in its stewardship and statutory governance responsibilities.

Motivated by a desire to be actively involved in shaping the school’s future direction, Robert joined the Board to support the school community and ensure the ongoing growth and viability of the Moreton Bay Montessori Association. They are drawn to the school’s supportive community, which fosters meaningful engagement among families, educators, and students.

In alignment with the Montessori philosophy, Robert strongly resonates with the principle of Grace and Courtesy, appreciating how its emphasis on empathy, mutual respect, and positive social conduct creates an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

Outside of their professional commitments and Board service, Robert is a qualified yoga teacher. They approach leadership and governance with a mindful, open-hearted perspective, living by the quote: “Out beyond the ideas of right-doing and wrong-doing, there is a field. I will meet you there. It’s a world full of things to talk about.”

Donna joined the Moreton Bay Montessori Association as Board Secretary in 2025. As a small business owner with a background in Executive Coaching and as a certified Art Therapist, Donna brings empathy and a deep understanding of human nature. She utilizes her experience in varied human potential frameworks to support the Board’s leadership and governance functions, ensuring that while the Association meets its statutory obligations, it never loses sight of the people behind the process.

Initially drawn to the school when her son attended the Toddler and Cycle 1 programs, Donna’s why is fueled by a genuine love for the people, the natural environment, and the Montessori philosophy. She is a passionate advocate for the Montessori concept of respecting the needs and individuality of each child – seeing the true humanity in children, in addition to providing a well-rounded education.

What she loves most about our school is the peaceful, prepared environment that invites everyone to ground themselves and breathe in the fresh air. When she isn’t managing the Association’s official records or calling meetings, Donna enjoys arts and crafts, building LEGO with her son, and bodyboarding at the beach. She approaches her role with a focus on presence, living by the quote: “Doing is never enough, if you neglect being.”