Board of Directors

Janessa has served on the Board of Directors at FPMS since the Spring of 2023. Janessa is a Director of Clinical Operations at Optum Insight and specializes in Utilization Management and Case Management with 12 years of nursing and administrative experience. Janessa has a deep passion for creating a healthcare system that breaks down obstacles and creates a better experience for patients, the healthcare staff, and the community. Janessa graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2009 and later pursued her Nursing degree in 2011. Janessa is devoted to her husband, Torrance, and two daughters, Vala (5) and Haven (2.5). In her free time, she loves to cook, spend quality time with family, long hikes in the mountains, audible books, and root for her CO sports teams. Janessa feels empowered to redefine what it means to be a working mom and is committed to building connection and community both at home and in the school / workplace. Janessa has grown to love the Forest Park Montessori school and community and is committed to supporting the mission and serving the school and teachers.

Jennifer has served on the Board of Directors since January 2023 and has been Treasurer since August 2023. Jennifer and her husband Alex have three boys (8, 5 and 2) with a fourth boy due in November. She has a heart for community service and volunteering and has served her Town as Trustee and Mayor and currently serves on the PTO at her older kids’ school as well as serving on the BOD at Forest Park. While most of their family’s free time is spent doing kids activities (ninja, swimming, soccer and cub scouts), when there is extra time they enjoy bike riding, going to the zoo, visiting new playgrounds and parks and swimming. Jennifer works at BAE Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) as a Civil Space New Business Program Manager & Capture Manager. She attended The Ohio State University for her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and CU Boulder for her Master’s degree in Engineering Management and Electrical Engineering. She is passionate about the mission of Forest Park and supporting the school and teachers to ensure the school’s success.

Melissa (“Lyssa”) Hansard is mother to FPMS alumni Grace (10) and Charles (8), and current primary classroom students Eloise (5) and Rose (3). Eloise is enjoying her capstone kindergarten year in Montessori, while Rose has progressed from the inaugural infant classroom at Forest Park. Lyssa’s own early education in Montessori has instilled in her a deep appreciation for its values, and she is passionate about working with other parents to support the school community.

Lyssa is the founder of Cura HR, a Human Resources consulting firm, where she has led the growth of her team and practice since 2010. Lyssa has served as the FPMS Board Treasurer for three years and is currently in her second year as Board Secretary. Lyssa and her husband, Matt Hansard, have contributed to the school by leading the maintenance (playground) committee, teacher appreciation committee, and supported fundraising efforts over the past eight years.

“We most appreciate the joy and encouragement we experience from the teachers, as well as the camaraderie and connections with other families,” says Lyssa.

Megan Christie is a photographer and mom to 5 kids in BVSD schools. Her son Hudson attends the pre-k program at Forest Park. She has served on the board previously and has been involved in the school off and on since its inception. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Colorado teaching license. She works full-time in her downtown Erie studio, serving families and businesses in the Northern Colorado area.

I’m a Colorado native, originally from Colorado Springs before moving to Boulder where I earned my business degree from CU. With a career spanning sales, customer service, and real estate, I’ve always prioritized building strong relationships—both professionally and within the community.

One of my greatest passions is travel, and it was while exploring the Greek islands that I met my husband, Shane. Together, we’ve made our home in Erie and are grateful to be part of the Forest Park community, where our sons Jack and Max are thriving. Forest Park has given so much to our family, and I’m excited to give back by supporting the continued growth and success of our school.

Andi has a BS in Psychology with a focus on Child Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University where she was first introduced to the Montessori pedagogy. Andi has her Montessori Teaching Certification for the primary (3-6).