Will Umphres is a multifaceted individual, embodying the roles of a dedicated parent, passionate teacher, accomplished scholar, and unwavering advocate. As a Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Cincinnati, Will has been a driving force in shaping the minds of students since 2015.

With a foundation laid at the University of Virginia, where Will both taught and studied, a Ph.D. in Government became the cornerstone of a thriving career in political theory. Specializing in normative democratic theory and deliberative democratic thought, Will imparts invaluable knowledge through courses in the history of political theory, social and political thought, and Constitutional Law.

Beyond the classroom, Will assumes the pivotal role of Director of the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation at UC. This position underscores a commitment to dismantling the false belief in racial hierarchy and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages embracing our shared humanity.

A prolific scholar, Will has contributed to various scholarly journals, including Constellations and Political Theory. However, it is perhaps the tangible impact showcased in a video from the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati that truly exemplifies the public engagement and teaching approach championed by Will.

As a parent of two current students at CRA, Will has a firsthand understanding of how the institution nurtures the whole person and, in doing so, fosters a sense of community. This personal connection informs Will’s perspective on the relationships of citizenship and the construction of “We the People” through democratic politics.

The dedication to meeting each child where they are and fostering a love of learning is a sentiment close to Will’s heart. This commitment aligns with the belief that education should be a transformative journey, allowing individuals to discover the joy of learning for themselves.

Armed with a Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia, Will Umphres is not only an academic but also a dedicated advocate for positive change. His multifaceted roles as a parent, teacher, scholar, and advocate converge to shape a narrative of meaningful contributions to education, community, and the broader discourse on democratic principles.

Michelina Jessen has four years of lead teacher experience in a Montessori classroom as well as three years before that of subbing and aftercare teacher roles at various Montessori schools in the area. She has also worked in administration at a Montessori school as assistant to the Head of School. She is currently staying home with her 10 month old son and loving every minute of it, but she definitely looks forward to returning to the classroom in the next couple of years!

Katie Dean is a parent member of the Board and currently serves as Secretary on the Board Executive Committee. Professionally, Katie is the US Medical Strategy Lead for Amica Scientific, providing medical strategy and communications support for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. She joined the CRA community in 2022 with her husband, Jeff, and daughter, Cora, who started in the Early Childhood classroom and is now an Elementary student. As part of the Board, Katie enjoys working with a diverse group of parent and community members to drive community engagement and support the continued success and growth of CRA.

Emily Burkart is the Accounting Partner at Zimmerman & Co CPAs, a small, women-owned firm located on the east side of Cincinnati. Emily lives with her husband, Matt, and their two daughters, Emma and Ellie, in Union, KY. The Burkart children attended CRA from 2018 through 2025, from toddler through third grade. Having a Montessori childhood and finding CRA to fulfill that Montessori experience for her children makes CRA a very special place to the Burkart’s, so serving on the board is a way to give back and help ensure that this tradition continues for other families. Emily has served on the CRA Board of Trustees since 2023.

Matt Abeling is an engineer and program manager at Modern Technology Solutions, Inc., and a former Naval Aviator and developmental test pilot. He is married to Emily, and they have two boys, Archer and Theo, who both attend CRA. He believes strongly in CRA’s mission and wants to help ensure that future students have access to the same kind of school and community his children have today. He especially enjoys serving on the CRA Board because he values the CRA community and appreciates the opportunity to give back and help support its continued success.

Joey Hill is an attorney with Josh McIntosh Law, who focuses his practice on criminal and family law. Prior to joining JML in 2023, Joey practiced with Adams Law and the Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.  The Hill family has a toddler who is currently learning at Crescent Ridge Academy and is always giddy to walk through her classroom door in the mornings! Joey loves spending time running around keeping up with his daughter and her partner in crime pup, Rosie.   Within days of Joey’s first school year involved with the school, he recognized everyone at CRA’s steadfast commitment to developing students individually and as part of a community. He is proud that his daughter and family is a part of such a wonderful community that celebrates the whole child and allows the children to learn with passion. 

Cindy Starnes is a retired teacher having taught in the Campbell Co. and Kenton Co. School Districts for 33 years in the lower elementary, specifically 2nd and 3rd grades. For the last 5 years she has been supervising student teachers at U.C. She has been married for 37 years and has 3 children and 1 grandchild. She lives in the Taylor Mill area. She is serving on the CRA Board because she has always been committed to learning and she is excited to continue serving education by helping to strengthen the Montessori learning community.

Julie Kugler-Ackley holds a Master of Education and AMS credentials (K–8), brings a wealth of expertise in higher education, professional development, knowledge of Montessori pedagogy and philosophy, and prior Board and non-profit volunteer experience to the Board of Trustees. Julie joined the CRA Board to foster collaborative community growth, support evolving institutional needs, and empower students as global citizens.  I joined the CRA Board to actively contribute my passion for education, build strong community collaboration, and advance CRA’s core mission of lifelong learning and global citizenship.