Rob Lewis is an accomplished AV-rated attorney known for his unwavering dedication as a passionate advocate for catastrophically injured clients and their families. Specializing in cases involving birth injuries, he devotes a significant portion of his practice to representing children whose lives have been tragically affected by brain injuries due to poorly managed labors and negligently executed deliveries.

With a successful track record, Rob has litigated numerous cases involving birth injuries, including those related to Cerebral Palsy, perinatal stroke, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and traumatic brain injury. His legal expertise extends to various other forms of medical negligence, encompassing brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, anesthesia errors, surgical errors, and hospital systems failures. Rob approaches his work with a deep sense of commitment, recognizing that litigation is not the first choice for his clients, who have already faced complications due to injury and loss.

Beyond his legal practice, Rob is actively involved in writing and lecturing on birth injury, medical negligence, litigation, and trial practice. He has held significant roles in national organizations, such as the American Association for Justice’s Birth Trauma Litigation Group, where he served as a Co-Chairman and is a current member of the Executive Board. He has also contributed as a Co-Chairman of the American Association of Justice’s Medical Negligence Information Exchange Group.

A proud local, Rob has spent most of his life in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio (1989) and the University of Cincinnati College of Law (1997), he served as an officer in the United States Navy and a Division Officer on the USS MOOSBRUGGER (DD-980) after his undergraduate studies. Post-law school, he had the honor of serving as a judicial clerk to the Honorable William O. Bertelsman, then Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky. His involvement at the University of Cincinnati, College of Law includes serving as Articles Editor and as an Associate on the Law Review.

Rob is a member of the Ohio and Kentucky Bar Associations, American Association for Justice (AAJ), Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ), and Kentucky Justice Association (KJA). He is a Past-President of the University of Cincinnati College of Law Alumni Association. Residing in Northern Kentucky with his wife, Jennifer, and three children, along with their dogs Martin and Molly, Rob actively engages in family life, attending his kids’ school and sporting events. Notably, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Crescent Ridge Academy. In his free time, Rob enjoys the company of his family and, perhaps unsurprisingly, engaging in spirited debates with his wife, Jennifer Lawrence, who is also a lawyer.

Emily Burkart is a trusted, generous, and loyal professional, currently serving as the Accounting Partner at Zimmerman & Co CPAs. With a steadfast commitment to the company, Emily has been an integral part of the team since 1998, contributing to its success and growth.

Emily’s educational journey led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Northern Kentucky University in 2005. This academic achievement, coupled with years of hands-on experience, positions Emily as a knowledgeable and skilled expert in the field of accounting.

As the Accounting Partner, Emily plays a crucial role at Zimmerman & Co CPAs, a small, women-owned firm located on the east side of Cincinnati. The firm specializes in assisting businesses and individuals with their tax and accounting needs, reflecting Emily’s dedication to providing personalized and comprehensive financial solutions.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Emily brings a personal touch to her life choices. Growing up in a Montessori household, she understands the importance of a holistic approach to education. This commitment is evident in her determination to find a Montessori school for her own children, underscoring her values of fostering a child-centric environment.

Emily’s connection to Montessori principles aligns with her appreciation for the fundamental focus on the child and community awareness. This philosophy resonates with her, contributing to a deeper understanding of the importance of community in both personal and professional spheres.

Known for her trustworthiness, generosity, and loyalty, Emily Burkart exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated professional and community member. Her longstanding commitment to Zimmerman & Co CPAs, coupled with her passion for Montessori principles, showcases a well-rounded individual dedicated to both professional excellence and community values.

Cara Ritter is a dedicated and passionate individual, wearing the hats of a devoted mother, loving wife, and cherished friend. Her journey in education began with the completion of her undergraduate degree at Transylvania University, where she majored in Middle School Education with a focus on Math and History, complemented by a Classics Minor.

After obtaining her degree, Cara embarked on a fulfilling career in education, teaching in middle schools across the Fayetteville County and Northern Kentucky areas. Her tenure in the classroom spanned over 14 years, during which she made a lasting impact on the lives of her students.

Cara’s commitment to family led her to make a significant decision to leave the classroom and prioritize the needs of her loved ones. This transition reflected her unwavering dedication to both her professional and personal life.

Having attended Northern Kentucky Montessori (currently Crescent Ridge Academy) as a child, Cara attributes her strong foundation in teaching math to the early exposure to manipulatives and the Montessori approach. Interestingly, her connection to the Montessori environment holds a special place in her heart, as it not only shaped her career but also played a role in her personal life—she and her husband first crossed paths in their preschool class at Northern Kentucky Montessori.

Cara’s belief in the efficacy of early exposure to manipulatives is rooted in her experiences, highlighting the importance of providing children with a solid foundation for grasping advanced and abstract concepts.

In her pursuit of continued learning and professional development, Cara holds a Master’s in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University, showcasing her commitment to staying abreast of educational advancements.

Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Cara Ritter is characterized by her roles as a devoted mother, loving wife, and cherished friend. Her multifaceted journey in education, enriched by personal experiences and connections, reflects a holistic approach to life that embraces both career and family with equal fervor.

Jared Linnell is a dedicated individual, wearing the hats of a proud dad, devoted husband, and accomplished small business owner. His professional journey is characterized by a driven, methodical, and balanced approach, reflecting a commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life.

With a remarkable 17-year tenure at Fidelity Investments, Jared played a pivotal role in helping mid and large-sized companies throughout the Midwest design and administer their retirement, health savings, and student debt benefit plans. His expertise in this field contributed significantly to the financial well-being of numerous organizations.

In 2017, Jared co-founded Glass Water Properties (GWP), marking a significant step into entrepreneurship. GWP owns and operates multi-family residential properties in Northern Kentucky, showcasing Jared’s ability to transition from a corporate environment to small business ownership. This venture reflects his drive to explore new horizons and make a tangible impact on the local community.

In 2023, Jared made the decision to step away from his longstanding career at Fidelity to focus on growing GWP and to be a more present husband and dad. This decision underscores Jared’s commitment to achieving a balanced and fulfilling life, prioritizing both professional success and personal connections.

As a parent of two boys, August and Rowan, who both attended CRA, Jared has a personal connection to the transformative impact of the school. Auggie’s journey from toddler through grade 2 and Rowan’s experience in grades 3-5 provided the Linnell family with a wonderful and enriching experience. Jared expresses a deep appreciation for the staff and mission of CRA, highlighting a desire to contribute to the school’s growth and success in impacting other families similarly.

Jared’s love for the focus on the whole child at CRA aligns with his holistic approach to life. This commitment to nurturing every aspect of a child’s development resonates with his values as a parent and an individual dedicated to making a positive impact.

In terms of education, Jared holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Assumption University, underlining his solid academic foundation. Additionally, he possesses FINRA series 7, 63, and 26 licenses, showcasing his commitment to ongoing professional development and financial expertise.

In essence, Jared Linnell embodies a professional with a diverse skill set, a commitment to family, and a strong dedication to community impact. His journey reflects the pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life, where business success coexists harmoniously with personal connections and community engagement.

Julie Kugler-Ackley, a dedicated professional, enriches our community with her passion for life, community engagement, and commitment to education. On the Board of Trustees, Julie brings a vibrant perspective, valuing collaboration and the shared sense of purpose within our community.

With a background in creating professional development programs, planning events, and initiating innovative processes, Julie’s experience aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of our institution. Her ability to fulfill responsibilities independently and her comprehensive understanding of various functions and service opportunities make her a valuable addition to our governance team.

Julie’s academic journey includes a Master of Education from Xavier University (1997) and a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University (1991). As an AMS-credentialed professional for both Early Childhood and Elementary levels, along with an Ohio license for grades K-8, Julie brings a wealth of expertise to the board.

Beyond her professional achievements, Julie’s enthusiasm for community, teaching methodologies, and fostering global citizenship resonates with our institution’s values. Her dynamic approach to life, characterized by family, exploration, and a commitment to continuous growth, aligns with the ethos of our community.

Julie Kugler-Ackley stands as a valuable trustee, embodying a lifelong learner with a genuine dedication to the principles of our institution. Her diverse experiences and proactive mindset contribute to the collaborative spirit of our Board of Trustees.

Katie Dean considers herself to be a lifelong learner, clearly reflected by the evolution of her roles in life as a scientist, a writer, a strategist, and a mother. With a love for science since childhood, Katie holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University (2006) and spent 6 years conducting post-graduate research at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University. As a Research Assistant Professor, she conducted research focused on understanding the mechanisms that drive different cancer types and the potential for targeted therapies to treat those cancers.

Throughout her career as a scientist, Katie also learned how critical communication can be in facilitating public understanding of science and medicine. This ultimately led her to leave the laboratory in 2012 in pursuit of a new career in medical writing. Since then, Katie has held multiple roles in the medical communications industry and is now an SVP, Portfolio Director & Team Lead for Medical Capabilities at Envision Pharma Group. At Envision, Katie leads a team of scientific directors and writers in proving medical strategy and communication support for pharmaceutical and biotech companies across the globe – delivering scientific and medical information that matters for both healthcare professionals and patients/caregivers.

At home, Katie shares her love of learning with her husband, Jeff, and daughter, Cora. As a family, they believe that learning goes beyond the academic setting and includes practical learning around the house and outdoors, learning about your community and the bigger world around you, and learning what different types of activities and hobbies bring you joy! This perspective on “educating the whole child” from both an individual and community standpoint is what led Katie and Jeff to the Montessori Philosophy of learning and Crescent Ridge Academy in 2022.

In the short time that Katie has been a part of the CRA family, it didn’t take long for her to get involved – asking how to help, joining the event planning committee, and volunteering to join the CRA Board of Trustees as a parent representative in 2023. Katie believes in the importance of parents working collaboratively with the wonderful teachers and staff at CRA to foster the development of our children, and she is looking forward to contributing to a bright future.