Board of Directors

We always welcome new talent to the NEIM Board of Directors! Being a volunteer on our Board of Directors is a great way to assist the school and to connect with community members. Our goal is to have a robust, diverse group working for the good of all. It is not a requirement to have children, or to have had a child who attends or has attended NEIM. All are welcome. If you would like more information please contact us at neimboardofdirectors@gmail.com.

Lara Martinsen-Burrell

President

Lara, avid supporter of NEIM, is making her debut appearance on a board. The mama of a NEIM Elementary student, homeschooled middle schooler (who attended Montessori preschool) and KinderHaus preschooler. She and her partner Neil make their home in the country, NE of Decorah.

Lara‘s interest in the early life of a child really came to life when working with homeless youth. She followed the curiosity into bodywork, abdominal health, home-birth, and parenting. The yearning for community life that supports the human body in it’s diverse manifestations and times of development spark her interest in Montessori education. Lara brings her well of random skills with gladness, to serve the community.

Shannon Dallenbach Durbin

Vice President

Shannon Dallenbach Durbin is the mother of current (Link and Felix) and aspiring (Iggy) Montessori youth. She is the director of ArtHaus in Decorah.

Jane Busch

Secretary and Founding Member

Jane Busch was instrumental in founding NEIM and continues to be passionately involved in its growth and changes as both a staff member and board contributor. Miss Jane is the lead guide for NEIM’s Elementary program.

Miss Jane holds a Master’s Degree from Loyola University in Baltimore, MD in Montessori Education at the Elementary level, ages 6 -12. She also has an undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa, in Elementary Education with an endorsement in middle school (4th – 9th grade) and an emphasis in earth science.

Jane lives north of Decorah with her husband and two children. In her free time she enjoys gardening and reading and just being outside.

Scott Searcy

Treasurer

Scott is a hard worker with a long history of commitment to NEIM. He lives in Decorah with his wife and 4 daughters.

Michael Kueny

Board Member

Michael Kueny is the father of Ruth & Liam Kueny and husband of Angela Kueny. He is a land development engineer who works for Paragon Associates in La Crosse, WI and looks forward to serving the needs of NEIM.

Gabby Surovy

Board Member

Gabby Surovy, a Children’s House parent, and her partner, Bob, share a home just outside of Decorah. Although new to the area she kindly jumped in to volunteer at fundraisers and has been an asset ever since. Her love for her family and love for Montessori education is what makes her a happy addition to the NEIM family.