Board of Directors

Our Board is responsible for the overall character and stability of our school. It determines the mission and goals of our school, sets general school policies, provides financial resources through fundraising, and oversees the school's finances by approving the operating and capital budgets and by setting tuition, fees, and salaries.

ROB BUSCHMAN

Rob is a Certified Public Accountant and is a partner at Cuddy and Ward CPA’s for the past three years. He is Board President of the Salvation Army for the past ten years and Board President of Evergreen Heights for the past six years. Rob is on the board for the Auburn Industrial Development Authority and is also a former member of the Auburn Board of Education. Rob enjoys running, biking, swimming and golf.

REINGARD MIRZA

Reingard grew up in Germany and spent 18 months in England as an au pair. She attended Albrecht-Ludwigs University in Frieburg where she majored in English and Biology. She moved to the US in 1993 where she started work at Endocrinology PLCC as a book keeper. In September of 2003 Reingard started teaching and joined the Montessori School of the Finger Lakes. Reingard is married with two children, 8 and 13, who both attend/ed the Montessori School. Reingard enjoys music, reading, travel and weaving.

NICOLE ROZELLE

Bachelors of Science in Human resources from Kings College, PA, and a Masters of Science in Human Resourses from the University of Scranton, PA. Nicole is the Human Resources Director at Cayuga Counseling Services, Inc. Nicole has lived in the Auburn community for 7 years, and has two children who attended the Montessori School of the Finger Lakes. Nicole enjoys reading and horseback riding.

DAVID WARREN CONNELLY

Writer, working on biography and play of Thomas Mott Osborne, early 20th century prison reformer. Dave was also the Publisher of The Finger Lakes Business Almanac for seven years, and was the Editor of The Citizen for eight years, winning numerous awards. Dave is on the Board of trustees for Cayuga Home for Children, and is the Board Chair at Montessori School of the Finger Lakes. Dave also conceived and co-founded Equality Circles, which introduced racial sensitivity training to police officers, prosecutors, city employees and private employers, including Wegman’s.

VIJAY K. MITAL

Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Master's degree in city planning. Vijay is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He retired as Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Auburn in 2003. Mr. Mital is actively involved in several professional organizations as a board member. He is the chairman of the Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency and also chairs the Boyle Center Board. He has forty years of experience in the development of public sector programs.

JULIA HAMMOND ALLEN

Holds a BSC in Television production from Ithaca College. Julia Worked in Television for the BBC, worked in sports travel for many years, owned a catering company and finally found her way to the Montessori School of the Finger Lakes when her two children reached school age. Julia now does administrative work for the school. Both of her children attended Montessori for 5 years, with her youngest still in the Elementary program. Julia enjoys spending time with family, cooking, walking/hiking. Julia is also a TomatoFest Board member.
Goals of the
Montessori Method
With an eye toward the development of a competent, self-assured, independent, and caring adult, the Montessori method aims to:
  • Foster natural curiosity and a positive attitude toward school
  • Develop each child's self-confidence and habits of initiative, concentration, and persistence
  • Nurture inner security and a sense of order