About the Board

As a non-profit corporation Rowan Tree Children’s School has a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the short- and long-term strategic advancement of the mission and values of the school and oversees the legal, financial, and general judiciary decision-making for the school. The Board also hires the Head of School.

The Board meets in the evening, approximately 10 times a year (though sometimes there are additional specially called or emergency meetings). Board membership is voluntary and composition has included parents (current and alumni), grandparents, and friends of RTCS. The Board also includes the Head of School and Administration Coordinator as non-voting members. Directors are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to RTCS and their professional expertise and skills. 

Meet the Board

  • LAra Hintelmann

    Lara Hintelmann

    Chair

    Lara’s professional background is in community development investigating and co-creating solutions to housing issues and she holds a Master’s degree in Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. She currently works in the Deans’ Office at Trent University and serves on the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee. Lara has been a parent at RTCS since 2021 and has two children who attend the school. She enjoys hikes in the wilderness, studying maps, nature crafts, and Sunday afternoon tea with her two daughters and husband.

  • Alison Chisholm

    Secretary

    Alison is a mother of four, with three children currently attending RTCS. As Registered Psychotherapist, she is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and supporting mental well-being. Alison values the strong sense of community at RTCS and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute as both a parent and board member.

  • Jordan Detmers

    Jordan is a dedicated Rowan Tree parent and advocate for nature-based education. With a professional background in sales, consulting, and stakeholder engagement, he brings a broad skill set in strategic planning, data analysis, and community collaboration. Previously a member of the Downtown London DBIA board, Jordan supported major organizational improvements and strategic direction. Jordan holds a B.Sc. in Biology and a Masters in Sustainability from Western University. He is committed to helping Rowan Tree grow and continue offering children meaningful, outdoor-rooted learning experiences.  

  • Maureen Corrigan

    Maureen is an experienced educator whose career spans public schools, independent programs, and special education settings in Canada and abroad. She has taught a wide range of subjects, supported children with diverse learning needs, and holds additional qualifications in music, special education, and Waldorf teacher training. With a strong commitment to inclusive, child-centred learning, Maureen brings decades of practical teaching insight that enriches and strengthens the Rowan Tree community.

  • Sabrina Hale

    Head of School
    (non-voting member)

    Sabrina is a graduate of Queen’s University’s Outdoor and Experiential Education program. She helped develop Rowan Tree Children’s School’s Nature Kindergarten and Grade School programs before becoming Head of School in 2023. She’s honored to help shape the school’s vision, ensuring experiential, nature connected, and Waldorf-inspired education remain at its heart.

  • Elaine Kempt

    Administration and Finance Coordinator
    (non-voting member)

    Elaine is passionate about her work at Rowan Tree and has a background in legal, bookkeeping, and entrepreneurship. Watching the children grow is a great enjoyment for her, as well as her granddaughter attending the Forest Fridays program.

  • Can you see your name here?

    The Board is seeking additional members to support the growth and prosperity of Rowan Tree Children’s School!

  • Or maybe here?

    We’d happily take on more than one new Board member who’s willing to bring relevant talent and passion to the team!