BOARD CHAIR

Joanna Hernandez is a seasoned human resources professional with over two decades of experience supporting and leading HR functions across non-profit organizations and higher education institutions. She has built and nurtured HR teams while playing a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture, fostering talent, and ensuring compliance with HR policies and practices.

Joanna’s career includes impactful roles at institutions such as Harvard University, New England College of Optometry, the National Center on Time and Learning, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, Harvey Mudd College, and Chapman University.

Her areas of expertise include strategic workforce planning, employee relations, talent acquisition, benefits, compensation and organizational development.

Joanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark University.

VICE CHAIR

As an educator for 20 years Krystle advocates for educational excellence, bridging gaps between families and institutions. Her expertise extends from supporting homeschool families to designing professional learning experiences for collaborative child and family services. With her current work as a Literacy Academic Content Liaison in Baltimore City Public Schools, she has driven significant improvements in academic achievement. Her roles as a Consulting Teacher and Staff Development Teacher reflect a commitment to uplifting educators, evidenced by her focus on instructional best practices and professional development. With a rich history as a classroom teacher, she brings firsthand experience in diverse student instruction and leadership.

TREASURER

Jessica McCloskey brings over 15 years of educational experience and leadership acumen to her role as a board member. With a Master’s in Montessori Education and Organizational Management, coupled with teaching experience in Special Education and Montessori instruction, she is deeply committed to nurturing student success and fostering inclusive learning environments. Drawing from this rich background and teaching experience, Jessica has served as an assistant principal for a large culturally diverse school, advocating for best practices for all students. Presently, as the Founding Principal of Early Childhood at a public full-day preschool in Massachusetts, she remains steadfast in championing the Montessori philosophy, play-based learning, and inclusive practices in our classrooms.

Francoise was born and raised in Hartford, CT. Her parents were born and raised in Haiti before coming to the United States. Her parents believed that education was the key to survival and success. This gave her the foundation for work in education and philanthropy. She graduated from UConn with a BA in Sociology. Then she earned her Masters in Education at the University of Hartford. She also earned her AMI Primary Montessori certificate at the Montessori Training Center Northeast..

Francoise is a Primary Guide at Brookside Montessori Program in Norwalk, CT. Francoise is also an International Education Consultant. She travels to Montessori and traditional schools around the world providing educational support and professional learning opportunities for the educators.

When she is not teaching, Francoise is spending time with her family. She is a proud mother of four children.

Francoise is an elected member of the Hartford Board of Education. She serves as Secretary for the Board.

Francoise is an active member of the Greater Hartford Branch of the NAACP.

BOARD MEMBER

Jodi Kraus is a skilled business analyst and nonprofit board member with extensive experience in financial planning, operations, and process improvement. As a Senior Business Analyst at Starbucks, she leads cross-functional initiatives to optimize performance and support facilities operations.

She served as a Board Member at Indigo Montessori (2024–2025), offering strategic and legal oversight to support the school’s mission.

With a background in architecture from Virginia Tech and a strong foundation in analytics, reporting, and project management, Jodi brings a thoughtful, data-driven approach to both corporate and nonprofit leadership.