Dr. Rachelle Smith is an educational consultant from Columbus, Ohio who lives with her husband and two boys, ages 12 and 14. 

She has 20 years of experience in education and is deeply passionate about increasing equity in schools. Dr. Smith is the founder and board chair of Rainbow Montessori Community School, which is Ohio’s first public charter Montessori school serving children ages 4 through 8th grade. Dr. Smith has been heavily involved in nonprofit work and previously founded a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provided free art workshops to children and families from low-income neighborhoods in the greater Columbus area. She has also worked as an art educator in various school settings serving low-income urban populations and students with disabilities. 

Josh Smith is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the art and financial services industry. He has held various leadership roles, including his current role as a Vice President of Business Banking. 

In addition to his work in finance, Josh is a professional jazz trumpeter and a commercial & editorial fashion photographer. As a trumpeter, he has performed and recorded with several bands including O.A.R. and Company of Thieves, and has traveled the world performing abroad in Europe and at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center in NYC; and as a commercial & editorial fashion photographer, Josh is known for creating vibrant imagery that explores themes of culture, color and texture. His work has been featured in several fashion campaigns, in Vogue, and in exhibitions across the country. 

Throughout his career, Josh has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for driving organizational and personal success. When not in the studio, Josh is actively involved in the community mentoring aspiring youth, artists and photographers in his studio located in Downtown Columbus.  

To learn more, visit: www.therainbowschool.org

Summer Howard has dedicated her life to education and child development. As a wife and mother of six, she understands the importance of creating enriching learning experiences both at home and in the community. Her passion for education has led her to serve in various educational roles, including teaching in public classrooms and co-founding Prime Time Education, a nonprofit that works to provide extracurricular programs for underserved children. Summer earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and is also completing her Master of Education in Teaching and Learning at UCO. She is set to graduate this May.

As Co-Founder of Oklahoma Public Montessori Initiative, Oklahoma’s first public charter Montessori school, Summer is committed to expanding access to innovative, student-centered education. In her current role as a reading interventionist, she helps students close learning gaps and reach their full potential. Through her work and advocacy, she continues to empower children and families, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed.

Rufus Howard is a passionate educator with over 15 years of experience in public education. He is a father of six and a longstanding member of the Oklahoma City community. He has served on the Community Schools Coalition of Greater Oklahoma as well as several other boards. He is a YMCA Board volunteer, and has also worked as a Community Connector for Smart Start Oklahoma. Mr. Howard is also the Founder of Prime Time Education, Inc., a nonprofit organization that aims to connect schools with resources and provide enrichment opportunities for underserved youth. He attended Southern Nazarene University, where he received a BS in Organizational Leadership and a MA in School Administration.

While serving on the OKCPS Equity Committee, Mr. Howard was introduced to public Montessori education. This was the beginning of his work in Montessori education and he is now serving as the Founder/Head of School of Oklahoma Public Montessori Initiative, the first public charter Montessori school in the state of Oklahoma.

To learn more, visit: https://okpublicmontessori.org/