Meet Our Board of Directors
Barbara Rita Jenny
Barbara Rita Jenny is a practicing studio artist as well as Outreach Coordinator and Instructor in Math at the Cocheco Academy of Arts public charter arts high school in Dover, NH. She previously taught at Heronfield Academy as Instructor in Visual Arts where she designed the school’s visual art curriculum with an emphasis on cross-curricular learning in art and math. Barbara also served there as Secondary School Advisor, and coordinator in the school’s first NAIS accreditation assessment. Along with husband, Matt Beebe, Barbara manages a commercial real estate business, with properties in Maine and New Hampshire.
Barbara’s two sons, Indigo and Sage, attended Brixham from the age of three into the Upper Elementary Program.
Elisa Marhue
Elisa Hegg, PhD, is an Applied Behavior Analyst with experience over 20 years of experience working with children and families diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as other developmental disabilities. Currently Elisa is the Practicum Director for the online masters program in Behavior Analysis at Simmons University in Boston. Elisa's daughter Ingrid is a graduate of the primary program, and she is also an alumni parent to two children who are now in 6th grade in York Public School, and who developed their curiosity and love of learning in the 3-6 Programs.
Karen Harman
Karen Harman, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with adults in a variety of settings. She spent 7 years as an active duty Navy Psychologist, where she had the opportunities to deploy to Haiti and Afghanistan. During her final tour, she served as the Human Factors consultant to the Navy’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School here in Kittery, ME. While her experiences in the military have been some of her most rewarding, nothing could have prepared her for the challenges and fulfillment of motherhood. Karen’s daughter Grace is in her 3rd (extended day) year of the 3-6 program at Brixham, and her daughter, Rose, is a 1st year primary student. Karen has been inspired by the Montessori philosophy and the entire Brixham community. She has enjoyed getting to know the staff and parents, and she is excited to serve on the Board in support of Brixham’s mission.
Karen has a private psychology practice in York where she sees adults for individual therapy and specializes in military/law enforcement and reproductive mental health.
Will Richardson
Will Richardson, MBA, has a background in education and spent twelve years in the admission offices of various independent schools. Prior to moving to Maine in 2021, he spent five years as Dean of Admission at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ. Stemming from a desire to move closer to family, Will created The Richardson Advisory Group, an educational advisory firm focused on helping families find the right boarding school fit. Will is excited to serve on the board of Brixham and be engaged in such a vibrant school community.
Will's daughter, Lila, is excited to be entering her Extended Day year, and his son, James, will be joining the Primary Program after a wonderful year in the Toddler class.
Anna Yates
Anna Yates, MPH, has a background in environmental and social impact consulting and business development throughout the Asia Pacific region. Anna works in business development at Impax Asset Management and the Pax World Funds in Portsmouth, which specializes in sustainable investing.
Anna’s two boys Arthur and Arlo are both Brixham students in the 3-6 primary and elementary programs. After falling in love with the Montessori approach at the boys’ first preschool in New Zealand, the whole family was thrilled to join the Brixham community on relocating to the area where Anna grew up.
Alex Valhouli
Alex has been a part of the Brixham community for four years. His sons, Demetri and Andreas, attend Brixham in the Primary and Toddler groups, respectively. He and his wife Kellan operate a creative studio in Kittery where they specialize in branding, web design and creative strategy. Alex will be completing his MBA at UNH in May. He and his family love to spend time at the beach, in the mountains, and anywhere friends and extended family are congregating. Alex also coaches soccer at Traip Academy and has worked as a youth soccer coach for the past 12 years. He is honored to join the board at Brixham!
Become a member
If you have interest in becoming a member of Brixham’s Board of Directors fill out the form below. We seek a diverse group of individuals who can bring expertise, experience, perspective, and a passion for Montessori education to our community, and welcome grandparents, alumni, and business leaders to join our dedicated members.