Board & Governance
Guiding The Woodland School
With Care and Responsibility.
Who is responsible for The Woodland School—and how is the organization governed?
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Woodland School is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for the affairs and business of the organization. The Board appoints Trustees, elects officers, provides financial and organizational oversight, and helps safeguard the School’s mission and long-term health.
CURRENT BOARD
Suzanne Ryan — Chair & Program Director
More than 20 years teaching children; M.A. in Elementary Education, Columbia University; B.A. in Biology, Oberlin College; M.S. in Forestry, Virginia Tech.
Ben Popko — Secretary
U.S. Army officer with two decades of service and experience in leadership, education, and science/technology. B.S. in Physics, VMI; M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech; former Assistant Professor at West Point.
Michael Ahlers — Treasurer
Michael studied Economics and Electrical Engineering at Universidad Católica de Chile. He later served as Chief Marketing Officer of ComparaOnline before founding a brewery, where he worked as brewmaster for three years. He then spent four years as Chief Financial Officer of Craft Beer Cartel S.A. Today, Michael is the owner of Oakshire Farm, bringing a background in business, entrepreneurship, and agriculture to The Woodland School.
Dawn Bradley — Trustee
Occupational therapist with 30+ years of clinical experience, including pediatric and orthopedic rehabilitation and work with military members recovering from traumatic brain injury. OTR/L; summa cum laude graduate of the Medical College of Georgia; currently leads music and movement groups supporting motor development, communication, and social participation in preschool- and school-age children.
Michelle Schlesinger — Trustee
Independent school finance and operations leader with 15+ years of experience in school leadership and governance. CPA and CGMA; B.S. in Commerce, University of Virginia; former School Director and Board Chair at Charlottesville Waldorf School; longtime Waldorf parent.
HOW GOVERNANCE WORKS
The Board governs the nonprofit organization; the Program Director leads the School’s educational and day-to-day program. Trustees exercise oversight rather than managing classroom operations.
TRUST & TRANSPARENCY
The Woodland School is committed to clear, accessible information about our nonprofit organization, governance, licensing, and tax-exempt status.
HELP LEAD
The Woodland School is seeking thoughtful people who may be interested in future Board service. Interest begins with a conversation—not a commitment.