Copy of Board of Directors and Leadership
Suzanne Robinson- President
Suzanne Robinson graduated from The University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in Political Science and from Creighton University with a law degree. She has spent her career working in financial services and banking. Suzanne and her husband have two daughters that have attended Montessori schools. She loves to cook, run marathons (six so far), and compete in Ironman triathlons.
Mary Evelyn Bowling- Vice President
Mary Evelyn Bowling is the founder of Goodwater Montessori School. “In 2013, I invited a group of passionate Montessorians to work collaboratively to create a tuition-free Montessori education for the children of Williamson County.” She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Special Education and Health and Wellness Promotion. Ms. Bowling has worked as an Administrator and Assistant in Montessori education and as a Director with the YMCA. She has two children in college, and her family of four is very active, enjoying swimming, hiking, and camping. She has been a swim coach for years and is currently a USA Swimming official.
Chris Hinds- Secretary
Chris Hinds has two children that currently attend Goodwater Montessori School. He graduated from Austin College with a degree in Business Administration and from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Chris spent over a decade in leadership roles in restaurant and contract dining, including several years in a director position in K-12. He currently serves as COO and co-owner of a local marketing agency. Chris and his wife Amber have four daughters and enjoy traveling, games, and all things Star Wars.
Jan MacWatters- Treasurer
Jan MacWatters has a BA from Eastern Oregon University in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Library Science from Texas Women’s University. She also holds an additional graduate Certificate in copyright and Distance Education for Librarians from the University of Maryland. Jan grew up in the UK but emigrated to Germany to work as an interpreter. She met and married her husband and spent almost 25 years in a wide variety of places. When we arrived in the US, I retrained as a German and Social Studies Teacher and eventually became a certified school teacher-librarian. We have one son, who is married and has a young daughter, and we're glad that they live in Austin, which is close enough for frequent visits. I enjoy knitting and sewing whenever I have some free time. I am passionate about the Montessori method and am excited to be learning more about it.
Dr. Allen Brown- Board Member
Dr. Brown is enjoying his 48th year in education (2022). He has taught at every level, from grade 6 to doctoral studies. He was a building leader and curriculum director before becoming a school superintendent for 17 years in four different districts. At the university level, Dr. Brown was a full-time professor for 10 years. He also served as Dean of the College of Education and Assistant Provost before retiring from full-time service in 2022. He is currently a Senior Adjunct at Concordia University, Texas. He and his wife Jane have 5 grown children. He enjoys all artistic pursuits and woodworking.
Vijay Prathap- Board Member
Vijay Prathap has an MS degree from DePaul University, Chicago. Vijay and his wife Renju are proud parents of 9-year-old twins - Arianna and Rohan. Vijay is the founder of 2 successful start-ups. As a social entrepreneur, he is passionate about helping children, animals, and the environment..