Get to know our Guardian Guild Board of Trustees

Megan Smith

Megan Smith
President

I come from the science industry with professional experience in medical and biological physics. I worked as a clinical physicist at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Radiation Oncology and as a researcher for Henry Ford Hospital. I attended the University of Toledo where I obtained a doctorate in physics. Prior to that, I worked at Owens Corning World Headquarters on the Canadian/Cross Boarder Team. I also have a B.A. in Communications and French.

I have served on several non-profit Boards. I was a Trustee for The Southern Great Lakes Symphony in 2010. I joined The Chelsea Education Foundation as a Trustee in 2016 and was Vice President from 2018-2020. Currently, I am also serving on the Board for SRSLY, a community coalition striving to prevent youth substance abuse.

We came to Livingston Classical Academy during the pandemic. My husband and I loved our children’s questions and curiosity inspired by LCA educators. I am delighted and honored to support and serve the mission of LCA as President of the Guardian Guild.

Douglas Pedersen

Douglas Pedersen
Vice President

I am a product of public schools in Ridgewood, New Jersey, I earned a BA in Medieval History from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the University of St Gallen, Switzerland. I reside in Detroit with my wife, Chinni and our daughter Victoria (rising 3rd grader).

In my private life I work in automotive IT and consulting, helping franchised car dealer networks improve performance of their complex operations through deployment of software and analytics solutions and management development. Many of the global auto firms are clients. I started my career at Mercedes-Benz USA in New Jersey.

Among my qualifications for this role are my prior experiences working with non-profits and serving on non-profit boards.  Responsible for the finance function of a community orchestra in New Jersey, I led a financial turnaround that took an institution in crisis and returned it to surplus and established the foundation for its long-term financial health. It has just celebrated its 80th year. I was also the inaugural finance head for the Uni St Gallen MBA Alumni, where we quickly established an annual fund to provide scholarships that would further enhance the international character of the program. We exceeded our fundraising targets by 30%.

Sarah Hunt

Sarah Hunt
Secretary

I am a proud mom of four LCA students, Thomas (10th), Piper (8th), Calvin (4th), Annie (3rd) and was previously the music teacher at LCA. We have been with LCA since its very first day! I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving our school as Secretary of the Guardian Guild.

I received my BME from Calvin College and since has had experience in and out of the classroom. I currently hold positions as the Director of the Livingston County Women’s Chorus, the Co-Founding Director of Resonance (LCCM), a non-profit organization that helps to engage threefold: Faith, the Arts and Community and the Director of the Berean Baptist Church choir in Livonia.

I have a passion for education and particularly how the Fine Arts can impact school flourishing. I believe that a classical education is best for students as it teaches them to be lovers of what is true and beautiful!

Kathryn Henry

Kathryn Henry
Treasurer

My name is Kate Henry. My husband, Jim, and I live in Whitmore Lake with our three children, Sean (10th), Kylie (8th), and Braden (5th). I graduated from the University of Michigan Business School in 2000 with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance. My work experience includes 15 years of combined public and corporate accounting, and I am currently an Enrolled Agent and Tax Staff Accountant at Jonlyn & Associates, Inc. It is truly an honor to have this opportunity to support our great school by serving as the Guardian Guild Treasurer!

Cindi Hartmann

Cindi Hartmann
Director of Communications

I have most likely interacted with each one of our stakeholders at one point or another. As the Office Manager/Enrollment Coordinator for LCA, I thoroughly enjoy getting to know each person who walks through the door (or via Zoom or phone).

I have worked in education for almost 20 years and have a passion for helping families navigate the path for their child(ren)’s success in joining LCA!

I look forward to assisting with the success of The Guardian Guild and the great things we will accomplish!

Sarah Biggs

Sarah Biggs
Teacher Liaison

As an educator and parent of students here at Livingston Classical Academy, I have a dual interest in contributing to the growth and mission of The Guardian Guild. I’m excited to continue my role as the Teacher Liaison, and look forward to a productive and successful future ahead!

Lisa Gillon

Lisa Gillon
School Principal

From my first days working in education as a preschool teacher to my current position as Principal of LCA, I have loved partnering with parents and families to foster a safe, nurturing and robust education for their children.

I look forward to continuing this partnership with the LCA Guardian Guild as they navigate new ways to improve and support our community!