The Nia House community has been deeply impacted by the thoughtful Board of Directors leadership of Jeff Vincent for 7 years.
Jeff joined the Nia House family when his son Willem started in the toddler program. Having met his wife, Laurin, at her parents Montessori school in Nebraska, Jeff came to us as a believer in the Montessori method. Both Willem and Evelyn started Nia House with former toddler teacher, Jeanie Maier, before her retirement. The entire Vincent family came to celebrate Jeanie's retirement after 32 years of service to Nia House, as pictured below.
Jeff's board service began just as the program expansion visioning commenced. With an academic background in community development and school facility infrastructure planning, and an advocate for Montessori, plus commitment to educational equity, and belief in Nia House, Jeff was a natural leader and an amazing support to the program during a challenging and exciting time of Nia House development.
As glamorous as Jeff's Board Service might sound- the countless hours of envisioning, planning, fundraising, and welcoming in new members of the community, there was some real roll-up-your-sleeves-work. Jeff always showed up. Jeff is reliable, smart, committed, sensitive and funny. He advocates for the staff, is a source of trusted counsel, and a true friend.
On behalf of the entire Nia House community, thank you Jeff for the love you've given this to community. You, Laurin, Willem, and Evelyn are family here and are expected to return often, keep in touch, and know how loved and appreciated you are here at Nia House.
