Return To Roots Learning Community
Who We Are
Get to Know Us
Our Board of Directors brings together a diverse group of leaders from many different industries and professional backgrounds. Their expertise and dedication drive the vision and growth of Return To Roots Learning Community, ensuring we stay true to our mission while innovating for the future. Together, they guide and strengthen our movement every step of the way.
Michelle Mcewen
President
Michelle McEwen is a small business owner in Rochester, NH for about 18 years. Her business helps guide people through their lives. Supporting them through transitions and helping them shift to be their TrueSelves. Michelle believes that there are so many different ways to do things and it's important to support children to learn the way they need to. When diagnosed with Dyslexia at a young age, she knows how important this learning community is to children and their parents.
Tim Sama
Treasurer
Tim Sama is a seasoned Finance and Accounting leader with over 30 years of professional experience. He excels in partnering with businesses to identify and drive improvements in service, operations, processes, and cost management. Throughout his career, Tim has led numerous initiatives that have enabled companies across diverse industries to achieve their strategic objectives. He is also a passionate advocate for expanding educational and athletic opportunities for today’s youth, reflecting his commitment to community and social impact. Tim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Science Information Systems from Penn State University and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Industry Experience: Medical Footwear & Apparel E-Commerce Brick & Mortar Retail Automotive Printing & Publishing Residential Real Estate Not-For-Profit Organizations
Rachel Lorig
Secretary
Rachel brings a unique combination of legal, educational and leadership experience to the Board. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master's degree in Business. She previously served as a Board Attorney for public schools in New York, advising on labor, compliance, and governance matters. Earlier in her career, she worked in education through Teach for America, where she gained firsthand classroom experience and developed a deep appreciation for student-centered learning. ​ Currently, Rachel serves in a leadership role at her family company, where she focuses on strategic decision making, administration, and organizational growth. In addition to her professional work, she homeschools her children part-time. ​ As a Board Member, Rachel values collaboration, innovation, and helping to create exceptional opportunities for the students at Return To Roots. Outside of her professional and board service, she loves adventures with her family (including her dogs Bailey and Taffy) and enjoys reading, skiing, and the beach.
Jennifer Ward
Board Member
I am the owner of Evergreen - A Beauty & Wellness Salon LLC and serve on the Board of Directors at Return to Roots Learning Community, where I advocate for the organization's fiscal and operational wellness. I am passionate about supporting our mission and contributing to our overall success.  With over 30 years of experience in the beauty and wellness sectors, I have acted as a mentor and educator to many. Previously, I owned a digital business that led a team of hundreds in the sales and promotion of clean beauty products, as well as dietary supplements. As a licensed cosmetologist in New Hampshire, I specialize in advanced hair color and design. My journey was significantly influenced by my exposure to harsh chemicals, which propelled me to become an advocate for change within the industry. I earned a Certificate in Clinical Aromatherapy, enabling me to integrate holistic therapies in medical environments. Most recently, I became certified as a Halotherapist, supporting individuals of all ages with respiratory and skin health.  On a personal note, I am a proud mum to one adult daughter who would have loved attending a learning community like ours at Return to Roots. I reside in Strafford County with my fiancé, Eric, and our dog, Stanley. I am enthusiastic about my role on this board and look forward to the growth and milestones that lie ahead.
Brianna Moynihan-Sienkiewicz
Board Member
Brianna is a Business Consultant, Coach and Realtor who has a deep passion for alternative education, believing each person should pick the best path for their life. With 10 years of prior board experience in the education space she enjoys using this knowledge to grow additional programs through helping them navigate the complexity of a 501c3. Brianna has 3 children who are all embracing their own unique paths.
Organization Leadership
Return To Roots Learning Community was founded by a passionate mother and daughter team committed to learner-directed education and creating environments that support this approach. Beyond cultivating these empowering spaces, they are dedicated to educating families and communities on the value and implementation of learner-directed education.
Donna Johnson
Co-Founder / Executive Director
Donna Johnson is a passionate educator with over 40 years of experience in the field of education. For 24 years, she owned and operated her own early education program, where she honed her skills and expertise. Throughout her years of service, Donna has come to believe that the most effective approach to education is through a play-based and self-directed method. By fostering an environment that encourages wonder and exploration, she believes in cultivating a love for learning in children. Donna Johnson is currently the co-founder of Return to Roots Learning Community, where she continues to champion the importance of play-based learning. Her passion for education shines through in her advocacy for creating engaging and fulfilling educational experiences for children. Donna's dedication and commitment to innovative teaching methods have positively impacted countless young minds, shaping them into curious and lifelong learners.
Amber Baud
Co-Founder / Executive Director
Amber Baud is a homeschooling mom of three and a passionate advocate for educational freedom. As Co-Founder of Return To Roots Learning Community, she is dedicated to fostering self-directed and play-based learning, helping create a supportive space where children and families can thrive. Amber’s commitment to alternative education approaches grew from witnessing the struggles her older children faced in traditional schooling, inspiring her to empower families to confidently forge their own educational paths. ​ Believing that children learn best when nurtured in environments that honor their curiosity and individual pace, Amber blends her personal experience with a background in early childhood education to guide programming and community outreach at Return To Roots. She works closely with families to build a welcoming community centered on trust, collaboration, and flexibility. ​ Amber envisions a future where educational freedom is accessible to all children, enabling them to explore, create, and grow in authentic and joyful ways. Outside of her work, she enjoys exploring nature with her children, reading, and championing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for the whole family.