BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At Crossroads Montessori School, our Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping our vision, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission to provide accessible, student-centered Montessori education in Effingham. Our board members bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to nurturing independent, curious, and compassionate learners.

  • Kody Czerwonka

    BOARD PRESIDENT, TREASURER, & FOUNDER

    Kody Czerwonka comes from a family of teachers, and a deep passion for learning is rooted in his upbringing. As the founder of Crossroads Montessori School, Kody is dedicated to building a student-centered community where children are trusted, challenged, and supported every step of the way.

    Kody has held leadership roles in several nonprofit organizations focused on community development, including as an original founding board member of the Tuscola GSA Booster Club, which champions safety and liberty for all. He also has served as Vice Grand of the Tuscola Odd Fellows, an international fraternity devoted to philanthropy.

    An advocate for hands-on, curiosity-driven education, Kody blends his commitment to Montessori principles with his diverse passions—film, kayaking, hiking, reading, and lifelong learning—to inspire students to discover their own interests and strengths. He believes in the power of co-learning: not only helping students grow, but also growing alongside them.

  • Erika Zytka

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Erika Zytka is a founding board member and serves as Secretary of the Crossroads Montessori School Board. With a strong commitment to child-centered education and individualized learning, Erika brings both experience and heart to the leadership team.

    Before entering the classroom, Erika worked as an aide supporting autistic children—an experience that deepened her belief in meeting each child where they are and nurturing their unique strengths. While she is not currently in a teaching role, her vision and advocacy continue to shape the foundation of Crossroads Montessori.

    Outside of education, Erika enjoys pet sitting, quality time with family and friends, and being part of a compassionate learning community.

  • Carrie Huff

    BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

    Carrie Huff has dedicated more than 40 years to education, teaching and inspiring students across the country. She began her career teaching middle school Language Arts in St. Louis in 1970 before moving to Maine, where she expanded her teaching to include Theatre, French, and Biology over 12 years.

    In 1992, Carrie and her family relocated to North Carolina, where she spent 25 years as both a teacher and administrator at Carolina Friends School, a small Quaker school known for its emphasis on community and holistic education.

    After retiring, Carrie and her husband Greg settled in Effingham in 2017. A proud mother of three grown children and grandmother of five, she brings a wealth of experience, wisdom, and a lifelong commitment to nurturing young people. Carrie is excited to support Crossroads Montessori’s mission as a board member and to help create a vibrant, student-centered learning community.