Laura Roark

Laura Roark currently serves as the Executive Director of Anchorage Montessori School and founder and director of the Alaska Center for Montessori Education. She is dedicated to making high-quality early childhood education accessible to families across diverse communities and expanding access to quality early childhood teacher preparation.

Ms. Roark serves in volunteer roles including Regional Action Commissioner for the American Montessori Society and as an onsite verifier for the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, American Montessori Society, and Middle States Association of School and Colleges. Prior to relocating to Alaska, Ms. Roark worked in education across Asia for 21 years in roles including classroom teacher, head of school, teacher trainer, and training center director, and volunteered with organizations bringing preschool education to rural regions of China and Tibet.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Education from Xavier University. In her free time, she enjoys family travel, hiking, storytelling, and seeking adventures that deepen her understanding of new cultures. Ms. Roark serves on thread’s Board of Directors because she is committed to expanding access to quality early childhood education and supporting the professionals who make it possible.