The Journey School Governing Board (known as the Journey School Council) has members who bring a broad range of expertise and backgrounds to help serve the school.
The Journey School Council meets monthly, generally the 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. on campus. A detailed schedule of meeting dates can be found below. Meetings are open to the public and the agenda is posted at the bottom of our home page 3 days prior to the meeting.
Please see the Schedule of Meetings link below for the next meeting date. The agenda will be posted on our home page 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Amy Capelle
President
amy@journeyschool.net
Amy currently serves as the President/Board Trustee of the Journey School Council. She earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley with an emphasis in international business and non-profit management. Over the past 12 years, she has leaned on her professional background in management consulting to build mechanisms for strong parent engagement, secure grants, drive development and fundraising initiatives, and lead the schoolwide effort to update Journey School’s mission and vision in 2019. Amy also serves on the school’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) working group. She and her husband proudly have two Journey alumni and a current Journey middle schooler.
In 2015, Amy’s first children’s book, “From Manila with Love,” was published by Tahanan Books which is now in its second printing. As an author, Amy visits local schools to do book readings and serves on panels to teach students about the Philippines.
Amy is concurrently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Melissa Dahlin
Board Member
mdahlin@journeyschool.net
Melissa Dahlin is a doctoral student in Education at the University of California, Irvine. She brings a strong background in early childhood education policy analysis, program evaluation, and early childhood instructional practices. Her research interests include early childhood education policy and the role of educators and families in supporting young children’s math development.
Before starting her doctoral studies, Melissa was an Associate Project Director at Education Development Center. Her portfolio included the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) and several international education development projects. Previously, she was a program assistant at The Finance Project, where she conducted research and produced reports and tools for policy makers, and an intern at The Children’s Defense Fund, where she supported research to inform policy on full-day kindergarten. She also volunteered for three years as a coordinator an infant/toddler play group through the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project. Before Melissa began her work in policy, she taught children ages two to five as a preschool teacher in Taiwan. She is a board member for the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children.
In all of her professional endeavors, Melissa has been guided by a deep commitment to ensuring that all young children and families can access the resources and support they need to thrive. She holds a B.A. in History from University of California, Irvine and an M.A. in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Dr. Margaret Moodian
Secretary
mmoodian@journeyschool.net
Dr. Margaret Moodian is an associate professor at University of Massachusetts Global. In her role, she has developed several courses, and she serves on Program Council and the Alumni Advisory board as a faculty representative. Additionally, she sits on doctoral dissertation committees and serves as Vice President the board of Tias Arms, an Orange County, CA–based nonprofit dedicated to assisting children affected by HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Brandman University selected Dr. Moodian to speak at their 2021 TEDx conference. Pepperdine University selected her as an inaugural 40 Under 40 honoree in 2016 and the Chapman University Delta Gammas presented her with an Outstanding Alumnus award in 2019. Margaret is a Delta Gamma PRO, which means she speaks to Delta Gammas and other members of the Greek community around the country about topics such as leadership and self-esteem. Her sorority selected her for its Hope Serving program, which assists visually impaired children at an Oklahoma summer camp.
Margaret earned a doctorate degree in education and master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Chapman University. Her dissertation focuses on the leadership traits of female Fortune 1,000 board members. She lives with her husband Dr. Michael (Mike) Moodian, son Mikey, and pets in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA.
Michael Allbee
Treasurer
michael.allbee@journeyschool.net
Michael Allbee, CFP® is a Principal at Benefit Financial Services Group (BFSG), a local Registered Investment Advisor. He helps individuals, couples, and families work towards successfully managing investments, taxes, retirement, and college planning. Michael is a member of the Investment Committee. He is also BFSG’s Chief Compliance Officer, ensuring that the firm is in compliance with all government regulations. Michael’s main responsibilities include managing and monitoring client portfolios, researching and monitoring investments, and building financial plans with clients. He has been with BFSG since 2007.
Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and is a notary public.
When not working with clients, Michael can be found having fun playing sports with his two sons (both current Journey students), traveling with his wife and family enjoying new experiences, and helping others through volunteer service.
Jeannie Lee
Board Member
jeannie@journeyschool.net
Jeannie Lee is a proud member of the Journey School faculty. She is a teacher, writer, naturalist, and mother who has an abiding love of children and the outdoors. She has taught students and teachers alike for over twenty years, including eight years teaching English, Algebra, and science in middle school. She has also worked training public school teachers to effectively convey information in the classroom. Her education and credentials include a BA. In English Literature from McGill University, an MA in Art Theory and Criticism from Art Center of Pasadena, a Multiple Subject Credential, a Single Subject Credential in English from Chapman, and has completed the Waldorf Teacher Training Program at the Waldorf School of Orange County.
Additional Journey School staff members and parents who participate in Council Meetings in advisory positions:
Gavin Keller, School Director
gavin@journeyschool.net
Shelley Kelley, Education Director
shelley@journeyschool.net
Amanda Simmons, Independent Study Director
amandas@journeyschool.net
Cassie Kauwling, Parent Cabinet Representative
