Ms. Erin Vokes is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in nonprofit governance and higher education. As the former Assistant Dean for the College of Public Affairs at Cleveland State University, she played a pivotal role in defining the College’s strategic direction, enhancing its outreach and impact through innovative marketing, communications, and project management initiatives. Prior to this role, Ms. Vokes served as a researcher in the College’s Center for Nonprofit Policy and Practice, providing governance consulting for nonprofits in Greater Cleveland, and later became Executive Director of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, an international association supporting nonprofit research centers and academic programs.

Ms. Vokes also brings her entrepreneurial spirit as the founder of Vaux, a women-owned business specializing in branding, design, and web development. She holds a Master of Science in Urban Studies with a concentration in Neighborhood Development, a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a professional certification in front-end web development. Recognized for her contributions to her field, Ms. Vokes has been honored as a "Class Fellow" from the Leadership Academy and was a nominee for the Lakewood Women’s Club’s "Women Honoring Women" award.

Ms. Vokes’s connection to MCS began years ago when she moved to Westlake, and each drive past the school sparked the thought, "That’s where I want my future children to go." The charming playscape and greenhouse symbolized an environment that deeply valued nature, exploration, and hands-on learning. When her eldest daughter began at MCS, Ms. Vokes saw her blossom from a shy child into a confident, curious learner ready to take on kindergarten. Now, with a new baby in the family, she looks forward to experiencing the Montessori journey anew and contributing to the growth of the MCS community as a board member.

Ms. Vokes’s commitment to the mission and values of MCS is strengthened by her professional background and her dedication to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive.