Honorary Trustee: In her former life, Anne was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Anesthesia at Stanford University Medical Center. Her position centered around the teaching of residents through patient care. She now works in refugee resettlement under the auspices of Samaritas. Her focus is with children, with whom she works on acquisition of English language skills, development of academic skills, and communication/collaboration between home and school. Anne has been part of the Kazoo School community for 23 years. She uses all she has learned about progressive education at Kazoo School to make her work with young new Americans exciting and fun. Anne serves on the Harvard Schools Committee, where she interviews applicants for Harvard College. She has three children who all attended Kazoo School. The youngest graduated Kazoo School in 2015. They all point to Kazoo School as foundational to their subsequent academic success. An active participant in the Kazoo School Community for many years, Anne was the recipient of the 2011 Kazoo School Community Leadership Award. Anne’s roles include two seasons as Girls on the Run Coach, two years as National History Day Coach, and one year as Kazoo School Capital Campaign Co-Chair. This is Anne’s 3rd time serving on the Kazoo School Board. She is currently Vice Chair Emerita, and is on the Finance and Development Committees.

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Member of the Board of Trustees Since 2016

Heather is a parent of two Kazoo School alumnae, Hillary Ruffe Mason and Anne Ruffe, who attended in the mid 1990s - early 2000s. Heather served as a trustee during many of the years her daughters attended Kazoo and is glad to be back involved on the Board. Heather has also provided pro bono legal services to the School on various issues over the years. She is currently a retired attorney/human resources professional. She is the chair of the Governance and Trustees Committees.

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Member of the Board of Trustees since 2024

Born and raised in Kalamazoo.  I live in portage with my wife, Jinny, and three girls. We have a house full of animals - cats, dogs, hamsters, a rabbit and a bearded dragon. There is a great deal of life in our home!

I have worked in real estate at Jaqua Realtors for 20 years. I also worked for the firm doing marketing for 4 years. 

For the past 6 years I have also been working at a local funeral home as Chief Operating Officer. Whitley Memorial is a black, woman-owned business and we serve all members of the Greater Kalamazoo/Battle Creek areas regardless of economic or cultural background.  That mission speaks to me and there is also something about sharing in the humanity of the moment with grieving families, helping to provide them support, that I find fulfilling.

I’m looking forward to supporting the school as a member of the Board of Trustees.