Leadership
The Discovery School is a non-profit independent school governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring Discovery’s long-term growth and success through setting strategic goals. Governance includes adopting a clear statement of the school's mission, ensuring financial stability, setting policy, and fundraising, according to its established bylaws. The Board has the authority to hire outside counsel and related services as needed.
The Head of School reports directly to the Board and is the only school employee who does so. The Head of School is responsible for implementing the Board’s policies and plans and for the day-to-day management of the school. This includes hiring faculty and staff and overseeing the development of classroom policies and the curriculum. Together, the Board of Trustees and school administration ensure that the concerns, values, and expectations of parents and other constituents are considered in all decisions regarding our culture and who we are, and the quality of education.
Head of School
Petra Obritzberger
Head of School
Petra Obritzberger is an experienced international Head of School with 20 years of working in education.
Mrs. Obritzberger began her educational career in Vienna, Austria, in 2000 as a middle school teacher. She spent seven years teaching in Europe (Austria, Great Britain, Malta) before moving to the US in 2007. In Michigan, Mrs. Obritzberger taught elementary and middle school students while co-founding a German Saturday School in Ann Arbor, MI.
In 2011, Mrs. Obritzberger moved to Chicago. As Head of School at the German International School Chicago (GISC), she has spearheaded the start-up school’s initiatives that comprise strategic planning, marketing and fundraising, curriculum and staff development, as well as discovering and acquiring a new building for the rapidly growing school. Under her leadership, the school received accreditation with ISACS and as an IB World School as well as national and international recognition for the school’s profile, programs and innovative approaches during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Being multicultural and bilingual herself, Mrs. Obritzberger embraces serving a diverse community, guiding students as they learn and grow, working with and supporting teachers and staff so they can reach their greatest potential, strengthening the connection between school and home, and fostering a positive school culture. Establishing positive relationships within and presenting the school she serves to the larger community excites her tremendously. Her educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet common goals. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family.
Mrs. Obritzberger received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University College of Teacher Education Vienna, Austria, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. As ongoing education, Mrs. Obritzberger has attended the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, to become an Executive Scholar in Nonprofit Management.
In their spare time, Petra and her husband Gerald enjoy being active outdoors: going on long walks with their two pugs, riding bikes, watching football games and - of late - playing tennis. They also enjoy cooking and baking, meeting with friends, traveling and scuba diving. Moreover, Petra likes to dance and plays three instruments.
Mrs. Obritzberger is looking forward to meeting each and all members of the school community to cultivate an inclusive and vibrant community that promotes knowledge, creativity, independent thinking and mutual respect.
You can reach her directly at petra@thediscoveryschool.org.
Board of Trustees
Meet the Board of Trustees 2022 - 2023
- Peter Christamtsis - Board Chair
- Jennifer Kowkabany - Vice Chair
- Helen Pajcic Nicholson - Secretary
- Hampton Graham - Treasurer
- Joshua Ashby - Finance Member
- Cortney Cronin - Strategic Planning Committee Chair
- David Doward - Development Member
- Kimberly Mariani Jones - Development Member
- Jessica Dumas - Facilities Chair
- Amy Turci - Governance Chair
Peter Christamtsis - Board Chair

Peter Christamtsis and Katie Hammill, along with their 2 daughters Ashely and Ruby immigrated to Atlantic Beach from Toronto, ON Canada in January 2015. Peter’s company, Solidifi US Inc., was in a growth and expansion phase in the US and they couldn’t say “no” to the opportunity to move to their family south of the border, and more specifically…to a warmer climate. Katie’s parents have been residents of Atlantic Beach for 15+ years, and having vacationed here frequently over the years this was Katie and Peter’s first choice for a cross-border move and new home. Throughout the week, you’ll find them frequenting the Beach, the AB/NB Town Center, or the Atlantic Beach Country Club when they aren’t working out of their home-based offices or chauffeuring the girls to/from Discovery and their many activities.
With over seventeen years of experience in the U.S. and Canadian financial and mortgage services industries, and as Senior Vice President for Solidifi, Peter is responsible for leading the Enterprise Sales Team, and ensuring sustainability and growth of Solidifi’s Tier 1 clients. Peter also plays a role in business development and product management for the organization and throughout his tenure has been part of the Finance, Operations and the Client Services teams. Prior to joining Solidifi, Peter was a Senior Consultant with ASSET Inc., a risk and default management company serving the Canadian, Caribbean and Australian financial services marketplace, where he his experience included the deployment of software solutions with several major Canadian banks.
In addition to the Financial Services sector, Peter also has an astute interest in the restaurant service industry. In 2008, he successfully launched a locally-inspired Café called Red Rocket Coffee in the heart of Toronto’s beaches area.
Peter’s expertise includes managing new and existing clients, consulting on best operational practices, and the development of broad-based teams to launch and grow new products and services.
Jennifer Kowkabany - Vice Chair
Jennifer Kowkabany - Vice Chair
Jennifer Kowkabany has served as General Counsel for Neptune Fire Protection Engineering since 2007, where she primarily practices contract and construction law. She came to Jacksonville from Seattle with stops along the way in California, Japan, and South Korea, where she spent her days as a U.S. Marine working on the armament systems of aircraft; and Phoenix, Arizona where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in 2003 while working full time as a Project Manager. Afterward, she came to Jacksonville to study law at Florida Coastal School of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctorate in 2007. During this time, she met her husband, Steve, and has now set down roots in Neptune Beach with their three children.
Jennifer spends a majority of her free time volunteering. She serves as Chairman on the Neptune Beach Police Pension Fund Board; is a member of the Women’s Giving Alliance, where she serves as Co-Chair on the Grants Decision Team, and is a member of Rethreaded’s Circle of Sisters, a mentoring group that supports and advocates for women.
Helen Pajcic Nicholson - Secretary
Helen Pajcic Nicholson - Secretary
Helen Pajcic Nicholson recently retuned to her hometown of Jacksonville to raise a family with her husband, Marvin, after nearly a decade working for the federal government in Washington, DC. While in the nation’s capitol, Helen proudly served the U.S. Congress, the Executive Office of President, and the U.S. Department of Education. Helen first worked on the House Committee on Education and Labor, advising on issues pertaining to civil rights in education, including afterschool policy – the topic of her senior thesis at Princeton University, from where she graduated in 2009. Following time on the Domestic Policy Council at the White House, Helen was appointed to the Department of Education where she worked her way up to Chief of Staff at the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, and was lucky to participate in the bicameral reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
After the 2016 election, Helen and Marvin moved permanently to their house in Neptune Beach. Helen serves as the unpaid CEO of the Pajcic Family Foundation, which focuses on community led support and mentoring of high-risk urban youth. Helen looks forward to serving the community she loves, while remaining focused on her favorite and most important role: mother to three year old North and one year old Shepard.
Hampton Graham - Treasurer
Hampton Graham serves as Chairman of the Scott-McRae Automotive Group based in Jacksonville, FL. In his role, he oversees 7 for-profit companies operating in 15 states and employing over 750 people. Hampton has worked for the Scott-McRae Group since 2008.
Hampton and his wife Cheree graduated from the University of Florida and have 3 daughters. He serves as the Chairman of the ALS Association Florida Chapter. Hampton enjoys spending time with his family, flying, sporting events, and boating.
Joshua Ashby - Finance Member
Joshua Ashby - Finance Member
Josh’s leadership and commitment as CEO to the mission of Fleet Landing have solidified the organization as a top Life Care community in the country and premier choice for health services for seniors in Northeast Florida. Josh is a highly analytic thinker, and his vision has expanded Fleet Landing’s impact through the creation of new service lines and new housing options on their Atlantic Beach campus.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in health sciences and Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida, Josh joined the Fleet Landing team in 2005 as director of health care services. He was named CEO in 2010. Josh is past chair of LeadingAge Florida, a statewide association whose mission is to advance the possibilities for aging through service, education and advocacy. He also serves as Treasurer of Here Tomorrow, a mental health collaborative.
Josh’s passion for serving older adults began at a young age as a volunteer at Jacksonville’s River Garden Hebrew Home. When not at work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Stefani, and their three children who attend The Discovery School.
Cortney Cronin - Strategic Planning Committee Chair
Cortney Cronin is Corporate Counsel at Accenture PLC, focusing her practice on corporate governance, internal investigations, and employment law matters. Previously, she was a commercial litigator, representing clients in state and federal court in both Texas and Florida.
Cortney is originally from Dallas, Texas, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law. Prior to law school, she received her BA from The University of Texas at Austin. She remains a devoted Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorn fan. She is currently a member of both the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar of Florida.
Jacksonville Beach is now home for Cortney, her husband, and their two young children, who both attend The Discovery School. In their free time, they enjoy supporting local businesses and frequenting the beach. Cortney is also an active member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, and the Association of Corporate Counsel.
David Doward - Development Member
David Doward - Development Member
Dr. David Doward is the former managing partner of the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute, and was integral in improving the culture of the organization. He is a board certified spine and sports medicine specialist. Dr. Doward served as the team doctor for the Jacksonville Jaguars and recently he has served as the neutral doctor for the US Davis Cup and US Fed Cup. He is a former competitive tennis player and was regionally ranked in the past. Dr. Doward spent a year traveling around the world with Tony Robbins as one of his platinum partners, honing his skills in life, wealth, and business mastery. He is a firm believer in creating the life that you love.
Dr. Doward is a graduate of Lafayette College and completed his postgraduate education at Columbia University. He attended medical school at Cornell University Medical College and completed his residency at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Doward received his fellowship training at the world renowned Hospital for Special Surgery.
Dr. Doward has volunteered his time with organizations such as the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation which encourages inner-city adolescents to focus on their education. He has also participated in a number of medical mission trips in Caribbean which serve the indigent population.
Dr. Doward hails from Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands and he enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, learning new cultures, and playing sports. He lives in Atlantic Beach with his two daughters, Ava and Amina. He currently is also on the Board of Trustees for the private school Good Hope Country Day.
Kimberly Mariani Jones - Development Member
Kimberly Mariani Jones - Development Member
Kimberly is a fundraising and communications executive with a fierce work ethic and 20 years of experience in the higher education and nonprofit space. She believes strongly in the missions of the organizations in which she works, serves, and consults. She has served as Chair of the Development Committee as well as Vice Chair and parent volunteer supporting The Discovery Fund.
She has practiced development in private and public university settings, including her current role leading the development and engagement team at UF Health Jacksonville and the College of Medicine. As Assistant Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, she is responsible for all fundraising, events including the downtown and North hospitals and Children's Miracle Network (CMN). Prior to UF, Kimberly was Senior Vice President of University Advancement at Jacksonville University. She and her team were instrumental in an explosion of new facilities on the riverfront campus, the University’s 75th Anniversary celebration, the establishment of a President’s Parents Council, and four 7-figure naming gifts, including the naming of a College, a School, a Center, and many other significant campus facilities and academic programs as a part of the University's largest-ever ASPIRE Campaign.
Embracing core values of kindness, patience, and the interconnectedness of us all, Kimberly tries to listen more than talk and engage in actual human contact. She holds dear the belief that every individual has an innate desire to help someone or something which fuels their philanthropic passion.
She is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.S.), University of North Florida (M.B.A.), and holds a certification from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University. Kimberly has completed extensive professional development in fundraising, campaign planning, and volunteer management. She has received interactive media training and served as an on the record spokesperson for national news outlets including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. She is a member of the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida’s Women’s Giving Alliance, the World Affairs Council, CASE, and has taught as an adjunct faculty member at Jacksonville University. She and her husband, Fred Jones, live in Neptune Beach where they run around chasing their three active children.
Jessica Dumas - Facilities Chair
Jessica Dumas is originally from Northern Virginia near Washington DC. She moved to Florida during her high school years. Jessica received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and went on the study law at St. Louis University, receiving her law degree in 1992. Jessica began representing Social Security Disability claimants during a law school internship, a pursuit she found so fulfilling it became her chosen area of practice. Jessica has devoted her legal career to helping people in need of disability. She has exclusively practiced disability law for over 20 years.
Jessica is a former Board Member/Officer of Mission House, a homeless facility in Jacksonville Beach. Jessica has also been a volunteer at the Sulzbacher Center, a homeless shelter in Jacksonville.
Jessica is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, the Jacksonville Beach Bar Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives (NOSSCR). She is a former chair of the Jacksonville Bar Association Social Security Committee. She is admitted to practice in the state of Florida and in the District Court in the Middle District of Florida. Jessica is a former recipient of the Florida Bar Presidents' Pro Bono Award and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid's Pro Bono Award. Jessica has made the Jacksonville Beaches her home, since returning from college, where she continues to reside with her husband and son.
Amy Turci - Governance Chair

Amy Turci is an Office Managing Partner in the Jacksonville office at FordHarrison LLP, one of the country’s largest management-side labor and employment law firms. Amy started with FordHarrison in 2006 and was named partner in February 2017. Amy concentrates her practice on litigating employment cases in state and federal courts, as well as representing employers before state and local agencies. She also advises employers on various employment issues, including federal and state anti-discrimination statutes, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. She additionally works with clients to develop employment handbooks and policies and to ensure general legal/regulatory compliance. Further, she regularly provides management training for corporate and civic organizations on developments in various employment and labor laws. Prior to joining FordHarrison, Amy was an associate at a Jacksonville labor and employment law firm.
Amy is a Board Member of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Florida First Coast Chapter, and serves as Chair for ABC's Women's Council; Amy additionally served as a Co-Chair of the 2013 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards, serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee, and is involved with the legislative efforts of ABC of Florida. Amy has been a mentor with Take Stock in Children, and is the office contact for the area chapters of Habitat for Humanity. Amy is a committed volunteer for the March of Dimes, having been a member of the Circle of Champions since 2010, a member of the Board of Directors since 2012, and serving as Board Chair for 2015-2016; Amy has additionally served on both the March for Babies Executive Committee and Signature Chefs Auction Committee, as well as serving as the Chair of the Signature Chefs Auction for 2012 and 2017.
Board Functions
- Develop Discovery’s long-term Strategic Plan
- Review and assess the educational mission of the school on an ongoing basis
- Select, support, and review the Head of School
- Approve the school's annual budget and financial plan
How to Be Considered for the Board of Trustees
Guidelines for Discovery School Nominations
The Discovery School is governed by its Board of Trustees, which serves as the steward of the school's educational mission and financial health. Trustees are elected directly by a majority of the board among nominees selected by the Governance Committee for a three-year term. A well-balanced, committed, strategic, and expert board is paramount to the school’s success, high-quality standards, and oversight.
The ideal candidate for at-large trustee will:
- Demonstrate knowledge, support, and passion for Discovery’s vision and mission,
- Contribute specific skills to ensure the board has expertise in all critical areas - Be representative of the Discovery community mix (e.g. cultural background, language, age of children, gender, etc.),
- Participate in the annual Discovery Fund and capital campaigns, according to personal ability (we ask that the individual makes Discovery a priority for giving),
- Be an advocate for Discovery by promoting the school in the community, and by soliciting gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations,
- Commit to attending bi-monthly board meetings (during the school year), an annual board retreat, and other key functions, and participating in a board committee.
Candidates will provide their biography or resume and a written statement motivating their interest to be a trustee and meet with members of the Governance Committee.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board of Trustees, please contact a member of the Governance Committee.
Board Committees
Development
Executive
Facilities
Finance
This committee reviews the school’s finances, fiscal affairs, long-range financial plan, annual operating budget, and investment policies. It also monitors the implementation of the budget and issuance of financial statements and assists the board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.
- Treasurer: Hampton Graham
- Members: Joshua Ashby, Jill Nason
Governance
Strategic Planning
If you are interested in serving on a committee, please click the button below.
Past Board Members (alphabetically by last name)
Russ Weidle