Grae Baker is an educator dedicated to making Omni an institution where students can learn, grow and become creative, competent, and caring individuals.

Grae began his career in Montessori education as an assistant teacher in Durham, North Carolina. "I was amazed to witness young children thriving in such a healthy, dynamic educational environment," he recalls. "I realized that the Montessori method provides the best means of maximizing the unique potential of each child. I knew then that my life's work would be mentoring young people in Montessori schools."

After completing graduate work at the Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola University, Grae taught Elementary students at the Montessori Community School in Durham, North Carolina, and the Patuxent Montessori School, in Bowie, Maryland. In 2007, Grae joined Omni to head its new Program for Adolescents. Working alongside members of the Omni community, Grae led the effort to transform a 13-acre farm in Waxhaw into Omni's successful Land Lab. He renovated facilities, hired and trained faculty, and developed programs to create what the Charlotte Observer calls "a fresh approach to Middle School."

Grae holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's in education from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his AMI certification (for ages 6 through 12) from Washington Montessori Institute, and has completed Orientation to Adolescent Studies through the North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA). In his free time he pursues music, sports, and outdoor activities.