Faculty & Staff

Anser Faculty & Staff

With its exceptional and dedicated teachers, Anser is able to create a world-class educational experience. Anser’s teachers and staff, supported by parents and community, are committed to creating a rich and well-rounded learning environment in which students:

  • Exhibit autonomy, creativity and collaboration
  • Embrace diversity
  • Grow through discovery and reflection
  • Use real-world experiences
  • Create a better world

Faculty Bios


Jaden Worrell

jworrell@ansercharterschool.org

Jaden Worrell is thrilled to join the Kindergarten teaching crew.  Jaden graduated from Boise State University, and was a student teacher at Riverstone International School. She grew up moving around the Treasure Valley with her parents and older brother, which sparked my passion for teaching. She love the outdoors and hiking around our beautiful state. Being active and getting outside is something that is very important. In college, she joined Alpha Chi Omega, where she met many great people and took on leadership roles within the chapter. She is a newlywed and lives with her husband, a husky named Lily, and a small tabby cat named Enzo here in Boise. 

 

Nadia Beckham

nbeckham@ansercharterschool.org

Nadia Beckham her parents and five older siblings were born in Belarus and moved to Russia in 1986 after Chernobyl. Nadia’s family immigrated to the U.S. in 1996 and have been in Idaho since she was 13 years old. This is where she met her husband and where they are raising two beautiful girls together. She began her work in education in the Early Childhood field and taught pre-school for 13 years and Private Kindergarten for 2 years. She then finished her Masters in Education and Masters of Arts in Teaching which brought her to Anser! She loves to sing, play guitar and act. She loves to bring that energy to the classroom, using voices while reading, using music while teaching and finding unique ways to relate to kids and make learning exciting! She is so thrilled to be part of Anser and to learn from others around. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, read and explore the beautiful parks and trails of Boise with her girls!

Breeze Gilbert

bgilbert@ansercharterschool.org

Breeze Gilbert was born and raised in Boise Idaho along with her entire extended family. She graduated from Boise State University with a BA in Elementary Education and an endorsement in literacy. She taught first grade and kindergarten in Nampa for six years. Prior to that, she owned a private daycare. Breeze is thrilled to be a part of the Anser crew and is so excited for the bird expedition! She loves the outdoors and enjoys spending time camping and hiking with family and her labradoodle, Jasper. She is currently learning how to downhill mountain bike.  When she finds herself indoors she likes to read, watch movies and cook new recipes.

Marissa Messmer

mmessmer@ansercharterschool.org

I am honored to be taking on the role as a 1st grade crew leader this fall. This will be my first-year teaching and am so grateful I get to start my career as an educator at Anser! I completed my student teaching at Anser Charter School with experience in Kindergarten through 5th grade, and in junior high math. After completing my student teaching experience, I received my bachelor’s degree from Boise State University in elementary education with an endorsement in mathematics. I am so excited to be able to work with this grade level this coming school year. I love all the learning and fun we get to have in 1st grade! I am originally from a small town in Nevada, with a population of about 1,000 people. My husband and I moved to Boise to finish school and have made it home. My husband and I love to go biking, float the Boise river, fish, ski, and of course watch BSU football. We just welcomed our son into this world and are having fun exploring this fun and exciting new world of parenting!

Katelyn Olsoe

kolsoe@ansercharterschool.org

I am so excited to join the Anser Charter School crew this year as a first grade teacher! In 2018 I graduated from Boise State University with a B.A. in Communication and a B.S. in Psychology. The last two years I have been working at an elementary school in Nampa where I started out as a paraprofessional and transitioned into being the computer lab teacher for all students K-5. This year I became a certified teacher through the American Board program. I am originally from Marysville, Washington and I moved around quite a bit until moving to Idaho in 2008. In my free time I enjoy doing ballet lessons at Ballet Idaho and singing. I love all things outdoors, so in the summer you can find me hiking and backpacking and when winter rolls around I enjoy cross country skiing. I also love to travel and explore whenever I can.   

Robin Baker

rbaker@ansercharterschool.org

Robin is an Idaho native from the Eastern side of our state.  After a detour into landscape architecture, she returned to her true calling: teaching.  Growing up in 4H, sports, and music, Robin understands the importance of practice, effort, and teamwork.  She has always felt most satisfied when serving others, helping them to grow and love what they’re learning.  In her years as a middle school teacher, she focused her efforts on providing active, real-world education experiences.  Robin is passionate about teaching kids to read and embrace the endless puzzle we call math.  Robin earned a BLA from the University of Idaho and M.Ed from Northwest Nazarene University.  After school Robin plays her horn all over the Treasure Valley, visits adult kids in college, and enjoys the great outdoors with Mr. Baker and Morgan (the youngest family member).  


Kelly Selvage – 2nd Grade Crew Leader 

kselvage@ansercharterschool.org

Kelly joined the Anser Crew in 2008. Before joining the Anser Crew, she worked at a Title 1 Teacher in elementary schools for more than five years. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Boise State University and her M.Ed in Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation from Northwestern Nazarene University. Kelly enjoys a busy life outside of teaching with traveling to see her three children, gardening, reading and meeting with her book club, and discovering new hiking trails in Idaho.

Avi Hill – 2nd Grade Crew Leader 

ahill@ansercharterschool.org 

Avi is originally from Portland, Oregon, and moved to Idaho in 2019 with her Idaho native now husband after graduating from the University of Denver. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ecology with minors in Sustainability and Spanish in her undergrad while also being able to do her favorite outdoor activities that Colorado provides such as skiing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and camping. Avi lived in Sun Valley when she first moved to Idaho, where she focused on coaching skiing for 6-10 year old athletes in the winters and flower farming in the summers. However, she realized her strong passion for teaching when she accepted an Environmental Educator position at the Foothills Learning Center for the Outdoor Preschool program here in Boise. She worked as a Preschool Teacher for 2 years while also obtaining her Master’s in Teaching for Elementary Education from Boise State University. This is Avi’s first year of teaching and she is so excited to bring her skills of fostering strong and positive relationships with her students and creating relevant, hands-on learning through STEM instruction to the classroom at Anser Charter School.

Sarah Brownsten – 2nd Grade Crew Leader

sbrownsten@ansercharterschool.org

Sarah Brownsten is so excited to begin her next adventure teaching second grade! Sarah grew up in the Boise area and completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in 2010. She also holds an MA in Literacy Education as well as an MA in Child and Family Development. Sarah started her teaching career at Anser teaching kindergarten. She loved teaching the bird expedition, and saw first-hand how project-based learning is transformative and empowering for students at any age.

When not working she loves to hang out with family outside if possible! Lately they have been spending a lot of time at Idaho Ice World where her son plays hockey.

Julie Bú – 3rd Grade Crew Leader

jbu@ansercharterschool.org

Julie joined Anser the fall of 2017 as a JH Crew Leader and Spanish teacher, then in Fall 2020 joined the 2/3 team. Before coming to Anser, Julie worked for the Boise State University TRIO programs where she taught 7th -12th grade students and their families about college and technical schools, helped them apply and get into programs and apply for financial aid. Julie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salem State University, a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education from Boise State University, and an Ed. Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho. Julie has always enjoyed working with children of all ages, and also has a love of children’s literature and hold credentials in Literacy and Reading. After many years in education, she understands the critical need for all students to become great readers and want to be a part of their journey. She has always believed in the Expeditionary Learning foundation of Anser and feels so fortunate to be at a school whose vision is student centered.

Julie and her family have been a part of the Anser Community from the very start, when her oldest son entered Kindergarten in 1999. Julie loves to cook, read, garden, and go on adventures with my friends and family. Julie also loves animals, has three cats, rabbits, and fish.  An Idaho native, she lives on the Boise Bench with her family.

Anna Boyd – 3rd Grade Crew Leader

aboyd@ansercharterschool.org

Anna Boyd is so excited for her 3rd grade crew this year! Anna has taught preschool, private music lessons to middle school art and orchestra at a public elementary school. Anna is a mom to two Anser students in the 5th and 2nd grade and a 2.5 year old that stays home with grandma. Her “free time” is filled with as many creative endeavors as possible. Knitting, crocheting, sewing, photography, and so much music. 

Alli Brady – 3rd Grade Crew Leader

abrady@ansercharterschool.org

Alli, a dedicated educator, has a rich background in teaching and a genuine passion for nurturing young minds. She grew up in the beautiful city of Boise, Idaho, and pursued her dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher by attending Boise State University. In 2012, she proudly graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.

Ever since earning her degree, Alli has been unwavering in her commitment to the field of education. She embarked on her teaching career in Emmett, Idaho, where she had the privilege of guiding both first-grade and fifth-grade students for four wonderful years. It was during this time that Alli’s adventurous spirit led her and her sisters to embark on a remarkable 500-mile hike across Spain. After this incredible journey, Alli continued her explorations and ventured to China, where she would spend the next four years teaching.

Then, she ventured into curriculum development while pursuing her master’s degree in Educational Leadership through the esteemed University of Idaho.

When Alli isn’t busy shaping young minds, she cherishes her time outdoors with her two beloved blue heeler pups, Maggie and Murphy. Exploring the scenic wonders of Idaho through hiking, camping, and swimming in its picturesque lakes brings her immense joy. 


Nicole Pape – 4/5 Crew Leader

npape@ansercharterschool.org
Nicole joined the Anser crew in the fall of 2008, and currently teaches a 4th/5th grade crew. Before coming to Anser, Nicole taught literacy and other education classes at Boise State University; supervised student teachers in area schools; and taught elementary and high school in Idaho. She earned a B.A. both in English and in Elementary Education, and an M.A. in Education/Reading from Boise State University. During her leisure time Nicole enjoys running in the foothills, reading, drinking coffee, eating chocolate and spending time with her husband, Jim, and two daughters.

Heather Kelly – 4/5 Crew Leader

hkelly@ansercharterschool.org
As a recent graduate of Boise State, Heather has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English teaching. She came to Anser in 2019 as a student teacher and then as a long term substitute. The Treasure Valley has always been her home and she is excited to start her journey as an educator here. On the weekends, Heather enjoys reading in a hammock alongside the Boise River or hiking with her dog up in the mountains.

Briana Odette – 4/5 Crew Leader 

bodette@ansercharterschool.org

Briana is originally from Denver, Colorado where she graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She is also a Teach for America Idaho 2018 corps alumna. Briana is heading into her 5th year in the classroom with 2 years of 6th grade and 2 years of 4th grade experience. She is passionate about fostering a classroom culture built on strong relationships and finding true joy in learning. She wants all her students to feel empowered, loved, and celebrated for their unique identities and experiences. In her time outside of the classroom, Briana loves reading good books, hiking/camping, and loving on her kitty, Remy.

Megan Glasgow – 4/5 Crew Leader 

mglasgow@ansercharterschool.org

My name is Megan Glasgow and I am so excited to be a part of the Anser Crew! I am originally from Southern Oregon and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Oregon University. I have lived in Idaho for over ten years and have taught in the Boise area of six years. My educator involvement has been serving students from birth to eight grades. The majority of my elementary education experience has been as a 5th grade teacher. Apart from teaching I am also a wife and mother of one toddler. My free time is spent playing in the rich Idaho resources. I enjoy camping, hiking, boating, and snow shoeing. Travel and adventure are what keeps me grounded in this crazy, hectic, beautiful life.

Kate Riede – 4/5 Crew Leader

kriede@ansercharterschool.org

Kate Riede is a long time educator and lifetime learner. Kate brings a passion in authentic collaboration, building connections with all students and curriculum with a history emphasis as areas of expertise she hopes to bring Anser!

Kate has taught Idaho history as a grade four teacher, spent five years teaching US History, including yearly week-long field trips to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington DC with fifth grade students. Kate’s classroom career has focused on a highly differentiated classroom experience to ensure skills development, math investigations and confidence with complex problem solving skills can be part of the learning experiences among all learners.

Morgan Eardley

meardley@ansercharterschool.org

Morgan was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with her Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts and a minor in Reading. Morgan has 6 years of teaching experience in first, second, and third grade. She has a passion for building community and making sure each student feels confident and successful in and out of the classroom. Morgan loves to continue to learn about the brain and how it functions. She integrates this learning into her teaching to help the students understand their brain and how it reacts to academics and emotions. 

When Morgan is not in the classroom she enjoys spending her time outdoors, loving on Oscar, her puppy, and playing games with her family.

Jennifer Smackey

jsmackey@ansercharterschool.org 

Jennifer is originally from the East Coast and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Rochester. She began her teaching career as an environmental educator at nature centers and residential outdoor programs. After realizing that she absolutely loved teaching, she completed a master’s degree in education from Lehigh University. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Jennifer taught students aged 3 through 13 in a variety of settings and classrooms. Teaching at Anser feels like coming home since both of her children were K-8 crew members.

Boise has been Jennifer’s home for the past two-plus decades and she spends as much time as she can in Idaho’s great outdoors with her family. When not in the classroom, you might also find her talking about books and films at a table in a coffee shop or in the aisles of a local bookstore.

Heather Banuelos – Math Crew Leader

hbanuelos@ansercharterschool.org
Heather received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Certified Kindergarten through 8th grade from Boise State University in 2011. She has since returned to Boise State and received a Masters or Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction with a Mathematics Consulting Teacher Endorsement as well as an additional endorsement in Math 5-9th grade.   Heather is part of the Math Teacher Leader Network through the Boise State Regional Math Center where she works with area teachers to hone her craft with the goal of teaching her peers about the latest in mathematics instruction and best practices.  Her teaching experience includes preschool as well as elementary and middle school students. Heather began her teaching career in her home running a preschool and broadened her experience working with preschool and school-age students at the YMCA, writing and implementing curriculum for various programs there. She has been working at Anser since 2011, and her love of middle school students led her to her current position as the Anser Middle School Algebra 1 math teacher.  This year she has added Math Coach to all Anser teachers K-8 as the main part of her day.  Heather’s biggest accomplishment is her family; husband Sal, son Sal, daughter-in-law Kailey, grandchildren Eli and Presley and two daughters Sydney and Olivia.  They all continue to be the light of her life.  She enjoys a busy life outside of Anser by keeping pace with her girls, a busy husband, 2 dogs and a cat. Heather’s interests include camping, crafting, reading, cooking, sewing, and spending time with friends and family.

Pete Enderlin – Science Crew Leader

penderlin@ansercharterschool.org

Pete’s love of nature inspired him to seek a better understanding of the natural world, so he earned a double major Bachelor of Science in Geology and Environmental Science from Dickinson College in 2005. Pete continued his education by earning a Master of Science in Geological Sciences from the Ohio State University in 2010 and then a Master of Education in 2011.

In 2019 Pete and his family moved to Idaho. This was the year that Pete joined Anser as a Middle School Crew Leader! Before moving to Idaho, he taught all the high school sciences in Ohio and Maine for 8 years.

When he’s not teaching, Pete can be found hiking, running, birding, playing board games, or fly fishing with his family.

Sarah Higgins – World Studies Crew Leader 

shiggins@ansercharterschool.org

Sarah grew up in Soda Springs, which is a lovely small town in Southeast Idaho. Where she was raised camping and fishing, and she still loves spending as much time as possible in the outdoors. She studied History, Education and Reading at the College of Idaho (Go Yotes!) where she was able to pursue a number of interests as a student there including snowboarding, backpacking, fly fishing, and teaching. She continued her education at The College of Idaho and completed a Master’s in Teaching in May of 2017 with a focus on Character Education. 

She previously held roles with middle grade students through leading outdoor trips in the backcountry or coaching sports like volleyball or track. She also worked as a coordinator for the Community School Residential program in Sun Valley. After a few years of teaching in a traditional classroom setting she followed her curiosity for international travel and moved to Taipei, Taiwan to teach English. Taipei was a perfect jumping off place for exploring East Asia, including travel to Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Other global travel highlights include the Louvre and the Sheikh Zayed grand mosque in Abu Dhabi, the Great Wall of China, snorkeling in Zanzibar and eating pretzels in Munich. Travel has enriched her life and her teaching practice. Experiencing new places has helped her feel connected to the world as a global citizen, and she can’t wait to share her passion and experience with her World Studies Crew.

Becky Morgan – Justice Crew Leader 

bmorgan@ansercharterschool.org
After many diverse experiences in the education world, Becky joined Anser as a 6th grade crew leader in 2017 and then as a Jr High Crew Leader in 2020. Since moving to Boise in 1997, Becky has taught at Foothills School of Arts and Sciences and at The Children’s School, tutored, developed and delivered workshops, and served as the Executive Director of the Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS).  She worked extensively with students and teachers in gardens and is passionate about getting children outside to connect with the natural world. Becky has a B.S. in Biology from Bates College and a M.Ed. (with a focus on Humane Education) from Cambridge College. Becky loves to spend time with her family and can often be found in the garden. She is an avid runner and enjoys mountain biking and skiing.

Anne Moore –  Junior High Crew Leader & Visual Arts Instructor

amoore@ansercharterschool.org

Anne is the Art Educator for for grades K-8. She enjoys work creating and facilitating unique and powerful programs that empower students in authentic ways, build confidence, connect with our local community, and develop an appreciation for the value of all art forms in our world. Anne joined the Anser Crew in 2003, she taught kindergarten for 11 years, spent time as a technology teacher and created a visual and performing arts program for our kindergartners called the AAYC (Anser Arts for Young Children) before moving into the position of the Visual Arts teacher for the entire school. She has a son, Myron who is an Anser alum! As a family they enjoy; sports, music, art, hiking, camping, biking, dancing, and traveling.


Richard Incorvia – STEM / Innovation Lab Crew Leader 

rincorvia@ansercharterschool.org
Richard earned his Masters in Teaching from Maharishi University of Management. He’s been in education for 12 years in both public and private schools where he became well known across the country as an education innovator, utilizing the latest technology to engage students. Recently he was the academic director of a STEM outreach program. He was the subject of the film What School Can Be. Also, he is a pirate.

Melissa Roe – 7/8 Science Crew Leader

mroe@ansercharterschool.org 

Melissa debuted her teaching career in western Washington teaching middle school science and after four years of teaching high school science in Nampa, she has returned to the start of her teaching passion. Melissa’s experience in education started well before teaching, she graduated from Washington State University in 2006 with a BS in Kinesiology majoring and certifying in Athletic training. She spent 2 years as a high school athletic trainer before she moved to Wyoming with her husband and completing her teaching degree.

Outside of the classroom you will often find Melissa and her family on ski slopes at Bogus basin or enjoying many of the outdoor activities offered in the treasure valley. Most often you may see her taking her kids to their various after school activities through out Boise. Melissa can’t wait to continue exploring Idaho and sharing those experiences with her Anser students.

Lynsey Kleman – 7/8 ELA Crew Leader

lkleman@ansercharterschool.org 

Lynsey grew up in Colorado. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Adams State University and a Master of Science degree in education from the University of Tennessee. She began teaching 8th grade English in 1999. She was a three-year participant in the Idaho Coaching Network, which encourages innovative research-based teaching methods and teacher leadership skills.

Lynsey is passionate about helping students express themselves through writing and speaking. Her favorite teaching moments are ones where students take the lead and direct their own learning.

Jessica McGinnis –
jmcginnis@ansercharterschool.org

Jessica McGinnis graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis with a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in American Indian Studies in 1994. She taught dance and homeschooled her oldest son for many years before returning to the classroom. “I believe education can be a transformational experience and see myself as a life-long learner. I enjoy the intellectual and emotional challenges and rewards of being an educator. I am so thankful to have a job where I can be joyful and curious each and every day.” In her free time Jess enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, biking, experiencing live music, writing poetry, and playing the ukulele badly but with gusto.


Sarah Wilson – Compassion Lab Instructor
swilson@ansercharterschool.org
Sarah Wilson has her BA in Elementary Education and holds an Endorsement in Early Childhood Education. She has followed Anser since its beginning and was thrilled when her twins names were drawn in the kindergarten lottery. All three of her children now attend Anser. Getting to work with students now is icing on the cake! Speaking of cake… before teaching at Anser, Sarah made custom cupcakes and cakes out of her kitchen. She loves all things creative and tackles any creative challenge that comes her way. Her favorite times with her husband and kids include camping, enjoying Boise’s parks and events, riding bikes, and making art.

Tanya Rush – Physical Education
trush@ansercharterschool.org

Tanya joined the Anser staff after 8 years of teaching middle school PE and Health.  She has developed several community programs with BSU Kinesiology, newly arrived refugees, local mural artist, and City Club of Boise. Other avenues established with and for the students were building a rapport with Idaho Power, Curb It, with Boise International Market, and with the Idaho Green Challenge. In addition, she has developed a club mountain bike team for three years at her previous school and created the school’s first high/middle school Ultimate Frisbee team at both schools and teach an Ultimate Frisbee class at BSU. When Tanya is not teaching, she loves being outdoors, mountain biking, hiking, playing tennis, or camping. She also loves traveling to different countries and embracing their cultures. Tanya loves doing these adventures with her spouse, daughter and two dogs, Bear and Clancy.

Jenna Allen – K-5 Art Lab Leader

jallen@ansercharterschool.org 

Jenna Allen graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Art Education. This will be her third year teaching art, but first year being a part of the Anser Crew. Prior to moving to Idaho this summer, Jenna and her husband are from a small town in Wisconsin. The two high school sweethearts decided they wanted a change of scenery, and are eager to explore the beautiful valley with their two pups.


Amanda Brooks – Exceptional Child Services Crew Leader
abrooks@ansercharterschool.org

Amanda graduated in the spring of 2016 from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education. She has worked with children with all levels of need, providing both academic and community support. Amanda has a passion for providing meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for all students.

When not at work, Amanda enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and stacking rocks on the shores of the Boise River. She lives at home with her cat-Majorca, and her chihuahua- Timmy.

Amanda is excited to be a part of the wonderful team at Anser, and she is looking forward to a great school year!


Beth Zuschlag – Reading Interventionist
bzuschlag@ansercharterschool.org

Beth Zuschlag was happy to join the ECS crew as the Literacy Specialist in 2015. Prior to coming to Anser, Beth taught fifth grade in Hinsdale, Illinois. A “transplant” from the Midwest, Beth graduated from Augustana College with a psychology degree and earned her Masters in Literacy from Dominican University. The mother to four children, Beth enjoys spending time with her family and walking in the foothills with her dog, Stark. She loves being part of the Anser community!


Siler McCraw – Student Support Specialist, School Social Worker

smccraw@ansercharterschool.org

Student Support Website 

I obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas in 2006 and I have worked in Elementary and Junior High school settings ever since. I see the position of the Student Support Specialist as a bridge that connects student’s social and emotional needs with the school, the family, and the community. When not working, I like to spend my time hiking and listing to live music. I also love to read, go running, and laughing as frequently as possible.

Julia Wood – K-5 Counselor 

jwood@ansercharterschool.org 

Hello! My name is Julia Wood and I am honored to be Anser’s new K-5 School Counselor! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. I have been a Counselor since 2009 and have worked in a variety of settings including schools, the hospital and in the community. I have found such joy in being able to connect with children through their play while they have the opportunity to increase self-expression, help regulate emotions, and practice developmentally appropriate skills. I am so excited for this opportunity and to be a part of the Anser community!

I am a proud Mom of two sons (Liam just graduated 8th grade from Anser and Owen will be going into 8th grade at Anser). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with Liam, Owen and my husband (John). I love to travel, play with our dogs, read, and be outdoors.

Annette Konecni – Exceptional Child Services Crew Leader

akonecni@ansercharterschool.org

Annette Konecni is very excited to join the Exceptional Child Services team as a Certified Teacher. After graduating from BSU’s Early Childhood Blended Program and also has her Special Education Generalist endorsement, she has taught birth through 3rd grade, general education and special education. Since 2011, she has been fortunate enough to focus her work in many areas of Special Education.

Student Support Website

Scott Packer -Exceptional Child Services Crew Leader

spacker@ansercharterschool.org 

Scott graduated from Boise State University in 2001 with a BA in accounting. In 2015, he decided to follow his dream and become a Special education teacher. his wife is an elementary teacher for the Nampa school district and he has two adult daughters, one is finishing her senior year at the University of Idaho and the other is starting her Masters work at the University of Florida. When not working, Scott enjoys spending time outdoors and is often accompanied by his two dogs.

Nicole Rollins – Exceptional Child Services Lead Behavior Specialist 

nrollins@ansercharterschool.org 

Nicole is excited to join Anser this year! Nicole received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics with a minor in Physical Education Coaching while playing softball and volleyball at the College of Idaho. Nicole has certifications in Mindset Training and the Mandt System to help youth in communication, problem solving and crisis situations. Nicole has worked with students as an Interventionist Specialist and coach since 2005. She has been named a Positive Coaching Alliance National Double Goal Coach as well as Idaho State and District III Coach of the Year.

Outside of school her interests include traveling, sports, hiking, spending time with friends and family and an occasional relaxation marathon TV day. She has a Siberian Husky that loves to sing and 3 cats to keep her entertained at home.


Heather Dennis – Executive Director

hdennis@ansercharterschool.org
After ten years as an Anser parent, three years serving on the Anser Community Board and four years on Family Council Heather joined the Anser staff in August 2010. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Developmental Psychology. Her career has spanned the non-profit sector at organizations such as the Early Childhood Autism Project, Community Living Opportunities where she served children and adults disabilities to the Center for Community Change, a national non-profit dedicated to social justice issues. She feels very fortunate to have joined the Anser staff where she can continue to dedicate her time to creating positive change for families and her community. Born and raised in Idaho she enjoys camping, gardening and spending time with her husband and three children.

Destin Tonkin – Education Director

dtonkin@ansercharterschool.org 

Destin Tonkin has a long history with Anser as a former 6th-8th grade Crew Leader and an Administrative Intern. She received her undergraduate degree in K-8 Elementary Education from Boise State University and Masters in Educational Leadership: Building Administrator from Northwest Nazarene University. During her absence from Anser, she opened an educational program during the midst of the pandemic where she and a team of 7 teachers served over 200 students in varying capacities. In her spare time, she competitively shows horses, is an assistant coach for a 14U club softball team, whitewater rafts with her husband and two children, spends many weekends on the baseball/softball fields and exploring Idaho outdoors as much as possible.

Abby Nichols – Assistant Education Director

anichols@ansercharterschool.org
Abby joined the Anser Crew in 2017. After living in California for thirteen years, she decided to begin a new adventure by moving to Boise. Her family is originally from Idaho, but she grew up as a Navy kid and has lived all over the United States. Idaho has always been home for her. In 2013 she earned her BA in English at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and in 2015 she earned her Masters of Education and English teaching credential at the University of San Diego. She has taught both 8th and 12th grade English classes. In Abby’s free time she enjoys playing with her first nephew, reading historical fiction, exploring coffee shops, practicing yoga, and camping.

Emily Morgan – Instructional Guide

emorgan@ansercharterschool.org

Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching, a K-12 Reading Endorsement, and a Master’s degree in Teaching English Language Arts, all from Boise State University. She began her career in the Boise School District, teaching 7-9th grade English. In 2016, she shifted roles to work for the Idaho Coaching Network as an instructional coach. Emily is passionate about learning, growth, and leading alongside dedicated educators, and through coaching, she found a new purpose in supporting students through working with educators who strive tirelessly to reach each learner. Emily is the proud mother of two Anser graduates and is thrilled to be able to work in a school and community she greatly admires. In her free time, she can be found curled up with a good book, running through the foothills, hiking in the mountains, exploring new places, playing board games with her family, creating, or biking around Boise.

Amanda Neill – Community Engagement Coordinator

aneill@ansercharterschool.org

Amanda is excited to continue her Anser journey as the Community Engagement Coordinator! Amanda was part of a private Montessori school team administration for over 15 years before coming to Anser. She graduated from Boise State with a degree in English. When she isn’t working at school she has spent time coordinating, fundraising and participating on the boards of multiple non profit organizations. She loves to plan an event and celebrate all occasions with people. Spending time with her family, cooking, laughing, camping, reading, biking, trying new restaurants and going on adventures are among the many things that bring her joy. She is so grateful to be a part of Anser Charter School as an employee and a parent!

Andrea Kingsbury – Finance and Operations Manager 

akingsbury@ansercharterschool.org

Andrea Kingsbury graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Recreation and has served in management and administrative positions in Senior Living Communities. She is also a certified personal trainer and can often be found pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle, whether that’s working out in the gym or taking advantage of Boise’s many recreational opportunities with her family!

Tracy Quissell – Registrar 

tquissell@ansercharterschool.org

Tracy has a B.A. in Psychology from Northwest Nazarene University and joins the Anser crew after retiring from 11 years as Director of Youth Ministry at the Cathedral of the Rockies, here in Boise.  Tracy has a passion for children and youth and strives to create a warm and nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued, and are empowered to be their truest, most authentic selves.  She has always loved the organizational and administrative side of each management position she has held, so she’s thrilled to step into the role of Office Manager at Anser.  In her spare time, Tracy enjoys camping, hiking and road-tripping with her husband, 3 children, and 2 crazy dogs.

Chelsie Angeletti – Front Office Administration Assistant

cangeletti@ansercharterschool.org 

Sara Jepson – Health Screener, Front Office 

sjepson@ansercharterschool.org

Sara joined the Anser staff in 2020 and came back to her roots in education. She holds a teaching degree from the University of the Pacific and spent many years in preschool education. More recently, she completed further education and several years in healthcare administration. She will also assist the admin team in the front office.


Danielle Kieffer – Lunch Program

daniellekieffer@ansercharterschool.org
Danielle began as a parent volunteer at Anser when her oldest son started kindergarten. Volunteering has evolved into a wide variety of staff positions. Danielle manages Anser’s school lunch program and is part of the admin team.

Jessica Alexander – Transportation Coordinator and School Bus Driver 

jalexander@ansercharterschool.org 

Jessica joined Anser in 2023 as a school bus driver and then stepped into the role of transportation coordinator and school bus safety trainer. Jessica has been driving school buses in all grade levels and running specialized busing programs for several years including driving for public transit during the pandemic. Jessica also holds several transportation and safety training certificates.  Jessica is trustworthy and committed to bringing students to and from school locations promptly and safely while making it a fun and safe experience for students. Jessica, when not thinking or driving a bus, can be found spending time with her husband and kids out and about fishing, paddle boarding, or barbecuing. 


Nancie Swanke – Kitchen Manager
Nancie began working at Anser in September of 2011 as a School Support Staff person. She now prepares Anser’s lunches for our hot lunch program, assists with the facility, and keeping our students safe at drop off and pick up time. She enjoys sewing, cooking, “puttering” around her house, and long walks with her two children.