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
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.
Jen LaForge
jlaforge@ansercharterschool.org
Jen LaForge is excited to join the Anser Community as a First Grade Crew Leader! She previously taught ten years of elementary school and has spent the last seven years teaching preschool. Jen has a BA in Education from Washington State University-Go Cougs! And an MEd in Education from UNLV.
Jen has two daughters who attend Anser and her family has loved all of the special learning experiences they’ve participated in over the years: from banding birds and learning about pollinators to MOSS camp in 6th grade.
When Jen’s not at school she and her family like to play badminton in their backyard, compete for the best Yahtzee score, and ride their bikes on the Greenbelt!
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
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.
Holland Godby – 2nd Grade Crew Leader
Holland grew up in Boise and is so excited for her first year teaching in an elementary classroom! She attended Boise State University where she obtained her B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish. During school, Holland realized while working at summer camps that she has a passion for teaching. After she graduated, she went on to get her M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Northwest Nazarene University. She has worked at a preschool for the last 3 years and is so excited for this next step in her education career. Teaching at a preschool taught her the importance of helping students to strengthen their social emotional skills so that they can be empowered learners and compassionate human beings. In her free time, Holland is an avid reader and loves baking, caring for her plants, going to the farmers markets, and hanging out with her dog, Bentley.
Julie Bú – 3rd Grade Crew Leader
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.
Nancy Brennan – 3rd Grade Crew Leader
nbrennan@ansercharterschool.org
Nancy Brennan holds a degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University. She completed the Boise State Writing Project Fellowship in the spring of 2022. With this education comes 25 years of teaching experience. Her 11 years of certified classroom experience ranges from teaching kindergarten through seventh grade for private and public schools, including four years at Anser Charter School.
While her four children ( all Anser alumni) were young, Nancy directed and owned an in-home childcare and preschool for many years. This is where she fell in love with children and their learning.
For four years, Nancy held the title of Director of Religious Education for early childhood through middle school in a faith-based profession which included overseeing numerous classes and large community events. This valuable time gave her the opportunity to expand her mind creatively and to harness the power of volunteers from many parts of the Boise Community. She brings this enthusiasm into the classroom.
Nancy’s interests include bird watching, gardening, reading, exploring the natural world and playing with her dog. Her educational background has taught her the strong connection between learning and of being part of a crew. It is a joy to be working at Anser Charter School
Alli Brady – 3rd Grade Crew Leader
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.
Kate Riede – 4th Grade Crew Leader
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.
Joey LeSuer – 4th Grade Crew Leader
jlesuer@ansercharterschool.org
Joey LeSuer, his wife and basset hound, Kona, moved to Idaho this summer and bought a home in Meridian. They were both born and raised in California, but are beyond excited to be starting their lives here in Idaho. Joey graduated from Biola University in 2017 and immediately started working with youth. In 2020 he went back to school to get his Teaching Credential. Since then he has been working in education with all ages, most recently as a 2nd grade teacher. A big passion of Joey’s is coaching, he has coached wrestling for 7 years as the High school head coach. In his free time he also loves to hike, hunt, fish, and play sports. Joey loves spending time outside in as many ways as possible. He is excited to be teaching at Anser!
Korrin Van Es – 4th Grade Crew Leader
kvanes@ansercharterschool.org
Korrin Van Es has been a teacher for seven years, teaching both second and fifth grade. Korrin is excited to teach fourth grade at Anser Charter School this year! She loves teaching reading and writing through hands-on activities that make the classroom a fun place to be each day. Korrin lives in Marsing, Idaho, with her husband and our animals. They have goats, chickens, dogs, horses, and a bossy cat. In her free time she loves to ride horses, read, and garden.
Nicole Pape – 5th Grade 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.
Samantha Wallace- 5th Grade Crew Leader
swallace@ansercharterschool.org
Samantha Wallace began her teaching journey in 2016. Samantha took a some time off to be with my family and she is grateful to be back in the classroom and teaching at Anser. Samantha worked hard to earn her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and is a proud member of the lifelong learner club! She believes students are capable of greatness. She is honored to be invited along and witness it firsthand. Riding her bike, being outside, crafting, reading library books, thrifting, swinging in a hammock and finding ease in an unhurried afternoon with family brings light to her life.
Ashley Pearl- 5th Grade Crew Leader
This is Ashley Pearl’s third year teaching. Ashley taught 3rd grade and academic intervention. Ashley is originally from Northern California and moved to Idaho last year with my husband and daughter to be closer to her family. Ashley graduated Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and recently finished her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. When not teaching she loves to spend time with family and most of her free time is spent chasing after her toddler and family Staffordshire terrier puppy.
Lisa Birt
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.
Kristin Gnojewski – Crew Leader
kgnojewski@ansercharterschool.org
Originally from Hillsboro, Oregon on the rainy side of the Cascades, Kristin moved to Boise in 1997. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the University of Oregon (go Ducks!) and Master’s Degrees in Earth Science and Educational Leadership from Boise State University. She has fifteen years of experience teaching middle and high school students. Kristin is passionate about connecting youth with their community and the natural world. For the past five years, she served as the Boise Parks and Recreation Community Volunteer Specialist, where she designed and facilitated community science, outdoor education, and volunteer programming for community members of all ages. In her spare time, Kristin enjoys reading, hiking, participating in insect related community science programs, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family. She is thrilled to join the Anser Crew this year!
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
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 – Makerspace 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. Richard was also an academic director of a STEM outreach program. He was the subject of the film What School Can Be.
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.
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.
Rachel Murphy – K-5 Art Lab Leader
rmurphy@ansercharterschool.org
Rachel Murphy’s life revolves around art, teaching, my family, and a deep appreciation for nature. Rachel received a studio art degree from the University of Arizona and earned teacher certification from the American Board. She has lived in Boise for about 20 years and takes advantage of all that Idaho’s beautiful outdoors have to offer. Throughout the past 25 years, Rachel has worked as a graphic designer, photographer, and teacher. As an artist, she specializes in mixed media, computer graphics, and photography. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is dedicated to nurturing young talents, and encouraging them to explore their creativity while developing their own artistic voice. Her main goal as an art teacher is to encourage students to think big. Using artistic measures to help understand and make relationships about the world will help get crews in the habit of thinking creatively, and working towards realizing there is no problem that can’t be solved! Rachel is excited for the year ahead and to creatively contribute to the Anser community she is now proud to be a part of.
Melissa Hegg- Exceptional Child Services Director
Melissa is excited to be joining the Anser team and working at an Expeditionary Learning school. She has worked with students in kindergarten through twelfth grades in a variety of capacities, including as a teacher, administrator, and school psychologist. Her background includes working in traditional, private, and charter schools. Melissa holds degrees from Boise State University and Idaho State University. She enjoys camping, road trips, concerts, pilates, and riding her cruiser bike.
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
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
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, both Anser alums. 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.
Susan Bailey Smith- Exceptional Child Services Crew Leader
sbaileysmith@ansercharterschool.org
Susan served as a Resource Teacher at Summerwind STEM Academy where she excelled in her role as a resource teacher for Grades K-5. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment is evident in her previous positions, including roles as an Exceptional Education Teacher at various institutions such as Morley Nelson Elementary School, Marana High School, Bradshaw Mountain Middle School, and Mountain View Elementary School.
Throughout her career, Susan has demonstrated exceptional skills as an educator and leader. Her experience extends beyond the classroom, with roles as a consultant to non-profit organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she served as a grant writer and contributed to strategic planning and fund development. Additionally, her passion for music education is reflected in her time as a Music Teacher at Park View Schools, teaching Music, High School Choir, and Guitar.
Jordan Hock-Exceptional Child Services Crew Leader
Jordan Hock is so excited to be part of the Anser Crew! Jordan’s family recently moved to Idaho from Indiana—and LOVE it here! She taught high school for nine years in the south suburbs of Chicago. Over the years she has coached Varsity Swimming and multiple Special Olympic sports. Jordan grew up playing softball and still liked to play when she can. Jordan is married and has two little boys and two dogs. They like to spend lots of time outside, playing games, laughing and exploring Idaho.
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.
Sarah Wilson – Student Success Coordinator
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.
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 nephews, reading historical fiction, exploring coffee shops, practicing yoga, and camping.
Brian Willkie – Assistant Director of Finance and Operations
bwillkie@ansercharterschool.org
Brian Willkie grew up and lived in Southern California until 2018. Brian received a Bachelor’s degree from California State University of Fullerton in Business Administration and a Facilities Management Operations Certificate from University of California Irvine. His career started by working at Disneyland where he met his wife. He then worked as a Facilities Manager for an insurance company at their corporate headquarters in Newport Beach. Brian moved to Meridian Idaho in 2018, where he worked as the Operations Director for Ten Mile Christian Church before moving to Anser. Brian enjoys sports like basketball, golf, softball, football, soccer, volleyball, pickleball, skiing, watching movies, and spending time supporting his son in the BSU marching band and daughter in high school marching band. He also enjoys gardening and the outdoors with his family.
Andrea Kingsbury – Finance and Operations Staff
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!
Amanda Neill – Community Engagement Coordinator
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!
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.
Nancie Swanke – Facilities
Nancie began working at Anser in September of 2011 as a School Support Staff person. She now with our hot lunch program, assists with the facility, and keeps 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.
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