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
JJ Garrett
jjgarrett@ansercharterschool.org
J.J. Garrett has a BA in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Literacy form Boise State University. She is currently pursuing a second endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education. She was raised in the Four Corners area and Alaska so she naturally loves the outdoors. Her interests include bird watching, art, and music. She enjoys spending most of her spare time reading and spending time with her five sons and her husband. J.J. is passionate about early childhood development and being a Crew Leader with Anser Kindergartners.
Nadia Beckham
nbeckham@ansercharterschool.org
My parents and five older siblings were born in Belarus and moved to Russia in 1986 after Chernobyl. I was born in Russia as were my 4 younger siblings. My family immigrated to the U.S. in 1996 and I have been in Idaho since I was 13 years old. This is where I met my husband and we now have two beautiful girls together. I began my work in education in the Early Childhood field and taught pre-school for 13 years and Private Kindergarten for 2 years. I then finished my Masters in Education and Masters of Arts in Teaching which has brought me to Anser! I love singing and playing guitar as well as theater. I love using voices while reading, using music while teaching and finding unique ways to relate to kids and make learning exciting! I am so thrilled to be part of Anser and to learn from others around me as well as bring what I’ve learned from my past experiences. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, reading, and exploring the beautiful parks and trails of Boise with my girls!
Breeze Gilbert
bgilbert@ansercharterschool.org
I was born and raised in Boise Idaho along with my entire extended family. I graduated from Boise State University with a BA in Elementary Education and an endorsement in literacy. I have taught in Nampa for six years in first grade and kindergarten. Prior to that, I owned a private daycare. I am thrilled to be a part of the Anser crew and am so excited to do a year-long study of birds. I love the outdoors and enjoy spending time camping and hiking with my family and my labradoodle, Jasper. I am also currently learning how to downhill mountain bike. When I am indoors I like 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.
Robin Baker
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
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.
Julie Bú
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.
Alexa Manley
amanley@ansercharterschool.org
My name is Alexa Manley and I am very excited to begin my 18th year of teaching. I have taught for 17 years in the Idaho Public School System and this will be my first one at Anser. I am thrilled to be joining the Anser Crew. I was born and raised in Livingston, Montana. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University. After moving to Idaho, I completed a Masterś Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Mathematics focus as well as a Mathematics Consulting Teacher Endorsement from Boise State University. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two beautiful girls. I love traveling, reading, watching movies, and being outdoors.
Jaden Worrell
jworrell@ansercharterschool.org
Hello! My name is Jaden Worrell and I am one of the new 2nd and 3rd grade teachers. I am so excited to join your crew, community, and get to know your students. I am joining the crew as a first year teacher. I just graduated from Boise State University, and spent the last year as a student teacher at Riverstone International School. I grew up moving around the valley with my parents and older brother, which is what sparked my passion for teaching. I love the outdoors and hiking around our beautiful state. Being active and getting outside is something that is very important to me. In college, I joined Alpha Chi Omega, where I met many great people and took on leadership roles within the chapter. I am currently engaged and living with my husky named Lily, and a small tabby cat named Enzo here in Boise. Thank you for taking time to get to know a little about me, I am so excited to get to know everyone this fall.
Anna Boyd
Anna Boyd is so excited to join the 2/3 team this year she comes to Anser with many years as an educator. From teaching preschool to private music lessons to middle school art and orchestra, she is more than ready work with the (slightly) less sassy younger crowd. 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
Nicole Pape
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.
Nancy Brennan
nbrennan@ansercharterschool.org
Nancy Brennan has been in the field of education for nearly 22 years. Her experience includes teaching children from preschool through seventh grade. She feels most joyful when she is in the midst of a collaborative classroom as children learn together through real life, hands-on experiences. Nancy believes strongly in EL Education and is so delighted to be part of the Anser crew. In her spare time she enjoys reading, being creative and traveling with her husband and four children, all of whom have attended Anser Charter School. She holds a BA in Elementary Education.
Heather Kelly
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
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
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.
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 Enderlin comes to Anser with eight years of teaching experience. He has recently relocated to Boise with his wife, son, two dogs, and cat. Pete has moved from Maine where he taught high school science for 6 years, and before that taught in Ohio for 2 years. Pete loves the outdoors and his interests include hiking, fly fishing, birding, skiing, and photography, so naturally he is excited for this change in location. He also enjoys board games and movies. Pete earned a Master of Education from The Ohio State University in August of 2011. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Geological Sciences from OSU as well as a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Environmental Science from Dickinson College. Pete is very excited to join the Crew at Anser this fall!
Katie Sorenson – 6-8th Science Crew Leader
ksorenson@ansercharterschool.org
Katie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Boise State. Her path in life changed when she started doing science outreach and then teaching at a Montessori preschool. She has been teaching for 6 years, and loves teaching her students through inquiry and authentic learning. Her favorite part about teaching is helping students discover what they are truly capable of and build excitement and wonder about the world around them. If you spot her in her spare time, you will see Katie with her eyes towards the sky looking for birds. She also loves to spend time at the bowling alley or relaxing at home with her dog and cat.
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
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.
Megan Osterlund – Math Crew Leader
mosterlund@ansercharterschool.org
Megan Osterlund comes to Anser with seven years of experiences teaching Math at the Junior High level. Her love for Math has always been evident in her classroom and been known to be contagious. She lives in Boise with her husband and two sons, one of which is an Anser crew member! She enjoys hiking in the foothills near her home, camping, baking, and spending time with friends and family. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from CSU Chico.
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.
Kelli Ott – Visual Arts K-5
As an Anser parent to two boys along with being 2021-22’s 6th-grade assistant, Kelli is thrilled to embrace the new position of Visual Arts Lab Teacher (Kinder through 5th grade). Kelli has a long, varied background in the arts; her education in Art History and Spatial Design and professional background in museum exhibition design, painting, prop fabrication, and makeup artistry at Opera Idaho and in local commercials and film. Since 2018, she has been an after-school art teacher at multiple elementary schools in the Boise area. Kelli is excited to bring her experience and skill base to our school’s Specials Team and assist Anne Moore in creating Anser’s Art Department.
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!
Jessie Dahlin – Math Interventionist
jdahlin@ansercharterschool.org
Jessie is venturing south from Moscow Idaho where she was born and raised and also raised her two children. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Idaho. She is currently working on a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership at Gonzaga University. Jessie has been teaching in the EL Education model for eleven years at Palouse Prairie Charter School where she was the founding 2/3 crew teacher. When she is not teaching, she loves writing, watching football, and being outdoors especially camping, hiking, and being on the water.
Siler McCraw – Student Support Specialist, School Social Worker
Student Support Website
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 with my husband and my kids. I also love to read, go running, and laughing as frequently as possible.
Hillard McMorris – Student Support Specialist K-5
hmcmorris@ansercharterschool.org
I graduated in 2012 from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Here I received my masters in school counseling and shortly after moved to Boise Idaho in the summer of 2013. I have been a school counselor for the past eight years, during the first 6 years of my career I worked with middle school students and for the last two years have been working with students Kindergarten-5th grade. I am passionate about working with students, their families and within the community to help drive and promote positive growth/change. I also take pride in helping students emotionally and socially as they navigate their personal journeys. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my daughter Madison who will be joining the Anser family at the same time I am. Spring and summer months are my favorite time because it allows Madison and I to be outside more frequently participating in activities that we enjoy such as hiking, biking, going to the park, zoo, swimming pool and museums. I also enjoy traveling, working out, and a good lazy day. Lastly, I appreciate the individual that chose to combine peanut butter and chocolate, that person deserves a thank you.
Stephanie Lee -Exceptional Child Services Crew Leader
Stephanie Lee has worked within the field of Special Education for the last 14 years. She began as a Behaviorist for 3 years serving students in both school and community settings before transitioning into teaching Special Education for grades K-8. Stephanie graduated with a B.S in Social Science from the University of Maryland, and also holds a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education from Walden University. Stephanie holds certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Teacher Leader- Special Education. When not teaching, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, volunteering for various local organizations, and gardening.
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.
Michelle Dunstan – Education Director/Principal
mdunstan@ansercharterschool.org
Michelle became Anser’s Education Director in 2015 after completing her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Boise State University. Michelle has been connected to Anser Charter School since 2005 through student teaching in the Anser Jr. High, then serving as the Community Based Curriculum Director for two years. At that time, she went on an adventure with her family to the southwest and taught 4th and 5th grade children from the Ute and Navajo Reservation. Fall 2010 brought her back to Anser to teach on the Middle Childhood team. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education with a full reading endorsement and a M.A. in Education Leadership through Boise State University. She has a passion for reading and inspiring readers, plus a passion to support teachers in their craft! Michelle enjoys her family, reading, having coffee with friends and riding her bike in Boise.
Abby Wirsching – Assistant Education Director
awirsching@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.
Heather Dennis – Organization 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.
Maridee Lemieux, Finance and Administration Director
marideelemieux@
Maridee Lemieux received degrees in Accounting and Civil Engineering from the University of Idaho. Maridee began her career working in the accounting field; first as an auditor and then in various roles in corporate accounting. Over the last several years, Maridee has transitioned into project work and is currently the IT Project Manager for Agri Beef. Co. The opportunity to take part in a student exchange program was the catalyst for developing Maridee’s love of travel and community service. She has held leadership positions at both the club and district level for Lions International including serving as the Youth Exchange Coordinator for Lions District 39W. After her son become enrolled in Anser, Maridee shifted her volunteer efforts to supporting the school and is currently serving her third term on the Anser Community Board as Treasurer and member of the Executive and Finance Committees. Maridee enjoys gardening and exploring the great outdoors in Idaho and wherever her travel bug takes her.
Andrea Kingsbury – Finance and Operations Manager
akingsbury@ansercharterschool.org
Andrea Kingsbury is Anser’s Front Office manager. She 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!
Stacie Knudsen – Registrar
sknudsen@ansercharterschool.org
Stacie joined the Anser Admin Crew in 2015. She provides support to the very busy front office and performs regsitrar duties. Additionally, she supports the work of the Education Director, Organization Director, Teachers, students and parents. Stacie came to Anser from the West YMCA where she managed the very busy Aquatics program. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her family and visiting her extended family in Oregon.
Tracy Quissell – Front Office Manager
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.
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. Sara is your contact person with any questions or concerns relating to Covid-19 symptoms, periods of quarantine, etc. She will also assist the admin team in the front office.
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!
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.
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 – 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.
English
Spanish