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Our Board of Directors

Anser is led and supported by the Anser Community Board of Directors. The Board helps make sure the school runs well and follows its mission and values. Board members include current Anser parents, parents of former students, and community members who care about the school. The Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Brian Whitney

President

Brian joined the Anser board as a parent-at-large board member because it is an opportunity to engage as Crew, proactively supporting the Vision, Mission, and goals of the school. He has watched Anser evolve over the years, consistently inspired by the school’s commitment to engaging children in authentic, relevant, and meaningful learning. In 2020, his own children began attending Anser and he now has the privilege to see the EL model and Anser’s work through the eyes of his own children. Brian’s career has been dedicated to education and he has worked in a variety of roles including teaching, consulting, and leadership. Brian currently works for the National Institute for STEM Education, collaborating with teachers, schools, and districts across the country. Brian serves on Anser’s Finance and DEI committees. He joined the board in the fall of 2020.

Hannah Read Newbill

board member

Hannah’s son and daughter have attended Anser since kindergarten and their family loves this school and its community dearly. Hannah is delighted to support Anser through board service, utilizing her 25+ years of experience working in non-profit theaters, primarily and currently on the administrative staff of Idaho Shakespeare Festival (ISF) as their director of marketing, and as media contact and director of digital and special publications for Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Both theaters are part of a three theater strategic alliance that is entirely unique in the industry. She is in charge of all ISF communications, PR, corporate sponsorship, and more, as a “department of one”. Occasionally she still enjoys flexing her costume design and stage management skills. In her time away from theater she loves knitting, sewing, and cooking. She is a passionate collaborative creative and loves how Anser empowers students to think creatively, collaboratively, globally, and locally. Hannah serves on the resource development and executive committees and joined the board as a parent-at-large in late 2021.

Roger Stewart

Secretary

Roger joined the Anser board in fall 2024. He is the grandfather of four current and former Anser students. He has been involved in public education in Idaho since moving to the state in 1995. In his role as a professor of education at Boise State University for 25 years, he had the opportunity to become involved in a wide variety of educational initiatives in Idaho. Consequently, he has been a board member at other charter schools, has worked with the Idaho State Department of Education and the Idaho State Board of Education, and has had the honor of having taught and mentored many Idaho educators, some of whom have been or are currently Anser faculty. Roger has been around long enough to have known several of the founders of Anser and even served on two founders’ doctoral committees when they were students at Boise State. A matter of fact, he read and provided feedback on a draft of the original Anser charter before it was submitted to the State for approval; but, of course, he had no idea at the time that the charter would result in the establishment of one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in Idaho. He thought he was just doing a favor for some friends that needed a different “pair of eyes” on a document they had spent countless hours developing. And as a final bit of trivia, his grandchildren might hold the record for length of wait to be selected in the yearly lottery. Their mother submitted lottery applications for nine consecutive years before being selected for the 2023-2024 school year. Roger looks forward to working with all of the committed people who work diligently year-after-year guiding Anser so that it remains an exciting, dynamic place where students embrace learning and thrive as members of the Anser community of learners.

Sarah Butler

Treasurer

Sarah has been a part of the Anser community since 2014 when her two daughters began attending Anser. She has loved being part of the Anser family and watching her girls develop their whole selves as part of the excellent EL Education. She is excited to give back to the school by serving on the board. Sarah is a University of Utah graduate where she obtained her MBA and Accounting degree. She began her career in public accounting in Salt Lake City before moving to Boise with her husband in 2002. She has ten years of experience in corporate accounting, including financial reporting. She currently works with a non-profit in finance. In her time away from work, she loves travel, music and reading. Sarah serves on the Finance Committee.

Haley Fletcher Bethune

vice president

Haley Fletcher Bethune is a proud Anser parent with children currently in 1st and 3rd grade. Her family was drawn to Anser’s commitment to nurturing the whole child, fostering curiosity, and building a strong sense of belonging. She’s a frequent classroom volunteer and passionate about creating environments where both students and educators can thrive. Professionally, Haley is an executive leadership coach, facilitator, and consultant who works with schools and nonprofits across the country. She began her career as a teacher at a charter school in Houston, which sparked her dedication to educational equity, early literacy, and inclusive leadership. She later supported a global network of camps serving children with serious illnesses, where she deepened her belief in experiential learning and whole-person development. Haley now partners with mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and culture. She is the co-founder of the Leadership Cooperative, an executive coach with Proof Leadership Group, and the founder of Spark Lab Consulting. She’s also a passionate advocate for dyslexia awareness and hands-on learning that helps students grow into engaged and courageous learners. Haley lives in Meridian with her husband, Tim, and their three children. She’s excited to give back to the Anser community and support the school as a transformative space for students and educators alike.

Lynne Fune

Board Member

Lynne joined the board in the fall of 2024. She has volunteered with local nonprofits focused on the wellbeing of children for many years and she looks forward to continuing to have a positive impact on children’s lives through the work on the Anser Board of Directors. Lynne attended Boise State University where she obtained her Accounting degree and Northwest Nazarene University for her MBA. Lynne is also a CPA in the state of Idaho. She has worked in corporate accounting departments in a variety of industries, from retail to construction services. Currently, Lynne is the Controller at the Treasure Valley Family YMCA. Outside of work, Lynne enjoys spending time with family, reading, and traveling. Lynne serves on the Finance Committee

Suzanne Gregg

Board Member

Suzanne is a founding member of Anser Charter School and began her career at the school as both a teacher and instructional guide until she became Education Director during the school’s third year of operation. Suzanne held that role until her retirement in 2015. Previous to Anser, Suzanne’s positions in education included speech and language pathologist, general education teacher, assistant principal, and adjunct college professor. Suzanne also earned National Board Certification; and in the fall of 2016, was awarded a Boise State University Distinguished Alumni award for her partnership with Boise State and the impact she has had on education in the valley. Upon Suzanne’s retirement she consistently volunteered at the school in her grandchildren’s classrooms up until the Covid pandemic, at which time she began supporting online school for four of her grandchildren in her home! Three of Suzanne’s grandchildren have graduated from Anser and two are still attending. Continuing to be part of the Anser community by serving on the board and watching her grandchildren’s academic, social/emotional and character growth is exciting as the school continues to offer an exceptional program for Anser students and families. When Suzanne is not spending time with family at home or at their cabin in Lowman, you can find her consulting as an educator, reading a juicy novel or playing Mahjong. She also enjoys long walks and chauffeuring grandkids!

Leon Samuels

Board Member

Leon is a lifelong Idahoan and has called Boise home for nearly four decades. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he immigrated to the United States when his father was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base and moved to Boise shortly after his father retired from the military. He graduated from Centennial High School (Go Patriots!), received his B.A. in Politics and Economics from the College of Idaho (Go Yotes!), and received his J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law (Go Vandals!). Leon has worked as a deputy prosecutor and deputy county attorney for Boise City, Canyon County, and Ada County and is currently the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for the UI College of Law in Boise. In his free time, he likes tennis and pickleball, olympic weightlifting, traveling, trying new foods, and watching reality television. He is excited to serve on the Anser Board of Directors as he admittedly likes to geek out on policies, procedures, and governance.

Erik Moncada

Family Council Representative

Erik is a dedicated full-time stay-at-home dad raising two energetic boys – Mason, who is in third grade, and Cruz, in first grade. His commitment to their education and well-being is evident through his active involvement at Anser Charter School. Erik regularly volunteers at the school, participating in classroom activities to build strong, positive relationships with other families and contribute to a supportive school environment. In addition to his classroom presence, Erik is a valued member of the Family Council, where he collaborates with other engaged parents to foster a cohesive and nurturing school community. His dedication to both his children and their educational environment underscores his deep commitment to community and collaboration. Before embracing his role as a stay-at-home dad, Erik was extensively involved in the fly fishing community. With a degree in Interpersonal Communications from Boise State University, Erik leveraged his academic background to contribute meaningfully to local organizations and nonprofits. Erik remains connected to his love for fly fishing, working as a fly fishing guide on weekends to share his expertise and enthusiasm with others. During the week, he immerses himself in the community of Crew, continuing his tradition of engagement and support.

Anne Moore

Staff Liaison (non-voting)

Anne is the Art Educator for the Anser Middle School. She enjoys 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 is now building Art Expeditions at the middle school level. She has a son, Myron who is an Anser alumni! As a family they enjoy; sports, music, art, hiking, motorcycles, camping, biking, dancing, and traveling.

Nicole Pape

Staff Liaison (non-voting)

Nicole is the elementary staff liaison for the 2023-2025 school years. She 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. in English, received her certification in K-12 Elementary Education, and completed an M.A. in Education/Reading from Boise State University. During her leisure time Nicole enjoys running in the foothills, reading, and spending time with her husband, Jim, and two daughters.

Sasha Rojas Zaragoza

Board Member

As a highly involved parent, Sasha finds joy in watching her kids realize their potential and exploring all the great gifts life has to offer. Staying connected to Anser by way of the Anser Board brings the opportunity to contribute to an education model she has trusted and believed in for so long! Anser been her family’s school for 13 years! Sasha has had 4 children attend every year since 2009 (one is currently in 7th grade). Managing a household is Sasha’s main job but when she does work she is a Montessori teacher. Years of volunteer experience with the refugee community, brought Sasha to her first PTO experience serving on the Hillside JH PTO as their Bridge Program Liaison. Being involved in the Whittier Elementary PTO is another project on her plate! Sasha also serves on Anser’s Family Council as the liaison for Junior High. Sasha happily joined the Anser Board in February 2022.

Jess Salzieder

board member - family at large

Jessica “Jess” Salzsieder (she/them) is a proud parent of an Anser 1st grader. Jess is a former cake decorator and elementary teacher. She is an advocate for public education who strongly believes in fostering a sense of community that is inclusive to all. Currently, Jess is working as an office manager for her family’s psychiatric clinic and studying for her master’s in social work so that she can further assist those in a time of need. In her free time, you can find Jess by a river, spending time with friends and family, or volunteering in her community. Jess is very excited about serving and learning alongside other members of the board at Anser.

Emina Sadiki

Board Member - family at large

I have a lot of experience with headstart. I served a year on the IHSA board as parent rep for Idaho and 3 years on the NHS and FOCAF board as parent rep. I represented Idaho in 2024 in California and in 2025 in Florida. I have certificates for those as well. I am part of the Policy counsel and community committee at headstart in Boise. I’m 32 years old and in my free time I love to babysit since I have a license for that as well. I’m CPR certified as well as AED and FIRST AID certified. I’m currently enrolled in Penn Foster for early childhood education. I spend my time gardening, baking as I’m also a chef . I finished culinary school in Europe. I am writing a book about my life , I speak English, Bosnian, Croation, Serbian,German,Romani and I’m currently doing Duolingo to learn Spanish . I have 2 little baby bunnies and 2 long hair for babies named Jack and Willy. I have 3 kids attending Anser this year and I have recruited 5 families to Anser so far. I tell everyone Anser is the Answer. I like helping people because I come from a long history of poverty and abuse and I never want anyone to feel like that ever so I do my best to understand children and help guide them towards a better future. If I’m chosen as a board member I promise to be involved as much as I can be and to make changes that will benefit not just the students and staff but families and our general community as well.

Larry Maneely

Board Member

Larry was born and raised in the Sacramento River Delta region of Northern California, but found his way to Boise when he joined KTVB as Sports Director in 1975. Eight years later, married with two toddlers, he returned to Sacramento and lived the dream of covering major pro sports, notably Super Bowls. His contract ending there in 1988, he eagerly accepted an offer to return to KTVB, knowing he’d much rather raise his two children here than start jumping around the country, as is common in the media.  

Larry was a member of the Boise Schools Foundation Board of Directors for 7 years while his two children were students in the Boise School District. The Foundation Board helped in fundraising to underwrite worthy classroom projects and/or programs applied for that were otherwise not funded by the district or individual schools due to budget constraints. The Board evaluated and awarded funds annually to teachers, with a goal of providing some funding to all applicants and broadly increasing opportunities for students throughout the district .

After his broadcasting career ended, he spent nearly 20 years as President of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. This Boise-based organization raised money locally to underwrite the cost of bringing world-class athletes (Olympians and retired professionals of all major sports) to Idaho annually and honoring them for their commitment to projects and purposes beyond the competitive athlete world.

After 25 years in sports broadcasting, and looking for new challenges, he accepted a partnership in a food export company, and spent a decade marketing Idaho potato products, and followed that with a few years as Deputy Director of the State Liquor Division, and then Special Assistant to the Ada County Board of Commissioners, before retiring in 2019. Larry is eager to work with the Board of Anser Charter, where his daughter is employed, and his two grandsons are prospering as students in the Crew. He enjoys playing golf and biking the Greenbelt with friends and family, and cheering for BSU and the 49ers sorry