Board of Directors
Michael Faulise
Board Chair
Why I Serve: Aspen Academy has created a solid educational foundation, curriculum, and culture that we as family deeply appreciate and support. My family is rooted with two generations of educational providers which has created my passion for continuing to support educational public service. My children will be part of the Aspen family for the next decade and I am dedicating my time to ensure the continued success of Aspen’s mission and vision.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: To ensure that Aspen Academy will continue to demonstrate excellence in the core functions of intellectual, creative, and social development for our students so that they can have the foundation for future academic and social success.
Robert Allison
Treasurer
Why I Serve: We have been an Aspen family since 2009 when we moved to Prior Lake from Texas. Both our daughters have attended the school since Kindergarten and our son will start Aspen in the fall of 2017. We have seen our children thrive in the environment Aspen has built and I believe it is our responsibility to help strengthen the school to give other children in the community the opportunity to meet their educational goals.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: Since its inception, Aspen has provided a strong curriculum and an environment that affords its students the opportunity for personal interactions with its faculty and staff. The decisions and focus should continue to center on providing its students with the opportunity to grow both individually and academically.
Brandy Mosser
Why I Serve: Being a special education teacher at Aspen Academy, I serve to represent the special education community and ensure our community has a voice in making educational and administrative decisions. I serve to create a stronger tie between the school board, parents, community, and the special education department along with improving the quality of our department and school system as a whole. I want to voice and create educational opportunities and options for teachers, students, community members, and parents to enjoy and participate in. I want to be a voice to work with parents, administration and members of the community to improve student achievement efficiently and effectively. I want to make sure Aspen Academy is accountable for their performance and student’s get the best education possible.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: My vision for Aspen Academy is to meet its strategic goals set forth by the mission, vision statement, and annual report by implementing and involving the THINK model. The Aspen school board will ensure all members, teachers, employees and community are working towards the same goals for our school environment with determination, perseverance, honesty, and with high expectations. This will be accomplished through their vision, structure, accountability, advocacy, ethics, and conduct. I want Aspen Academy to be the best school it can be.
Friends of Aspen Academy
Board Members
Rachel Mong, President
Darby Thomas, Treasurer
Victoria Regehr, Secretary
Mailing Address:
14825 Zinran Ave, Savage MN 55478
Friends of Aspen Meeting Minutes:
8-17-22 Minutes
9/23/21 Minutes
Andrew Price
Why I Serve: Having lived and worked in the US, Canada, and the UK, and having had a diverse, international, educational upbringing, I wanted to bring a different point of view to the board. My family in the UK has been a family of teachers and public servants. I want to be an active voice for all parents, children, and teachers, and challenge the status quo where possible.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: To always continue what works and change what doesn’t. To have uncomfortable conversations that can bring evolution. Aspen is different. Proudly so. It should continue pushing boundaries and strive to maintain its unique identity.
Stephanie Smitley
Secretary
Why I Serve: I have been a part of Aspen Academy since its infancy, when it was just an application to the Minnesota Department of Education. It has been more than a decade since then and it amazes me to see how Aspen has grown from a K-3 school to a K-8 and serving 550 students. I continue to volunteer my time as a charter school board member to ensure Aspen follows its mission and vision statements in the best interest of our students and that it continues to be a sought-after school in the community.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: To continue to provide students with a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for their future educational opportunities and to remain fiscally healthy.
Rachel Mong
Why I Serve: As a founding parent and board member of Aspen Academy, I have been involved with Aspen Academy since before its inception in 2008. I have seen Aspen grow from merely an idea to a thriving, high-performing charter school, which has served thousands of students in our community. I joined the Aspen staff as a teacher in 2020. As a teacher board member, I want to ensure that our students’ academic, social, and emotional needs continue to be met through curriculum and policy decisions made by the board. Moreover, I want to represent my teacher colleagues through my voice on the board.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: My vision for Aspen Academy is that we continue to offer an academically rigorous curriculum and an inclusive welcoming environment to all students and families. Additionally our governance decisions will be made in an apolitical and fiscally responsible manner that serves the greater good of all stakeholders.
Chris DiCapo
Why I Serve: Having two sons that attend Aspen Academy, I felt it was important to be informed and help bridge the gap between board members, parents, and staff. I feel now more than ever parents need to do more and be personally involved in providing an excellent educational experience for the students, staff and faculty. It is vital to be informed of policies, curriculum, and ensure parents are aware of decisions and discussion topics among the board. Being fiscally responsible and providing insight on such is another important reason I serve on the board.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: My vision for Aspen Academy is to continue to provide an excellent educational experience for the students. Having transparency with parents on important topics is a necessity. Students having the opportunity to thrive and grow both educationally is what we all need to be striving to accomplish.
Julie Finnerty
Why I Serve: My children have been attending Aspen Academy since 2017. They both continue to strive both academically and socially. It is important for the community know what a great school Aspen Academy is and continues to strive for. Also, it is critical for parents to have an active say and part in decision making regarding their children’s education. I hope to help and ensure Aspen’s continued growth and success in the years to come.
My Vision for Aspen Academy: My vision for Aspen Academy is for all students to feel accepted and for continued implementation of the THINK model. The hope is for Aspen Academy to continue with smaller class sizes, and to meet the intellectual, creative, and social needs for each student.