League Staff

Tanesha joined the Colorado League of Charter Schools in October 2024, bringing extensive experience managing federal grants for educational programs across state government and nonprofit organizations in Colorado. A proud product of Denver Public Schools and one of the first Bill Daniels Scholars, Tanesha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Drury University in Springfield, MO. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated her career to helping students prepare for post-secondary success, managing transitional housing programs for homeless youth, and supporting community-based initiatives. Her expertise in federal grant management was strengthened through her work with the Colorado Department of Education, where she provided critical training and technical support to grant recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond her professional life, Tanesha is a daughter, sister, aunt, best friend, and Godmother who enjoys life to the fullest as a single, pet-free, plant-watering lady. She’s passionate about clothes shopping, dining out, attending live shows and sporting events, traveling both domestically and internationally, and of course, massages on the beach! She’s excited to be part of the League’s mission to foster high-quality charter schools in Colorado, and looks forward to making meaningful connections through mindful collaboration and professional development.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

(720) 439-8316

Extension:

117

Kim brings a wide breadth of data analytics and event management experience to the League where he organizes and manages League events to maximize the experience for all attendees. A self-proclaimed data nerd, he specializes in using data science to benefit structural organization and utilizes this approach to increase the impact and reach of the charter school sector both across Colorado and the nation.

Most recently, Kim served as Project Manager for Japanese pop culture conventions and hosted photography events throughout Texas. He has also served as a Data Analyst for V1 Tech and an Admin Assistant for Homeland Patrol Division Security. Kim received his bachelor’s degree in communications from The University of North Texas, and holds a number of data certifications, including those for SQL, pandas, Seaborn and Python. When not geeking out over data, you can find him shredding laps on his snowboard.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

110

Kyle leads the League's efforts to inform the public about charter schools and policies that support their success. He also serves as the executive director of CLCS Action, the League's partner 501(c)(4) organization. 

"Kids aren't all the same, and schools shouldn't be either," Kyle states. "Colorado charter schools use their flexibility to find unique solutions and have a proven record of delivering a great education. Until every family has access to a high-quality public school that meets their needs, we need more options, including public charter schools."

Prior to joining the League, Kyle served with two school districts in central Texas, first leading communications and community engagement and then as a chief of staff. He also spent a decade working in state and national politics, including helping to build political capacity and elect candidates in Wyoming. Kyle received a bachelor's degree in Classics-History-Politics from Colorado College and was named a Rising Star by Campaigns & Elections Magazine. 

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

103

Prateek Dutta is a K-12 education leader with extensive experience in district, state, and federal policy, as well as direct engagement with students and families. Prateek grew up in Colorado and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (Go Bears!) before teaching in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He later earned a doctorate in Education Leadership.

Returning to Colorado, Prateek has spent the past decade driving policy and advocacy efforts that have significantly impacted the education landscape. He has been instrumental in passing legislation to expand access to rigorous courses for low-income students, secure increased funding for school counselors to boost FAFSA completion rates, and protect public school choice for students across the state, including access to high quality charter schools.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

(720) 439-9287

Patti is the primary contact for school leaders and board members with questions regarding operations, facilities, finance and other operations-related issues. Her goal is to provide resources and technical assistance to increase the efficiency and sustainability of school operations. Additionally, she is the primary contact for vendors that may be interested in participating in League events and our Marketplace program.
 
Says Patti, “I grew up in a family that owned and operated a small business and placed a high value on the entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, many of my immediate family members are K-12 educators, and thus, value education, as well.  I believe that charter schools are an amalgamation of the two; entrepreneurial spirit and choice for innovative, high-quality education.”

Patti began her career in the charter school sector providing financial services to help charter schools access funding for their facility needs. Her experience working for national firms includes providing underwriting, financial consulting, research and municipal financial advising services. She received her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University of Business. In her spare time, she enjoy all things food and beverage, including quaffing a cold, craft brew or full-bodied red wine, telling tall tales, trail running and napping, in no particular order.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

131

Caymin came to the League after having served in business development for RippleMatch, an early-career recruiting software in New York City where she worked closely with organizations of every size, from small non-profits to high trajectory start-ups. This experience helped her establish organizational skills within a creative framework, as well as a passion for working within the larger community. Utilizing the League’s many ongoing and signature events, she looks forward to increasing the positive impact that charter schools and K-12 educators have on students across Colorado. Caymin obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice with a minor in marketing and communications from Bellarmine University in Kentucky.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

106

Specializing in both finance and operations, Mark is responsible for conducting financial planning & analysis to ensure the League’s fiscal health as well as providing financial reporting to the Board of Directors and various committees on a regular basis. He also oversees overall League operations to ensure that products and services are delivered efficiently and effectively. My wife and I began searching for educational alternatives to traditional public schools when our children were preschool age. We felt it was imperative for them to have a structure and curriculum in their early formative years that would have lifelong benefits. We were fortunate to experience first-hand the educational creativity and innovation that charter schools offer.

Prior to joining the League, Mark spent several years in the private sector working in both the aerospace and healthcare industries. A Colorado native, he received his Bachelor of Science in business administration and finance from Colorado State University. He enjoys golf, tennis, and riding his Harley through Colorado, which boasts some of the best roads and scenery in the nation.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

111

Bright brings an additional layer of support to the community engagement and collaboration function within charter schools. His passion lies in building and maintaining relationships to effect positive change in the educational system, as well as with formulating new partnerships that can contribute to the overall growth of charter schools in Colorado. 

Prior to joining the League, Bright headed up The Cultivated Fool, an interactive art therapy platform dedicated to ending the stigma that surrounds mental health. He has also served as Manager of Community Partnerships with Clayton Early Learning and as an Educational Navigator and Family Engagement Specialist. Bright received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska where he also obtained his Masters in special education while working as a Culture Walks Graduate Assistant for the College of Education. 

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

108

Having served in an array of public, private and charter schools, Bill brings leadership and partnership to prospective, new and current charter school leaders.  Bill’s expertise in community engagement, student recruitment and enrollment, as well building healthy, high performing teams is mission critical to the continued health and success of the charter sector in Colorado.  Bill is passionate about ensuring more students and families have access to high quality options throughout the state.

A Denver native, Bill grew up attending Denver Public Schools.  Prior to joining the league he served as a School Director for DSST: Public Schools, the highest performing charter network in the state.  He has also served as the Secondary School Principal of Colegio Granadino, a K-12 school located in Manizales, Colombia.  He earned his B.A. in History from the University of Wyoming, a certification in Nonprofit Management through Temple University, an M.A. in Secondary Education from Villanova University. He also completed the National Principals Fellowship program through the RELAY Graduate School of Education, and is a 4.0 Essentials Fellow and co-founder of an educational startup called Gran Via Education.  He is proudly fluent in Spanish, loves reading, and all things Denver sports. 

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

10004

As Marketing Manager, Melia writes, edits and produces content for League communications, striving to share learning opportunities, tell charter school stories, increase positive media coverage and support advocacy efforts. She also assists with event management as well as creating, tracking and reporting on marketing goals. Melia is passionate about helping to provide students with an exceptional charter school educational experience, including creating tailored messaging that respects the experiences of diverse individuals and the organizations that support them. 

Prior to joining the League, Melia served as a content manager for One Touch Intelligence. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Global Communications and English from Colorado State University. As a first-generation college student, she understands first-hand the challenges that exist for many students and works to advocate for more widespread access to resources for building a satisfying educational path and career regardless of socioeconomic status. 

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

119

Peter brings over 30 years of marketing, branding, fundraising and nonprofit leadership experience to the League. He specializes in marketing communications, supporting several areas of the charter sector, including research, advocacy, and new school development.

“It’s inspiring to work with the League team to support all the passionate school leaders in our community who are building, developing and launching quality public schools,” he says. "I think it's critical that we all be aware of how the entire public education landscape needs to be healthy (including charters) so that parents and students have high-quality options regardless of their background.”

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

120

Dave brings with him over 30 years of experience in finance, operations, business development, and general management to the League from several industries including K12, Higher Education, EdTech, Telecommunications, Healthcare, and Manufacturing. At the League, Dave works closely with Mark Heffner on financial reporting and ensuring the overall fiscal health of the organization.

Some of his more recent experiences include delivering financial and student data software solutions to help charter schools throughout the country better serve their students. Also, Dave spent a year in the classroom teaching high school math in the Denver area. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Stanford University.

As a longtime Colorado resident, he appreciates the great outdoors and in his spare time can be found riding his bike (road, gravel, or mountain), golfing, hiking, and enjoying time with his family.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

720.439.9602

Allison works to develop relationships throughout the charter school space by connecting schools, leaders, parents, teachers, students and advocates and encouraging them to become advocates to support high quality charter schools. She has been with the League since 2018. 

Her relationship with charter schools goes back to when her parents helped start Montessori Peaks Academy in Littleton in 1998. The school was not quite ready for her to attend, so she went to Douglas County Montessori School for grades 1-3. “My parents were empowered to make an informed decision on the school that would best fit my needs. I believe the ability to choose is so important, especially for parents of nontraditional learners, and am excited to be part of a lively team who is dedicated to school quality and choice,” she says. 

A Colorado native, Allison has traveled extensively and is happy to live in the beautiful state of Colorado.She graduated from Loyola University in Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in international relations and a minor peace studies. Her employment background has always centered around children. When not at work, you can find her practicing yoga and taking advantage of the great outdoors. 

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

113

Dan currently serves as President of the Colorado League of Charter Schools, a position he assumed in 2020 after having led the League’s policy and advocacy work since 2014. During that time, he oversaw a number of significant improvements for Colorado’s charter schools, including the successful passage of House Bill 1375, which brought mill levy equalization to Colorado’s charters in 2017, and the advancement of Colorado’s charter school law to #2 in the nation in 2018.

Says Dan, “I believe that we need to continuously find ways to enhance public education opportunities for all Colorado students. Charter public schools, because of their increased autonomy and accountability, are powerful tools for creating innovative education models that benefit our entire education system.”

Prior to joining the League, Dan served in a number of education and policy-related roles. He was a teacher and founding staff member at the highly successful Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver, and served as Senior Director of Strategy and Communications with the Denver Preschool Program, an innovative taxpayer-funded initiative focused on enhancing preschool access to all families in Denver. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from St. Louis University, a Master’s in secondary education from Regis University, and a Master’s in public policy from the University of Denver. He resides in Denver with his wife and two daughters.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

105

Dawna leads all programs and services for member schools, including supporting board governance. She is also responsible for overseeing all human resources functions of the League. Dawna is an experienced educator with expertise in developing and managing charter schools across the country including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. 
 
Prior to joining the League, Dawna served in various roles in the educational sector including as the Director of Blended Learning Programs for Commonwealth Connections Academy,  the Assistant Vice President of K-12 Programs for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and as the Chief of Schools for San Jose Schools. She earned her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida in Elementary Education and her Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration from Jones International University in Centennial, CO. 

Ms. Taylor has also served as a reviewer for the US Department of Education Smaller Learning Communities Grant, School Leadership Grant, Education Innovation and Research Grant, Invest In Innovation (i3) Grant, and the Charter School Program (CSP) Grant. She has also served as a Quality Assurance Team Member and Lead Evaluator for Cognia, a school accreditation and improvement network. Dawna resides in Denver and is the proud mom of two adult children, Raleigh and Morgan, and grandma to her granddog, Sydney. 

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

102

Karolina is proud to have been born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She began her education career as a teacher in Kansas City, Missouri, where she taught Spanish to Kindergarten through 8th grade students and Multilingual Learners from 6th through 9th grade. She was then inspired to become a founding teacher in San Jose, CA. Since Denver is where her roots are, she returned home to work at an elementary school in Southwest Denver.

Karolina has served in various roles within the educational landscape, both as a school leader and academic director. She has used her experience to support early startup entrepreneurs across the country who aim to start educational programs or schools as a senior lead at Camelback Ventures. She is truly dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for children so they can have a life full of possibilities.

Karolina graduated with honors from the University of Colorado Denver and holds an M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Columbia University.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

114

Kaci understands that becoming a charter school that is inclusive and supportive of students with diverse learner needs does not happen overnight; it requires intentional program development and ongoing program refinement and teacher skill building. As the Director of Exceptional School Services, she is committed to supporting charter schools in both the development of programming and the building of skills to ensure that ALL learners have access to choosing a high quality education. Kaci specializes in providing ongoing thought partnership, professional development as well as customized program assessment and development. She regularly seeks opportunities to collaborate with schools and partners both within and outside of Colorado.  

“I have worked in the charter school sector since 2006 in various settings and roles. My experiences have led me to believe that they can and should be blazing a path in the world of Exceptional Student Services. The structural and budgeting autonomy that charter schools have allows them to be innovative and flexible when planning programming for the diverse needs of their learners. I have had the pleasure of seeing passionate teachers and leaders sit down with families to develop creative, individualized plans for their learners so they can be successfully served in the least restrictive environment at their school.  When leadership and staff in a charter school environment possess a dedicated and passionate mindset, extraordinary results can occur for all students.”

Before joining the League, Kaci worked at Betty Marler Youth Services Center teaching science, math, and special education to incarcerated females aged 14-21. She went on to become a Middle School Special Educator at STRIVE Prep – Federal (formerly West Denver Prep) before serving as the Senior Director of Student Services at STRIVE Prep’s Central Office where she worked to develop network programming in the areas of special education, multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS), English language development, mental health, and gifted and talented. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in math and science from Ouachita Baptist University and her Master’s Degree in educational leadership and special education administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

127

Kim is a charter school mom and advocate as well as a seasoned marketing and communications professional with over 20 years’ experience helping organizations build and maintain brands. Passionate about storytelling and content development, she assists the League and other clients with a variety of marketing and communications efforts across all mediums, including writing and editing. Especially adept at project management, she enjoys seeing projects through from initiation to execution and follow-up while keeping brand management and voice a top priority.

Kim received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Hofstra University on Long Island, NY. Prior to branching out as a consultant, she served as the National Marketing Manager for a top 50 accounting and advisory firm. She serves on the board of for the North JeffCo Swim Team and as Chair of the Communications Committee at Jefferson Academy Charter School. When not focused on client work, she be found trying to keep up with two tween daughters, gardening or playing outside in the Colorado sunshine.

Email:

[email protected]

Kevin helps the League and the statewide charter sector through data analysis and research projects that span school performance, enrollment, demographics, and overarching trends. Kevin leads the League’s research efforts and contributes to the League’s policy, communications, and advocacy efforts while also creating novel analyses that are helpful to League partners and members schools. Kevin is passionate about pursuing impactful research partnerships and projects that can create new opportunities for student and families in Colorado.

Kevin has more than 15 years of research and analytics experience including more than 10 years in the education sector. Kevin previously served at as the Director of Data Insights at the Charter School Growth Fund and the Director of Research and Evaluation at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Kevin’s introduction to the charter sector was as an Education Pioneers Analyst Fellow where he was originally placed at the League in 2012. Kevin grew up in Littleton and currently lives in Denver.

Email:

[email protected]

Having worked in Colorado charter schools since 2004 as a teacher, coach and school leader, Kia brings League members an array of knowledge and real-world experience. Utilizing School Quality Reviews, professional development training, and customized coaching, she focuses on coordinating and providing training to charter school teachers and leaders in the areas of data and accountability, teacher effectiveness, and leadership practices. In addition, she partners with charter schools through multi-year contracts to develop and implement improvement strategies that ensure student achievement along with the growth and development of teachers and leaders. 
 
Explains Kia, “As a teacher, I was grateful for the autonomy charter schools possess. It provided me the opportunity to meet the individual needs of my students in whichever way I saw fit. The trust given to teachers, who know their students best, helped me to feel empowered in teaching my students in the most effective way. When I was a school leader, I appreciated the fact that I could design our school based on the wants and needs of our community. We worked closely with parents who had a voice in how our school was run. Charter schools can be a true gathering place or hub for their community as staff and families all work together towards a common goal, improving the lives of their students.” 

Prior to joining the League, Kia was a founding teacher at Imagine Charter School in Firestone where she worked for 10 years in a variety of roles, including elementary principal. She also created and ran her own business for several years, a character-based, after-school theater program, at various charter schools in Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Mercyhurst University and her Master’s Degree in education leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, baking sweet treats and tackling DIY projects around the house. 

Email:

[email protected]

The Colorado League of Charter Schools School Wellness Director  can connect you to resources, partnerships and funding. This grant funded position is available at no cost to you to provide ongoing technical assistance in support of health and wellness in Colorado’s charter schools.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

303.989.5356

Extension:

109