Taamiti Bankole

Taamiti Bankole is the Chief External Affairs Officer for KIPP Colorado. Before joining KIPP Colorado, Taamiti was the Director of External Affairs for Uncommon Schools and the founding Director of Operations for Leadership Prep Ocean Hill Middle Academy, an Uncommon school in Brooklyn. In this role, he co-founded the middle school and oversaw all operational aspects of the school, including finance, facilities, enrollment, assessments, student data and general school systems. Prior to this position, Taamiti worked at Denver Public Schools’ Office of School Reform and Innovation as a Charter Schools Associate and Policy Analyst and as a Litigation Associate at Simpson Thacher, LLP in New York City. Taamiti earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought from Amherst College, a Juris Doctor from The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and is a proud alum of the Broad Residency (2019-21). Taamiti obtained his Masters of Science in Education Leadership from Broad Residency. In his free time, Taamiti enjoys spending time with his husband and daughter. When asked what Taamiti loves about KIPP, he said, “I love working at KIPP because of our KIPPsters and the impact they will make in our communities and the world.”

Natalia miller-Forrest

Principal, Heritage Heights Academy

K–8 school leader with 20+ years of experience in Classical and Core Knowledge education. I have served in a variety of roles—including private school teacher, homeschool educator, charter school teacher, Dean of Students, and founding Executive Director giving me a broad and practical understanding of how to design, lead, and sustain a high-performing school.

I hold a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (UNC) and a Master’s in Educational Leadership (Colorado Mesa University), along with a Colorado Principal License earned after eight years of experience in a Classical Core Knowledge setting. My expertise includes curriculum implementation, instructional coaching, MTSS, character education, and systems-driven school culture.

I have extensive operational leadership experience, including managing a $8M annual budget and overseeing a $20M facility construction project from planning to completion. I specialize in building strong teams, developing clear instructional systems, and ensuring all students—including at-risk and underserved populations—have access to a rigorous, coherent, knowledge-rich education.

Currently, I am leading the replication of a successful Classical Core Knowledge charter school model to expand high-quality options for families in the Cherry Creek community.

Santiago Lopez

Superintendent, New America School Colorado

I have a diverse work history of providing quality instruction, leading staff members and developing curriculum. My objective is to continue working with children in school and community settings through professional development opportunities and consulting opportunities. I am also interested in assisting teachers/leaders in providing appropriate supports for children in schools that are experiencing challenges or in difficult situations at the time. Please contact me if you would like additional information

Mr Dan Schaller

President, Colorado League of Charter Schools

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.