Meet the Board

Brian Whitney Board Chair 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 serves as the Executive Director of the National Institute for STEM Education, collaborating with teachers, schools, and districts across the country. Brian serves on Anser’s executive and education committee. He joined the board in the fall of 2020.

Hannah Read Newbill Board Vice Chair hannahnewbill@ansercharterschool.org 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. 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.

Erik Moncada Board Member

Haley Bethune Board Member 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.

Jessica Budzianowski (she/her) Board Member Jessicabudzianowski@ansercharterschool.org Jessica, Tyler and their 9-year-old, Ben love being a part of the incredible Anser family. Being crew members has brought much joy to the entire family. Jessica served on the Anser Family Council and as a co-classroom coordinator in their first year. The Budzianowski family is committed to the mission of Anser, nurturing our kids, and supporting the staff at Anser. You can always find them looking for the next adventure – camping, snowshoeing, skiing, rafting, biking or exploring our great state! Jessica deeply believes in the power of celebrating and valuing the unique talents and experiences of every team member of an organization. With that sense of passion, she serves as a Talent Program Manager for St. Luke’s Health System and is responsible for new employee orientation, event management for their leadership conference, and recognition for the entire Health System. She also serves on the Health System Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Prior to working at St. Luke’s, she has had more than 18 years of experience working for national non-profits like, the American Heart Association - Idaho, Make-A-Wish Idaho, Girl Scouts of Silver Sage (Idaho), and The College of Idaho, supporting their philanthropic efforts. Jessica also serves as an international volunteer officer for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She is a national facilitator for Gamma Phi Beta educational events such as Executive Leadership Board Retreats for collegians, The BEDI Summit (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion), and as a facilitator for The Clara Project, a leadership program to prepare leaders for Board level service. She is also a member of the National Gamma Phi Beta Foundation Board of Trustees.

Katie Hanson Board Member

Lynne Funke Board Member

Roger Stewart Board Secretary Secretary

Sarah Butler Board Treasurer

Sasha Rojas Zaragoza Board Member

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. 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 Early Childhood 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 Chair of the Education Committee has provided her a joy of continued learning 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.

Victor McCraw Board Member