Executive Director
Cindy Lystad
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
TJS Start Date: October 5th, 2022
What do you love about TJS: We have the opportunity to change the lives of some of Colorado’s most vulnerable students. Our kiddos and families are surrounded by love, passion, and understanding. TJS is a family, and that is felt throughout every campus.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Every day is a new day.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I love to be active. Walking, running, hiking, and biking are among my favorites. I also love spending time with my four adult children and my amazing husband.
TJS Start Date: October 2022
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Educational/Professional background:
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BA-Special Education/Deaf Education
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MA-Educational Leadership
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EdD-Urban and Diverse Communities
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Educational Policy (CU Denver)
Director of Schools
Samantha Davis
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TJS Start Date: July 2015
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Education, Certificate in Leadership - University of Colorado - Boulder
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Master of Arts in Education - Johns Hopkins University
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Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Students - University of Denver
Special Education Team
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
What do you love about TJS?: I love the close community and relationships you are able to build with students, families and other staff members. TJS truly cares about each person and values them- the passion our staff have to support our students is unlike anything I have ever seen in another environment. Watching our students grow, communicate and be able to access the world around them brings me immense joy.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family & friends and trying out new recipes. My husband and I enjoy doing all things outdoors with our toddler- parks, hikes and farm animals are his favorite. Together we love trips to the mountains and traveling to spend time with those we love. I can often be found watching basketball- specifically all things Creighton- Go Jays!
Special Education Director​
Annie McClure
TJS Start Date: August 2017
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Educational/Professional Background:
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​Bachelor of Arts in Education- Special Education & Elementary Education- The University of South Dakota
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Masters in Special Education- Intervention Specialist with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis- University of Northern Colorado
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Special Education Director Licensure- University of Northern Colorado
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Hometown: Tampa, Florida/Traverse City, MI
What do you love about TJS?:
The TJS community is a place of shared joy and presence, where everyone is treated with compassion and patience, and where each action is viewed through the lens of dignity and meaning. It’s an honor to be a part of it for so long.
Favorite TJS Philosophy:
Meet every student where they're at, Start small move slowly, Be kind for everyone is fighting a hard battle, Find meaning in everything you do, Leave your ego at the door, Dignity is the birthright of every human, Take care of your community, Every day is a new day, and Value students as individuals with their own hopes, talents and dreams.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS:
I like to eat pancakes, pet cats, and make up jingles about the creatures I love.
IEP Coordinator
Nicole Larson
TJS Start Date: 2013
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelors in Speech Language Pathology
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Masters in Applied Behaviors Analysis
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Board Certified Behavioral Analyst
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Professional Teaching License in Special Education
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
What do you love about TJS:
I love that TJS is a safe place where families and students with unique needs can go and are accepted, appreciated, and valued for exactly who they are. The TJS community has such a strong sense of belonging and community for all involved.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Dignity is the birthright of every human being”
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS:
When I am not at TJS, you will find me spending time with friends, hanging out with my cat, or at a thrift store looking for treasures!
IEP Coordinator
Maia Lindaman
TJS Start Date: March 2024
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Educational/Professional background:
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B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education from University of Northern Iowa
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Over 9 years of experience working in a variety of special education settings with ages Pre-K to 21
Hometown: Briarcliff Manor, New York
What do you love about TJS?: I started at TJS as an Instructional Assistant and thought it would be a short term job, but here we are 5.5 years later! I love the sense of community that is built between the staff and students and that you can really feel that each and every day, and it creates such a wonderful environment for students to learn in. Everyone is cheering everyone on, always so supportive of each other and so proud to watch every single student grow.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: So hard to pick, but “Every day is a new day!”
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I spend a lot of my time outside of TJS either doing something outside or traveling somewhere new! I absolutely love to explore new places and spend most of our school breaks traveling to countries that are new to me. I also love skiing and do so most weekends in the winter. In the summer, I always try to make my way back east, see my family and spend some time on the beach. I love to spend time with my friends and family, and listen to music or go to concerts, especially Noah Kahan.
IEP Coordinator
Emily Rubenstein
TJS Start Date: August 2020
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Ohio University, B.A in Special Education
Program Directors
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
TJS Start Date: Behavior Specialist (June 2019-March 2022), Program Director (March 2022-present)
What do you love about TJS (1-3 sentences): There is something magnetic about The Joshua School. I love the shared mission, values, and passion amongst our staff and the community all of us have found within the walls of TJS. The thing I love most about TJS, though, is getting to work with and learn from our amazing students every single day.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Value each student as individuals, with their own interests, talents, and dreams.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS (1-5 sentences): Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my husband and daughter, hanging with my dog, and seeing live music.
Program Director - Englewood Secondary Program
Mia Berglind
TJS Start Date: June 2019
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelors of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Xavier University - 2013
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Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - 2016
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2016.
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Hometown: Granger, Indiana
What do you love about TJS: TJS is a place where every student is truly seen and supported as they access their education and experience the community in meaningful ways. Working alongside people who give their hearts to creating a safe, nurturing environment for our students is both an honor and a privilege. Joy is found in the small moments and the big milestones alike, making each day genuinely special.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I love laughing and spending time with my family, listening to music, cooking and enjoying good food, getting into home improvement and interior design projects, and watching reality TV.
Program Director - Englewood Secondary Program
Sophie Vail
TJS Start Date: July 2024
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Indiana University- B.A. Psychology-2014
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Ball State University - M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis, emphasis in Autism-2017
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2017
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In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2013
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
What do you love about TJS?: TJS is truly such a unique place. The collaboration, care, and support that goes into each day is unmatched. Each individual, student and staff alike, are so important in creating such a wonderful school.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Value students as individuals with their own interests, talents, and dreams.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: Outside of my time at TJS, I love reading, thrifting, trying new restaurants, and taking walks with my two dogs and partner.
Program Director - Englewood Transition Program
Maureen McCue
TJS Start Date: July 2021
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Educational/Professional background:
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University of Illinois Springfield (2019) - B.A. Psychology
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Ball State University (2022) - M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2023
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In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2017
Hometown: Hawley, Minnesota
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What do you love about TJS: All of the amazing humans I have gotten to meet and work with during my time here. They have changed my life and I will be forever grateful for these experiences.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: When I’m not working, I love to travel and spend time outdoors; skiing, mountain biking, camping, hiking. I also love to cook and eat delicious food, and I love doing all of these things with my husband and my dog.
Program Director - JECC
Marie Lowe
TJS Start Date: January 2013
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelor’s of Applied Science with a Concentration in Sport Science - University of Minnesota Duluth
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Master’s of Education in the Foundations in Behavior Analysis- University of Cincinnati
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Hometown: Walsenburg, CO
What do you love about TJS?
: I love having the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of specialists and problem solve with other professionals.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Leave your ego at the door.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and my daughter and can be found reading a book at local coffee shops.
Program Director - Boulder
Jennifer Nackerud
With TJS Since: March 2025
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelor's Degree in History Hannibal-LaGrange University
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Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management Regis University
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Master’s Degree in Special Education University of Northern Colorado
Office Managers
Hometown: Los Alamos, New Mexico
TJS Start Date:July 5, 2021
What do you love about TJS: The Mission of The Joshua School is incredible. I love providing a place for our students where they are loved so deeply and unconditionally. What we do here is very unique and inspirational.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Start Small, Move Slowly
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I enjoy spending time with my family doing dirtbike things! I adore hanging out with my grandkids, doing art projects with clay and visiting National Parks!
Office Manager - Englewood Campus
Michele Sahling
TJS Start Date: July 2021
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Educational/Professional Background:
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New Mexico State University-Bachelor’s/ Journalism
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College of Sante Fe/Teacher Licensure
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K-5th grade teacher in AZ, CA, NM and CO
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TJS Office Manager and Registrar
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Hometown: Bridgewater, MA
TJS Start Date: Feb 9, 2026
What do you love about TJS:
What I love most about working here is getting to truly know each child and being part of their growth. Watching the progress they make every day, both big and small, is incredibly rewarding. I also value the relationships with families and seeing how deeply everyone in these kids’ lives cares about them and wants the best for their future.
Favorite TJS Philosophy:
Dignity is the birthright of every human being.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS:
Outside of TJS, friendships are a huge part of my life. I love hosting game nights, where we play everything from board games to card games to video games. I’m also an avid moviegoer, usually catching at least one movie a week!
Office Manager - JECC
Brooke Maxfield
TJS Start Date: February 2026
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Educational/Professional Background:
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BS in Business Administration and Urban Studies | Worcester State University
TJS HR Team
Hometown: Denver, CO
TJS Start Date: Instructional Assistant (October 2022-February 2024); Co-Teacher (February 2024-September 2024); Human Resources Manager (September 2024-Present)
What do you love about TJS: At TJS, we have the most resilient staff and students you could ever encounter. Everyone is committed to our mission, and the progress of our students speaks for itself.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Dignity is the birthright of every human being.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I coach three varsity high school sports (football, basketball, and track), including being the Head Track and Field Coach at Eaglecrest High School. I love spending time with my wife Hunter, and our dog, Benson.
HR Director
Chazz Burney
TJS Start Date: 2020
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Educational/Professional Background:
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BA in Human Development and Family Studies - Metropolitan State University of Denver
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Associate Professional Human Resources Certificate
Hometown: Chihuahua, Mexico
What do you love about TJS (1-3 sentences): I love the school’s mission. I like to know that we are making a difference for students who need a very special kind of education. One of my brothers was severely disabled. He did not have autism, but he needed special support. Whenever I see the students at Joshua School, I remember my brother. I love to see us all working with the best interests of the students in our hearts and minds.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Dignity is the birthright of every human being
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS (1-5 sentences): I like gardening, working on my home or cars - anything that makes our home a better place. I like spending time with my family. I also enjoy watching sports, like Formula 1 (especially Checo Perez!) and professional biking (especially Del Toro!). I also like boxing and rodeo because when I was young I used to practice these sports. I also enjoy biking or hiking, especially with my family.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Fernanda Aguiar
TJS Start Date: 2020
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Educational/Professional Background:
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15 years of experience working with children in educational environments
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8 years of experience in special education supporting diverse learning needs
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Actively working toward a degree in Social Work
Hometown: North Mankato, MN
What do you love about TJS: So far I am loving each of our separate campuses teams! Everyone I have come in contact with is kind, caring and compassionate - all of the things one needs to be able to serve our students and community.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Start small, move slowly” & “Value students as individuals with their own hopes, talents and dreams”. We live in a society that values speed and productivity. It’s cool to be a part of a team that knows “slow and steady wins the race”. Each student and individual comes from such unique backgrounds and perspectives and deserve to pursue lives that fulfil them.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I love to be outdoors, whether it’s on long challenging hikes, backpacking, skiing or fly-fishing. I love spending time with my dog (cockapoo, (she’s the best)) as well as spending quality time with friends, my partner and family.
Administrative Assistant
Emilie Filler
TJS Start Date: January 2026
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
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Communication Studies Minor
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4 years of direct care experience as a paraprofessional or Registered Behavior Technician
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3 years of marketing/sales and other administrative experience.
TJS Cool Guys
Hometown: Durham, NC
TJS Start Date:
January 16, 2018 - Instructional Assistant
April 5, 2021 - Behavior Specialist
July 1, 2024 - Training and Data Specialist
What do you love about TJS (1-3 sentences): I love the connection between people driven to make a difference for others and those in need of that difference. It is a magical thing to see those two come together and share experience, opportunity, learning, and joy that neither otherwise would have.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Start small, move slow
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS (1-5 sentences): I love to play golf, read, play guitar, all sorts of activities in the mountains, and to spend time with my family.
Data and Training Specialist
Thomas McClure
TJS Start Date: 2020
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Sewanee: University of the South, BA in Psychology - 2015
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Arizona State University, MA in Special Education (ABA) - 2020
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst - 2021
Hometown: Pueblo West, CO ​
What do you love about TJS (1-3 sentences): This school is just magic and I am truly grateful to be able to see each kid grow in a place where they can feel safe and loved and find a love for learning and being truly a part of a community.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Start Small, Move Slowly
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS (1-5 sentences): When I am not at TJS you will find me at a baseball field somewhere in the state cheering on my boys playing.
School Nurse
Megan Robinson
TJS Start Date: July 2025​
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Educational/Professional Background:
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LPN
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AHA National Instructor Certification for CPR/First/K-12 Heartsavers
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​CNA Certification and Colorado Certification for wound care and WC management
Hometown: North Mankato, MN
What do you love about TJS: So far I am loving each of our separate campuses teams! Everyone I have come in contact with is kind, caring and compassionate - all of the things one needs to be able to serve our students and community.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Start small, move slowly” & “Value students as individuals with their own hopes, talents and dreams”. We live in a society that values speed and productivity. It’s cool to be a part of a team that knows “slow and steady wins the race”. Each student and individual comes from such unique backgrounds and perspectives and deserve to pursue lives that fulfil them.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I love to be outdoors, whether it’s on long challenging hikes, backpacking, skiing or fly-fishing. I love spending time with my dog (cockapoo, (she’s the best)) as well as spending quality time with friends, my partner and family.
Facilities Manager
Neil Austin
TJS Start Date: January 2026
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
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Communication Studies Minor
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4 years of direct care experience as a paraprofessional or Registered Behavior Technician
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3 years of marketing/sales and other administrative experience.
Hometown: Chillicothe, OH
What do you love about TJS: I love the sense of community. All of our employees do such a wonderful job of
Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Start small, move slowly” & “Value students as individuals with their own hopes, talents and dreams”. We live in a society that values speed and productivity. It’s cool to be a part of a team that knows “slow and steady wins the race”. Each student and individual comes from such unique backgrounds and perspectives and deserve to pursue lives that fulfil them.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I love to be outdoors, whether it’s on long challenging hikes, backpacking, skiing or fly-fishing. I love spending time with my dog (cockapoo, (she’s the best)) as well as spending quality time with friends, my partner and family.
IT Manager
Logan Muckler
TJS Start Date: May 2017
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Ohio University School of Telecommunications - Specialization in Audio Production
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5+ years as an Instructional Assistant at TJS working directly with students with ASD
TJS Finance Team
Hometown: Skagway, Alaska
TJS Start Date: January 11, 2016
What do you love about TJS (1-3 sentences): The environment and culture of TJS is like no other I’ve experienced. Staff give endlessly to help our students, both educationally and emotionally. You feel the warmth and love immediately.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS (1-5 sentences): Spending time with my husband, 5 kids and 2 grandkids keeps me busy, but very happy. I’m a home-body by nature, but bicycling, hiking, finding new hot springs, and traveling are some of my favorite pastimes.
Finance Director
Jewell Weber
TJS Start Date: January 2016
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelor’s Degree, Accounting
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30 plus years of experience in accounting and leadership
Hometown: Chihuahua, Mexico
What do you love about TJS (1-3 sentences): I love the school’s mission. I like to know that we are making a difference for students who need a very special kind of education. One of my brothers was severely disabled. He did not have autism, but he needed special support. Whenever I see the students at Joshua School, I remember my brother. I love to see us all working with the best interests of the students in our hearts and minds.
Favorite TJS Philosophy: Dignity is the birthright of every human being
Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS (1-5 sentences): I like gardening, working on my home or cars - anything that makes our home a better place. I like spending time with my family. I also enjoy watching sports, like Formula 1 (especially Checo Perez!) and professional biking (especially Del Toro!). I also like boxing and rodeo because when I was young I used to practice these sports. I also enjoy biking or hiking, especially with my family.
Accountant
Sergio Duran
TJS Start Date: 2020
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Educational/Professional Background:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
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Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
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30 years of experience in accounting and management.
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Product Manager
Dulce Bauman
TJS Start Date: 2020
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Educational/Professional Background:
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