BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The NSA West Founding Board is comprised of five directors who share a common educational vision for the school.

Jennifer Larson, President
Jennifer Larson is a business and marketing professional experienced in conceptualizing, planning, and successfully executing strategic initiatives and new business opportunities. Originally from California, Jennifer has extensive strategic and operational management experience both domestically and internationally. She has held upper management positions for several startup companies, executing successful acquisition strategies and managing multi-million dollar marketing campaigns. Currently, Jennifer runs an independent consulting business, providing consultation and strategic direction to organizations who are launching new products and business opportunities. She is also extensively involved in the Colorado charter school community after serving as the Founding Board President for North Star Academy, a K-8 public charter school in Parker. Jennifer holds a BA in Mathematics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and currently lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband and four children.

Lisa Nolan, Vice President
Lisa Nolan has worked in the field of education for 15 years in a variety of roles. She received a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master's degree from the University of Colorado in Early Childhood Special Education. After teaching regular and special education, she became a national teacher/principal recruiter and certified trainer in Differentiated Instruction. Her administrative work included managing grant and evaluation programs and the start-up of multiple charter schools. Currently, Lisa works as an independent consultant providing training, development and operational support to charter schools. She has worked on multiple projects for the Colorado League of Charter Schools, and values the opportunity to work for the entire Colorado charter community. Lisa enjoys living in Highlands Ranch with her husband and two young sons.

Kristin Hill, Secretary
Kristin Hill is a Colorado native, local community member and former elementary school educator. Kristin received her undergraduate degree and teaching credentials from the University of Colorado at Boulder and has seven years experience teaching primary education in charter schools. She is passionate about children and creating opportunities for them. Currently, Kristin works in residential real estate and is an active volunteer in the Highlands Ranch community. Kristin currently lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband and two children.

John Schlichting, Treasurer
John holds a BS and MBA from San Jose State University. He has been employed in the healthcare IT industry for over 18 years. John has participated as original management of two successful software startups (On-Time Medical, Director of Operations and E-Med Solutions, Vice President of Sales). Currently John is employed by The TriZetto Group as a National Sales Director. John is a founding board member of North Star Academy Charter School in Parker, Colorado. In 2006, John was appointed to the board of directors of the Colorado State Charter School Institute by Governor Bill Owens and continues to serve under reappointment by Governor Jim Ritter. John and his wife have two children and live in Greenwood Village.

Lorrie Grove
A Colorado native, Lorrie Grove, APR holds a BS in Technical Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from Colorado State University. She obtained her APR designation (Accreditation in Public Relations) from the Colorado Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 1995, and has 10 years of media relations experience in the mutual fund industry. She served as Director of Public Relations for Founders Asset Management, focusing on national press coverage for the Dreyfus Founders Funds, managing media training and coordinating executive media tours. In addition, she managed internal corporate communications programs, facilitated employee relations and special events. Prior to joining Founders, Lorrie managed national media relations for Janus Capital Corporation. With her extensive experience working with the financial press, she has also done media training consulting for corporate executives. She is a former volunteer literacy tutor and has done pro-bono public relations work for the Denver Art Museum. Lorrie and her husband live in Highlands Ranch with their two daughters.