NEW WAY ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Owner, Public Speaker and Educator
New Way Academy is an exceptional school with exceptional students. I am proud to be apart of their journey to make a difference in their students lives while being on the Board of Directors. Being an educator, adjunct professor and author/speaker I get to see students from all over the country, the students I have met at New Way will have an edge in the World of tomorrow because of what they are learning today!
Our family was so blessed to find New Way Academy as the ideal school home for our son. It is a special place that recognizes how each child learns differently. I am honored to serve on the board and help New Way serve children and their families.
Job Titles:
- CEO, Jigsaw Developmental Services LLC & MORIAH Cooperative Inc. ( Founder / Board Chair )
As a parent, New Way Academy has played an instrumental role in the lives of my two son's. My youngest son, transferred to NWA at the beginning of 3rd grade, after having struggled with social engagement and learning. After observing what my younger son experienced, my older son then transferred to NWA four months later, halfway through his 7th grade year The transitions provided an opportunity to start anew, utilizing the vast resources within a school of thought leaders, focused on elevating each child to reach their potential. Not only is NWA focused on the academic and social well-being of its students, it's an environment where positive reinforcement builds self esteem, lifting those who may have struggled in their past to new heights.
Whether NWA is a intended to help develop skills through a transition, or to serve as a platform for growth through high school, as a nonprofit school they reinvest in our children, ensuring each student maximizes their potential. Given NWA's leadership in education, I'm beyond honored to be a parent, volunteer and Board member within this remarkable institution.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chairman of the Board
Job Titles:
- Chief Human Resources Officer, InfoArmor
I was introduced to New Way by a colleague who shares an interest in the academic experience of children as it relates to their self-confidence and social well-being. It's important to me that all children, mine included, have a positive academic experience that prepares and excites them about sharing their unique talents with the world. I am convinced that New Way has the right academic approach and student insight to give children of varying learning styles the very best chance at fulfilling their individual potential. I am honored to share my Executive Human Resources experience with New Way and feel proud to be part of the positive impact this special school is having on the lives of students and their families.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Corporate Development & Exploration and Freeport - McMoran, Inc.
Think about a day when your child wakes up and is excited to go to school - a day where what awaits at school is an amazing community of teachers and staff who care so deeply about educating your child that they work collaboratively as a team to ensure each student rises to their maximum potential. New Way Academy has been life changing for our family since our youngest son became a Bulldog in second grade. He has grown into a young man who is now in the seventh grade, having acquired the skills to be a successful learner.
I am honored to serve on the New Way Academy Board after having served eight years on the Board of Directors, including two years as President, at anothe r local private school where our oldest son was a student. For whatever time your child is at New Way Academy, and whether they aspire to enter the workforce, go to trade school, community college, or a four-year university after graduation, I am dedicated to our community and doing all that I can to support New Way Academy's mission to ensure that each student reaches their highest potential. Go Bulldogs!
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chairman of the Board / Principal - Schaefer Associates, LLC Commercial Real Estate
In just one year, my son's life was literally transformed by his experience at New Way Academy. He is relaxed, confident, safe, and thriving. I have been inspired by the staff's dedication and enthusiasm, and can think of no greater cause than ensuring that New Way Academy continues on its incredible trajectory.
George Heslop was born in the North East of England and has been living in Arizona since 2006. Mr. Heslop holds a Bachelor of Arts from Sunderland University and a Master of Arts from Newcastle University. He has been teaching visual art for over 30 years. His background was originally in welding and engineering and this experience and the skills he learned have been invaluable to his teaching and visual arts career. George has a true passion for teaching visual art and making art education fun and a truly hands on engaging activity. Prior to working at New Way, George taught visual art at Lexis Prep and Tempe District 3. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to New Way's Art Department.
George's hobbies include playing and watching soccer, sketching and painting outdoors, rummaging through Goodwill stores in search of a long lost Picasso painting, and walking and playing with his two border collies.
New Way Academy's commitment to the whole-child approach to learning is what motivated our family to enroll our son last year. In just a few short weeks, our son transformed from a frustrated, self-doubting student to someone who feels empowered and encouraged to ask for help; he's thriving in an environment where the teachers and learning specialists are authentically invested in his academic success and emotional development. I'm fortunate to be part of the NWA Board and I look forward to supporting the school's mission in the years ahead.
Job Titles:
- Attorney & Businessman, Jet Linx
New Way changes lives every day. I know. New Way changed our son's life and changed mine in the process.
Mrs. Keathley received her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from The University of Arizona and her Master's of Education in Special Education focused on Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders from The University of Texas. She then worked as an Academic Counselor and Introductory Seminar Instructor for college students with learning differences at Texas Tech University. In January of 2016, Mrs. Keathley joined New Way's Transition Team in fostering student success during high school and beyond.
In the Summer of 2019, Mrs. Keathley began her role as Director of Admissions. Now, instead of supporting families as they graduate from New Way, she has the honor of welcoming potential families to our community. She finds great joy in guiding families through the admissions process and ensuring that each student has their unique needs met.
New Way has created a safe and rich learning environment that has allowed my son to unlock his potential.
Job Titles:
- President, Great Life Investment Properties
New Way Academy strives to provide an environment where all children can thrive! Children are embraced where they are at, their differences are celebrated and they focus on what they can do, not what they can't. Building their self-esteem and confidence to try - has been a game changer for our family. My daughter attends New Way Academy and her love of school and learning has really blossomed. As a parent, we want the best for our children in all aspects of their lives. New Way works really hard to create an overall school experience - academically, socially, and club/sports engagements for each child. I am grateful and thankful for the opportunities to give back to New Way Academy serving as a board member, in the parent association and supporting school events.
Miss Kelly Payne grew up in Chicago, Illinois and holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Illinois, and a Master's degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. Miss Payne has taught at New Way since 2015 with a focus in preparing lower school students to be successful problem solvers and apply math skills throughout their lives. Miss Payne is the head coach of ultimate Frisbee and can also be found cheering on other New Way sports teams in her spare time. Outside of New Way, Miss Payne has a true love of nature and the outdoors. She can usually be found outside hiking, playing ultimate Frisbee, listening and singing to classic Disney hits or traveling with family and friends.
Mr. David Boone joined the staff at New Way in 2010. After spending time in the Army, he earned his undergraduate degree at Northern Arizona University, with a dual focus on History and Physical Education. After working in the restaurant industry for more than a decade, including three years in management, Mr. Boone returned to school to focus on his Master's degree.
Mr. Boone's energy and dedication to the high school program is remarkable. His primary academic focus is in leading the High School social studies program. He also leads the yearbook team and has helped develop the photography program for New Way Academy. When he is not teaching, Mr. Boone can be found around campus taking photos at many of the special events. He has coached a variety of sports at New Way, including soccer, flag football, and volleyball. In addition to his love for history, Mr. Boone enjoys art projects, talent shows, and telling corny jokes.
Mr. Boone hails from the great state of Alaska (Chugiak) and is used to spending as much time as possible outdoors; he enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking. On the weekends, he and his wife, Mrs. Boone (of the reading team) can be found in the mountains around Phoenix, hiking with their beloved pitbull, Dillon. Mr. Boone is also the president of a local alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Order and he works as a mentor to the undergraduate chapter in Flagstaff.
Mrs. Christina Huston is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. In 2013, Mrs. Huston joined the New Way family and has since discovered her dream career of teaching students with learning differences. She teaches an assortment of subjects throughout the day to an amazing group of first through fourth graders. Music, games, silly accents, outrageous stories, stickers, and high fives abound during her lessons. Additionally, Mrs. Huston loves directing the fall musicals performed by our talented lower school students.
After school and musical rehearsals, Mrs. Huston heads to ASU to mentor college women at a campus church and through a values-based movement focused on respect. This has given Mrs. Huston the opportunity to help plan six yearly signature events for ASU students. Napping is Mrs. Huston's favorite past time! She also enjoys spending time drinking coffee, reading, thrifting, and solving jigsaw puzzles.
Mrs. Jamie Gregory received her Bachelor's degree and Teaching Certification from the State University of New York at Brockport. She received her Master's degree in Special Education from Northern Arizona University. As a New Way Teacher, Mrs. "G" primarily works with junior high students in math and novel studies. As a veteran teacher at New Way, she values the total learning experience and organizes many off campus field trips and learning endeavors.
Mrs. Jordan Davis is a lower school teacher who has a passion for teaching and puts her heart into everything she does. She is a graduate from Arizona State University with a dual major in elementary and special education. Mrs. Davis has traveled to schools in Africa and Thailand, and many schools around the Valley, but nowhere felt quite like home until she came to New Way! Mrs. Davis considers New Way to be the school of her dreams and everyday she is excited to be a part of a family environment with wonderful students and staff. If Mrs. Davis is not working on creating engaging lesson plans, she can often be found hiking, hanging out with her family or enjoying a cup of frozen yogurt.
Mrs. Krista Northcutt grew up in a close-knit family of five in Gilbert, Arizona. She attended Northern Arizona University and obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary Education. She spent five years working in Gilbert's public schools before finding her home here at New Way Academy. She has fallen in love with the welcoming community and amazing students. Before becoming the Director of Integration, she was the Director of Virtual Learning and before that, a STEM teacher for the lower school.
She loves canvas painting, singing to her two cats, Renly and Rory, and taking pictures in her spare time. Mrs. Northcutt is thankful for the opportunity to work in such a positive, rewarding community here at New Way Academy.
Mrs. Kristen Clark was raised on a rabbit and goat farm in the small town of Wasilla, Alaska. She moved to Arizona in 2008 and now considers Phoenix home, largely because of her family at New Way. Mrs. Clark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education. Prior to teaching at New Way, Mrs. Clark taught at a residential treatment facility for youth at risk, which ignited her passion for educating students with learning differences. She began her journey at New Way in 2010, was awarded New Way Academy's Teacher of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year, and believes she defines the phrase, "living the dream". Mrs. Clark teaches Communication and Composition in the Junior High with a focus on preparing students with the skills needed for cross-curricular writing assignments in high school. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Clark is a certified Emergenetics STEP Associate, focused on teaching and implementing social and self-awareness school-wide.
When not in the classroom, you can find Mrs. Clark at New Way events, wandering bookstores, planning her next travel adventure, and taking pictures of her cats and Chiweenie named Reggae.
Ms. Jane Rispoli joined the New Way family in 2004. A graduate of SUNY Cortland in Upstate NY with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Ms. Rispoli is passionate about teaching students to be healthy in body and mind. Her love of yoga inspired her to become a certified children's yoga instructor. After teaching Physical Education for 15 years, Ms. Rispoli now teaches Mindfulness and Movement to students at all levels. She also leads the lower school yoga club during the school year and teaches yoga to our staff each week.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer / CFO, InfoArmor Inc
I am honored to serve this school, its administration, teachers, parents and most of all the students of New Way. New Way is not only personal to me as a New Way parent, but I believe that this school is more importantly meeting vital underserved needs in our community.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Treasurer / CFO and Co - Owner, AppointmentPlus
New Way Academy is an incredible school that accepts kids for who they are and inspires them to be the best versions of themselves. This is my daughter's third year as a New Way student. She recently wrote me a note that said, "I am so thankful that you did the research and found the perfect school for me, New Way Academy." There's no journey too great when your kid loves her school.
New Way turned out to be the perfect place for me, too. I am honored to serve as a board member, volunteer, and fan. You can find me in the top row of the bleachers at the spirit assemblies, cheering wildly.
Job Titles:
- President / CEO, AutoMon Corp