Friends of LVA Foundation - Board of Directors

Friends are educators, students, alumni, volunteers, donors, artists, activists and allies who believe in the importance of arts based learning and support Las Vegas Academy of the Arts.

Together we will make the biggest impact possible.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026

Nick Della Penna

President
Current LVA Parent (Visual Arts 2028)

Nick is owner and franchisor of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, one of the leading Greek restaurant concepts in the country. He operates nine local restaurants and oversees another 65 nationwide. Having joined the Friends of LVA Foundation board in 2024, Nick brings decades of experience in the hospitality space, an entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic passion to the Friends of LVA Foundation.

As now President of the Board, Nick’s vision for the foundation is to accelerate fundraising efforts by expanding on multiple fronts, building on the organization’s recent momentum, and implementing new strategies, including a heightened focus on grant identification and application, and increased alumni engagement.

Lisa Windom

Vice President of Governance

Current LVA Parent (Theater Tech 2028)

Lisa has over 20 years of non-profit experience in various roles for community boards in both leadership and advisory roles. She is a proud LVA parent and also attended the school in the 90s. Lisa is a strong supporter of public education and ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

Lezlie Koepp

Vice President, LVA Ambassador
LVA Principal (2023-present), LVA Alumni Parent (Animation 2018, Vocal 2021,

Photography 2024, Vocal 2024)

Lezlie brings more than 28 years of experience in education and a lifelong passion for the arts to her role as principal of Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. A proud CCSD alumna and UNLV graduate, she began her career teaching at both middle and high school levels before moving into administration in 2005. Lezlie lead K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts to national recognition as an Exemplary Arts School and Magnet School of Excellence, and in 2023 was appointed principal of LVA, which has since earned five-star status and Top Magnet School of Excellence distinction. Her leadership has been recognized statewide, being named Administrator of the Year by the Nevada Thespians (2022) and Administrator of the Year by the Nevada Music Educators Association (2025).

Throughout her career, Lezlie has supported the broader educational community through service on curriculum cadres, accreditation teams, leadership design groups, and as a mentor to new administrators. A passionate advocate for arts education, she is also a proud parent—her four children are all LVA alumni, with pursuits ranging from theatre and choir to digital animation, Tae Kwon Do, and national-level gymnastics.

Bonnie Toth

Secretary
Current LVA Parent (Media Arts 2026)

Bonnie serves as the Director at Kids’ Co-op Preschool and holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, she was recognized as Early Educator of the Year in 2022 and remains dedicated to high-quality education. In her current role at Kids’ Co-op, she leads a team of employees and volunteers, manages the school’s DEI initiatives and collaborates closely with its fundraising committee. In addition, she assists with financial management for her family’s local pest control business.

Bonnie joined the Friends of LVA Board in 2025 to help support the school’s mission and arts programs. She is the proud parent of three children attending CCSD magnet schools, including one currently enrolled at LVA. Bonnie deeply values the school’s commitment to excellence and has unwavering support of its teachers, counselors, and staff. Bonnie is a passionate supporter of the arts and believes that education should nurture not only academic growth but also creativity, confidence, and compassion—the essential skills that help children grow into capable, secure adults.

Amber Gustafson

Treasurer

Amber is a licensed CPA in the state of Nevada with over 18 years of experience in accounting and financial leadership. She currently serves as Division Controller I for Pulte Homes, where she brings strategic insight and operational excellence to one of the nation’s leading homebuilders. She holds a BSBA in Accounting from UNLV and an MBA from The Citadel.

Amber’s passion for the arts is deeply rooted in the inspiration she draws from the programs offered by the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA). Outside of her professional role, she dedicates her time to supporting local nonprofits, including the Southern Nevada Animal Rescue League and the Nevada Preservation Foundation, reflecting her commitment to both community welfare and cultural preservation.

Scott Ribeiro

Director of Fundraising

Current LVA Parent (Film 2027)

Scott is SVP of Marketing for Go Nut Kukui, a brand focused on personalized novelty and apparel items primarily for the collegiate, high school and primary school markets. He oversees all online merchandising activities as well as onsite support of retail merchandising and sales events.

Since moving to Nevada, Scott has also worked for several hospitality and marketing organizations including Mandalay Bay, Caesars Entertainment, and The Venetian, heading up online sales, digital and mobile marketing, social media and digital signage. Scott has overseen both large and small organizations leading teams from 2 to over 35 employees, interfacing across organizational functions including operations, marketing, government, and finance. With a background as a musician, Scott is grateful for the opportunity to apply his experience in support of all LVA students.

Maggie Verderame

Director of Staff Appreciation

Current LVA Parent (Orchestra 2027)

Maggie is founder of Bright Maggie, an artful online space focused on health, home and happiness. Having worked in various schools facilitating early childhood education, theatre, and yoga, as well homeschooling her own daughter for eight years prior to her attending LVA, Maggie understands the dedication required of educators. She joined the board in 2024 to help give back to the incredible LVA staff. As Director of Events & Staff Appreciation, Maggie brings her entrepreneurial spirit, experience and attention to detail in order to create staff appreciation events that truly shine.

Chalice Lundquist

Director of Public Engagement

LVA Paraprofessional (2023-present)

LVA Vocal Instructional Assistant/Choreographer

(2015-2023), LVA Alumni Sibling (Dance, 1997)

Chalice has been immersed in the arts her entire life - a passion passed down through her family and expressed through her work as a Producer, Director, Choreographer, Performer, and Performance Coach. She is the former Owner/Artistic Director of Kids in Motion Dance Academy, a founding company member of Signature Productions Theatre Company, and served as Historian on the Board of Directors for Zions Youth Symphony and Chorus. Chalice has spent the last 35 years as a teaching artist, inspiring young minds to reach for their dreams.

For the past decade, Chalice has brought that wealth of experience to the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, where she is dedicated to helping young artists flourish. With a background in communication and a lifelong commitment to the arts, Chalice now focuses on advocacy and activism, working to ensure students have access to the opportunities and resources necessary for their success.

Michelle Musburger

Director of Media

Current LVA Parent (Film 2027)

Michelle is president of PR and communications agency, Strike Communications. Leveraging more than 25 years of agency, corporate and consulting experience, she joined the Friends of LVA Foundation board in 2024 to help the organization clearly and effectively communicate to its various audiences.

A former choir kid herself, Michelle is constantly amazed and inspired by the amazing talent at LVA. In turn, she’s inspired to use her experience to help the foundation raise the funds necessary to facilitate LVA’s premier performing arts education for all of its students.

Maria Bement
Director of Alumni
LVA Theater Manager (2021-present)

LVA Alumni (Theater Tech 1997)
LVA Alumni Parent (Piano 2022)

Maria was part of the inaugural freshman class at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, where she discovered her passion for Technical Production. After a 24-year career with MGM Resorts International, where she advanced from on-call stagehand to Director and produced world-class events around the globe, Maria returned to her roots at LVA.

She now serves as Theater Manager at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and Executive Producer for Colorado-based Six Productions. A former President and current Director of Alumni for the Friends of LVA Foundation, Maria is passionate about reconnecting graduates with their alma mater and building a thriving alumni network that supports future generations of LVA students.

Patrick Kearney

Director at Large

Current LVA Parent (Vocal 2028)

Patrick is the Assistant Vice President of Fraud at One Nevada Credit Union, where he has spent nearly 20 years in the credit union industry. A Certified Fraud Examiner, he holds a BSBA in Accounting from UNLV and an MBA from Western Governors University.

As the parent of a Las Vegas Academy of the Arts sophomore, Patrick is passionate about the role the arts play in helping students reach their academic goals and grow as well-rounded individuals. Through Friends of LVA, he is eager to use his professional expertise and community focus to help expand opportunities and resources for LVA students.

Betsy Martin

Director at Large

Current LVA Parent (Vocal 2026,Vocal 2028)

Betsy is new to Friends of LVA this year, serving as a Member at Large. A dedicated community volunteer, she has been actively involved in her daughters’ schools throughout their academic journeys, both in and out of the classroom. Betsy has organized food drives supporting the homeless and underprivileged children in the Las Vegas valley, reflecting her deep commitment to giving back.

Professionally, she works in the healthcare industry, where she continues to grow in compassion and service to others. Her passion for helping people is at the heart of everything she does.

NON-BOARD PARTNERS

Brian Downey

Director of Outreach & Development
LVA Development Director (2020-2024)

Band Director, Philharmonic Co-Director (2025-2020)

Music Department Chair (2013-2020)

Current LVA Parent (Band 2025, Band 2027)

Brian is in his second year as Director of Outreach and Development for the Friends of Las Vegas Academy Foundation. He previously served as Development Director for the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (2020–2024), where he led fundraising initiatives and built community partnerships to expand student opportunities in the arts. Brian’s efforts have supported the continued growth of one of the nation's premier public arts magnet schools.

Before transitioning into development, Brian spent over 30 years as a music educator, including 15 years as Music Department Chair and Director of Bands at LVA, where his ensembles earned national recognition.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Arts in Music from the American Band College at Southern Oregon University.

Megan Franke

LVA Development Director
LVA Vocal Director (2007-2024)

Music Department Chair (2020-2024)

Megan leads fundraising, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to support the nationally recognized programs at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. In this new role, she works closely with donors, families, alumni, and community leaders to advance the school’s mission and ensure students have access to world-class artistic and academic opportunities.

With nearly 20 years of experience as an educator and arts advocate, Megan transitioned into development after a successful career directing LVA’s award-winning vocal ensembles and serving as Music Conservatory Chair. Her work in the classroom shaped her belief in the transformative power of arts education and continues to guide her approach to storytelling, relationship building, and student-centered fundraising.

A passionate ambassador for LVA, Megan is committed to sustaining the school’s legacy of excellence while nurturing opportunities that empower the next generation of performers, creators, and leaders.

HELP US GROW

We are growing our Board of Directors and Advisory Board. If you are passionate about arts education and arts-based learning, please click here for more information.