Dr. Lee Pritzl, Author of the best-selling School Board Playbook, has spent over 30 years working in and supporting school districts. Lee works closely with school boards and district leadership teams to ensure the team is intentional in delivering on their mission and vision. Dr. Lee delivers fresh insight by conducting ongoing research of best practices, team functionality, conflict resolution and building a strong team. Recently labeled “The School Board Whisperer” by several school board members and district leaders, Dr. Lee partners with school boards and leadership teams to elevate the team’s effectiveness during challenging times and sensitive content boards are facing today. Dr. Lee is currently writing his next book, I’m right, You’re Wrong, Shut Up, which focuses on the current work culture and strategies to build a healthy organizational culture. Dr. Lee is in high demand because of his high-energy presentations and the style in which he delivers impactful, thought-provoking content. Dr. Lee describes his work as his current mission field with an opportunity to help develop highly functional teams by encouraging behavior that feeds the mission and vision of the organization. 

Clint Swindall is a professional speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of three books on leadership. He owns and operates Verbalocity, a leadership development company that has been used by organizations across the nation to build corporate culture. When he is not working, he serves his community in various capacities, including serving on the Board of Directors of a communications provider in Texas. He and his wife, Heather, founded a nonprofit called the First Chance Foundation dedicated to assisting abandoned, abused, and neglected children. In their free time, Clint and Heather compete in BBQ competitions and have a team called Good Life! Barbeque.

As a civic facilitator, keynote speaker, and public leadership coach, Matt guides people through moments of tension, uncertainty, and possibility—helping leaders and residents alike find the courage to engage, the clarity to move forward, and the trust to do it together. Matt’s work is grounded in real-world experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He began his career in Washington, D.C., as a federal lobbyist on mortgage finance and banking policy, later transitioning to strategic leadership roles in financial services. In Arizona’s cultural sector, he founded Alliance for Audience & ShowUp.com—an award-winning initiative that united arts and cultural organizations statewide in collaborative audience development and shared marketing infrastructure. Later, as Interim Managing Director of Arizona Theatre Company, he helped restore trust and stability to one of the state’s premier cultural institutions during a time of crisis. At the heart of Matt’s work is a belief that democracy is more than structure—it’s a shared commitment to show up, speak truthfully, listen generously, and move forward together.

Chase Christensen is the Superintendent of Sheridan County School District #3 in northern Wyoming. He is committed to advancing student success through innovative approaches in rural education and strengthening community partnerships. Christensen brings a passion for equity, access, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world. In 2025 he was names Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year.

Scott Stults has served as Superintendent of Sheridan County School District #2 since 2021, following more than 20 years of leadership roles within the district. He is recognized for innovative solutions to challenges such as teacher housing shortages and policies that enhance student focus and well-being. In 2026, he was named Wyoming Superintendent of the Year for his commitment to students and community.

Shane Ogden, Superintendent of Park County School District #16 in Meeteetse, is a recognized leader in student-centered education. He has built a culture where students and teachers work side by side, emphasizing voice, choice, and real-world skills like creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Under his leadership, Meeteetse School is implementing a fully integrated PreK-12 project-based learning model that prepares students to thrive beyond the classroom.

Sarah Isner serves as the Secretary to the Superintendent and Human Resources for Converse County School District #1, where she also supports the Board of Trustees. She began her career with the district in May 2017 in the Student Support Services department and transitioned to her current role in July 2021. Sarah graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and recently earned her SHRM-CP certification, reflecting her commitment to professional growth in human resources and leadership. Sarah plays a key role in advancing the district’s mission, vision, and values through her support of leadership, assisting strategic alignment, and operational excellence. She has been instrumental in implementing tools like Simbli to enhance board governance, streamline processes, and foster transparency. Originally from Montana, Sarah is a proud mom of two and enjoys spending time outdoors. Her work reflects a deep commitment to cultivating a positive organizational culture and driving continuous improvement across the district.

Mark is the Assistant Executive Director of the Georgia School Boards Association.  Mark is a CPA and has been with the association since 1995 and has extensive experience in the areas of leadership, board governance, finance, technology and organizational effectiveness and works closely with school boards and superintendents to help them lead and govern effectively and operate efficiently. At GSBA, Mark oversees the Association’s technology subsidiary, eBOARDsolutions. eBOARDsolutions works with over 2,100 school systems, non-profits, state agencies, and state boards of education in 32 states by providing Simbli, a board management software, to help boards lead and govern effectively and operate efficiently.

The Johnson County School District #1 Board of Trustees and District Administration, led by Superintendent Charles Auzqui, are Johnson County Proud and Committed to advancing excellence in JCSD#1 and Wyoming education. Together, this leadership team has focused on aligning governance, operations, and communication to strengthen transparency, student achievement, and community trust. Through innovative tools such as Command Central, InfoDash, and Business Office systems (Allouve), JCSD #1 is moving to align Leadership Governance with the PLC format, reimagining how boards and district leaders collaborate to navigate the evolving challenges of public education. Their shared commitment to intentional collaboration, community connection, and purposeful focus reflects the District’s vision to “Empower ALL Students to Thrive”.

Dr. Mark Mathern has served in education for 32 years as a classroom teacher, school principal, and associate superintendent in Natrona County School District. He facilitated the process of establishing dual language immersion, beginning in kindergarten, for Mandarin and Spanish in several districts across Wyoming. He was recognized as a Friend of Education by the Wyoming Foreign Language Teachers’ Association. His work also included expanding college and career readiness learning opportunities through the Pathways Innovation Center in Casper and ensuring all NCSD preschools were National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited. Mathern has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University in classical languages, a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming in educational administration, an Ed.D. from Seton Hall University, and maintains his certification as a school administrator. Since 2015, he has been an accreditation evaluator and staff development presenter for schools and systems in multiple countries, many U.S. states including Wyoming, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Mathern has several members of his family engaged in Wyoming education including his partner, Donna, her daughter, and four grandchildren.

Diana Clapp is a longtime educator in Wyoming and is currently serving as the Coordinator for the Wyoming State Board of Education. Her teaching experience spans from the elementary to high school classroom. She is an educational leader who has served as an elementary principal, curriculum director, and 17 years as a district superintendent. During her time as a district leader, she was able to work with her community, staff, and school board to implement a nationally recognized early childhood program which serves children ages birth to five and open a school-based community medical clinic. Diana’s experience extends beyond the district through her participation and leadership at regional and state levels. She has served as President of the Wyoming Association of School Administrators and chairs the Wyoming College of Education Advocacy Board. Diana Clapp earned her doctorate degree from the University of Wyoming and is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Wyoming. Diana was named the 2011 Wyoming Superintendent of the Year and is the recipient of the Myron Basom Excellence in Leadership Award. Diana is an advocate for quality education and committed to serving the State Board in its vision to, “ . . . support a student-centered learning system in which all Wyoming students graduate prepared and empowered to create and own their futures.”

Mitch Craft is an independent education consultant with over 24 years of experience as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and trainer. Over the last three years, Mitch has designed custom professional development and coaching for leaders across numerous school districts. Previously, Mitch served for six years as assistant superintendent for Sheridan County School District No. 2 in Wyoming, an award-winning district where he oversaw curriculum, assessment, intervention programs, and professional development. As a principal, Mitch led Sheridan Junior High School for nine years. The school was recognized as a National Model PLC School, National Distinguished Title I School, and National Blue Ribbon School. Mitch is a National Distinguished Principal and his writing has been published in Principal magazine and English Leadership Quarterly. Mitch earned his BA in English from the University of Wyoming (UW), MA in English Literature from the University of Sussex in the UK, and his principal credential from UW. Mitch was a UW College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Graduate and a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar. He is an obsessive eater and cook, professional musician, avid handyman, and outdoor adventurer. Mitch’s wife Jules teaches alternative high school science, and his four children—Will, Nora, Henry, and Emmett—are his proudest achievements.

The Director of Digital Learning with the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State University, Emma Braaten leverages more than two decades of experience as a Chief Technology Officer in a school district, Digital Learning Specialist and Coach with NCDPI, School Librarian, and Classroom Teacher to inform research and practice in the K-12 setting. Her work currently focuses on addressing educational disparities to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education; advancing education through innovative approaches and practices, including the integration of emerging technologies and tools; and influencing broader educational policies and practices for systems-level impact.

Steven Priest is an Educational Program Consultant with the Wyoming Department of Education with the Innovations Team. Steven works with digital learning, serving our statewide Learning Management System (Canvas), micro-credentials, the Innovations in Learning Conference and the Digital Learning Plan. Steven led the development of the Guidance for Wyoming School Districts on Developing Artificial Intelligence Use Policy, and has become one of the AI gurus for the WDE. Steven is a Founding Member of the Human Intelligence Movement, serves on the SETDA Board of Directors and is a part of the Perplexity’s AI Business Fellowship. Steven has served on the 2025 COSN Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board, Teach AI’s Government Agency Advisory Group, Teach AI’s Policy Working Group, Teach AI’s Future of CS Working, Teach AI’s AI Literacy Advisory Group, and SETDA’s State Action Committee. Prior to coming to work for WDE, Steven served as a school administrator in Hanna, Wyoming. Steven has a background of over 20 years of educational experience serving as an instructional facilitator for technology, a science teacher, and an agricultural education teacher. Steven is currently studying at the University of Wyoming for his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, his dissertation work is on the Model Code of Ethics for Educators. Steven lives in Elk Mountain, Wyoming with his family where they raise pack llamas. 

Scott is a graduate of the University of Wyoming College of Law.  He has represented and advised school districts and other local governmental agencies across Wyoming for more than 25 years.  He has successfully defended his clients in Wyoming courts, the EEOC, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, the Office for Civil Rights, and other agencies.  Scott regularly gives presentations to school boards on a variety of issues including school law, Title IX, public records, open meetings and government ethics.

Dr. Richard Schroeder is the Chief Education Programming Officer of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRFPI), the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles of individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride. In this capacity, Dr. Schroeder oversees the educational outreach and programming for the globally recognized non-partisan organization based in Simi Valley, California, which sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the most visited presidential library in the country; the Reagan Center for Public Affairs; the Presidential Learning Center; The Air Force One Pavilion; the award-winning Discovery Center; and the Reagan Institute, which carries out the Foundation’s mission in Washington, D.C. Earlier in his career, Dr. Schroeder served students in a wide array of educational environments -- as a National Board-Certified teacher, school leader, director of assessment, and district leader of one of the largest school systems in Illinois.  His experience includes working in urban and suburban school districts, establishing nonprofit education foundations, serving on national education organizations, and leading local teacher’s associations.  He brings significant research and data analytic experience related to monitoring student growth and using student assessment data to drive instructional decisions.

Ted Hanson is an experienced educational leader with more than 25 years in special education, administration, and executive-level service. He currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director for BOCES 5, leading regional initiatives, programming, and partnerships to expand student opportunities. He has served in officer positions with WASEA as president and treasurer, He is known for building collaborative systems, driving improvement through data, and supporting educators through large-scale professional development. 

Daniel Mayer oversees operations of BOCES 5, which encompasses five therapeutic day schools, a therapeutic residential school, and statewide outreach services. His undergraduate education includes a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education for the Deaf, which provide him with a multi-faceted background in psychology, special education, general education, audiology, and child development. Dan is a nationally-certified School Psychologist and holds a Principalship Certificate from the University of Wyoming. He is also an ACEs Master Trainer.  Prior to joining BOCES 5, Dan served as a Special Education Director in Mountain View, and Evanston, Wyoming, coordinating programming for Uinta County School District #4 and Uinta County School District #1.  He taught, and continues to teach, General Psychology at Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs and Eastern Wyoming College in Douglas. Additionally, he served as a Regional Representative and President for the Wyoming Association of Special Education Administrators (WASEA). Dan lives with his family in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and travels the state in support of our organization, other Wyoming BOCES organizations, and legislative efforts that further BOCES’ services. Dan was raised in North Dakota. He enjoys golf, Pearl Jam concerts, and studying leadership concepts.

Matt Ballou serves as the Chief Retail Officer at WyHy Federal Credit Union, where he has built a successful 13-year career focused on leadership, member service, and advancing financial education across Wyoming. A lifelong Wyoming resident, Matt is passionate about empowering individuals—especially young people—to make informed financial decisions. He has delivered numerous financial education presentations in high schools throughout the state, helping students develop real-world money management skills. Deeply committed to community service, Matt has volunteered extensively, including having served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Casper, coaching youth sports for more than 20 sports seasons at the Cheyenne YMCA, and currently serving on the Advisory Council for the Food Bank of Wyoming. Matt lives in Cheyenne with his wife, Erica, and their two sons, Logan and Jackson.

The people you choose to trust with your financial transactions ought to be knowledgeable, accessible, approachable and truly care about you. As Chief Culture Officer, Michele has the unique pleasure of assisting Jonah Bankers in maintaining the very intentional environment Jonah Bank of Wyoming has created for our customers, employees and community to feel welcome and cared for. A career in banking has consistently revealed the need for access to financial education, and she is passionate about doing what needs to be done to ensure our young people have the skills they need to thrive when they enter the workforce. In service of this mission, Michele was a founding member of the nationwide nonprofit, Funding the Future, who has reached nearly 315,000 students to date. Through dynamic, music-driven school assemblies, Funding the Future inspires young audiences and equips them with practical financial tools to succeed, pursue their dreams, and transform their lives. Yet, Michele believes no school assembly can replace the impact a classroom teacher can have if given the time and tools to teach the skills all people need. Michele and her husband, Tom, live in Cheyenne where they raised their four children, MacKenzie, Luke, Marcus, and Mason.

Mrs. Kelly Vallier has dedicated the past 30 years to teaching elementary students at Rock River Elementary School. Over the last four years, she has championed place-based and project-based learning, creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities that put students at the center of their education. A strong advocate for learner-centered approaches, she is also recognized as a leader among her colleagues, inspiring teachers and students alike with her passion and commitment to learning.

Marissa Simoes is an educator, mentor, coach, and trainer. Today, Marissa supports schools and coaches as Senior Manager of BARR Coaching. She has coached BARR Center schools across the country, including five throughout the state of Wyoming. Marissa holds a B.A. degree in Political Science and English and an M.S. degree in Education. 

Heidi Fiechtner is a school counselor in Moorcroft, Wyoming, where she is currently in her third year. Outside of Moorcroft, she has a decade of experience as a school counselor across North Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming. In addition to her counseling role, she serves as the BARR Coordinator for her school.