Anya Yeager, Board Chair
After moving to Utah 15 years ago, Anya Yeager held an administrative position with the Utah State Office of Child Care as a Quality Improvement Consultant and, for the last decade, has served in the charter school world. During that time, her proud professional moments have included earning the title of ‘Charter School of the Year’ in 2013 and ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2015 with George Washington Academy. Anya currently holds an executive position with Williamsburg Learning, which oversees several charter schools, including Leadership Academy of Utah. She is a strong supporter of school choice and the role that UAPCS plays in supporting all of the amazing charter school options we have here in Utah.
Stephanie Schmidt, Board Vice-Chair
Stephanie (Steph) Schmidt earned an associate’s degree at Snow College and a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University in Secondary Education (Social Studies Composite). While in college, she served on the Board of Directors for the National Student Association of Community Colleges. In this role, Steph was an advocate for higher education and lobbied for support from U.S. senators and representatives in Washington, D.C. She taught history and geography at a junior high school in Brigham City and at a treatment center called Lifeline for Teens. She worked with students struggling with difficulties, including behavioral disorders, drug involvement, and eating disorders. Education is her passion, and she believes there are few things more rewarding than empowering these amazing teens! She is busy every spring and fall working for a family business, Schmidt’s Farm & Greenhouse. Steph loves doing anything outside (hiking, biking, camping, gardening, etc.) with her husband and kids. Steph is the Executive Director at Early Light Academy. She puts her full support behind the high-quality education that students (including her children) receive at charter schools throughout the state.
Andrew Larsen, Board Treasurer
As a father of eight children, Andrew knows personally, the value of education and the lasting impact a teacher or administrator may have upon a child. He has been involved with UAPCS for over five years in support of Zions Bank’s sponsorship of the association and Charter School University training, and appreciates the training and advocacy work the association does. With an MBA in Finance and nearly 15 years of commercial banking experience, he brings a unique business and finance perspective, in addition to knowledge of charter school dynamics across multiple states. Andrews believes that continued emphasis is needed on helping to build the self-esteem of each student and preparing them with the skills required for success in a 21st-century career.
Rabecca Cisneros, Board Secretary
Rabecca Cisneros is currently the Director of Operations at Itineris Early College High School. Previously she served as the Authorizing and School Support Coordinator for the Utah State Charter School Board, a school administrator, a classroom teacher, and a charter school founder. Ms. Cisneros holds an Administrative/Supervisory License, as well as a Level 2 in both Elementary and Secondary Education. She earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration and a Master of Arts in Organizational Development.
Chris Bleak, Board Member
Chris joined RRJ Consulting after serving as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives for close to six years. Chris has extensive legislative and political experience at all levels of government and in organizations both large and small. Chris served as the President of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools. In this role, Chris led the development and passage of a major piece of legislation that allows charter schools access to the State’s credit enhancement, greatly reducing the cost of financing for these schools. Chris was the first Chief of Staff hired in Utah legislative history and was noted as the best mind in Utah politics in a 2009 Deseret News editorial. Prior to working for the House of Representatives, Chris was the Executive Director of the Utah Republican Party during the 2003-04 election cycle. He lobbied for the 2002 Olympic Games, Qwest Communications, and Salt Lake City. He graduated from the University of Utah in 2000 with a degree in political science. Chris is a rabid baseball fan, having visited over 32 MLB stadiums. Chris and his wife reside in Lehi, UT, with their two daughters.
Stacee Phillips, Board Member
Stacee Phillips has been active in the field of education for 20+ years. Her experience includes working in private and public education settings. Stacee graduated from Utah State University with degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, and music. She has a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. Stacee has been a business owner, a curriculum director, taught in both Davis and Weber County School Districts, was the director of a Voyage Academy for seven years, and currently serves as an education specialist to over 20 charter LEAs throughout the state. Stacee has served on several state committees and was hired by the USBE to serve as a mentor for charter schools in turnaround. She has experience with charter compliance, policy, school safety, management, curriculum, grant writing, professional development, and finances.
Connect with us online at utahcharters.org
