Mark Mettes, Board President
Mr. Mettes is Vice President of Operations for the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix. He holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona. Mr. Mettes’ many years of experience in the non-profit arena has assisted Valley Academy in many ways, including board development and community relations. Mr. Mettes is experienced in facility oversight, emergency preparedness, negotiation techniques and human resources issues. He creates and maintains the Herberger’s annual operating budget. His financial experience and business acumen make him a valuable member of the Valley Academy board. Mr. Mettes’ children have attended and/or graduated from Valley Academy since its inception in 1995.
Angela Fischer, Board Member
Ms. Fischer's career of public service began as a Child Protective Worker in 1994. Ms. Fischer currently serves the State of Arizona Department of Administration as the Statewide Health Insurance Portability ad Accountability Act (HIPAA) Coordinator. Ms. Fischer has an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management and a Master's degree in counseling. Ms. Fischer currently holds a Professional Counseling License and has provided consulting and counseling services to individuals, couples, groups, organizations and families in a variety of settings since 1991. Active in community services, Ms. Fischer is an adoptive parent of two, a foster parent and a member of the State of Arizona Foster Care Review and Removal Review Boards. With her business and social services background, Ms. Fischer brings a well rounded view of both the practical and human sides of life and business in America.
Letha Warner, Board Treasurer
Ms. Warner is Business Associate with Wells Fargo Bank. She focuses on depository relationships with specialty markets, including charter schools. Ms. Warner brings over thirty years of banking experience to Valley Academy. Her financial acumen is of great benefit to the organization. Ms. Warner was drawn to board service by her support of the traditional values of Valley Academy and by the commitment of its employees. Ms. Warner is a native of Phoenix and is the mother of two grown sons.
Cuyler Reid, Board Member and School Founder
Ms. Reid is a former teacher, a published author, and one of the school’s founders. She currently works for Leadership for Educational Entrepreneurs, a master’s program, through Arizona State University West campus, developed for charter school operators. In addition to her work on Valley Academy’s Board, Ms. Reid is a member of the Governing Board of the Arizona Charter Schools Association and serves on the Superintendent’s Committee on Charter and District Relations. Ms. Reid holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Florida State University. Ms. Reid’s background in the education field and her determined drive toward education reform has made her a critical part of Valley Academy’s development.
Samuel Kerch, Board Member
Mr. Kerch is the controller and tax research director for a payroll software company. He travels the country teaching payroll research techniques and encouraging the use of new technology within payroll departments. Mr. Kerch also runs a tax preparation practice. His undergraduate degree is in finance, and he holds a Masters degree in Finance and Accounting and is a licensed CPA. Mr. Kerch’s financial knowledge is a great asset to Valley Academy. He is the father of two Valley students and one future Valley student.
Denise Burton, Board Member
Mrs. Burton is a deeply involved Valley parent who has donated many hours to the school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychobiology from Holy Family College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. served on the Valley Academy Parent Organization Council and was president of the Council for one year. Mrs. Burton owns and operates a small business. She is the parent of one Valley student and enjoys contributing her time to the school. She believes in traditional education and strong parental involvement.
