Sharmilla Felix

Board President

Sharmilla graduated from Weber State University with a degree in Psychology and Child and Family Studies. She has been part of the Venture community since 2010 when both of her children were accepted into the school, and has loved serving students, teachers and staff in various capacities over the years including working as a Room Mom, serving as Parent Crew President, judging countless debate tournaments, and driving and chaperoning for many amazing fieldwork opportunities. She joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and currently serves as Board President. “My father is an immigrant from India and he taught my sister and me to value education as a privilege and to give back to the community. I love everything about Venture–its mission, the three pillars of ‘Service, Excellence, and Leadership’ and the amazing teachers and administration. It has been wonderful to be part of this incredible community.”

Kevin Wasden

Board Member

Kevin is dedicated to promoting the education and the development of young people as responsible citizens and members of their communities. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Utah State University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Southern Utah University. Throughout his career in education, Kevin has fulfilled various roles including teacher, Dean of Culture, and K-8 Principal. Currently, he is the Director of Professional Development at Gibbs Smith Education. Kevin’s personal philosophy emphasizes the importance of hard work, ethics, and helping others achieve success. He is grateful to be able to continue serving Venture Academy as a member of the Board of Directors.              .

Christel Grange-Hicks

Board Member

Christel, a life long learner and advocate for outdoors, health and safety graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Health Promotions with an emphasis on Life Coaching from Weber State University.  She carries the NCHEC and EYTT Certification, which assists in her work at Weber State University, and side gigs as a Meditation and Yoga teacher throughout the Greater Ogden Area.  Christel started her journey with Venture as a volunteer when it was an idea coming into fruition, soon after being an employee right before they opened their doors to students in 2008.  In 2022 Christel transitioned her continued support of Venture to a Board Member.

Andrea Riches

Board Member

Andrea graduated from "Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey" in the City of Querétaro, Mexico. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communications, and an Early Childhood Education Certification from MEPI. She has been a Montessori Teacher for the past 17 years and the owner of a Montessori School for the past 12. She has been part of the Venture community since it opened its doors and both of her children were accepted. They both have graduated successfully from Venture, and feel extremely lucky to be part of a school that helped them every step of the way reach their very best. "As an immigrant that values education I will always be grateful for having Venture be part of our lives."

Michelle Terry

Board Member

Michelle graduated from LISOF, South Africa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design. Shortly after graduating she moved to the United States, and became a Naturalized US Citizen. Michelle began her journey with Venture Academy as a staff member in 2010, and joined the Board of Directors as Secretary in 2018 while still employed at Venture Academy. The educational environment Venture provides is invaluable, and therefore both of her children are enrolled in Venture Academy and have been since Kindergarten. In 2020 Michelle made the difficult decision to leave Venture Academy as a staff member to pursue a career in education publishing. Which then allowed her to continue to be involved by joining the Board as a voting member.  

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Sara Hurd

Board Member

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Karl Haase

Board Member

Karl is a graduate from University of Utah where he earned a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies. His emphasis is on critical rhetoric and qualitative methods focused on written and media texts and spaces. He has taught a range of Communication and Writing courses for WSU, UT, SLCC and the University of Utah. After earning his doctorate, Karl completed training in mediation, facilitation and dialogue earning a graduate certificate in Conflict Resolution from the University of Utah. He is a court-rostered domestic mediator. His business, Skyline Mediation LLC, provides mediation and conflict resolution, communication coaching, and facilitation services. He has been a part of the Venture community as a parent since 2019 and has appreciated the value-based culture that Venture strives to maintain.