MEET
the
STAFF
A charter authorizer is an entity sanctioned by the Utah State Legislature to facilitate the establishment of charter schools. Authorizers orchestrate comprehensive application processes and subsequently grant approval for charter school applications. Significantly, authorizers bear responsibility for the oversight and evaluation of their charter schools' academic performance and organizational soundness, with a concurrent obligation to ensure strict adherence to all pertinent laws and regulations. In our capacity as personnel for the Utah State Charter School Board (SCSB), the preeminent public charter school authorizer in Utah, we offer ongoing support to facilitate the Board's pursuit of its mission and vision on a day-to-day basis.
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Amber Hellstrom
UCAP Developer
801-538-7823
Meet Amber Hellstrom, our dedicated Software Developer, who has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape of the Utah State Charter School Board (SCSB). Since 2017, Amber has been the driving force behind the development and maintenance of the SCSB's vital web application, Utah Charter Access Point (UCAP). She translates business needs into a robust and user-friendly online platform, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and accessibility for all Utah charter schools.
Beyond UCAP, Amber also manages the crucial live streaming and video conferencing needs for the SCSB board meetings. Her technical expertise spans both front-end and back-end development, coupled with a strong understanding of data governance, empowering the SCSB to effectively leverage data and resources.
Amber's journey to this role is unique. As a graduate from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science, she further honed her skills with a Level IV Mathematics Endorsement and a Software Development Certificate. Amber also holds a Secondary Level 2 Teaching License. This blend of analytical thinking and competitive drive makes her an asset to our team.
Most importantly, she cherishes time spent with her husband, four children, and their King Charles Cavalier, enthusiastically supporting their various endeavors. A former Track & Field athlete at the University of Utah and a State Discus Champion in high school, she remains a passionate fan of Utah sports. Her active personal life includes playing basketball, hiking, coaching, reading, and the unique hobby of rock hunting. Her work on the UCAP application is a testament to her ability to create tangible solutions that positively impact the Utah charter school community.
Marie Steffensen
Associate Executive Director
801-538-7990
Marie Steffensen is a distinguished and licensed Utah educator and administrator with a comprehensive background in early childhood education. Holding a master's degree in educational administration and school leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise to her roles in the field of education.
Marie's illustrious career has seen her in various capacities, including instructional coaching, coordination of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, and serving as a Dean of Students. Prior to joining the State Charter School Board staff in 2019, she served as a Charter School Executive Director, showcasing her leadership acumen and commitment to educational excellence.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Steffensen actively contributes to her community, serving as a dedicated board member of her local PTA, a former member of a school community council, a teacher reparation program clinical supervisor, and a current member of the Utah School Readiness Board.
Residing in South Jordan, Utah, with her husband, two children, and a loyal canine companion, Marie Steffensen and her family cherish a harmonious blend of laughter and exploration during their numerous family adventures. Her commitment to education, leadership, and community service underscores her passion for fostering positive learning environments and contributing to the well-being of those around her.
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Amy Pace
Charter School Growth and Innovations Specialist
385-295-7907
Amy has spent the last 24 years teaching science to the students and teachers of Utah for both traditional and charter schools. She recently transitioned out of the classroom and into a new position as the Strategic Growth and Innovation specialist for the Utah State Charter School Board, where she will continue to support teachers and students. Amy graduated from Southern Utah University in 1998, with a BS in Biology and a Secondary Teaching Certificate. She completed her Masters in Education as part of the Instructional Design and Educational Technology program at the University of Utah in 2022. With lofty goals of becoming a leader in education, Amy is excited to use her skills and background in her new position. She loves working with her fellow teachers and school leaders, sharing her passion for education.
Amy has been very involved with the Utah Science Teaching Association in the past, serving four terms as regional representative, and one term as president. Throughout her career, Amy has received several prestigious awards; The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, The Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology, The Utah Energy Educator Award, and was selected to represent the United States as part of the TOMODACHI
Toshiba Leadership Academy in Tokyo, Japan. She currently serves on the Utah Secondary Science Advisory Team, for the Utah State Board of Education, and facilitates Teacher Endorsement Courses for teachers working on furthering their education, for the Utah Science Teaching Association.
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Smriti Dhakal
Audit Manager
801-538-7967
Smriti Dhakal is a highly qualified professional with a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Utah. Since October 2022, she has been serving as the School Financial Manager for the SCSB, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering financial health within educational institutions. In this capacity, Smriti proactively identifies and addresses financial issues, offering strategic guidance and support to schools in resolving these concerns. Her dedication to ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficiency contributes to the overall success of the educational institutions under her purview.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Smriti values quality time with her family, demonstrating a well-rounded and balanced approach to both her career and personal life.
Brendan McGinn
School Performance Specialist
801-538-7980
Brendan McGinn boasts a diverse professional journey, commencing as a field biologist for the states of Colorado and Utah before transitioning into the field of education. In this rewarding career shift, Brendan found fulfillment in imparting knowledge, teaching both mathematics and science across various grade levels in charter and traditional public school settings.
With a wealth of experience, Brendan has seamlessly transitioned into school administration, holding roles such as Vice Principal, Interim Director, and Assessment Director. Presently, he serves as a School Performance Specialist at the Utah State Charter School Board, where he brings his multifaceted expertise to the fore.
In his current capacity, Brendan excels in the dynamic landscape of charter school oversight, a role that aligns with his passion for exploring and enhancing educational experiences. A standout feature of his tenure at the SCSB is his enthusiasm for visiting charter schools, where he revels in discovering the diverse and inspiring approaches each institution employs to motivate and educate students.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Brendan is an avid outdoors enthusiast who values quality time with his family. Additionally, he contributes to the community through his involvement in coaching soccer teams, exemplifying his dedication to both personal and professional growth.
Paul Kremer
Executive Director
801-538-7958
Dr. Paul K. Kremer brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds a Ph.D. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology from Arizona State University and has conducted extensive research on bullying in educational settings. Dr. Kremer is the founder of two charter schools, including EAGLE College Prep, a high-performing charter school in South Phoenix, as well as a preschool program. His administrative background includes various roles at Arizona Christian University from 2011 to 2015, where he contributed to academic excellence and mission fulfillment. Dr. Kremer later served as the Controller and Assistant Superintendent at Edkey, Inc., overseeing a diverse portfolio of K-12 schools in Arizona. In his personal life, he has been happily married to his wife, Leslie, since 1995, and they have four children. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and outdoor activities.
