This team is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Roaring Fork Schools. Each member manages a key area of the organization and provides expertise, vision, and oversight to support the district's mission that every student develops the enduring knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in a changing world.
Anna was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and found her way to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2015. Anna began her career in education as a high school science teacher in Northern New Mexico. Since that time she has supported district, charter, and independent schools through curriculum development, coaching, teaching, board training, and development. She has been involved in teacher education as a curriculum designer and faculty at Colorado Mountain College and Reach University. Anna has a Bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico, a Master's in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University, and a Doctoral degree in Educational Thought and Sociocultural Studies from the University of New Mexico. Anna joined the Roaring Fork Schools in 2017 and brings to the work experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion and a strong commitment to coordinated student and family support services. Outside of work, Anna loves spending time outside with her family backpacking, biking, skiing, rafting, camping, and hunting stuff (mushrooms, fossils, shells, bones, and rocks).
Favorite book: The Birchbark House (series), Louise Erdrich Favorite movie: Whale Rider
Stacey was born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in southern California. Her lifelong mission is to ensure that students everywhere have access to a high quality education. She has been an educator for over two decades as classroom teacher, school leader, principal manager, and assistant professor of practice in California, New York City, and Colorado. Most recently as an education consultant, Stacey coached and developed school leaders with a focus on rigorous instruction, creating a welcoming school and staff culture, and exercising adaptive leadership skills to improve student outcomes and school experiences. Stacey earned her B.A. in human development at the University of California in San Diego, her M.Ed. in education leadership from Columbia University Teachers College, and is a doctoral student at CU Denver in leadership for educational equity with a concentration in executive leadership. When not working, Stacey loves to travel, read, try to keep succulents alive, and spend time with her husband Geoff, son Ellis, and rescue dog Daisy.
Favorite book: Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros; How The Word is Passed by Clint Smith Favorite movie: Rent
Christy Chicoine has worked as the Finance Director at Garfield Re-2 for over 16 years. In her tenure there, she achieved the ASBO Meritorious Budget Award for over 7 years, focusing on excellence in reporting, financial management, and fiscal transparency throughout her tenure. She has continued that focus over the last six years in municipal finance in Basalt and Carbondale.
“I enjoy working for the community and making a difference. Financial transparency and accountability focuses resources toward the goals of the organization and the community to increase positive results over time. While it will take time to learn the ropes at the District, I am excited to bring the same focus to Roaring Fork School District as I have achieved in my previous roles.”
Ben moved to Carbondale in 2002 to start his teaching career at Basalt High School, after growing up in East Texas and gravitating to the Rocky Mountains. Ben taught social studies for ten years before moving to our Instructional Team as a Technology Integration Facilitator. After nine years in that role, Ben became our Chief Operating Officer in 2023. Ben holds a BA in history from Duke University and a MA in Education from the University of Denver. Ben spends his free time playing guitar, traveling, skiing, and enjoying all that the Roaring Fork Valley offers. He lives in Carbondale with his wife and son (a student at Roaring Fork High School), and also serves as the mayor of the Town of Carbondale.
Favorite Book: The Emerald Mile Favorite Movie: Talladega Nights
Begonia Platt was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico. She relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley in early 2009, where prior to joining the Roaring Fork Schools, she worked in the hospitality industry for 12 years. Her passion for serving others during those early years was crucial, it drove her to apply for a position at the HR department to help take care of the employees at Hotel Jerome, no longer after that a new career path was born. In May 2022 Begonia received her certification as an HR Professional from SHRM. It is the only competency-based certification available and focuses on knowledge and behaviors needed to be proficient as an HR professional. When she is not working, she spends the weekends with her husband Adam and son Augustus, who are big motorcycle fans. Hence oftentimes in the warmer months they are touring the backcountry while participating in dirt bike races. If she is not camping or traveling, she might be practicing her salsa (the dance, not the mexican quintessential dish) bachata and tango skills.
Favorite book: Arrancame la vida (Angeles Mastretta); It illustrates Puebla’s society life in the early 1900’s. Favorite movie: Chicago