Wave of Hope learning centers
WAVE OF HOPE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & Content Leader/Teachers
Lori Cutunilli
founder & board of directors president
In 2020, Lori felt a strong calling to create a truly affordable educational alternative—one where parents’ constitutional rights to guide and educate their children is respected, encouraged, and supported.
With that vision, an incredible Board was assembled, each member bringing invaluable skills and life experience to guide Wave of Hope to its full potential. As Founder and Board President, Lori is actively involved in administrative work, support for learning centers and enrichment programs, and closely collaborates with the Executive Director.
Lori’s professional background includes Business Administration, small business ownership and time spent working in the public school system as a lunch lady—an experience that allowed her a firsthand understanding of the social and educational needs of children and families.
She currently serves on the Boards of several nonprofit organizations, including Wave of Hope Ministry, Wave of Hope Homeschool Enrichment, Salvation Army and Kart Racing for Heroes. Lori also served her community through local government roles on the Summit County Sign Review Board and Board of Adjustment.
A devoted Mother and Nana, Lori is deeply family-oriented. Her passion for family and education continues to inspire her mission to support others in building strong foundations for future generations.
Wave of Hope reflects her commitment to community, purpose, and instilling lasting hope in others.
shannon gribble
Board of Directors
vice president
Shannon Gribble is a passionate leader in business development as well as business and personal coaching. She is a dedicated advocate for children’s growth and success.
As Vice President of the Wave of Hope Board of Directors, Shannon brings two years of heart-driven leadership, helping shape programs that empower kids to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
With deep roots in community service, she has also served on the Board of Higher Ground, a program supporting at-risk youth, and continues to invest in the next generation through teen ministry at Grace Church.
Born and raised in Colorado, Shannon’s passion for education is deeply personal. In high school, she found herself bored and unengaged — until she discovered an alternative school that met her where she was, providing the opportunity to excel and graduate 2 years early.
That experience lit a fire in her to assist in creating educational environments where students feel seen, inspired and excited to learn. She believes learning should be fun, hands-on, and tailored to how each child learns best.
Whether at work, serving on a Board or mentoring teens, Shannon leads with purpose, energy, and a heart for helping children to become the best version of themselves through faith, family values, and engaging education.
james wiley
board of directors
Secretary
A 4th-generation Coloradan, James Wiley brings a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial spirit, political activism, and community leadership to his role as Secretary of the Wave of Hope Board of Directors. Raised in Kazakhstan during his childhood, James developed a global perspective and a deep commitment to service.
After exploring various academic paths, he earned an MBA from Colorado State University-Pueblo in 2017, equipping him with the skills to drive business innovation and community impact. James is an accomplished entrepreneur and business development specialist, with a passion for helping corporations and startups thrive.
His expertise has guided numerous businesses from inception to success, leveraging strategic insight and a hands-on approach to foster growth and sustainability. As a former Libertarian candidate for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District in 2024, James campaigned on a platform of disrupting the status quo, advocating for decentralized currency solutions, election transparency, and individual liberties.
Currently, James serves as the Secretary and Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Colorado, where he has transformed the organization into a formidable political force. Under his leadership, the party has gained significant relevance, professionalizing its operations and making a bold impact on Colorado politics.
He also holds key roles as Secretary of the Chainsaw Caucus PAC, Treasurer of Coloradans for Energy, and Secretary of Wave of Hope, where he brings strategic vision and organizational expertise to advance each organization’s mission.
His personal passions include hiking Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes and immersing himself in music, which fuel his creativity and commitment to a balanced life.
bart black
board of directors
member at-large
I am honored to be a part of the Wave of Hope vision, and even more so, to be a part of the Board of Directors.
I grew up in Guatemala as a missionary kid and as a pastor’s kid, from age 9 to 19. Throughout the 35 years that my parents have lived in Guatemala, I have been an integral part of their ministry and operations, even as a young child.
I currently manage all of their donor accounts, track donations, and interact with their financial supporters as well as help to oversee their stateside operations. I also am an active board member for their organization.
My parent’s ministry has always had a heart and vision for children. They even built and ran an elementary school during the 1990s in a rural community. As an ongoing priority of their work, they run various children outreaches and children feeding programs, with hundreds of children attending on a weekly basis.
From the time we moved to Guatemala until now, I have been immersed in their work. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything in the world, because it defines who I am today! Learning for life and my technological expertise has always been a passion of mine, which is why we are able to share real-time homeschooling data and statistics on our website!
I am excited and honored to partner with Wave of Hope. More importantly, I am committed to doing everything possible to defend our children from the evil that is becoming normalized in our society.
leigh sargent
Bart Black
member at large
Leigh Sargent was born in Australia, graduating from an apprenticeship in Engineering Patternmaking which ultimately culminated in receiving Australia’s Apprenticeship Of The Year.
Recipient of two Overseas Scholarships. Leigh studied and worked in the UK. Leigh arrived in the United States in 1981 where he was the Founder of Applied Composites Engineering in 1982 and Zipp Bicycle Wheels in 1988.
Leigh Sargent, as the CEO of US Apprenticeships, is at the forefront of transforming career navigation for students, particularly in the critical 5th-grade transition. With a rich background in patternmaking and industrial woodworking, Leigh’s early experiences in Australia have profoundly shaped his approach to vocational education and career development. His unique perspective emphasizes the inseparable connection between career and life experiences, allowing him to guide students and their parents in identifying passions, skills, and aptitudes through a comprehensive framework that includes personality assessments and interviews.
Under Leigh’s leadership, US Apprenticeships has launched several key projects aimed at engaging young learners in meaningful career exploration. By integrating operations management principles and value stream mapping techniques, he ensures that the apprenticeship programs not only align with industry needs but also foster a culture of innovation and change management. His commitment to training and leadership development empowers educators and mentors to effectively support students in articulating their career aspirations, thereby reducing the impact of indecision and uncertainty in their future paths.
Leigh’s expertise in manufacturing and aerospace sectors further enriches the apprenticeship landscape, as he advocates for hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and real-world applications. By leveraging his extensive knowledge of ERP systems and start-up dynamics, he is paving the way for a new generation of skilled professionals who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving workforce. Through his visionary leadership, Leigh Sargent is not only shaping individual careers but also contributing to the broader narrative of workforce development in the United States.
Retiring in 2018, Leigh moved to Breckinridge, Colorado where he recently ran for Summit School District Board of Education.
In 2024 Leigh became a founding Board Member of Wave of Hope Ministry and Wave of Hope Homeschool Enrichment Programs.
Tonya VAn Beber
executive director
Wave of hope learning centers and homeschool Enrichment progams @ Weld & @foothills
Tonya Van Beber brings a unique combination of educational expertise, legislative experience, and community leadership to her role as Executive Director of Wave of Hope Homeschool Enrichment. A third-generation Colorado native and former State House Representative for District 48, Tonya has dedicated her career to advancing educational excellence, family rights, and community development.
With over 17 years of classroom experience as an educator at University Schools charter school, Tonya taught Reading Intervention, World and American History, Leadership, and 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with principal's licensure from Regis University and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences/Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. Her educational background is complemented by extensive experience in instructional coaching and educational consulting for schools nationwide.
Tonya's commitment to public service spans multiple levels of government. As a former Colorado House Representative, she served on critical committees including Energy & Environment, Health & Insurance, Early Childhood & School Readiness, and Business & Labor Affairs, while co-chairing the Children's Caucus. She also served as an At-Large elected official on the Weld County Council, bringing grassroots perspective to local governance.
Her diverse professional background includes journalism and publishing experience as District Manager at the Greeley Tribune and owner of two direct mail newspapers in Weld and Larimer counties. This media experience, combined with her role as Newspapers in Education Coordinator, deepened her understanding of community communication and educational outreach.
As a mother, former foster parent, and advocate, Tonya has championed school choice, foster care and adoption reform, constitutional rights, and parental rights throughout her career. Her advocacy work has earned recognition including the Leaders to Watch Award in Weld County, the Family, Faith & Freedom Award from the Centennial Institute, and the 2022 National Legislator of the Year from the EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security.
Currently serving on the Board of Directors for Foster Source and the National Foster Parent Association, Tonya continues her commitment to supporting families and children. A graduate of the Leadership Program of the Rockies, she remains actively engaged in her rural Weld County community, where she has lived her entire life in the Eaton/Severance area.
Tonya's comprehensive experience in education, government, and community advocacy positions her to lead Wave of Hope Homeschool Enrichment with a deep understanding of the educational landscape and an unwavering commitment to empowering families in their educational journeys.
Kassandra Schwartz
Wave of Hope Learning Centers
K-7 Sensory, Financial Literacy and structured games/activities
Kassie is a dedicated Content Leader teacher for our attendees ages 5-7 who brings warmth, creativity, and patience into her classroom every day.
She has a passion for helping children learn, grow, and discover their unique strengths, always encouraging them with positivity and kindness. With a natural love for teaching, she strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where young learners feel safe, inspired, and excited to explore how the world around them works. She helps her littles create friendships between peers and fun memories as they engage in the fun activities she has designed.
As a mother of three Kassie understands the importance of nurturing both the heart and the mind. She has spent years as a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling her children and guiding their learning through hands-on experiences, creativity, and curiosity-driven lessons. This background has given her a deep appreciation for the individuality of each child and the joy of watching them develop confidence and independence.
Before entering the classroom, Kassie lent her talents of service as a Certified Nursing Assistant in hospitals and nursing homes. Caring for others has always been a central part of her life, and she now carries that same compassion, energy, and dedication into her teaching. She believes that education is about more than academics—it’s about building strong relationships, encouraging kindness, and helping every child feel valued and capable of success.
Brandi Higdon
Wave of hope Learning Centers
K-12-the arts
Brandi is a lifelong artist and maker with a passion for helping young creators bring their creativity to life. She has explored many creative mediums—painting, drawing, wood burning, jewelry making, rattle crafting, and more—and loves sharing that spirit of exploration with her students. Inspired by her spirituality, nature, and the wisdom of animals, Brandi creates art experiences that encourage connection, self-expression, and the development of a child’s inner resources.
Brandi grew up in New Mexico, surrounded by the desert and the rich visual language of Native American art and symbols. The colors, patterns, and stories of these ancient cultures left a lasting imprint on her heart and continue to inspire her own artwork, fostering a deep appreciation for cultural and historical creativity.
After completing the Early Childhood Education program at Front Range Community College, she discovered her joy in designing environments that spark curiosity, play, and confidence. As an Arts & Crafts Content Leader for the Wave of Hope, Brandi introduces children to a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles, helping each one uncover their unique passions and grow through creativity.
kelsie schiechl
Wave of hope learning centers
K-12 horticulture, agronomy & agriculture
Hi, I’m Kelsie — a wife, a mom of two, and a Colorado native who has always believed that children learn best when they feel connected to the world around them.
Since 2014, I’ve worked in the social service sector supporting youth and families. That work showed me how much kids thrive when they feel grounded, capable, and cared for. When I became a mother, that understanding deepened, and I found myself drawn into the quiet rhythm of regenerative farming. Our family now grows crops and raises cattle in a way that builds soil, restores land, and honors the natural cycles around us. Working with the land has shaped how I see childhood, learning, and resilience.
While farming, I began volunteering in preschools and early childhood programs, building small children’s gardens and teaching kids how to plant seeds, tend soil, and watch their food grow. The pride and calm I saw in those moments moved me deeply. It made me realize how powerful garden-based learning can be, especially for kids who need confidence and connection.
That’s how Growing Smiles Garden Co. came to life — as a way to bring hands-on soil health, food security awareness, and joyful garden learning to more classrooms and families. The curriculum blends everything I’ve learned from farming, teaching, and supporting children into something simple, meaningful, and accessible.
When I’m not working with kids or in the garden, you’ll find me outside with my family and our dogs — camping, hiking, and soaking up all four Colorado seasons. The outdoors is where I feel most grounded, and it’s the heart behind everything I hope to share with children and teachers through Growing Smiles Garden Co.
Dannette Muniz
Wave of Hope Learning Centers
Ages 10-17 ASL (American Sign Language)
Danette Muñiz is a dedicated homeschooling mom of nine who has been homeschooling for nearly 30 years. With a deep passion for individualized education, Danette has guided her diverse family through a wide range of learning needs and abilities. Her husband, who has cerebral palsy, shares her commitment to communication and inclusion — both are professional Sign Language interpreters who bring accessibility and empathy into every part of their lives. She has also spent the past 30 years teaching sign language, further enriching her understanding of communication differences and diverse learning needs.
Over the years, Danette has gained firsthand experience supporting children with a variety of diagnoses, including connective tissue disorders, ADHD, AuDHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Irlen Syndrome, expressive/receptive language delays, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. This journey has given her a rich understanding of neurodiversity, adaptive learning, and the importance of flexibility in education.
As a family, the Muñizes love spending time together playing board games, challenging each other in Scene It, and swimming. Danette’s decades of homeschooling experience, combined with her deep empathy and practical wisdom, allow her to encourage and equip other parents as they navigate their own unique homeschooling journeys.
Philip Muniz
Wave of hope learning centers
Theater and the art of public speaking
COMING SOON!
cAT pAGE
Wave of hope learning centers
mINDFUL mOVEMENT/RELAXATION aGES 10-17, aDULT mINDFUL MOVEMENT, FINANCIAL LITERACY
