Our Team

Casey Kennedy, MA

Co-Founder, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Casey Kennedy is a dedicated and visionary leader, committed to creating environments where children can discover their unique genius and thrive. With a global perspective shaped by her work in schools across Dallas, Santiago de Compostela, Madrid, and Sierra Leone, Casey believes every child has a unique potential that, when nurtured and pursued, can transform their lives and the world around them.

At the heart of Casey’s philosophy is the belief that diversity is a strength and an essential foundation for meaningful collaboration and innovative problem solving. She is passionate about celebrating the unique strengths and passions of each child, fostering a learning environment that inspires curiosity, resilience, and confidence.

Casey’s leadership experience reflects her ability to build and scale impactful educational initiatives. As Chief Client Services Officer at Immigrant Services Calgary, she led the development of innovative collaborations, including the launch of the Immigrant Arrival Centre at Calgary International Airport and the integration of newcomer services through Gateway, a digital platform. In Sierra Leone, as Director of Education Programs at CAUSE Canada, Casey collaborated with local communities to implement educational programs focused on increasing the quality of education, scholarships for at-risk students, and technology integration in schools.

As the co-founder of Acton Academy Calgary Central, Casey is driven by a mission to empower every child to find their calling by pursuing their hero’s journey—a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and leadership. Guided by her vision to build an inclusive, learner-driven community, Casey works tirelessly to ensure each student is equipped with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Principal

Currently Hiring

Acton Academy Calgary Central.

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Elementary Studio Guides (Teacher)

Currently Hiring

Acton Academy Calgary Central.

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Wonder Studio Teacher / Guide

Currently Hiring

Acton Academy Calgary Central.

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Advisors

Dr. Gina Cherkowski, PhD.

Advisor, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Dr. Gina Cherkowski is an innovator and educational change-maker with a double cognate PhD in Mathematics Education and Culture Studies. As an advisor to Acton Academy Calgary Central, she brings her extensive expertise in mathematics education, STEM, and experiential learning to help shape a dynamic, learner-driven environment. A passionate advocate for transforming education through innovation, equity, and future-ready skills, Gina has dedicated her career to empowering young learners with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Her commitment to reimagining education aligns with Acton Academy’s mission to cultivate self-directed, purpose-driven students who embrace lifelong learning.

Patti-Jean Lima

Advisor, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Patti-Jean is a highly respected Montessori educator with nearly 30 years of experience dedicated to early childhood development. She has taught the authentic Montessori method full-time since 1995, training with St. Nicholas Montessori for children ages 3-6 and with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) for Nido (birth-1 year) and Infant Community (1-3 years). As a Directress, she has led Montessori Casa programs in Whistler, Squamish, and Nanaimo, BC, as well as Infant Communities in Calgary and Edmonton. Now focused on establishing the Ave Maria Montessori Institute (AMMI), she is committed to making Montessori principles accessible to parents, educators, and caregivers. As an advisor to Acton Academy Calgary Central, Patti-Jean will train guides and support the design of an environment that fosters creativity, independence, and self-directed learning.

Jeff Sandefer, MBA

Advisor and Co-Founder, Acton Academy

Jeff Sandefer is a visionary entrepreneur and educator who has transformed education through his innovative approach. A Harvard MBA graduate, he mastered the Socratic and case study methods, fueling his passion for critical thinking and real-world problem-solving. After a successful career founding energy ventures, Sandefer turned his focus to education, determined to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.

In 2009, Sandefer co-founded Acton Academy with his wife, Laura, as a solution to their search for a meaningful and challenging learning environment for their children. Drawing on his Harvard experience, he adapted the Socratic method and case study approach for younger learners, emphasizing dialogue, self-direction, and hands-on projects. Acton Academy’s learner-driven model empowers students to take ownership of their education while fostering curiosity, resilience, and leadership.

Rooted in the principles of experiential learning, Acton’s revolutionary model has grown into a global network of schools that develop not only academic excellence but also character and creativity. Inspired by Sandefer’s belief in human potential and the transformative power of education, Acton Academy continues to shape future leaders and lifelong learners.

Laura Sandefer, MEd

Advisor and Co-Founder, Acton Academy

Laura Sandefer is a passionate educator and co-founder of Acton Academy, whose vision has revolutionized how children learn in the 21st century. With a background in education and decades of experience, she combines deep expertise with an unwavering belief in every child’s potential to drive their own learning journey. Laura’s early career as a teacher and school administrator gave her firsthand insight into the shortcomings of traditional education, inspiring her to seek bold, transformative solutions that empower students to thrive.

The idea for Acton Academy began as a personal quest when Laura and her husband, Jeff, found themselves at a crossroads. After their two sons graduated from Montessori school, they struggled to find a learning environment that balanced academic rigor with fostering independence and curiosity. Dissatisfied with traditional options, they decided to create their own school—one that would combine the best elements of self-directed learning, the Socratic method, and real-world challenges. What started as a solution for their family has grown into a global network of learner-driven schools.

Laura’s educational leadership has been instrumental in designing Acton Academy’s unique curriculum, which challenges students to ask big questions, solve real-world problems, and become heroes of their own stories. Her approach emphasizes not just academic excellence but also character development and lifelong curiosity, making Acton a groundbreaking model for modern education.

Board of Directors

Elena Esina, MA

Treasurer, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Elena is the Director of Operations and Special Projects at Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. With a Master’s in Social Work and a background in financial management, she has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and private sectors, overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex funding structures. As a co-founder and COO of Shift to Learn, she champions violence prevention and equitable communities. A recipient of multiple leadership awards, Elena is deeply committed to education’s power to transform lives. As Treasurer, she brings expertise in financial stewardship, strategic budgeting, and resource allocation to support Acton Academy Calgary Central’s mission.

Jenn Murray, CPHR,

Board Member, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Jenn brings nearly 15 years of strategic HR expertise, specializing in transformation, change management, and talent strategy to enhance employee experience, HR operations, and leadership effectiveness. She has advised organizations across healthcare, transportation, finance, technology, insurance, and energy, guiding them through M&A, divestitures, high-growth phases, and organizational change. Jenn’s expertise spans leadership development, workforce planning, succession strategy, and governance consulting. A dual-degree holder from the University of Calgary and Queen’s University, she is Saville certified and has held her CPHR designation since 2013, earning the prestigious CPHR Award of Excellence in 2022. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of HR leaders, Jenn also enjoys skiing, hiking, and global travel with her family.

Stephanie Udoh, MSc, CPA, FCCA

Board Member, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Stephanie is a seasoned finance professional and Director of Finance at Accessible Housing Society in Calgary, Alberta. With over a decade of experience across Nigeria and Canada in non-profits, charities, banking, and the public sector, she specializes in financial planning, reporting, project management, and systems optimization. Known for her strategic insights and financial stewardship, she ensures efficient resource allocation to maximize impact. Stephanie excels at stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration with board members, funders, and donors. Committed to integrity and ethical leadership, she is dedicated to advancing social and economic impact through mission-driven initiatives.

  

Alberto Trejo, MASc

Co-Founder & Board Member, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Alberto Trejo, a Project Engineer with over five years of experience in large-scale construction and engineering initiatives, holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and a CAPM certification. As the founder of Acton Academy Calgary Central, he envisioned a school where students develop critical thinking, responsibility, and real-world problem-solving skills. His passion for education goes beyond academics—he believes in fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love for lifelong learning. Having tutored math and physics, he is committed to creating an environment where students take ownership of their education, preparing them to become proactive global citizens and leaders.

Ahmed Youssef, MEd

Board Member, Acton Academy Calgary Central

Ahmed Youssef is a certified educator with over 20 years of experience in Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Holding a Bachelor’s in TESL and a Master’s in Education focused on Intercultural Communication, he specializes in curriculum development, innovative teaching, and technology integration. Currently designing training programs for Emergency Management with the City of Calgary, he has also led professional development for educators. Recognized for his contributions to education, Ahmed is passionate about student success and teacher growth, bringing a global perspective and deep commitment to excellence as a board member at Acton Academy Calgary Central.

Committees

Health & Safety Committee

Chair: Luz Camacho

Acton Academy Calgary Central

Finance & Audit Committee

Chair: Stephanie Udoh

Acton Academy Calgary Central.

People & Culture Committee

Chair: Jenn Murray

Acton Academy Calgary Central

Community Engagement Committee

Chair:

Acton Academy Calgary Central

Parent Advisory Council

Chair:

Acton Academy Calgary Central

Admissions Committee

Chair:

Acton Academy Calgary Central

Bursary Committee

Chair:

Acton Academy Calgary Central