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Co-Founder & Executive Director
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
Darlene Unruh is an accomplished and trusted educational leader, recognized across Calgary for her ability to guide schools through growth, innovation, and transformation. With more than 35 years of experience in K–12 education, she has held senior roles with the Calgary Board of Education, including Acting Superintendent of School Improvement, Educational Director, and Director of Alternative Programs. In these roles, Darlene championed initiatives that improved learning outcomes, supported bilingual education in French, Spanish, and Mandarin, and integrated fine arts into diverse, multicultural learning environments.
Fluent in both French and English, Darlene has also directed Planning & Transportation, overseen the opening of new schools, and led large elementary programs, all while cultivating environments where learners feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. She is deeply committed to equity, innovation, and excellence, blending strategic vision with operational expertise developed through decades of classroom, school, and system-level leadership.
Darlene holds a degree from the University of Calgary and pursued advanced leadership studies at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education through The Art of Leadership program. She has been a senior advisor to Acton Academy Calgary Central since its earliest days, walking alongside the founding team from the time opening a school was just an idea. Now, she brings her wisdom, care, and experience into a direct leadership role, actively engaging in Acton’s Socratic training and pedagogy to strengthen the learner-driven culture at the heart of the school.
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Wonder Studio Guide
Bogdana brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education, with deep roots in both Montessori and international school settings. She’s taught in Ukraine, the UK, Thailand, and BC, blending a global understanding of childhood development with a grounded belief: every child is unique and capable.
Her approach aligns beautifully with Acton’s learner-driven model. She’s inspired by how we combine Montessori principles, real-world challenges, and the Hero’s Journey — helping children grow through meaningful choices and purposeful learning. With training in music, drama, and early literacy, she creates engaging spaces where young learners feel trusted, celebrated, and free to explore.
Bogdana believes in building environments that spark curiosity, independence, and lifelong learning — and we’re so grateful she’s chosen to walk this journey with our community.
Educational 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 the Director of Learning at 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Board Member, Acton Academy Calgary Central
Marianna Lambropoulos is a People and Culture leader with over 16 years of experience in human resources, organizational development, and employee relations. She has held senior leadership roles across nonprofit and community-based organizations in Calgary, supporting teams through growth, change, and the development of strong, values-driven workplace cultures.
Marianna brings deep expertise in people strategy, leadership coaching, employee engagement, and psychological health and safety. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and is a Certified Leadership Coach, with a strong commitment to fostering healthy, supportive, and high-performing organizations.
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Board Member, Acton Academy Calgary Central
Lorraine Kinsman brings decades of experience as an educator and school leader, with a deep background in elementary education, literacy, and learning-environment design. She served for many years with the Calgary Board of Education as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, opening and leading multiple elementary schools and supporting diverse, inclusive learning communities.
Lorraine holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education (Literacy/Reading) and a Master of Education in Leadership. She has extensive experience in curriculum design, early literacy development, inquiry-based learning, and multi-age educational models. Her work consistently centres on creating environments where children are known, supported, and challenged to grow.
In addition to her school leadership experience, Lorraine is a sessional instructor in Education, teaching courses focused on learning environments and curricular design. She is a strong advocate for peace education, early literacy, and placing children at the heart of all learning.
Board Member, Acton Academy Calgary Central
Vanessa is a communications and marketing strategist with over a decade of experience supporting mission-driven organizations in the education and nonprofit sectors. She brings expertise in strategic communications, brand development, and project management, with a strong ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging messaging.
Vanessa has led national and community-based campaigns, supported events and publications, and provides strategic guidance and hands-on execution through her Calgary-based consulting practice. She is bilingual in English and French and brings experience as a trainer, facilitator, and public speaker.
Chair: Luz Mendez, MEng
Focused on fostering a secure and nurturing environment where our children can thrive. Our primary purpose is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our students by proactively identifying and addressing potential hazards, implementing robust safety protocols, and promoting a culture of awareness and responsibility. We regularly review safety procedures, maintain emergency preparedness plans, and collaborate closely with staff and families to create a healthy, secure, and supportive learning space where you can have complete peace of mind knowing children are safe and cared for.
Chair: Stephanie Udoh, MSc, CPA, FCCA
The Finance and Audit Committee ensures Acton Central's financial accountability and transparency. Â Comprised of professionals with financial expertise, the committee manages the budget, reviews statements, ensures regulatory compliance, and oversees independent audits. This assures parents that the school's finances are managed responsibly, supporting a high-quality education for every student.
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Chair: Jenn Murray, CPHR
The People and Culture Committee at Acton Central is dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for our entire school community. This committee, comprised of committed individuals, works to: cultivate a strong sense of belonging among students, families, and staff; promote open communication and collaboration; and ensure that the school's values of respect, empathy, and inclusivity are reflected in all aspects of school life. We also focus on attracting, retaining, and developing talented staff who are passionate about education and your children's success. This commitment to our people and culture ensures that Acton Central remains a vibrant and nurturing place where every child can thrive.
Chair: TBD
The Community Engagement Committee at Acton Central fosters connections between our school and the wider community. We enrich student learning by developing student-led community service, building partnerships for experiential learning, and organizing community events. Our goal is to cultivate socially responsible citizens and provide students with real-world learning experiences.
Chair: TBD
Acton Academy Calgary Central
Chair: Alberto Trejo
The Admissions Committee at Acton Central is dedicated to creating a welcoming and transparent entry process for new students and families. Â The committee ensures prospective families understand our mission, values, and programs, facilitates a smooth and equitable application process, and fosters strong relationships with new families. We strive to enroll students who will thrive and contribute to our diverse community, making the admissions process a positive and informative experience that reflects our care and commitment.
Chair: Ahmed Youssef
The Bursary Program Committee at Acton Central makes our learning experience accessible to qualified students from diverse backgrounds. Â We ensure a fair and thorough selection process, awarding funds to families demonstrating financial need and alignment with our mission and values. Â The process involves confidential review of applications, with empathy and objectivity. Â Our goal is to build an inclusive community by providing financial assistance responsibly.
