Board of Directors and Leadership Staff
MCA is governed by a professional, qualified Board of Directors responsible for oversight, policy adoption, financial monitoring, and ensuring strong academic outcomes.
Dave Laursen, Board President
Dave brings executive leadership experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), executive-level corporate and public administration manager, and small business owner. His expertise in budgeting, accounting, strategic financial planning, and human resources ensures strong fiscal oversight for MCA.
Hannah McCall, Board Treasurer and Secretary
Hannah contributes expertise in marketing, brand development, and community engagement. Her background in design and facilities planning provides essential perspective for creating optimal learning environments. As Treasurer, she brings strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure sound financial oversight and operational efficiency.
Kristie Donathan, Board Director
Kristie contributes educational leadership through her distinguished career as a school administrator and elementary teacher. Her expertise in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Curriculum Development, and Educational Leadership provides crucial guidance for MCA's academic programs.
Joe Fockler, Board Director
Joe brings extensive community knowledge and strong local connections through his long-standing involvement in Montrose County. His active participation in community organizations and nonprofits strengthens MCA's community relationships.
Ashlie Suppes, Board Director
Ashlie has an extensive background in education from her Bachelors of Fine Arts at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, teaching credentials at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Montessori certification from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. She's dedicated to supporting a learning environment that supports all children and their individual needs. She is also a mother of three girls who have attended private, charter, and public schools.
Alyssa Reimer, Executive Director
Alyssa is a Montrose native and Colorado School of Mines graduate with degrees in Bioengineering and Biochemistry. Alyssa brings more than 13 years of experience in organizational transformation, strategic planning, program governance, and professional development. Her career has taken her across 37 countries, where she has led large-scale initiatives and developed training programs that have upskilled hundreds of professionals worldwide. Alyssa’s passion for education has remained central throughout her career, including building partnerships between industry and academia, developing university recruiting strategies, and mentoring young women pursuing STEM careers. After returning to Montrose in 2021 with her husband to raise their children, Alyssa became even more committed to supporting education in her hometown. She looks forward to bringing her values of integrity, authenticity, learning, and service to Montrose Classical Academy and helping create an environment where every student can thrive.
Mallory Shaffer, Principal
Dr. Shaffer is an educator and lifelong learner who brings over 14 years of experience in education, including working with students from diverse backgrounds and at-risk youth. She holds a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Administration and Leadership. Many in our community may also recognize Dr. Shaffer as the Founder of the Montrose Children's Museum, where she helped bring interactive, hands-on learning opportunities to thousands of children and families across the western slope.
