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
Originally from upstate New York, Jessica moved to Colorado in 2011 and has spent the past 14 years serving students and educators in Denver Public Schools. During that time, she has served in a variety of roles, from classroom teacher to building leader to central office administrator. Along the way, Jessica developed an expertise in teaching and learning, strategic planning and implementation, coaching, change management, and improving student outcomes for all students.
Jessica earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's in Education from the State University of New York. She is also a graduate of the Relay Graduate School of Education National Principal Academy Fellowship. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys reading fiction, watching reality television (competition shows are her favorite!), traveling with her husband and friends, and discovering great places to eat.
Favorite Book: A Gentleman in Moscow Favorite Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Joel Hathaway began his teaching career in 1997 in Rzeszow, Poland with the US Peace Corps. After teaching 8th grade Language Arts in Asheville, North Carolina, he served as a school leader at Erwin Middle School from 2006-2015 and Glenwood Springs Middle School from 2015-2023. Since then, he has been the Executive Director of Schools for the Roaring Fork School District. Joel strives to help create schools where all students know that they matter and feel safe to always be their best selves. When he's not at work, Joel enjoys spending time with his family, listening to the music of the Grateful Dead and finding moments of zen in the great outdoors.
Favorite Book - On the Road by Jack Kerouac Favorite Movie - Breakfast Club
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
Aimee was raised in Colorado and began her teaching career in 2000 before moving to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2003. Since then, she has served in various roles across the district, including teacher at Basalt Middle and Carbondale Middle, ELD instructional coach at Carbondale Middle and Roaring Fork High, and school leader at Crystal River Elementary before joining the human resources team. Aimee brings experience in teaching, learning, coaching, professional development, culture building, change management, and employee relations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University, a master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Denver, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of Northern Colorado. When she’s not at work, you’ll find Aimee walking her dog, hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband, Matt, and their children, Noah and Maggie.
Favorite Books: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, The Dog Stars by Peter Heller Favorite Movie: Almost Famous
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.”
Kelsy grew up in western Colorado and brings nearly 15 years of experience in strategic communications across public education, state government, and nonprofit organizations. She previously served as Roaring Fork Schools' Public Information Officer from 2016 to 2023 and returned to the district in 2026. Kelsy earned a bachelor's degree from Amherst College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wyoming. Outside of work, she enjoys running, eating yummy things, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors. Kelsy and her spouse live in Marble along with their dog, cat, and chickens.
Favorite book: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Favorite movie: Bridesmaids