Administrative and Educational Support Staff

Rachel Aanestad ’94 joined Community School in 2013 as Assistant Director of Development and currently serves as the school librarian and also teaches Architecture in the Upper School.

Rachel holds a BA in architecture and a BA in theatre, both from University of Oregon.

Rachel’s decision to return to Community School as a faculty and staff member was a result of her love for the school community and the approach to education that guides learning here. “I appreciate the independent thought, genuine love of natural places, creativity, and uniqueness that are still foundations of this incredible place,” she says. In her teaching role, Rachel is inspired by her students’ love for learning and by her colleagues. “I am constantly amazed by the students capacity to create, absorb, and learn, and by the incredibly inspired and talented faculty with whom I work.”

When she’s not at school, Rachel loves to spend time with her two young daughters and enjoys hiking and doodling.

Bags Brokaw taught history and served as the Upper School Dean of Students and Middle School Director for six years during the Community School’s early chapter (1985-1991). He returned to the Trail Creek Campus in 2012 and currently serves as Director of College Counseling.

Prior to his return to Community School, Bags served in a variety of teaching and administrative positions at independent and public schools in New Hampshire and Maine, including Head of School for a k-8 Waldorf school, and, most recently, as Academic Dean and Interim Head of School at George Stevens Academy on the Blue Hill peninsula in Maine, where he and his wife, Kerry, still have a home.

Bags holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MA from University of Denver.

Bags and Kerry have four children, including one current Cutthroat (Shea ’20) and one alum (Will ’12).

Nancy Parsons Brown oversees all aspects of student life for boarding students at the Ketchum Campus Residence Hall. Nancy is a long-time Wood River Valley resident and outdoor enthusiast.

In addition to her role as Director of Residential Life, Nancy, who holds a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder and her Masters in teaching from Graceland University, teaches Middle School French at Community School.

Nancy is also a hockey player, alpine and cross country skier, and long-distance runner. Her goal is to make the Residence Hall a warm, safe, and encouraging place that allows students to feel at home. She and husband David Brown are parents to three Community School alums.

Tana Dean joined Community School in 2008 and currently serves as business office assistant/accounts payable manager.

Tana has held a variety of business management positions across the hospitality, health care, and construction industries. Currently, in addition to her role at Community School, Tana and her husband own and operate Wood River Stables, a horse boarding facility.

Tana says, of her work at Community School, "my favorite part of working at the school is the people, whose commitment to and passion for their jobs is wonderful, and the relationships that I've developed with my colleagues over the years."

When Tana is not working at the school, she loves spending time with her my family, horse activities, and farming the ranch she and her husband own.

Shannon Finnegan joined Community School as Librarian in 2013 and transitioned to the role of Assistant Director of Development in 2014, where she has been a key member of the team ever since.

Shannon holds an AB degree in mathematics from Dartmouth College and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. She worked as a lawyer for several firms in the Bay area before moving to the Wood River Valley. Prior to joining Community School, she served as Executive Director of the Wood River Arts Alliance.

Shannon's daughters Tara '15 and Tess '17 are both graduates of Community School.

Christy Giles joined the Admissions team as Assistant Director of Admissions in 2017. Christy brings invaluable experience in admissions and recruiting to this role, having served as Assistant Director of Admissions at The Bush School in Seattle and as Director of Admissions and Recruiting for the University of Washington College of Education Seattle Teacher Residency (STR) Program. Prior to her work at Bush, Christy worked for five years as the Senior Trainer and Curriculum Developer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

As Assistant Director of Admissions, Christy works with Sun Valley Ski Academy Program Director Jonna Mendes and Director of Admissions Katie Robins in a variety of capacities throughout the admissions season. Christy holds a BA from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Teaching from Seattle University. Christy and her husband, Eric, are parents to Jackson ’21, Brady ’23, and Kenzie.

Ellen Gillespie joined Community School as a Development and Communications Specialist in February 2018. Ellen supports all operations in development, marketing, and communications. Ellen is a former parent (Tom ’16, Lily ’14, and Emily) and a former member of Community School’s Board of Directors.

A graduate of Duke University, Ellen initially pursued a career in marketing and communications with Time Life, which took her from New York to Washington, D.C. and then to London, before moving to the Sun Valley area with her family in 2003. Locally, Ellen managed public relations for the Chamber of Commerce for several years before founding an event-planning company, Sun Valley Events.

Mary Hall joined Community School in 2002 and currently serves as Upper School Administrative Assistant and Upper School Community Service Coordinator.

Mary holds a BA in art history and French language from University of Washington.

Prior to joining Community School, Mary worked in sports marketing at Smith Optics, where she was Director of Mountain Bike, Surf, and Trade Shows.

Mary appreciates the opportunity her role offers to "engage with students each day and to learn from the school's incredible faculty." She has especially enjoyed her work with Upper School Students as Community Service Coordinator, specifically in the hours devoted to the Hunger Coalition.

When she's not behind her desk in the Upper School, Mary loves to spend time running, hiking, and mountain biking on local trails. Mary and her husband, Mat, an alum of Community School, are parents to Joe '19.

Yvonne Inman joined Community School in 1999 and currently serves as administrative assistant in the Middle School and

CS SAT Supervisor, SSAT Assistant Administrator.

Prior to joining Community School, Yvonne's professional experience included working as a Legal Secretary, A/R & AP clerk, real estate appraisal assistant, and State of Idaho health and welfare self-reliance specialist.

In her work in the Middle School, Yvonne is inspired by the mission of the school and "the sense that we are all here to inspire, guide, and teach our students to not only survive in the world today, but also to excel at their passions and make a positive difference in and outside of our community." She enjoys all the various ways she can support the school, students, and families: "I am always willing to help out when needed, so whether it is a school BBQ for Engl Cup, driving students to Sagewillow for P.E., covering a period in a class for a teacher, or assisting with the 20/20 Lunch Program, I know that people feel that they can ask me for help knowing that I am willing and reliable. I enjoy helping others!"

When Yvonne is not at school, she loves to spend time outdoors hiking in the Valley and around the West.

Liz Kantor joined Community School in 2017 and serves as Events and Alumni Relations Manager. In her role, Liz manages all school events and oversees alumni relations.

A Wood River Valley native, Liz previously spent ten years in marketing, public relations, branding, and event management across a variety of industries. She most recently was the Marketing Director at Zenergy Health Club & Spa in Ketchum.

Liz holds a BA in communication from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is an active community member, serving on the board of The Advocates, where she chairs the Resource and Development committee. Liz and her husband, Josh, a 2002 graduate of Community School, have two children.

Keith Keim joined Community School in March 2007 and serves as Facilities Manager. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance and construction management of the Trail Creek, Dumke Family Sagewillow, and Ketchum Campuses. This includes over 100,000-square-feet ft buildings and over 40 acres of grounds.

Prior to joining Community School, Keith spent 21 years in construction and construction management in the Seattle area.

Melanie Kragerud joined Community School in 2007 and currently serves as the school's accounts receivable manager.

Melanie came to Community School with 25 years of accounting experience and previously worked for the state of Idaho, US Bank, and several other private companies in Boise and Southern California. In her work at the school, Melanie appreciates "the opportunity to get to know the exceptional students and families that are part of our community. I enjoy helping people and working in customer service."

When Melanie isn't at school, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and photography.

Rob Landis joined the Community School faculty in 1998 and has served as a learning specialist and eighth grade team teacher. He presently serves as the Outdoor Program Assistant Director. Rob first attended the University of Colorado, took a short twenty-year break, and then completed his degree in earth science education at Boise State University. During his short break, Rob facilitated his addiction to wilderness adventures through jobs that included chef, river guide, NOLS instructor, director of ski operations at Galena Lodge, and Nordic coach for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Rob is a Wilderness EMT, Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, CPR Instructor, Leave No Trace Master Educator, Level 3 Avalanche practitioner and an American Avalanche Association professional, AMGA Single Pitch Climbing Instructor, licensed USSA Nordic coach, licensed Ham radio operator, and a licensed Idaho ACA Kayak Instructor. Rob is passionate about wild places, his family, and introducing students to the amazing world of wilderness travel. He lives in Hailey with his wife Amy; daughter Annika graduated from Community School in 2016.

Jonna Mendes joined Community School in 2006 as the director of the Sun Valley Ski Academy. Jonna has an impressive background as an athlete and coach. A two-time Olympian—at the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games and 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games—Jonna was also a four-time National Champion (twice in downhill, twice in giant slalom) and earned a bronze medal in super-G at the 2003 Alpine World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Following her 2006 retirement from the U.S. Ski Team, Jonna honed her coaching skills as a U.S. Ski Team development coach from 2006-10, working with athletes at national and regional projects and competitions. In addition to her role as SVSA Program Director, Jonna coaches the U16s with Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Jonna’s unique perspective and experience as an elite athlete and coach is an asset to the development of our SVSA student-athletes. In her free time, Jonna loves chasing her son, Declan, down the mountain and camping with Declan and her husband, Will.

Jill Perkins joined Community School in 1989 and currently serves as Learning Specialist Department Director.

Jill holds a BS in education from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.

Prior to her current position at Community School, Jill taught in schools in Wisconsin for five years.

At Community School, Jill finds inspiration in the students and in her colleagues. "The students inspire me every day with their perseverance through a challenging curriculum, their spontaneity, and their joy," she says, "and my colleagues inspire me to seek continued growth as an educator—and make me laugh when a laugh is needed."

For Jill, time away from school is dedicated to her family. "My biggest passion is to love life with my husband, Don, and my daughter, Hope. They are my world beyond school, and time with them means everything to me," she says. She also enjoys listening to audio books, hiking local trails with her husband and her shelter dog, Cosmos, and spending time in her garden.

Jill and Don's daughter, Hope, is a 2016 graduate of Community School.

Diana Price joined Community School in 2017 and currently serves as Director of Communications. She oversees internal and external communications for the school, including the school's website, magazine, newsletters, social media, and other communications and publications.

Prior to joining Community School, Diana spent 11 years as managing editor for a health care publishing company and as a writer for a variety of lifestyle and trade publications.

Diana holds a BA in English from University of Montana.

Diana says she is "grateful for the opportunity to share the mission of Community School and to tell the extraordinary stories that stem from our community of students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the school."

Diana and her husband, Nick, are parents to two Cutthroats: Will '20 and Charlie '23.

Gabby Rafford joined Community School in 2008 as a fifth grade teacher and currently serves as Director of Educational Technology.

She holds a BS in Business Administration and a MEd, both from University of New Hampshire.

Prior to joining Community School, Gabby worked in nonprofit and government contracting positions in Washington D.C. and taught elementary grades at schools in Colorado, Vermont, and Maine. She also served as Director of the Eighth Grade Winter Term and taught math at Gould Academy.

Gabby was drawn to Community School's commitment to supporting students' interests, as well as to the Outdoor Program, the school's beautiful mountain setting, and the faculty and staff.

"The students keep me smiling and challenge me to think outside the box every day," Gabby says. "They are a very cool group of kids with diverse interests and a passion to learn something new constantly. They are definitely why I am here and why I enjoy working here so much."

When she's not on campus, Gabby loves to ski, hike, camp, and mountain bike. In the summer, she likes to indulge her love for reading: "I am an avid reader—in the summer I can read three books in one week!" Gabby and her husband, Kyle, are parents to two Cutthroats: Addison '19 and Toby '21.

Robin Seitz joined Community School in 2005 and serves as the Elementary School Administrative Assistant.

Robin holds a BA in Psychology from Edinboro University and a MA in Counseling from Idaho State University.

Prior to joining Community School, Robin held several different counseling positions at College of Southern Idaho and for the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare.

Robin loves the variety each day offers at Community School and is continually inspired by her colleagues.

When she's not at school, Robin can be found running local trails, reading, making art, and spending time with her family. Robin and her husband, Reid, are parents to Quentin and Norah '21.

Anneliese Turck joined Community School in 2015 and serves as Communications Associate. She assists the Director of Communications with internal and external communications for the school, including the school's magazine, website, newsletters, social media, advertising, public relations, and photography.

Prior to joining Community School, Anneliese spent 18 years in New York where she served in editorial roles for Travel & Leisure Golf, and numerous freelance and volunteer positions in the field of journalisim. She is a Bay Area native, having grown up in Los Altos Hills, California.

Anneliese holds a BA in Rhetoric from University of California, Berkeley and a MS in Journalism from Columbia University.

Anneliese and her husband, Matt, are parents to two Cutthroats: Parker '23 and Easton '25.

Richard Whitelaw initially joined Community School in 1991 as boys' varsity soccer coach and currently serves as Director of Athletics, boys' varsity soccer coach, and Middle School P.E. assistant.

Richard is grateful for the opportunity to pass along his love for sport to students, and he comes to work each day inspired the Community School family. "Being surrounded by young, talented, intelligent students, and empowering, caring, positive faculty is a gift," he says. "I have the greatest job in the world."

In his many years coaching boys' varsity soccer, Richard has been committed to sharing a love for the game and a spirit of sportsmanship among his players. "I strive to instill in these young men that it's not about the wins or championships, it's about making the most of your short high school career, experiencing all the emotions associated with a successful team, playing to the best of your ability, and exuding good sportsmanship every step of the way."

Richard's love for the game of soccer doesn't end when he steps off the field. His favorite way to spend his time away from school: "Watching soccer, reading about soccer, writing about soccer, thinking about soccer . . . soccer never sleeps."