Russell Kested, Headmaster
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Russ Kested was born in Denver and graduated from Northglenn High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from the University of Colorado in Boulder, majoring in physical education with minors in math and science. He later received his Master of Arts degree in education administration from Oral Roberts University. Mr. Kested has taught and administrated schools for over 27 years in Colorado, Hawaii, Spain, and Texas. The challenge to integrate Christian faith and learning through a Biblical worldview has been a major focus throughout his career. Mr. Kested’s family has a love for missions and he has traveled to over 30 nations. They served with Youth With A Mission for 7 ½ years from 1979 – 1985 in Hawaii and Europe, but mostly in Spain. He has directed and led senior class mission trips to many nations including Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, France, and Taiwan. Through the years, Mr. Kested has always loved any time he could spend in Colorado with family and being in the mountains. He enjoys fishing, reading the classics, and now living in the family cabin that was built in 1894, located along the Colorado River.

Mindy Denissen, Administrative Assistant
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Mrs. Denissen was born and raised in Summit, New Jersey. She graduated from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art and Art History. She then attended Parsons School of Design in New York City where she received an Associate degree in Graphic and Advertising Design. Additionally, she has taken courses at The Center for the Ministry of Teaching at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. She has been in the Vail Valley for nineteen years. Mrs. Denissen returns to serve the elementary students and teachers as a Teachers’ Aide. She and her husband David have a son, Kelby, who is in our Third grade. In their spare time, Mindy and David are den leaders for Kelby’s Cub Scout troop. She enjoys cooking, gardening, cross stitching and dreaming about the coast of Maine.

Shannon O'Brien, Business Manager
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Mrs. O’Brien is a 7th generation Vermonter. She attended Roger Williams College in Rhode Island; Keene State College in New Hampshire and completed her education with an Associates Degree in Accounting from Colorado Mountain College.  Before raising babies she was a real estate broker in the Vail Valley. She has spent the past 4 years as an officer on the PTF at TVA. She and her husband have five children, all of who have attended The Vail Academy.  Their oldest will go to University of Denver next year, one daughter attends Vail Christian High School in her Junior year and they have a daughter who is a Sophmore at Battle Mountain High School.  Their youngest children are currently in 5th grade and 2nd grade at the Vail Academy.  She loves being outside in this beautiful area on foot, bike or chairlift and enjoys the events this valley has to offer like the Rodeo, Hot Summer Nights, and theatre. Shannon is very excited to join the TVA staff - its like family!