Our Team

Executive Director of Williamsburg Academy of Colorado

As the Executive Director of Williamsburg Academy of Colorado, Heidi is committed to helping your student thrive during their educational journey.  Heidi graduated with a B.A. in History from Brigham Young University and recently earned her Master's in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania. As her capstone project, she founded a non-profit organization called Strides 4 Education International that funds education impact projects around the world. She also has experience in business, law, and homeschooling. Heidi loves spending time with her family, running, yoga, and watching episodes of Psych. 

Heidi is passionate about the Mission and Values of Williamsburg Academy of Colorado, and she looks forward to serving you and your student.

Email: executivedirector@wacolorado.org

Director of Student & Parent Services

Your student deserves a safe and transformative learning environment. After working in education for most of her adult life, Joanna is just the person to ensure your student has exactly that. Joanna homeschooled her children for ten years and believes it was one of her greatest adventures. She recently worked with a local school district to open one of the first wellness rooms for students at a community school. You can often find her at the nearest roller rink either skating or playing roller derby in her free time! She loves to hike with her dogs and find new and exciting places to eat. She currently lives in Colorado with her four kids and two dogs.

Email: familysuccess@wacolorado.org

Director of Operations

Heidi has worked with the Williamsburg Learning team for many years, serving in a variety of roles, including Curriculum Developer, Teaching Assistant, Strategic Assistant, Curriculum Manager, IT Specialist, and now Director of Operations at Williamsburg Academy of Colorado. Her extensive work experience and outstanding work ethic (plus her love for spreadsheets) allow her to be an excellent resource for the Williamsburg Academy of Colorado community. In her free time, Heidi enjoys riding her bike, playing WOW, spending time with her kids, and traveling.

Email: heidi@williamsburglearning.com

Becky Matz, Adventures Program Director

Becky is passionate about working with youth. In her words, “I hope I can help spark learning and discovery in youth and also help them recognize their strengths, gifts, and who they are so they can lead in their lives.” She has worked with students in numerous settings, including camps, after-school programs, co-ops, and 4H.

Becky holds a degree in Recreation Management from Brigham Young University. She loves spending time outdoors, cooking, gardening, and traveling.

Email: bmatz@williamsburglearning.com

Nels Peter Jensen, CEO & Co-Founder

Nels is CEO and Co-Founder of Williamsburg Learning. He is passionate about helping others learn, grow, and transform themselves, their families, and their communities. Nels is working toward the goal of creating millions of transformational learning experiences in the next ten years.

A native of the Rocky Mountains, Nels grew up in Idaho and Utah and has lived and traveled abroad on five continents. He studied the liberal arts as an undergraduate and received an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Acton School of Business in Austin, Texas. A father to five energetic children, Nels loves to coach and support them as they grow into young adults and prepare to lead unique lives of meaning. Personally, he is an dedicated father, avid reader, weight lifter, cyclist and yoga instructor. His deepest purpose is to use his talents to help reduce suffering and elevate consciousness.

Adam Hailstone, Chief Operating Officer

Adam is passionate about building a vibrant and expanding community to support your student in their adventure through online learning. In his words, “I love inspiring parents and students to get a great education and overcome the barriers in their way. My role directly aligns with my life’s mission, so it’s as much a calling as it is a career.” Adam joined Williamsburg in 2010 as a mentor, and has designed and taught much of The Williamsburg Curriculum. He has presented talks on alternative education throughout the U.S. and Canada and loves finding creative ways to expand and enhance the Williamsburg tribe.

Adam holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Laura, of thirteen years and their son Emmett in Denver, Colorado. Adam loves wrestling with his son, hiking, reading, discussing, CrossFit, cinema, and making delicious food for family and friends.

Gary Arnell, Chief Technology Officer

Gary’s passion lies in creating reliable and efficient administrative services to simplify and improve your and your student’s Williamsburg experience. Before joining Williamsburg in 2010, Gary worked in software development, project management, and administrative positions for businesses and schools in California and Utah. Today, he oversees Information Technology systems and processes at Williamsburg. Gary is passionate about moral and political philosophy, the liberal arts, and the outdoors. He loves designing systems that support all three in his role at Williamsburg.

Gary completed his undergraduate studies in business and computer science at Utah State University and an M.A. in education from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Liesl, and their six children in Cedar City, Utah. Away from work, he enjoys volunteering in his community and spending time with his family—especially if it involves canyoneering, hiking, backpacking, travel, or reading.

Riley Trembath, Chief Marketing Officer

Bio coming soon.

Kim Stanley, Chief Financial Officer

Bio coming soon.

Rob Noorda, Chief Academics Officer

Bio coming soon.

Renee Smith, Chief Growth Officer

Renee is an education leader passionate about expanding access to transformational learning experiences. She brings a broad and diverse background that spans public, private, charter, and homeschool settings—always rooted in the belief that families deserve the freedom to choose the learning environment that best fits their children.

Her experience includes leading education technology strategy, cocreating education software, advising early-stage ventures, designing K–12 and higher education programs, and founding a bilingual microschool. This wide-ranging perspective strengthens Williamsburg’s mission to deliver student-centered education that is both innovative and deeply grounded in connection.

Renee holds a master’s degree in education and brings a blend of strategic vision and hands-on expertise to her work. She has collaborated with educators, families, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders to create meaningful solutions that put learners first.

Of all her roles, homeschooling her daughters has been the most formative—deepening her understanding of what students truly need and reinforcing her commitment to personalized education that inspires growth, purpose, and possibility.