Our Team

Executive Director of Williamsburg Academy of Colorado

As the Executive Director at 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

Assistant Executive Director of Williamsburg Academy of Colorado

Every family wants to know their child is seen, supported, and set up to thrive. That is exactly what Jennifer Hesse works to deliver as Assistant Executive Director at Williamsburg Academy of Colorado. A people person at heart, she believes positivity and genuine belief in others are two of the most powerful forces in any school community. Her personal motto is simple: no worries. Things have a way of working out when you show up with the right heart and keep doing the work. Passionate about the mission and values of WAC and backed by decades of school leadership, Jennifer is genuinely excited to serve this community.

Jennifer brings more than 25 years of K–12 education experience to WAC, including 14 years as a building principal in Colorado, Oregon, and Idaho. She holds two Master's degrees in Education, one in Curriculum and Instruction and one in Educational Technology. She also completed a principal licensure program at CSU and earned Reading and Educator Evaluator endorsements. Away from work she treasures time with her husband Mike and their two sons Albert and Luke. Jennifer is happiest outdoors, whether hiking, skiing, biking, running, or camping across the Colorado landscape she calls home, and she loves to travel and explore new places.

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 Jensen is CEO and Co-Founder of Williamsburg Learning. He is passionate about helping others learn, grow, and transform themselves, their families, and 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. As 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. In his personal life, he is an 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 Revenue Officer

Adam Hailstone is passionate about building vibrant learning communities where students can thrive. He believes education should be an adventure—one that helps students develop curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning.

“My role aligns closely with my life’s mission,” Adam says. “I love inspiring parents and students to pursue a great education and overcome the barriers in their way.”

Adam joined Williamsburg Learning in 2010 as a mentor and later helped design much of The Williamsburg Curriculum. Since then, he has worked closely with families and educators to expand the Williamsburg model and strengthen the culture that defines the Williamsburg community.

He has presented on education across the United States and Canada and continues to focus on growing and enriching the Williamsburg community. Adam lives in the Denver area with his wife and family.

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.

Kim Stanley, Chief Financial Officer

For over 20 years, Kim Stanley has helped high-growth education and technology companies reach their potential. She began her journey in accounting and finance, passing the CPA exam before discovering her passion for building and leading organizations. From expanding Le Cordon Bleu into a global culinary education powerhouse to launching the first online, Title IV-eligible culinary program at Escoffier, Kim has combined operational expertise with visionary thinking to help institutions thrive.

After co-founding a mindfulness app inspired by her personal journey with fertility treatments, Kim returned to her roots in finance—this time as a CFO and strategic advisor to companies in critical phases of growth. Today, she brings the best of both worlds: sharp financial acumen and entrepreneurial resilience, helping teams align vision with execution.

When she’s not advising mission-driven ventures, Kim is hiking her favorite trails or spending time with her spirited 4-year-old daughter, Kora. She believes that leadership—like parenting—is about showing up with clarity, courage, and heart.

Danelle Almaraz, Chief Academic Officer

When students feel seen, supported, and inspired, everything changes—and that’s exactly what Danelle Almaraz has been championing for over three decades. She knows that parents want more than just academic rigor; they want mentors who care deeply and help learners thrive in a rapidly changing world. “There’s something magical about helping kids see patterns and solve problems,” Danelle says, reflecting on her early days as a middle school math teacher. That same sense of wonder has guided her journey from the classroom to district leadership. At WAC, she’s excited to lead with heart, helping educators grow and innovate in ways that truly serve families.

Danelle brings 30 years of experience in K–12 education, with a career spanning teaching, site leadership, and district-level roles. She's especially passionate about helping schools adapt to emerging technologies like AI while keeping relationships at the center. A lifelong athlete and devoted Dodgers fan, Danelle played multiple sports in college and now finds joy in sharing books with her grandchildren and staying close to her extended family.