Our Team

John Tripp, LAU Executive Director

As the Executive Director of LAU, John is committed to helping your student thrive in their education. John grew up in Southern Utah, where he often spent his time learning and adventuring in the outdoors. His passion for education grew while attending Brigham Young University and Utah State University. After graduation, John acted on his love of teaching and began working with students from 3rd through 12th grade. He even spent 18 years developing an early college program to help his students navigate the overwhelming road to higher education. John passed on his love of learning to his ten children, and he continues to spark that passion in his eight grandchildren by reading with them regularly. John currently lives in Hyrum, Utah, with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Together, they often spend their time outdoors in the Wellsville mountains.

John Tripp, LAU Executive Director

As the Executive Director of LAU, John is committed to helping your student thrive in their education. John grew up in Southern Utah, where he often spent his time learning and adventuring in the outdoors. His passion for education grew while attending Brigham Young University and Utah State University. After graduation, John acted on his love of teaching and began working with students from 3rd through 12th grade. He even spent 18 years developing an early college program to help his students navigate the overwhelming road to higher education. John passed on his love of learning to his ten children, and he continues to spark that passion in his eight grandchildren by reading with them regularly. John currently lives in Hyrum, Utah, with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Together, they often spend their time outdoors in the Wellsville mountains.

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.

Melissa Manning, Utah State Adventures Coordinator

Melissa has played a valuable role at Williamsburg Learning and LAU for three years. In addition to organizing statewide activities for our amazing LAU students, she has experience leading the Davis County Outdoor Adventures program and working as Activities Coordinator.

Melissa loves playing volleyball, hiking, snowboarding, building things, playing cards, and watching soccer. She also loves working with students and especially loves helping them meet in person for social activities.

Jessica Tripp, Phoenix Metro Adventures Lead

There’s something powerful about helping students step away from screens and into real-life adventure. As a mom and outdoor enthusiast, Jessica Tripp understands how meaningful it is for kids to build confidence, connection, and resilience outside the classroom. Her passion for adventure is rooted in her own childhood—growing up as one of eight sisters in an active, outdoors-loving family. Whether it’s hiking, camping, or getting a little competitive in sports, Jess believes the best memories are made in nature. She’s thrilled to help Arizona students grow through hands-on experiences and real-world exploration.

Jessica previously served as an Adventures Lead in Utah during college and is excited to bring that experience to Arizona. She thrives in roles that combine fun with purpose and is eager to make a difference in students' lives this year. Outside of mentoring, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and their toddler son, with another baby boy on the way.

Juliann Mann, Cache Adventures Lead

Transformational learning can also happen outside of the classroom, and Juliann’s love for the outdoors is the perfect catalyst. She’s currently studying Recreation Administration and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Utah State University. She regularly takes other college students on multi-day backcountry adventures as part of USU’s outdoor program. Juliann is passionate about getting students of all ages outside and promoting lifelong learning through sports and activities. She believes that adventure is a crucial part of living a meaningful life, and she hopes to help your student find their own love for outdoor adventures.

Cissily Braten, Davis Adventures Lead

Having a dedicated mentor is crucial to a student’s success, and there is no doubt that Cissily fills that role. She discovered her passion for mentorship while pursuing a medical degree and quickly switched her paths. Cissily then completed her bachelor’s in Biology from Western Governors University and received an endorsement from the state of Utah in Biology and Middle School Sciences. She has taught in nearly every school setting, whether brick and mortar, online, charter, public, or private. She discovered across the board that students learn best when parents, students, and mentors work together to create transformational learning experiences. In addition to teaching, Cissily enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Shannon Sipe, S. Salt Lake Adventures Lead

Shannon Sipe knows the best learning happens when parents stay deeply involved in their child’s education. As she puts it, “Parents are students’ number one mentors!” Having raised and homeschooled six daughters—sometimes all at once, sometimes alongside brick-and-mortar schooling—Shannon has seen firsthand the power of a parent’s influence. She loves that Williamsburg Learning creates space for families to learn together while giving students engaging, hands-on experiences. Now as the South Salt Lake Valley Adventures Lead, she brings that same passion and energy to mentoring students in person.

After raising her family, Shannon earned her education degree from Utah Valley University and became a science teacher specializing in biology and earth sciences. She has taught 9th and 10th grade biology, 8th grade integrated science, and 6th–7th grade with Williamsburg Learning. Her own backyard in Phoenix once served as a living science lab, sparking her love for exploration and discovery—a love she now shares with her students. Shannon enjoys gardening, seed cultivation, journaling about native plants, and creating art from nature. Most of all, she treasures time spent playing and learning with her four grandchildren.

Alissa Wadley, N. Salt Lake Valey Adventures Lead

From camping under the stars to sharing stories around a fire, Alissa Wadley believes in the power of adventure to bring families closer and deepen learning. She knows parents want meaningful, grounded experiences for their children—ones that build character, confidence, and curiosity. As the North Salt Lake Valley Adventures Lead, Alissa brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep love for the natural world to every outing, making each one a chance for students to grow inside and out. She’s honored to walk alongside families in their educational journey and can’t wait for the adventures ahead.

Alissa studied Marriage, Family, and Human Development at Brigham Young University and has a lifelong passion for history, culture, and philosophy. Her curiosity about how people live and what they value fuels everything she does—from travel to reading to hands-on exploration. A proud Utahn, Alissa has traveled to all 50 states and several countries, broadening her perspective along the way. Married for 24 years and a mother of four, she brings faith, integrity, and a creative spirit into every part of life.

Sarah Millward, Utah County Adventures Lead

Sarah’s enthusiasm for mentoring shines through in her classroom. Her devotion to her students is apparent from the moment you meet her. She worked as an aide at the ILC last year and is looking forward to returning to the classroom! Sarah is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University. She loves sports and has coached several of her children’s baseball and soccer teams. Sarah believes that transformational learning can happen when you least expect it, and she hopes to create those opportunities for your student this year. 

Andy Young, Washington/Iron Counties Adventures Lead

It’s one thing to find a mentor for your student who has an encyclopedic knowledge of their field, but it’s quite another to find one who can easily translate science into layman’s terms and make it truly fun. Enter Andy. In his words, “I love seeing a student’s view of life expand into one of amazement as they explore the biological awesomeness in themselves and throughout the universe.” For Andy, the scientific method is a way of life—he’s continuously fascinated with the unfolding of the natural world and can’t wait to share this enthusiasm with your student.

Andy holds a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Education from Utah Valley University. He currently lives in Southern Utah, where he spends his non-work time chasing 4 kids, Paddling his SUP, Trail running, Singing/Dancing in local Musicals and choreographing ballroom numbers for various groups. 

Bryan Mann, Weber County Adventures Lead

There’s something special about the way fresh air and open spaces bring people together. Bryan knows parents want their kids to grow in confidence, curiosity, and resilience, and he loves helping them discover that through outdoor adventures. Whether guiding a group on the trail or cheering his own kids on from the sidelines, he’s committed to creating moments that matter. Families can feel confident knowing Bryan brings the same energy and dedication to his work that he pours into his home life.

Bryan’s love for the outdoors runs deep. He spends his free time hunting in the fall, fishing on quiet mornings, and taking on new hands-on projects. Sports have been a lifelong passion, and that enthusiasm shines as he watches his children compete and grow. At the heart of it all, Bryan believes in building a life centered on hard work, nature, and being present for the moments that matter most.

Melina Witt, N Utah County Adventures Lead

Adventure has always been a way of life for Melina Witt, and she loves inspiring students to embrace the journey. She knows parents want a guide who is both compassionate and capable—someone who understands the value of hard work, exploration, and growth. Melina brings an upbeat spirit to every interaction, helping students feel seen and supported. With a deep love for music, sports, and community, she’s excited to bring her energy and expertise to her role as N Utah County Adventures Lead.

Melina graduated from Weber State University on a violin scholarship, performing internationally in China and Taiwan with the symphony. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Utah in 2006, later specializing in sports medicine. Her work has been published in the National APTA Journal Online, and she has presented at a national APTA convention. She is also Pilates certified through a London-based program. After years serving in Kaysville, she started her own practice in Mount Pleasant, providing PT services to two school districts and volunteering Pilates classes at a local art gallery. She and her husband have a 13-year-old daughter who has thrived with LAU, and together they enjoy the adventures life brings.

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 Operating Officer

Adam is passionate about building a vibrant and expanding community to support students in their adventure through 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.” He studied Liberal Arts as an undergraduate and later received his MBA from the University of Michigan. Adam initially joined Williamsburg Learning in 2010 as a mentor and later designed much of The Williamsburg Curriculum. He has presented talks on education throughout the U.S. and Canada and loves finding creative ways to expand and enhance the Williamsburg tribe. He lives with his wife and family in Denver, Colorado.

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

As Williamsburg’s Chief Marketing Officer, Riley leads our digital marketing, enrollment, communications, and customer service teams. He is a graduate of Williamsburg Academy Private School and a passionate advocate for learning experiences that inspire students to explore the road less traveled. Prior to joining Williamsburg full-time in 2018, he worked for five years at Apple Retail, where he held a variety of leadership roles, and has completed marketing and leadership training programs from Seth Godin and Tony Robbins.

Outside of work, Riley loves exploring the world with his partner, Sela, and their dog, Morty. He also loves spending time with family, doing anything outside, and exploring new ideas, tools, and technologies that help to unlock human potential.

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.

Rob Noorda, Chief Academics Officer

Bio coming soon.

Renee Smith, Chief Growth Officer & Williamsburg Academy Private School Headmaster

As a parent, you care deeply about your student’s education—and you want it to be more than just academics. You want it to spark growth, curiosity, and purpose. Renee gets that, because she’s lived it on both sides: as an education leader and as a homeschooling mom.

Renee has spent her career helping students thrive in the environments that fit them best. She’s worked in public, private, charter, and homeschool settings—always with a heart for families and a passion for personalized learning. Whether she’s founding a bilingual microschool, cocreating education software, or advising early-stage ventures, Renee brings a blend of vision and practicality that helps learners flourish.

She holds a master’s degree in education and has collaborated with educators, families, and innovators across the country to design programs that put students first. But of all her roles, homeschooling her daughters has taught her the most—about what students truly need to grow and thrive.

Now, as Headmaster at Williamsburg, Renee is thrilled to walk alongside your family and support your student’s journey—one full of connection, purpose, and possibility.