01Sharmilla Felix
Board President
Sharmilla graduated from Weber State University with a degree in Psychology and Child and Family Studies. She has been part of the Venture community since 2010 when both of her children were accepted into the school, and has loved serving students, teachers and staff in various capacities over the years including working as a Room Mom, serving as Parent Crew President, judging countless debate tournaments, and driving and chaperoning for many amazing fieldwork opportunities. She joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and currently serves as Board President. “My father is an immigrant from India and he taught my sister and me to value education as a privilege and to give back to the community. I love everything about Venture–its mission, the three pillars of ‘Service, Excellence, and Leadership’ and the amazing teachers and administration. It has been wonderful to be part of this incredible community.”
02Kevin Wasden
Board Member
Kevin is dedicated to promoting the education and the development of young people as responsible citizens and members of their communities. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Utah State University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Southern Utah University. Throughout his career in education, Kevin has fulfilled various roles including teacher, Dean of Culture, and K-8 Principal. Currently, he is the Director of Professional Development at Gibbs Smith Education. Kevin’s personal philosophy emphasizes the importance of hard work, ethics, and helping others achieve success. He is grateful to be able to continue serving Venture Academy as a member of the Board of Directors. .
03Christel Grange-Hicks
Board Member
Christel, a life long learner and advocate for outdoors, health and safety graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Health Promotions with an emphasis on Life Coaching from Weber State University. She carries the NCHEC and EYTT Certification, which assists in her work at Weber State University, and side gigs as a Meditation and Yoga teacher throughout the Greater Ogden Area. Christel started her journey with Venture as a volunteer when it was an idea coming into fruition, soon after being an employee right before they opened their doors to students in 2008. In 2022 Christel transitioned her continued support of Venture to a Board Member.
04Andrea Riches
Board Member
Andrea graduated from "Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey" in the City of Querétaro, Mexico. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communications, and an Early Childhood Education Certification from MEPI. She has been a Montessori Teacher for the past 17 years and the owner of a Montessori School for the past 12. She has been part of the Venture community since it opened its doors and both of her children were accepted. They both have graduated successfully from Venture, and feel extremely lucky to be part of a school that helped them every step of the way reach their very best. "As an immigrant that values education I will always be grateful for having Venture be part of our lives."
Venture HS
