Casey Kennedy is a dedicated and visionary leader, committed to creating environments where children can discover their unique genius and thrive. With a global perspective shaped by her work in schools across Dallas, Santiago de Compostela, Madrid, and Sierra Leone, Casey believes every child has a unique potential that, when nurtured and pursued, can transform their lives and the world around them.

At the heart of Casey’s philosophy is the belief that diversity is a strength and an essential foundation for meaningful collaboration and innovative problem solving. She is passionate about celebrating the unique strengths and passions of each child, fostering a learning environment that inspires curiosity, resilience, and confidence.

Casey’s leadership experience reflects her ability to build and scale impactful educational initiatives. As Chief Client Services Officer at Immigrant Services Calgary, she led the development of innovative collaborations, including the launch of the Immigrant Arrival Centre at Calgary International Airport and the integration of newcomer services through Gateway, a digital platform. In Sierra Leone, as Director of Education Programs at CAUSE Canada, Casey collaborated with local communities to implement educational programs focused on increasing the quality of education, scholarships for at-risk students, and technology integration in schools.

As the co-founder of Acton Academy Calgary Central, Casey is driven by a mission to empower every child to find their calling by pursuing their hero’s journey—a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and leadership. Guided by her vision to build an inclusive, learner-driven community, Casey works tirelessly to ensure each student is equipped with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Dr. Gina Cherkowski is an innovator and educational change-maker with a double cognate PhD in Mathematics Education and Culture Studies. As an advisor to Acton Academy Calgary Central, she brings her extensive expertise in mathematics education, STEM, and experiential learning to help shape a dynamic, learner-driven environment. A passionate advocate for transforming education through innovation, equity, and future-ready skills, Gina has dedicated her career to empowering young learners with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Her commitment to reimagining education aligns with Acton Academy’s mission to cultivate self-directed, purpose-driven students who embrace lifelong learning.

Patti-Jean is a highly respected Montessori educator with nearly 30 years of experience dedicated to early childhood development. She has taught the authentic Montessori method full-time since 1995, training with St. Nicholas Montessori for children ages 3-6 and with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) for Nido (birth-1 year) and Infant Community (1-3 years). As a Directress, she has led Montessori Casa programs in Whistler, Squamish, and Nanaimo, BC, as well as Infant Communities in Calgary and Edmonton. Now focused on establishing the Ave Maria Montessori Institute (AMMI), she is committed to making Montessori principles accessible to parents, educators, and caregivers. As an advisor to Acton Academy Calgary Central, Patti-Jean will train guides and support the design of an environment that fosters creativity, independence, and self-directed learning.

Jeff Sandefer is a visionary entrepreneur and educator who has transformed education through his innovative approach. A Harvard MBA graduate, he mastered the Socratic and case study methods, fueling his passion for critical thinking and real-world problem-solving. After a successful career founding energy ventures, Sandefer turned his focus to education, determined to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.

In 2009, Sandefer co-founded Acton Academy with his wife, Laura, as a solution to their search for a meaningful and challenging learning environment for their children. Drawing on his Harvard experience, he adapted the Socratic method and case study approach for younger learners, emphasizing dialogue, self-direction, and hands-on projects. Acton Academy’s learner-driven model empowers students to take ownership of their education while fostering curiosity, resilience, and leadership.

Rooted in the principles of experiential learning, Acton’s revolutionary model has grown into a global network of schools that develop not only academic excellence but also character and creativity. Inspired by Sandefer’s belief in human potential and the transformative power of education, Acton Academy continues to shape future leaders and lifelong learners.

Laura Sandefer is a passionate educator and co-founder of Acton Academy, whose vision has revolutionized how children learn in the 21st century. With a background in education and decades of experience, she combines deep expertise with an unwavering belief in every child’s potential to drive their own learning journey. Laura’s early career as a teacher and school administrator gave her firsthand insight into the shortcomings of traditional education, inspiring her to seek bold, transformative solutions that empower students to thrive.

The idea for Acton Academy began as a personal quest when Laura and her husband, Jeff, found themselves at a crossroads. After their two sons graduated from Montessori school, they struggled to find a learning environment that balanced academic rigor with fostering independence and curiosity. Dissatisfied with traditional options, they decided to create their own school—one that would combine the best elements of self-directed learning, the Socratic method, and real-world challenges. What started as a solution for their family has grown into a global network of learner-driven schools.

Laura’s educational leadership has been instrumental in designing Acton Academy’s unique curriculum, which challenges students to ask big questions, solve real-world problems, and become heroes of their own stories. Her approach emphasizes not just academic excellence but also character development and lifelong curiosity, making Acton a groundbreaking model for modern education.