& BOARD
IBE Staff
Kimberly Kirschner, Executive Director
Kimberly Kirschner serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Better Education. Since joining IBE in 2012, she has held roles as Corporate Program Coordinator and Business Office Manager. She attended the University of Arizona and has owned businesses in Arizona for over 35 years. Kim is passionate about helping Arizona families remove financial obstacles to private education. She and her husband Tom have two children, Kaitlin and Carter, both living in Colorado. Kim and Tom enjoy visiting their children, sailing, off-roading in their side-by-side and relaxing at their cabin in Colorado.
Amanda Bryant
Amanda Bryant serves as Recommended Fund Scholarship Coordinator at IBE, where she has worked since 2009. She attended Arizona State University but remains a loyal University of Arizona fan (go Cats!). Amanda enjoys traveling throughout Arizona with her husband and two children. She values helping families access the educational opportunities that best meet their children’s needs.
Wendi Hauser
Wendi Hauser serves as Corporate and Financial Aid Coordinator at IBE. Her journey with IBE began as a parent navigating STOs and scholarships for her own children and grew into a passion helping other families find schools that their children can succeed at. When not at IBE, Wendi enjoys baking for her church, watching movies, and playing games with her family.
Sara Hinds
Sara Hinds serves as Scholarship Support Specialist at IBE, where she has worked since 2015. She lives in Tucson with her three children and enjoys outdoor activities, as well as involvement in school and church communities. Sara values working for an organization that supports parents in choosing the best education for their children.
Crystal Lanik
Crystal Lanik is the First Impressions Coordinator at IBE, where she has welcomed families and provided front-line support since 2020. She also manages IBE Corporate Donor relations, helping businesses support student scholarships. Prior to joining IBE, Crystal spent many years working in private schools. She and her husband Jeff have two sons and enjoy spending time outdoors as a family.
Jodi Schulz
Jodi Schulz serves as Business Office Manager at IBE, a role she has held since 2017. She brings over 25 years of experience in public-facing roles, including work in restaurants and retail. Jodi and her husband Ron enjoy boating, biking, and relaxing by the pool with their dog Loki. She values the opportunity to support the community through her work at IBE.
Lucia Valenzuela
Lucia Valenzuela serves as Bilingual First Impressions Coordinator at IBE, a role she began in 2020. She and her husband have four children who have attended both private Catholic and public schools in Tucson. Lucia is passionate about school choice and enjoys helping Arizona families access educational opportunities that best fit their children’s needs.
Board of Trustees
Jack Schull, Chairman
Jack Schull serves as Chairman of the IBE Board of Trustees and as Lead Pastor at Elements City Church. He holds a Communication degree from the University of Arizona and a Master’s in Theological Studies from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Jack enjoys golf, sports, and serves on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Tucson. He and his wife Amy have been married since 1995 and have three children.
Kimberly Kirschner, Executive Director
Kimberly Kirschner serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Better Education. Since joining IBE in 2012, she has held roles as Corporate Program Coordinator and Business Office Manager. She attended the University of Arizona and has owned businesses in Arizona for over 35 years. Kim is passionate about helping Arizona families remove financial obstacles to private education. She and her husband Tom have two children, Kaitlin and Carter, both living in Colorado. Kim and Tom enjoy visiting their children, sailing, off-roading in their side-by-side and relaxing at their cabin in Colorado.
Inga Brchan
Inga Brchan serves as CFO of Beck Legacy Group, which operates and invests in various Arizona businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona and is a Certified Public Accountant. Inga actively supports the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy community, where her three sons attend, and is involved in the school’s Football Boosters and Christian Parent Fellowship. She aligns with IBE’s mission of supporting Arizona families in choosing the best education for their children.
Eric Dowdle
Eric Dowdle serves as Principal at Casas Christian K-8 School in Tucson, where he has worked for 20 years. He also serves as Chairperson of the Accreditation Commission for the Association of Christian Schools International – Rocky Mountain Region. Eric and his wife Heather have three daughters and recently welcomed a son-in-law into the family.
Aaron Jansen
Aaron Jansen serves as COO and Junior High Principal of Desert Christian Schools, where he has worked since 2002. He holds a BA in Secondary Education from Dordt University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Aaron and his wife Mikala have three children. He enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and is passionate about promoting school choice and Christian education.
Katrina Powell
Katrina Powell serves as Development Manager for Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation. She holds a BA in English and Secondary Education, a Master’s in Educational Counseling, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Organizational Development. Katrina brings 28 years of K-12 education experience to her role on the IBE Board. She is passionate about the impact of education and the role of scholarship programs in creating opportunities for children.
Rusty Rollins
Rusty Rollins is an attorney specializing in estate planning. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He and his wife homeschool their two daughters and previously benefited from IBE scholarships while their children attended private Christian schools. Rusty is a strong advocate for school choice and serves on the IBE Board to support Arizona families.
Troy Ruboyianes
Troy Ruboyianes is a CPA and owner of Ruboyianes Tax Company, PLLC. He holds a degree from the University of Arizona and provides tax and bookkeeping services across Arizona and beyond. Troy and his wife Amanda have two daughters who attend private school through the Arizona Tax Credit program. He is passionate about using tax credits to expand school choice for families of all income levels.
Elizabeth Mehl
Elizabeth Mehl teaches Spanish at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. She holds a BA from Central College and a Master’s from the University of Arizona. Elizabeth has more than 20 years of experience in education, including teaching, volunteering, and serving on the PRCA school board. She and her husband Wesley have three children and two Standard Poodles, Calvin and Hobbes. She enjoys supporting her children’s sports, walking her dogs, and cheering for the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Wildcats.