- Laura Sandefer
Head of School
Raised by a science teacher and minister, Laura lived on both coasts and in between as a child, then landed at Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science.
After working in London and New York City in the aviation insurance business, Laura yearned to follow her heart into the world of teaching. She went back to Vanderbilt's renowned Peabody College and received her Master of Education. This led her to work in arts education at the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Laura later married Jeff Sandefer and has two sons and a step-daughter. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy. In addition to the role of head of school, Laura is the teacher of world history.
Her greatest hero is her beloved late mother who was a Master Teacher as none other. Her wisest mentor is her father who sent her off to college with two words of advice: "Be curious."
- Kaylie Dienelt Reed
Director and Lead Teacher
Kaylie Dienelt Reed is a dedicated teacher, trained in the Montessori tradition. Mrs. Reed graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with a degree in Psychology and Brain Sciences.
Kaylie has been the lead teacher at Acton Academy since its founding. Before that, she taught as a lead teacher in a Montessori classroom (ages 5-7). She has completed the Elementary I and II (ages 6-12) AMS certification. She has also studied Art at the Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence and French at the American School in Switzerland, as well as participated in wilderness training at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia, Chile. View her resume (pdf). View her resume (pdf).
- Anna Blabey Smith
Project Teacher
Anna Blabey Smith has been at Acton Academy since it first opened in September, 2009. She began in the role of Assistant Teacher, and became Project Teacher in April, 2010. Anna has a Master's in Education from the University of Texas at Austin and received her Bachelor's from Hamilton College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a major in Spanish and a minor in Psychology.
Anna has a background in experiential education, having facilitated challenge courses and outdoor education trips which emphasize learning through experiences. She had the opportunity to live all around the world as she grew up. She was born in Malaysia and has lived in the Ivory Coast, Chile, and Spain, as well as upstate New York, southern California, and northern Virginia.
- Mikaela Frissell
Apprentice Teacher
Mikaela Frissell was born and raised in New York City and graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Political Science. While in college, Mikaela was a volunteer in Mexico and studied for a year of in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
In 2011, Mikaela completed the National Teaching Fellowship with Citizen Schools at Bedichek Middle School, where she worked with students to plan strategically for academic success and develop leadership skills. She is excited to continue to be a part of students' journey towards academic and civic leadership.
- Aubrie Kerr
Apprentice Teacher
Aubrie grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida with two degrees: Psychology and Interpersonal Communications.
After graduation, Aubrie took a job working in the foster care system of East Texas. It was here that she discovered her desire to work in education. She received her certification as an Elementary teacher and Art teacher from an accredited certification program the following year.
Since moving to Austin, Aubrie has enthusiastically worked in the classroom. Her biggest desire is to learn everything she can about education and pass on her love of learning!
- Jeff Carpenter
PE Teacher
Jeff Carpenter is a successful entrepreneur who has chosen to continue his Hero's Journey by sharing his knowledge and love of physical education with children. He has degrees from the University of Chicago and the Wharton School at the University of Pennyslvania, (though not in P.E., unfortunately).
Jeff has coached multiple youth sports for four years, and has been the "substitute" PE teacher at Acton since its founding. He is excited to teach and learn from the most wonderful children in the world.
- Marolyn Zoey Upshaw
Visual Art Teacher
Zoey Upshaw graduated with a bachelor of fine arts with teacher certification from Texas Tech University and became a student of the universe for life. She has taught art at all grade levels in public and private schools for over 24 years. Zoey also has had an award-winning career in advertising art direction and design. She has two daughters who are artists in their own right. She is founder and principle teacher of Austin Creative Art Center since 1993. Zoey teachers art with a passion, just ask her students. Her teaching philosophy is simple: "I teach students not only the tools for success in the way they express art, but also in how they express life."
- Jeff Sandefer
Head of Parent's Council
Jeff Sandefer is a successful Austin entrepreneur and co-founder of the nationally acclaimed Acton School of Business.