Board of Directors

Leslie Baker

Board Chair

Professor Emerita, University of Idaho

Science Educator, Palouse Discovery Science Center

Leslie has served on the MCS Board of Directors since 2011 and as its chair since 2012. Her daughter Rose attended MCS from kindergarten through 8th grade. Leslie has also represented charter schools on the Idaho School Boards Association Executive Board. If you’ve seen Leslie around town, she was probably being walked by her dogs Bear and Jax.

Why I chose to be a board member?

"My daughter Rose was having such a great experience as a student at MCS, and I was looking for a way to give back to the school and its hard-working staff. The school was facing some significant challenges at that time due to state funding cuts and it has been rewarding to help set it back on a secure footing. We have a great team of staff and board members and it is an honor to work with them."

Jade Stellmon

Vice Chair

Program Administrator, Washington State University College of Medicine, Family Medicine Residency Program

The University of Idaho brought Jade to Moscow, but the atmosphere and people compelled her to stay. As a mother of five, she loves living in an inclusive community where her children reap the benefits of big educational opportunities in a small town. Professionally she manages the family medicine residency program at Pullman Regional Hospital for WSU's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Jade joined the Moscow Charter School Board in 2015.

Why I chose to be a board member?

"Because of my work schedule I’m rarely able to volunteer in the classroom. But serving on the Board is something I can do to try to give back to the school that has done so much for my children and my family. It’s been so rewarding to see firsthand how the culture of putting the students’ needs first truly permeates every level of the organization."

Rusty Vineyard

Treasurer

Director of Facilities, University of Idaho

My family and I moved to Moscow two years ago as I accepted a position at the University of Idaho as the Executive Director of Recreation and Wellbeing. Marie and I knew that Moscow Charter School would be a place where our children Ellie and Wyatt (5th grade) were sure to thrive.

Why I chose to be a board member?

"My interest in serving on the board is two-fold. I want to be actively involved with my kids and their educational experiences and serve in a capacity that advances and elevates our school's impact within the Moscow community and beyond. I believe my current and past professional work experiences will benefit the Board of Directors in several ways. I have worked directly with the development, implementation, and management of programs and facilities within educational settings. Additionally, I have experience in student and staff development; leadership and organizational development; event programming; budget preparation and oversite, brand management, and sponsorship."

Ashley Jennings

Secretary

Latah County Prosecutor's Office

Ashley joined the MCS Board of Directors in August of 2021. Originally from Texas, Ashley moved to Moscow in 2005 and now considers Moscow her permanent home. Ashley attended law school at the University of Idaho and now lives in Moscow with her daughter who attends MCS. Professionally, Ashley has been with the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office since 2014 and is currently the Senior Deputy Prosecutor.

Why I choose to be a board member?

"I am the product of two now retired secondary school teachers. From an early age, the value of public education and giving back to my community was instilled in me. I am looking forward to an opportunity to play a more direct role in my child’s education and to give back to this community I love."

Aimee Mobley

At-Home Parent and Owner, Virginia Ave

A 16 year Moscow resident, Aimee has spent most of that time raising her six kids as a stay-at-home mom. Whether helping in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, or even dabbling in homeschool here and there, she has been quite involved in her childrens' education. Some of her other interests include reading, biking, walking, and running an Etsy shop on the side. Her youngest son, Spencer, is a 5th grader at Moscow Charter School.

Why I chose to be a board member?

"Serving on the Board is a little out of the norm for me, but I very much wanted to contribute to the wonderful Moscow Charter School community our son enjoys so much. His time here has been a great blessing to our family and I wanted to do what I can to be of use to the school. As a stay-at-home parent, I feel I will bring relevant perspective and helpful experience to the Board."

Brandon Nafsinger

*Application Engineer, Schweitzer Engineering***

After graduating from the University of Idaho with an electrical engineering degree in 2017, Brandon started working full time for Schweitzer Engineering in Pullman, WA. On his days off he enjoys fly fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors with his family and friends. His wife and he have lived in Moscow for over 10 years and are happy to call it home. Brandon and his wife love the community, staff and STEAM education at MCS. Their son attends second grade there now and they look forward to their youngest child starting kindergarten there soon.

Why I chose to be a board member?

“Moscow has provided many opportunities to help me be successful in my education and life journey. Being a part of the Moscow Charter School Board gives me the chance to give back to my community and help make a positive impact on our students. My oldest son currently attends Moscow Charter School and his future, along with the many students at the school, is of the utmost importance to me. I want to become a part of the board that helps create future opportunities, provide solid structure, and meaningful education for our children.”

Evan Penberthy

Senior Engineering Manager, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Evan was born and raised in Lewiston, Idaho but has lived in Moscow since 2003 when he began studying Engineering at the University of Idaho where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering both in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Power Protection. Upon graduation in 2007 he began his career in Research and Development at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. In his free time, Evan enjoys almost any activity that allows him to spend time outdoors. Both of Evan’s children attend Moscow Charter School. Evan joined the Moscow Charter School Board in 2023.

Why I chose to be a board member?

“Moscow Charter School has done so much for my kids that I was looking for a way to give back. Working in Pullman did not give me many opportunities to volunteer in the classroom but volunteering my time in the evening as a board member easily fit my schedule. Furthermore, I believe my background in engineering will bring further breadth of expertise to the board ensuring that Moscow Charter School can continue to specialize in STEAM education.”