Current Governing Board Members
If you would like to contact the Board please email dscsboard@dstarcs.org
Pat Jansen, President
Pat was interested in joining the Desert Star Community School Board to contribute to the growth and success of the organization. As background, in 2007, her and her husband moved from Michigan to Sedona and found that the very best way to learn about the area and meet new friends was to volunteer and hopefully contribute to the community. Prior to leaving Michigan, she earned her MBA and worked for General Motors for 28 years, leading a team of international employees developing methods to develop global common processes.
Since moving to Sedona, she has taught business courses as an adjunct professor at Yavapai and Rio Salado Community Colleges. She has also volunteered with various non-profit organizations. She has served as a member of the Board, and then President of, the Sedona Public Library Board. Pat held a leadership position with the ACF of Sedona Board of Advisors and continues to volunteer on various committees. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Steps to Recovery Homes Board.
Yvan Rochon, Treasurer
Yvan is founder and President of Herbal Vitality Inc., a Sedona based business devoted to the production and wholesale distribution of herbal medicinal products nation-wide. He holds a PhD in Medicine from McGill University and has done extensive research and publishing in the medical field. Yvan is the parent of a Desert Star School graduate and has served on the Board since the opening of the school in 2006 as Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. He is the current Charter holder for the School.
Karen Boehm, Faculty Member
Karen holds an Associate of Arts degree from Queensborough Community College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Education Cum Laude degree from Queens College, City University of New York. She has studied at Parsons School of Design in NYC, Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento, Yavapai College in Arizona, Waldorf Institute of Southern California and has taken numerous continuing education and behavioral workshops. Karen has been with Desert Star Community School since its inception in 2006 when she enrolled her youngest daughter into the first grade.
Jennifer Young, Vice President
Jennifer has been involved with Desert Star since 2008, as a past Business Manager, Board Director for 2011-2020, active Board Committee Participant and volunteer coordinator for campus facility development. She holds MA and MBA degrees. Jennifer brings experience in organization and project management, school finance, strategy and planning. She is currently coordinating the construction and related financing for the facility project underway. Jennifer's goals for returning to service on the school's board include development of new strategies for strengthening the school's enrollment and building awareness of the school within the broader community.
Kim Koistinen, Secretary
Kim is an accountant and would like to help protect the longevity of our special school, specifically by involvement with the Board's budget process and role in fiscal oversight. She has done accounting since graduating from the University of Michigan 20+ years ago. Kim has many years of experience with practical business management and bookkeeping through her private accounting clients and through her family business, a Verde Valley winery. Kim’s goals for service on the Desert Star Board during the next two years include enhancement of Board governance processes and communication, and support of projects related to School business and administrative needs.
Dan Brown, Community Member
Dan is a highly experienced educator who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of professionals. Strong leadership qualities with more than 40 years of experience in the field of education; elementary and university classroom teaching as well as extensive administrative experience. Proven ability to successfully develop a cohesive team focused on realistic outcomes that support the overarching goal. Natural ability to form strategic relationships with K-12 and higher education educators as well as industry leaders that ultimately result in opportunities for people to become economically independent.
Patricia Liu, Parent Member
Patricia has been a Waldorf Mom for 9 years. She currently has a student in 6th grade. In the past 10 years, she has served in many capacities at our various Waldorf schools. Service work has always been what fills my heart. In 2016 she was a founding parent of a small independent Waldorf school where she served as Board Treasurer for 3 years and Administrative Chair for two. She has led finance, fundraising, volunteer efforts, events coordination, school work days, field trip coordination, parent association and many other ways. She would love to focus my efforts in supporting Desert Star educational vision and share a parent perspective on the Board.
Joining the Desert Star School Board
Each year several Desert Star Board Directors reach the end of their two year terms. By renewing their commitments and standing for re-election, some Directors have served the School for many years - some since the opening of the School in 2006. Others are individuals who have volunteered for one or two terms over the years.
Every year in mid-July the annual invitation for Board Director nominations is issued. Nominees may come from within or outside the school community. We seek to bring together a diverse representation of backgrounds, skills, professions and interests that can best support the spirit and philosophy of Desert Star. A strong board is a recipe for sustaining the well being of our students and school into the future. The Governing Board meets at least once monthly and Directors are asked to support a Board Committee, current project or Officer role. Information about Board duties and requirements can be obtained from the Administration Office. Or come observe a Board meeting, typically the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm.
We hope you will feel welcome to consider nominating a candidate during the July-October 2023 nominating period!