Leading with heart and vision

At Raphael Springs Academy, we believe that a truly exceptional school is built on both strong leadership and deep community connection. That’s why our Board of Directors is a strategic blend of teachers, parents, and administrative faculty—each bringing a vital perspective to the table.

This board-led approach ensures that we operate as a well-oiled machine, with the business acumen needed to sustain and grow our school while never losing sight of what makes us special: the heart and soul of our community. Our leadership model allows us to balance financial responsibility, educational excellence, and a nurturing, student-centered environment—ensuring that every decision made supports both the long-term success of the school and the well-being of our students.

By uniting educators who understand the craft of teaching, parents who advocate for their children, and administrators who bring operational expertise, we create a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team that truly represents our mission and values.

Meet the Team

Chairman of the Board

Courtney Palladino

As the Head of North American Business Development for a division of the largest privately held insurance company in the U.S., Courtney leads a high-performing team responsible for driving over $1.5 billion in gross written premium. With deep expertise in sales leadership, strategic growth, and market expansion, she excels in developing innovative solutions that push industries forward. Her visionary leadership and business acumen bring invaluable insight to Raphael Springs Academy, ensuring our school operates with both strength and sustainability, while staying true to our mission of nurturing a thriving learning community.

Board Director

Robert Bucher

Director of Educational Philosophy
& Curriculum

Robert Bucher is a visionary educator, curriculum designer, and founder of Aire Education. With over two decades of experience in alternative education, he has dedicated his career to developing learning models that honor the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Robert is the architect behind Raphael Springs Academy’s innovative curriculum, blending Waldorf-inspired rhythms, classical structure, and the soul-centered principles of Forest Kin. His deep wisdom, life experience, and steadfast commitment to educational sovereignty have become a guiding force for our school. As a board member, his leadership provides both philosophical clarity and practical direction, helping Raphael Springs chart a bold new course in education.

Board Director

Jenny Sangave

Administation

With over 20 years of leadership in K-12 learning centers and specialized private schools, Jenny has a proven track record of transforming educational programs at critical turning points. Her superpower lies in revitalizing schools—doubling or even tripling enrollment while fostering a renewed sense of purpose and community among faculty and families.

Beyond her expertise in growth strategy and culture-building, Jenny is deeply committed to student success. She specializes in providing extra evaluation and support for students who need it most, ensuring that every child receives the guidance and resources they need to thrive. Her hands-on approach and dedication to student well-being make her an incredible resource for our administration director, strengthening Raphael Springs Academy’s ability to provide both a strong foundation and a nurturing, individualized experience for every student.

Board Director

Kevin Crowley

Finance

As a seasoned finance executive, Kevin brings extensive expertise in corporate financial management, strategic restructuring, and high-growth business operations. He specializes in fundraising, securing financing, and implementing financial strategies that drive both stability and long-term growth. With his keen financial acumen and strategic vision, Kevin plays a vital role in ensuring Raphael Springs Academy remains financially strong and sustainable, allowing our mission-driven education to flourish for generations to come.

Board Director

Jessica Palladino

Marketing

Jessica is a brand-building visionary, known for creating and scaling impactful brands from the ground up. She played a key role in taking Mint Mobile from startup to industry leader, earning the top spot on the Inc. 100. As the head of an internal creative studio, she built and led a team of designers, animators, and copywriters, crafting compelling brand stories across multiple platforms to align with business objectives and connect with target audiences.

With a talent for strategic storytelling and meaningful brand development, Jessica ensures that every brand she touches resonates deeply. Her expertise helps Raphael Springs Academy communicate its vision, values, and mission in a way that inspires and engages our community.

Board Director

Vili Hickey

Community Engagement

Vili brings a deep passion for holistic empowerment and cultural connection to the Raphael Springs Academy board. Raised in Austria, she resonates with many of the Waldorf-inspired values now being passed on to her children.

As a women’s empowerment coach and certified womb healer, Vili supports women in healing trauma, reclaiming their feminine power, and unlocking aligned confidence and creativity. With a background as a stage actress in Vienna and an elite EMS trainer in Los Angeles, she blends practical tools with intuitive healing in her work and life.

Vili will bring her natural gifts of connection, networking, and inspiration to her role, offering a focused, heart-led approach to enriching our community through school-wide gatherings, meaningful parent involvement, and unifying outreach efforts. She is honored to support the vision of raising strong, conscious, free-thinking children through community engagement and aligned leadership.