Explore Knowledge Academy
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ben Childs, President
Ben Childs is a Nevada attorney and is a parent of three EKA students. He has practiced law since 1990 with a general practice in business, bankruptcy and real estate, estates and trusts, criminal defense, personal injury, family law, and civil litigation. He holds a BSBA and MBA from the University of Denver and a JD from the University of Maryland.
 
 

Steve Keener, Vice President
Steve Keener is the proud father of two EKA students. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1989 with a BA in Psychology and English. He has seventeen years of experience in the window and door industry, including sales, marketing, installation, and service in both commercial and residential applications. Currently, Steve is the General Manager of Nevada’s largest home improvement company, Renewal by Andersen of Las Vegas, where he has won industry awards for customer satisfaction, leadership, and installation superiority.

Cindy DellaValle, Treasurer
Mrs. Cindy DellaValle holds a BS degree from CalPoly with studies in Aviation Aerospace. Cindy is also a graduate of The Institute of Residential Marketing and a MIRM candidate. She has been honored with many awards including the coveted, Million Dollar Platinum Award NSMC with over $80 million dollars in sales in 1996. Cindy is also a member of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors, where she is currently a Broker "A" member. Cindy and her husband Thomas have lived in Southern Nevada for more than 25 years and have four children; two girls and two boys.

Nikki Haaksma, Secretary

 
 
 
 

Andrea Noonoo, Member
Andrea Noonoo is a career educator from New York City with more than three decades experience in the field of education. She has taught high school science in several New York parochial schools and developed a science research program for motivated students. Andrea holds Bachelors degrees in French, Sociology, and Geology earned at Hunter and Queens colleges. She also holds a Master's degree in English as a Second Language from Hunter College. Andrea is currently the Professional Development Coordinator at Odyssey Charter High School.

Cory Plough, Member

 
 
 
 

Lynn Tyrell, Member