Leadership Team

Bryan Ritz

Head of School

Terry Adams

Director of Discovery and Outreach

Prior to his appointment at Valor, Mr. Adams worked in corporate finance and administration in both the oil and gas industry and cable communications. He most recently served as CFO and VP Finance before he made his “half-time” shift into vocation ministry. Missions’ outreach and service to the poor have been long-time volunteer roles through his local church. In fact, he has traveled to over 90 countries through travel and missions in his lifetime.

Mr. Adams has previously been involved on the board of Mile High Ministries and currently serves on the boards of Momentum Global India, and the advisory board of the National Christian Foundation – Colorado. In his starting role at Valor, with nearly 30 years of missions and outreach experience under his belt, he launched the Discovery program, leading to his current position as Director of Discovery and Outreach.

Mr. Adams has three adult children, including two Valor alumni ('11 and '15)

Education

M. Div. – Denver Seminary

B.S. Accounting – Indiana University

Toby Coffman

humanities DEAN

Prior to his Valor appointment, Mr. Coffman taught collegiate level courses at Kansas State University. He taught introductory writing and literature while pursuing his Master’s degree in English, focusing on early modern British Literature. Mr. Coffman and his family returned to Colorado in 2014 to take a position teaching English at Valor, where he could combine his love for teaching, literature, theology, and history into a single career.

Since starting at Valor, Mr. Coffman has taught a variety of grade levels and courses. Along with being a member of the English faculty, he teaches and coordinates the Humanities endorsement program. His mission is to teach Valor's students to grow in love for God and obedience to him by showing them how the arts of reading, writing, and speaking are linked to our love for God and service to Him.

Education

B.S. Business Finance, Colorado State University

M.A. English, Kansas State University

Jody Goff

Director of Finance and Operations

Mrs. Goff and her husband, Jim, are part of the founding group of parents of Valor Christian High School. Her heart's desire was simply to be obedient to God and follow where He was leading. She feels blessed that God has done more with Valor than anything they could have ever imagined. Her three children all graduated from Valor (Classes of '11, '13 and '15)

Mrs. Goff's prior professional work experience included serving as an Equity Trader and Junior Research Analyst at Janus Capital. After founding Valor, Mrs. Goff came on as Director of Finance & Operations in 2012, bringing with her a deep knowledge of and passion for Valor. 

Education

B.A. Business Administration, University of Denver

Shandra Pankoski

Stem DEAN

Mrs. Pankoski has experience teaching mathematics in both the public and independent school systems, as well as teaching in a traditional and online school setting. She has taught every math class from Algebra I to AP Calculus and has served as department chair, instructional coach, and a variety of other leadership roles.

At Valor, Mrs. Pankoski has received the Excellence in Teaching and the Exemplar Awards for her service. She finds joy in sharing God's beautiful design with students through the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math at Valor. In her role, she loves seeing students learn through authentic experiences and apply their knowledge to real world scenarios.

Mrs. Pankoski and her husband have two Valor students (Classes of '23 and '25).

Education

B.A. Secondary Math Education, University of Northern Colorado

M.A. Education/Instructional Technology, National University

Keith Wahl

Athletic Director

After an original stint at Valor as head baseball coach and Assistant Athletic Director from 2007-2016, Coach Wahl served as the Athletic Director at Briarwood Christian before returning to Valor. Prior to his first appointment, he was the head baseball coach at Mountain Vista High School from 2001-2007. As a coach, he was named ABCA/Diamond Regional Coach of the Year (2011), Colorado State Coach of the Year (2016). His teams enjoyed success as well. At Valor, he coached State Champions (2016), Regional/District Champions (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016), League Champions (2009, 2010, 2011, 2016). At Mountain Vista, he coached State Runner-Up (2006) and League Champions (2006, 2007).

Coach Wahl's initial call to Valor was to be a part of creating an incredible educational institution with Jesus and His teachings as the cornerstone. His calling as Athletic Director now allows him to live out his purpose to serve others so they can fulfill God’s destiny and design for their lives. He hopes to create cultures focused on building relationships, atmosphere, and habits through the living ideas of Jesus Christ. He has also written and published the Well Coached series, novels about the lessons and hardships of coaching.

Coach Wahl and his wife have two children, both Valor students (Classes of '25 and '26).

Education

B.A. Communication, Hastings College

M.A. Teaching, Hastings College

Tige Watson

Director of Student AFFAIRS/Director of Safety and Security

Prior to his appointment at Valor, Mr. Watson served as a deputy Fire Chief with the Albuquerque Fire Department for over 21 years, where he was responsible for delivery of front line emergency services/response, all hazards response, firefighter training, paramedic training, dispatch center, human resources, worked with the Office of Emergency Management as a representative of the fire department, and assisted in disaster response and operation. He also has FEMA training in multiple fields and was a paramedic for 19 years. While at the AFD, Mr. Watson was named Top Cadet and won the Excellence in Leadership Award. He was instrumental in creating a number of innovative programs and initiatives to help ensure the safety and well being of firefighters and the citizens of Albuquerque.

During his time as Dean of Students at Valor, Mr. Watson has received many recognitions, including Valor Exemplar, Department of Excellence, Valor Excellence in Character, "I am Third" awards. He and his wife have two sons, both Valor alumni (Classes of ‘15 and ‘18).

Education

B.S. Biology, Mesa State College

Kevin McVaney

Chair

Kevin graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a B.S. in Molecular Biology,
then went to Georgetown University School of Medicine for his MD. He completed his residency
training in Emergency Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and then
served as an Emergency Physician in the U.S. Air Force. From 2010 to 2023 Kevin served as
the Medical Director of the Denver Paramedic Division and is on the faculty at Denver Health
Residency in Emergency Medicine. Kevin also serves on the National Board of Directors for
Young Life. He and his wife, Colleen, have four children, all Valor alumni.

Leigh Ann Nicas

Vice Chair

Leigh Ann graduated from Texas A&M with a B.A. in English and a minor in Business. Before
retiring, Leigh Ann oversaw public relations and marketing in various positions with international
law and accounting firms for almost 25 years. She served as an Elder of Cherry Hills
Community Church and was on the Coors Western Art Show Advisory Committee, part of the
National Western Stock Show. She is a former Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in
foster care. She and her husband Bill have two children; both are Valor alumni, and their family
hosted a Valor International student for three years.

Kelley Digby

Director

Kelley is a Wyoming native and moved to Colorado in elementary school. Kelley became a
Christian in middle school at a youth retreat at Frontier Ranch camp. As fate would have it, her
son later accepted Christ at that same camp in middle school. Kelley graduated from Cherry
Creek High School and went on to Arizona State to receive her bachelors in Public
Programming. She served in the pharmaceutical industry for 20+ years and spent 18 years at
Johnson & Johnson; the last 12 years as a Senior Strategic Markets Director. Kelley currently
serves on the Board of Taco John’s International (her family’s business) and Ladies 4 Liberty,
where she also leads a Bible study. In addition, Kelley and her husband, Donald, serve on the
Legacy Team for Red Rocks Church. Kelley and Don, have two children, both Valor alumni.

Vali Jerome

Director

Vali is a Colorado native who became a Christian early in life while listening to her grandfather’s
preaching. After graduating with dual degrees from the University of Denver she married
Nathan, and together they have four children, including 1 Valor alum and two current students.
Vali began her career at a privately owned specialty chemicals company. As the company grew
into a billion-dollar enterprise (NASDAQ: IOSP), she grew with it. In early 2022, she was
appointed President of the company’s largest global business unit. Vali has served as an Elder
at Cherry Hills Community Church and on the Leadership Council for Worldwide Orphans.

Perry Kamel

Director

Perry graduated from Cornell University with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Electrical
Engineering and as a Palmer Scholar from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School
with a Master of Business Administration. A former leader of McKinsey & Company’s
telecommunications practice, Board Member of the National Telecommunications Association, and co-founder of the world’s largest digital services company Accenture Digital, Perry has
spent three decades serving Christ in the corporate mission field. A combat-decorated Navy
Veteran, Perry is an active leader in multiple Veteran support organizations. Perry and his wife
Lindsay are the proud parents of three Valor alumni.

Kelly Kennedy

DIRECTOR

Kelly was a pediatric nurse for ten years at the Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She has served
for over 20 years in various philanthropic efforts as a volunteer, serving on boards and chairing
events. She married her husband Michael in 1994, and they have four children, all Valor
alumni. Kelly is passionate about Valor’s mission, as she has seen her children benefit
immensely from attending Valor. Kelly is an active member of Valor’s Board of Education and
has served as Valor's Director of Advancement for the past 3 years.

Scott Lowery

Director

Scott graduated from the University of Denver Daniels College of Business with a B.S. in
Business Administration and then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of
Denver Sturm College of Law. Scott currently serves as Chairman of Collect America Encore,
which owns the Galaxy companies and the Capps Group of Companies. Scott is also a partner
at the law firm Rausch Sturm, LLP. All entities are involved in creditors' rights. The law firm
practices in 36 states. Scott and his wife, Texie, have three daughters, two of whom are Valor
alumni.

Daniel Ramirez

Director

Daniel is a proud Valor alumnus, and was part of the first graduating class at Valor (2010). He
went on to complete his degree from Azusa Pacific University and in 2016 he joined the family
business, Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant. Since opening in 2002, Los Dos Potrillos has
grown immensely and is currently operating with five restaurant locations, two breweries, and
two food truck concepts. Daniel’s goal and vision is to continue growing and expanding his
family’s restaurant not only in Colorado but in other states as well. Daniel currently sits as the
past Chairman of The Colorado Restaurant Association and is a member of YPO (Young
Presidents Organization). In April of 2021, Daniel was diagnosed with stage 2 Testicular
Cancer at the age of 28. Through his faith and trust in God, he was able to stay strong and fight
through his battle with cancer. Following surgery and treatment, Daniel is now cancer-free and
is using his platforms to promote awareness and frequent checkups for men. Daniel is married
to Malorie and they are busy parents of two young children.

Curt Taylor

Director

Pastor Curt Taylor’s journey in faith and leadership began at just 15 years old when he started
working at a church, and he has been serving in various church staff roles ever since. For nearly
15 years, Pastor Curt served at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he held
multiple positions, including youth and children’s pastor. His dynamic leadership and
commitment to nurturing faith made a lasting impact on the church. In October of 2021, Pastor
Curt and his family relocated to Denver, where he assumed the role of Senior Pastor at Cherry
Hills Community Church. His diverse background enables him to lead with both spiritual insight
and practical wisdom, equipping the congregation to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. In addition to his rich ministry experience, Pastor Curt holds both an undergraduate
degree in Finance and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Houston Christian University. Pastor
Curt and his wife Lauren are parents to three children.