Gary Fisher

Head of School

Before entering the field of education, Dr. Fisher was the owner and chief physician in a large multi-physician podiatry practice in Wheat Ridge. Over the years, he has served on a school board of a K-8 Christian school, been a board member of the Colorado Podiatric Medical Association, and was the Chief of the Podiatry Section in the Department of Surgery at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center. Dr. Fisher also served as an educator and athletic director prior to coming to Valor.

Dr. Fisher's Valor journey began as an Honors Biology and Anatomy & Physiology teacher in the Science Department prior to becoming the Director of Academics, the Assistant Head of School, to his current role as Head of School.

More recently, he has served as a mentor in the ACSI Leadership University for emerging heads of Christian schools, as a member of Counsel on Educational Standards and Accountability, and as a member of the Colorado Association of Private Schools.

Dr. Fisher applies his background in education and medicine to his passion for preparing students to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ. He has a passion for seeing students prepared in such a way that they can affect change in the world in a way that fully engages and utilizes their gifts and talents and celebrates and honors the One who bestowed them. 

Education

D.P.M. – California College of Podiatric Medicine – Samuel Merit University

Foot & Ankle Surgical Residency – Presbyterian/St. Luke’s (VENCOR)

B.S. Biological Sciences – Colorado State University
 

Rebecca Thomas

Director of Academics

Mrs. Thomas began her career in education at a private Christian high school in California. During her time there, she taught various math classes and served in leadership roles including professional learning community facilitator and 9th grade mentorship program director. During that time, she was named Outstanding Christian Educator from Orange Lutheran High School.

In 2007, she moved to Denver to serve in Valor’s inaugural year. Her first years at Valor were spent teaching all different levels of math and leading the department. During her tenure at Valor, she has been awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award, Department of the Year (as Department Chair), and the Christian Character Award. In 2013, she transitioned out of the classroom to serve as a part of the academic leadership team. She considers it an honor to oversee the faculty and work closely with the Department Chairs.

Education

M.S. Mathematics, University of Northern Colorado

B.S. Secondary Education, Mathematics and Physics – Concordia University, Seward

Zach Gautier

Director of Student Development & Director of Admissions

Dr. Gautier is a dedicated member of Valor's leadership team. Prior to Valor, Dr. Gautier taught for three years in Plano, Texas at Jasper High School and was given the Time Warner Cable National Teaching Award in 2007. He currently serves as Valor's Dean of Academic Services. In this role, he oversees Admission, Academic & College Counseling, Academic Support, and 9th Grade Seminar.

His love for being an educator and supporting students and families in this unique chapter of life drives his work. He and his wife have three children, including two Valor students ('24 and '26).

Education

Ed.D Organizational Leadership – University of Southern California

ThM. Systematic Theology – Dallas Theological Seminary

MEd. Curriculum and Instruction – Texas A&M University-Commerce

B.S. Communications – Liberty University

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

Arie Ringnalda

Director of Arts & Media, Conservatory Director and Valor MARKETING LEAD

Prior to his appointment at Valor, Mr. Ringnalda served as a founding teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair at Oaks Christian High School in California. He was honored with the Atsinger Award for Teaching Excellence in 2004-2005.

Coming to Valor in its inaugural year, Mr. Ringnalda founded and directed the Arts+Media program as well as taught photography, ceramics, and applied media in the early years.

From 2012-2015, Mr. Ringnalda served on the design and construction team of  The Valor Center for Culture and Influence, where the Arts+Media and Arts Conservatory programs now reside. He launched a robust Visual Arts and Performing Arts Conservatory with his team in 2015, making Valor a national destination high school for the Arts. In 2021 he was appointed as Director of Marketing and Communications.

He and his wife have two Valor students (Classes of '24 and '25).

Education

B.A., Fine Arts, Calvin College
B.S., Education, K-12 Arts

Brian Bonn

Athletic Director

Mr. Bonn joined Valor as a baseball coach in its inaugural year. Prior to joining Valor, Mr. Bonn worked as the Vice President of Marketing at HitStreak Baseball Academy, a baseball training program focused on building individual skills, both mental and physical. He is also actively involved with youth baseball and mentors young athletes towards Christ.

During his coaching tenure, Mr. Bonn's accomplishments included a State Championship, three Final Three appearances, four league titles, and a record of 127-61. He also coached numerous athletes that have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional level.

While at Valor, Mr. Bonn has twice received the Valor Exemplar Award as well as the Excellence in Coaching award. In 2019, he was named Valor's Athletic Director, where he strives to use his Christ-given gifts and talents to ensure that no person goes unloved under his guidance.

Mr. Bonn is a board member for the Colorado Athletics Directors Association and for the CHSAA Board for mens and womens Tennis. He serves as the Lead Athletic Director of Baseball and the Lead Athletic Director of Girls Lacrosse and in Transfer Waiver committee all for the Jeffco League.

Education

B.A. New Media Design/Broadcast Journalism, Hastings College

Tige Watson

Director of Student Life/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

Jim Kirchner

Campus Pastor

Prior to his appointment at Valor in its inaugural year, Mr. Kirchner served as an ordained Pastor for 22 years. He has served Valor in a number of roles including Bible Teacher, Senior Seminar Teacher, Spiritual Life Director, Campus Chaplain, and Campus Pastor.

Mr. Kirchner and his wife have eight children, including four Valor alumni (Classes of '11, '13, '15, and '17)

Education

M.Div., Denver Seminary

B.S., Physical Education, Wheaton College

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

Bryan Ritz

Chairman

Bryan graduated from the University of Denver with a B.S. in Business Administration and then earned his MBA from the Daniels School of Business. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Bryan is currently the Chief Investment Officer for Alder Ventures. Prior to joining Alder Bryan was a Managing Director for the Anschutz Investment Company.  Bryan also serves on the Chinese Children Adoption International Board of Directors and the Daniels School of Business Executive Board. He and his wife, Sarah, have six children, two Valor alumna, and two current Valor students.

Scott Pomeroy

Vice Chairman

Scott graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BBA in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant. Scott is currently the co-founder of Gen3 Equity Advisors, LLC serving multiple clients with their capital raising efforts, interim management needs, and merger and acquisition activities. Prior to that, Scott co-founded Pinnacle Medical Partners, a network of primary care medical practices throughout the Denver area, and served as its CEO for almost five years. Pinnacle was sold to a private equity firm in 2017. Previous to Pinnacle, Scott served as the CEO of Yellow Pages Group in New Zealand, CEO of Local Insight Media, and CFO of Dex Media for multi-national private equity firms and/or banks. Scott also serves on the board of AVX Aircraft Company. Scott and his wife Janis have three daughters, two of whom are 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 4 children – 2 of whom attend Valor. 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 previously served as an Elder at Cherry Hills Community Church and on the Leadership Council for Worldwide Orphans.

Scott Lowery

Vice Chairman

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 in the law firm of Rausch Sturm, LLP. All entities are involved in creditors' rights. The law firm practices in 36 states. Scott also currently serves on the University of Denver Daniels College Business Executive Advisory Board. Scott and his wife, Texie, have three daughters, two of whom are Valor alumni.

Kevin McVaney

Director

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. Kevin currently serves 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

Director

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.

Kelly Kennedy

Board Member

Kelly’s background includes not only her work as a pediatric nurse for 10 years at the Children’s Hospital in Chicago, but also extensive philanthropy experience. She has served for 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, including graduating senior Jack ’22. Kelly is passionate for 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. While preparing to become an “empty nester,” Kelly heard God’s call to serve Valor in a new capacity as Director of Development. She believes life is more meaningful when you are serving and took on the role to serve.

James Jamison

Director

James has a zeal for Jesus, learning and education. He participates in discipleship training at his church Calvary Castle Rock.  He is on the Advisory Board for Electrical Engineering for the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) and is a technical trainer for Amazon Web Services. James holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics/Education (Adams State), Electrical Engineering (UCD) and a graduate degree in Computer Science (University of Denver). Throughout his career, he has held senior and executive positions working for SAP, Cisco, IBM, Hughes Aircraft, and his own technology consulting company. James is a native of Colorado where he lives with his wife Lisa a native of Oregon. All five of their children (Spencer, Noah, Alexa, Justus, Nicolette) were born in Colorado and have participated in academic, arts and athletic programs at Valor.

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 Masters 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 (where the Truth and Light of Christ are in great need).   A combat decorated Navy Veteran, Perry is an active leader in multiple Veteran support organizations.  In love with and active in the Valor community, Perry and his wife Lindsay (President of the Valor Arts Guild) are the proud parents of two Valor alumni and one graduating in 2023.