Anthony M. Marlon, M.D.
Chairman of the Board
“I support Journey and serve on the Board because of my concern that early personalized education is critically important to the development of every child and gives every child the opportunity to develop fully. I have a growing concern that the public education system is failing the children it is supposed to serve. The priorities of public education appear to place the bureaucracy way ahead of the children.”
Dr. Marlon came to Las Vegas in 1972 as Chief of Cardiology at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital (now UMC), a position he retained until 1986. In 1984 Dr. Marlon founded Sierra which was comprised of a family of health related subsidiaries. Dr. Marlon currently serves on the UNLV school of Medicine community advisory board, The Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc board located in San Diego, and the Journey Education board. He is president of the Tony and Renee Marlon Charitable Foundation which distributes $1.8 M per year in grants. Dr. Marlon’s two grandsons have attended Journey.
Cindy Jensen
President
“A child’s education provides a foundation for his/her entire life. A positive, uplifting, academically challenging place where that foundation can be realized is what drives me to devote myself to Journey Education. It’s a place where I can make a significant impact on the individual lives of our students.”
Cindy Jensen is an educator of more than 20 years. She has worked with children of all ages extensively in church, community, and professionally. Mrs. Jensen plays an active role donating time and resources in various youth programs in her community including the cub scouts of America. Mrs. Jensen created and directed a girl’s empowerment program, Girls’ ReTreat, where girls spend a week learning from leaders within the community. As a mother and educator, she recognizes the importance of a rich education that challenges children on their individual levels.
Becky Jensen
Vice President
“I feel it is vital to be a part of the decision making process that guides our school to achieving its educational goals and focuses on the success of each of its students through life. They can be filled with a love of learning, love of their family and a love for our nation.”
Becky Jensen has lived in the Las Vegas area since 1996. She attended Brigham Young University where she pursued a degree in elementary education. She has worked in the classroom for the past 15 years with students ranging from preschool to 8th grade. Growing up in a small Montana town has helped her to realize the benefits of a small school that focuses on individualized learning and helps students to reach their full potential. Becky is active in her community, working with youth groups and the Boys Scouts of America. She has been married for 27 years and is the mother of 5 children. Becky feels very fortunate that four of her children have had the opportunity to attend Journey Education.
Sam Bainbridge
Treasurer
“I was drawn to Journey Education after meeting two of the fellow Board Members and hearing firsthand the difference Journey Education has made in current and past students’ lives. One of the biggest benefits that Journey Education offers is smaller class sizes. This allows teachers to give students more individual attention and customize their teaching to meet specific needs. This personalized attention ultimately leads to a better learning environment.”
Sam Bainbridge, CPA is the co-founder and partner of a CPA firm, Bainbridge, Little & Co, CPAs. His firm specializes in providing audits, reviews, and tax services to community associations (HOAs). Sam received his degree in accounting from UNLV. He raised his four children in Las Vegas. He and his wife, Melanie, are continually serving others and have been instrumental in helping Ukrainian refuges; with hosting several Ukrainian refuge families in their home for over a year.
Dr. April Taggart
Secretary
“I have always envisioned a school that provides a personalized approach to teaching, offers off-site learning opportunities to enrich education, allows students to develop leadership skills, encourages them to serve their community, and engages parents actively in their children’s educational journey. Journey Education embodied this dream, leading me to join and serve as principal for eight years. Now retired, I continue to contribute as a board member, driven by my enduring passion to ensure an exceptional educational experience and successful outcomes for all students and their families.”
Dr. Taggart earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a minor in Environmental Science from Brigham Young University. She pursued further education at Nova Southeastern University, obtaining a master’s degree in education and a Doctor of Education Degree. Residing in Las Vegas with her husband, Dr. Taggart is a proud mother of five, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of one. Her leisure time is happily spent with family, hunting, four-wheeling, singing, and tending to the family ranch.
Curtis Jones
Director
When I was introduced to the educational goals of Journey Education Private School I was immediately impressed with the small class sizes and the individualized instruction. I am honored to be a part of this journey that enhances the educational experience for all students involved.”
As a graduate of Rancho High School and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Curtis Jones is pleased to have spent over 40 years with the Clark County School District. He began as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal at several schools and principal at the following: R Guild Gray, Dorothy Eisenberg, Shelia Tarr and Wendell P. Williams Elementary schools. Following retirement, Mr. Jones continues to do assignments with CCSD and The Public Education Foundation.
Matthew Hoffmann
Director
“I know first-hand the difference a quality education can make in a person’s life. The confidence and knowledge gained through quality education can literally change the course of a family’s history, and I’m honored to support Journey Education in providing an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to realize their dreams.”
Matthew Hoffmann is a partner/owner at the law firm of Atkinson Watkins & Hoffmann, LLP, best known in the Las Vegas valley as “Battle Born Injury Lawyers.” Matt grew up on a small farm in rural North Dakota, where he attended small, rural schools with limited focus on academics. Matt graduated from North Dakota State University with majors in both Political Science and Sociology, after which he obtained his Juris Doctorate, with distinction, from the University of North School of Law. Matt and his wife, Sara, moved to Las Vegas after his graduation from law school in 2004, and they have two sons who attend Journey Education.
Jim Smith
Director
“I believe that education is one of the core elements of a child’s “life foundation”. When a great education is combined with a strong ethical base, and unyielding family support, a child is given the greatest opportunity for personal success that will carry him the rest of his life. There is no one right way to educate a child. It is vital that the individual institutions be flexible enough to address the unique abilities within each child. That is why I support Journey’s individual approach to learning. Sitting on the Journey board gives me the opportunity to personally be an active part of the integral and continuing change that Journey Education is working to implement within the current educational paradigm in Las Vegas.”
James “Jim” Smith served as an executive in senior management for over 20 years with experience in the industries of Business Consulting, Boutique Hotels & Luxury Travel, Financial Services, Entertainment and Airlines. Mr. Smith is the co-founder of Elite Resorts of Asia pacific. He has served as VP for American Express International’s Merchant Division, Pan American World Airways, Baxter Consulting, and Trans World Airlines. Mr. Smith has been married to Dian Gibb-Smith for 25 years. They have a son who attends Journey Education.