Who We Are

We are a passionate group of community volunteers dedicated to preserving and elevating our schools.

Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees consists of devoted community members committed to the betterment of our Lewis-Palmer school community. Their deep passion lies in advancing education to ensure the enduring success of our schools and the well-being of our children. Our Board of Trustees manages the distribution of funds raised and takes their fiduciary responsibility seriously to ensure over 90%** of funds raised go directly to supporting educators and students in our schools.

We consistently uphold our core values of community, innovation, and excellence.

**less than 10% of funds generated are used for operating costs.
All staff and Board of Trustees are volunteers and unpaid.

Kelly Bane

President

Kelly is excited for the opportunity to energize and empower our educators for the ultimate benefit of our students through her work with the Foundation. She has worked in government educational policy and is a retired business professional in the medical industry. In addition to her extensive involvement and passion for our schools, Kelly is an avid volunteer in suicide prevention, Special Olympics, the Humane Society, COSILoveYou and local food banks.

Terri Hayes

Vice President

Terri Hayes is a proud member of the Tri-Lakes community since 2007. She serves as President & CEO of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, EDC & Visitor Center. She is well respected and recognized in our community and a staunch supporter of D38 schools. When not working, Terri loves traveling and walking her dog.

Robert 'RF' Smith

Secretary

RF Smith has been a Monument resident since 1997. A parent of two District 38 graduates, and a former member of the D38 planning committee, he brings 38 years of military and business experience to the Foundation. He is currently active with several local nonprofits in service to the youth of our community.

Kelsey Belsher

Treasurer

Kelsey Belsher has been a lifelong resident of Monument/Palmer Lake. She has 2 children who attend District 38 schools. Kelsey brings her extensive background in athletics and education to the Foundation to help benefit our students and community.

David Merritt

Trustee

David Merritt has been a Monument resident since 2019 and has three awesome daughters attending District 38 schools. Dr. Merritt brings over 20 years of tech, cybersecurity, and undergraduate educator experience. As a former U.S. Air Force Academy department head, he deeply appreciates the passion good educators bring to their classrooms; and hopes to advocate for this special profession.

Holly Rollins

Trustee

Holly Rollins, Vice President of National Cybersecurity Solutions at Booz Allen Hamilton, has more than 30 years of professional experience in technology transformation and digital strategy. Holly is a resident of Monument with two adult children who graduated from District 38 schools.

Ron Schwarz

BOE Trustee

Ron Schwarz is the current president of the D38 Board of Education, having been a director since 2019. He is a 30+ year resident of the Tri-Lakes community, with two adult children who are D38 alumnus (K-12). He and his wife, Tamara, are deeply engaged in community service from inclusive park construction to Veteran and USAFA Cadet services. Ron is a 40+ year veteran of the technology industry with vast experience in developing new lines of business and vertical market segments.

Amber Whetstine

*Trustee - District Rep

Amber Whetstine began her career in the classroom as an elementary teacher in St. Paul, MN. Since moving to the Pikes Peak Region in 2002 she has served in a variety of roles including instructional coach, assistant principal, principal and held several roles at the district level leading academic improvement efforts. Amber joined Lewis-Palmer School District as Assistant Superintendent in 2021 and was named Superintendent in July 2025. Amber is committed to the Tri-Lakes Community as a leader and parent in the community.

* ex-officio non-voting member

Tiffiney Upchurch

Trustee

Tiffiney Upchurch, past President of the LPSD 38 Board of Education. Her diverse background ranges from leadership in early childhood education, non-profit advocacy and marketing, and she has been engaged in the field of education for over 25 years.

Greg Dana

Trustee

Greg Dana, Trustee

TBD

Trustee

Operating Committee

Our Operating Committee is a dynamic team of devoted community members who have a shared commitment to both the success of our Lewis-Palmer schools and the greater community.

Their tireless efforts and passion drive the daily operations of our Foundation, ensuring that our mission of fostering education and community engagement is achieved with efficiency and effectiveness.

Stephanie Palzkill

Executive Director

Stephanie Palzkill resides in the Monument community and is the parent of two students in District 38 schools. She is deeply dedicated to ensuring quality education for every student. Stephanie possesses a diverse background, having worked in Fortune 500 company consulting, specializing in operational transformation, technology implementation, and international outsourcing. Additionally, she has experience in non-profit fundraising and event planning. With over 15 years of expertise, she is contributing her valuable experience to the Foundation for the betterment of our school community.

Shawna Thomas

Bookkeeper

Shawna Thomas, owner of Thomanomics, is our bookkeeper.

Kelly Kempf-Mobley

Webmaster

Kelly Kempf-Mobley is excited to join the Foundation as the webmaster. She is a long-time Black Forest resident whose child attended and graduated from Lewis-Palmer Schools. A long-time school advocate, volunteer and prior webmaster for LPSD schools, she is happy to use her skills to support the Foundation.