CMO Officers
About Us
Shelly Lether - Executive Director
Shelly Lether was born and grew up in the Fresno area of California’s Central Valley. She has twenty years of experience vested in Fresno’s charter school community.
In 2004, Shelly was one of the founders of Aspen Valley Preparatory Academy (AVPA) Charter School, a K-6 program serving approximately 80% at-promise students, and became the Executive Director in 2005. In 2016, Aspen opened its second school and the new charter management organization (CMO) rebranded as Aspen Public Schools, Inc.
In 2020, Aspen Ridge Public 7-12 grades opened its doors at the Fresno Mission City Center in the heart of Fresno. Shelly believes all children in her community, regardless of their backgrounds and circumstances, have a right to quality education, and this has led her to work with others to create a leadership-based, academically driven charter program with committed teachers and diverse learning opportunities.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from National University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University (CMU). Since 2011, Shelly has, on occasion, taught as an adjunct for CMU’s Global Campus as an instructor for master-level charter leadership and school reform courses.
Shelly is a Leadership Fresno (Chamber of Commerce) Class # 27 Alumni, an Achievement First Charter Accelerator (Cohort 6) alumni, a current member of Downtown Fresno Rotary, and a 360 Charter Excellerator (99 Accelerator) member.
Shelly believes in the mission of Aspen Public Schools to transform the community by developing exceptional leaders. She continues this work while also working to impact the collective strength of the charter school sector.
Terri Martin - Chief Business Officer
Terri Martin has been part of the charter school scene for almost two decades, wearing many hats at Aspen Public Schools. She kicked off her journey as a parent and board member at Aspen Valley Preparatory Academy in 2005 and now holds the role of Chief Business Officer.
Originally from Fresno, Terri's passion for providing quality education to Central Valley students began when she worked as an instructional aide in the Central Unified School district. Her roots in education run deep.
Outside the classroom, Terri played a crucial role in her family's business, focusing on manufacturing and repairing dairy equipment. This experience honed her financial skills, which she now brings to the table in her current position at Aspen Public Schools.
Aspen isn't just a workplace for Terri; it's been central to her family's educational journey. She's seen the school's vision come to life and is committed to transforming the community by developing exceptional leaders.
For Terri, each day is an opportunity to infuse professionalism with excitement. She firmly believes that a positive and vibrant workplace is the key to achieving exceptional results. In her role as Chief Business Officer, she's dedicated to creating an environment that fosters both professional growth and enthusiastic engagement.
Nicole Rivera - Chief Academic Officer
Bio Coming!
Sarah Crantz - Chief Student Services Officer
Sarah Crantz is an education professional with over two decades of experience providing specialized services to learners of all abilities. Holding a Master of Arts in Special Education, alongside a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fresno, Sarah boasts a robust educational background. She also possesses multiple credentials, including a Specialist Instruction Credential in Special Education, a Resource Specialist Added Authorization, and an Educator Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Before her tenure at Aspen Public Schools, Sarah served in various roles, including General Education Teacher, Special Day Class Teacher, Dyslexia Tutor, and Resource Specialist. In these positions, she honed her skills in creating inclusive learning environments and fostering academic growth for all students.
Currently, Sarah serves as the Chief Student Services Officer at Aspen Public Schools, where she has been since 2015. In her role, she provides guidance in the development and delivery of tailored educational programs. Sarah's responsibilities include providing leadership to educational specialists, collaborating with related service providers, and spearheading data-driven, student-centered initiatives. With a keen focus on student success, she oversees special education, mental health, and health departments and actively contributes to ongoing staff development endeavors.
Sarah is committed to ensuring that all students succeed, a holistic approach to education and deep dedication to inclusion. She firmly believes that leadership is service, and her core belief is that all students possess genius.
Site Directors
Lisa Taylor
Aspen Meadow Public School
Mrs. Lisa Taylor has served Aspen Public Schools as a middle-school teacher and character program coordinator at Aspen Valley Prep (2008-2016). She is a founding member and site director of Aspen Meadow Public School (2016-present). Mrs. Taylor received her Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies/Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Fresno, and a Masters of Arts in Education Administration/Administration Credential from Concordia University, Irvine. She and her husband, Johnny, have three adult daughters, three sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. Helping children grow into socioemotionally healthy, physically strong, and academically successful people is her life's passion.
Dr. Christine Montanez
Aspen Valley Prep
Dr. Christine Montanez has dedicated her full career advocating for at-risk students and has deliberately chosen schools within her community that serve this population. Dr. Montanez relates to these children because she too grew up in a modest household, under government aide with limited opportunities. Dr. Montanez is a prime example that the vicious cycle of socio-economic influences can be broken and continues to bring this message to her students today.
Having experience being a teacher and administrative leader gives Dr. Montanez the unique ability to ensure all students have access to standards-based curriculum and assessments that are student-centered and rich with creativity and rigor. Dr. Montanez believes in the mission and vision of Aspen Public Schools and its commitment to the promise of equal educational opportunity for all children.
Riley Fox
Aspen Ridge Public School
Riley Fox has been with Aspen Public Schools since 2016. She first served as an Education Specialist until 2022 when she became the Assistant Site Director at Aspen Ridge. She is a founding member of Aspen Ridge and in 2023, Riley took over as the Site Director. Riley holds the steadfast belief that every student possesses the capacity to achieve greatness. She has dedicated her career to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment. Riley received her Bachelor’s Degree, Education Specialist credential, and Master’s Degree from Fresno Pacific University. Riley is an avid baseball fan and loves the outdoors. She and her husband have two beautiful sons and love to travel as a family.