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Our Team

Kathleen Jeremiassen

Dean of Parents
My doctoral research, Differences in students’ STEM identity, game play motivations, and game preferences, reflects my passion for understanding how students engage, persist, and come to see themselves as capable STEM learners. I am inspired by the guides at NextGen Academy who design highly rigorous, engaging, STEM-focused workshops where students tackle real-world problems while developing essential life skills. In this environment, students are excited to come to school each day and hold themselves—and one another—to high community standards.

Amelia Dansby

Admissions Director
After earning my bachelors degree from Baylor University, I worked with middle school science students and teachers in Title 1 schools. After a long break from working in education, I am happy to be back as the Admissions Director for the Alpha Speciality Schools in Austin (NextGen Academy, GT School, and Texas Sports Academy). I love helping families find the perfect school for their students. It is exciting introducing new families to our innovative learning model!

Beau Sydes

Lead Guide
I have always had a strong inner drive and competitive spirit. As a child, I was a competitive gymnast and elite-level springboard and platform diver. I attended Southern Methodist University on an athletic scholarship for Diving, earning my B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Liberal Arts. GO MUSTANGS!

Nick Boyer

Afterschool Guide
My journey to NextGen Academy began with a lifelong curiosity—a drive to understand “why” that led me to study philosophy (my family joked I “majored in why”). Traditional schooling often felt restrictive, shaping my appreciation for self-paced, interest-driven learning. Inspired by Angela Duckworth’s research on grit and my growth from casual esports player to coach, I believe students thrive when their pursuit of knowledge is recognized and guided toward mastery.

Chris Ahren

Tutoring & Tournaments Campus Coordinator
Growing up, I embraced games as a way to channel my competitive spirit and grow as a person. I was recognized as a top under-18 Go player, peaking at 5 Dan on OGS. After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Religious Studies, I left academia to pursue a career in professional sports and esports commentary, including work with League of Legends North American Challengers and the Naraka: Bladepoint Pro League, where I champion gaming as a powerful space for developing life skills.