Founding Board Members WANTED!
Help us build something meaningful. We are building a new kind of learning community for neurodivergent students—and we need thoughtful leaders who care deeply about education, innovation, and supporting children who learn differently.
Our Board
Emerson Morales
Treasurer
Emerson is a veteran bilingual educator with more than 15 years of classroom experience, holding certifications in gifted and talented education and a deep background in inclusive, individualized curriculum design across multiple school districts and IB schools. He is also a middle-grade fantasy and science fiction author who travels to schools and teacher conferences, sharing how creative writing in these genres nurtures imagination, problem-solving, and confidence in young learners. As Treasurer of the Aspen Grove School Systems Board, he brings both an educator's lens and a storyteller's belief in every student's potential.
Laura Mesa-Morales
Shawna Young
Founder/SecretaryShawna is a U.S. Army veteran and former educator with more than 20 years of experience in education, she has spent her career advocating for students who learn differently and helping schools create more inclusive learning environments. Her work in education technology and classroom leadership has given her a deep understanding of how personalized learning can help students thrive.
Inspired by both her professional experience and her journey as the parent of a neurodivergent child, she founded Aspen Grove to create a school where students are truly seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Board ChairLaura is a pediatric neuroscientist specializing in sensory processing challenges, with 11 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children across classroom, clinical, and research settings. She has worked with multiple school districts to bridge the gap between neuroscience and everyday learning environments, helping educators and families better understand how children experience and engage with the world around them. Laura is honored to serve as Chair of the Aspen Grove School Systems Board, where she hopes to bring a science-informed, child-centered perspective to district leadership.