Ryan Caster, Board Treasurer, is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Caster holds both a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting and Accounting Information Systems from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Mr. Caster has been a practicing Certified Professional Accountant in the State of New York for more than fifteen years. Mr. Caster is currently a Director in the Audit & Assurance Department at Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C., specializing in the healthcare and higher-education industries. Mr. Caster also currently serves as on the board of directors for multiple not-for-profit organizations located within Western New York. Mr. Caster brings a strong background in accounting and finance, coupled with his extensive involvement serving local not-for-profit organizations in a leadership capacity.
Christine Mann, Board Trustee, Christine Mann serves as Chief Operating Officer at DENT Neurologic Institute, one of the largest Neurology private practices in the country with 430 employees and 70 clinical Providers. Ms. Mann manages and directs the day to day operations for the administrative and medical services required to support DENT operations. She also serves as the Director of DENT’s award winning Infusion Centers and as Director of Purchasing. She has a strong background in leadership, negotiations and marketing and has sharp analytical, planning, communication, and executive skills.
Ms. Mann is also founding partner of NeuroNet which now has two divisions to include a national GPO and a consulting division that provides educational resources and professional insight for health care practices, the pharmaceutical industry, and other medical organizations.
Ms. Mann is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and advisor for large biotech and pharmaceutical companies. She was recently appointed to the Board at the National Infusion Center Association. Her expertise in the management of infusion centers, sophisticated inventory and revenue cycle management has garnered national recognition and has helped DENT to be the first practice in the country to offer new ground-breaking neurologic therapies. In addition, she serves as a trustee on the board of REACH Academy Charter School and is an avid volunteer in her community for several non-profit organizations. She received a Women of Influence Award for ground-up development of infusion centers and under her direction, the DENT Infusion Center has recently received a national healthcare achievement award for quality, patient care, and patient satisfaction.
Dr. Susan M. Dunkle, Board Trustee, Dr. Susan Dunkle joined the REACH Academy Charter School Board of Trustees in September of 2019, bringing nearly 20 years of experience as a Professor, Mentor and Researcher. She also served 16 years in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Major. Currently, Dr. Dunkle is on Sabbatical from Medaille College in Buffalo and also works in the School of Education at Daemen College.
Dr. Dunkle received her Doctorate of Educational Leadership from D’Youville College and also holds a Master’s Degree from that same institution. In addition, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Canisius College, an Associate’s Degree from Erie Community College and is certified as a teacher for grades K-12 and as a Teacher of English to Students of Other Languages. Dr. Dunkle has published numerous articles and has been a presenter at many conferences both in the United States and around the world.
Dr. Dunkle joined the RACS Board of Trustees “to be a Servant Leader to students, administration, faculty and families and to offer an educational experience that prepares scholars to compete and succeed in a global marketplace.” In her words, “It is important to listen, to be empathetic, and to be concerned with the growth of all stakeholders in our school community.”
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Heather Speakes, Board Trustee - Parent Representative, Heather Speakes is the proud parent of a REACH Academy Charter School scholar and is serving her first term on the Board of Trustees. Ms. Speakes works as a Teacher Aide for the Buffalo Public School District and resides with her family in Buffalo, NY. She brings experience as a Foster Parent, Resident Care Worker, Administrative Assistant and as a volunteer for many church organizations.
Ms. Speakes believes a great school will have a philosophy to meet the child where they are and help them to become a better scholar. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the board and put her experiences loving children and caring for others to REACH Academy Charter School.
Sarah ’s areas of interests include addictions specializing in alcohol and tobacco. She also has a special interest in Acquired Brain Injury. Sarah has written two workbooks, which focuses on cognitive rehabilitation after brain injury.
Mrs. Pearson- Collins is a graduate of the University of New York at Buffalo with an MS Rehabilitation Counseling with special emphasis on the psychological impact of counseling while treating physical injuries in athletes. She also has a BA in Health and Human Services. Sarah is a Nationally Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Anger Management Specialist and Brain Injury Specialist.
Sarah is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority incorporated.