Originally from the land of redwoods and oak trees, Sisa Pon Renie, Redtail Academy Founder and Board President, has been in education for 21 years in a variety of capacities in the United States. She has worked as  classroom teacher, instructional coach, and professional learning facilitator. Sisa is passionate about creating humane and just school spaces, systems and structures, and enjoys helping others learn about the intersection of playful and developmentally appropriate instructional practices, and learning from a justice-oriented perspective. In her personal life, she loves bringing people together, learning, and being in nature. Sisa is a proud mama to two compassionate children and one silly dog. 

Perpetually curious and a lifelong learner, Dr. Amy Somrak has enjoyed careers in engineering and veterinary medicine, and also earned an MBA along the way. She has had the privilege of teaching hundreds of veterinary students at the University of Illinois the ins and outs of veterinary dentistry, guiding the transformation of classroom knowledge into hands-on skills in the clinic. She is dedicated to ensuring that her sons mature into good and decent men who make the world better for their being in it. 

Dr. Karl Radnitzer  has been in education for over 30 years. He has taught in Oak Park School District as an elementary teacher, University of Chicago Lab School as a science teacher, as an elementary principal at Leal School and recently retired as the associate director at University High School. Karl received his B.A. in psychology/education from North Park College, C.A.S in Educational Policy from the University of Chicago, and M.B.A and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. His hobbies include investing, learning new things, involvement in his church, and working on his small farm as well as traveling.  

An eleven year public school teacher, Todd has taught 7th grade Science, 4th grade, 2nd grade, Music, and is currently a 5th grade teacher in Champaign. He is passionate about social justice, nature, and food--he even makes his own hot sauces! Todd was born and raised in Iowa and is an avid Iowa Hawkeyes sports fan, and music lover. He is married to fellow board member, Jenn Auler. They have twin 6th grade boys and three adorable cats.

Jennifer Auler has been a teacher for more than 20 years. She has taught preschool students, elementary-aged students, and adult English as a Second Language students. Jennifer has worked at non-profit organizations, public schools, with private students, and at the university level at an Intensive English Institute. She enjoys spending time with her husband (fellow board member, Todd VanSteenhuyse), twin 6th grade sons, and three amazing cats. 

Information coming soon!