MEET THE TEAM
We’re a purpose-driven team of educators and administrators helping scholars exceed expectations and change the trajectory of their futures.
Brian Holman is the Founder and Executive Director of Empower College Prep. Previously, he supervised teachers in general education and special education for grades K-12 as a Program Director for 4 years with Teach For America. Mr. Holman has also served his community as the chair of his church’s outreach team and Secretary of the Diaconate. He holds Master’s Degrees in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix and in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. His Bachelor’s Degree is in Journalism from Indiana University, where he also majored in Political Science and was published for his honors thesis, The Supreme Court and the Establishment Clause.
Dave Dillman is Empower College Prep’s Director of Operations. He loves the challenge of the problems introduced every day provide solutions to allow Scholars to excel and succeed. He has an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree, focusing on theology and graphic design from Grand Canyon University, but has a background in construction, project management, and information technology. Dave has been involved with Empower since its inception. He is proud to be part of a school that equips children to succeed. Dave has a wife and six children ranging from 20 to 3.
With a background in Business Economics and Spanish from the University of Arizona, Angela holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. Starting as a corps member with Teach For America in 2010, Angela has since served in various educational roles, including Instructional Coach, Vice Principal, and Director of Academics for Math and Science. In her current position, Angela’s goal is to establish and maintain a financially strong organization, supporting Empower scholars and their families while preserving the stability needed to fulfill the mission of empowering every child to reach college.
Angela Ortega graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration and a minor in Business Administration. During her time at GCU, she participated as treasurer for the Latino Student Union and served as a council member for Diversity Leadership Alliance, which provides free leadership workshops for high school and college students. Prior to working as the External Relations Coordinator at Empower, Ms.Ortega served as a Student Recruitment Director for Empower College Prep. Ms. Ortega is deeply connected to ECP’s mission and is thrilled to be part of Empower.
Becky Jones, the Elementary School Director at Empower College Prep, joined the school in 2016 and is dedicated to its long-term success. Under her leadership, the Elementary School achieved remarkable growth, moving from a D to a B on the Arizona accountability report card. Originally from Texas, Becky holds a BA from Texas Lutheran University and an MA in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree, Becky has been recognized as Teacher of the Year and has taught various grades from K to 6th. With experience coaching sports teams and teaching in multiple states, she is a trusted leader ready to propel the elementary school to new heights.
Caletta Goodkind hails from Chicago, Illinois, where she attended Depaul University and earned her Bachelors degree in History. She relocated to Arizona in 2004 and served as a classroom teacher and school administrator in schools throughout the Valley before making the transition to serve in Human Resources in local educational and behavioral health organizations. She also volunteers in her church and with charitable organizations that provide assistance to special needs children and adults. Caletta is passionate about Empower’s mission and values, and she is very grateful for the opportunity to cultivate a supportive and enriching environment for staff and students alike.
Natalina Mariscal is Empower College Prep's Director of Student Services and McKinney Vento Liaison. She attended Arizona State University where she obtained her Bachelors and Masters degree in the field of Social Work. Her experiences have led her to working in the field of child welfare, health care, and clinical therapeutic settings. Natalina's passion for advocacy, community empowerment, and mental health awareness has allotted her the opportunity to guide a team of social workers at Empower College Prep to address the social-emotional needs pof scholars, provide resources, and empower the families served.
Jennifer Lane is the Director of Curriculum & Instruction of Empower College Prep. Jennifer has been educating students and adults in Arizona since 1994, serving as an assistant principal, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa University. In her free time, she scuba dives with her family and volunteers for local pet rescue organizations.
Kate is an experienced educator with 17+ years of expertise. She holds a BA in Spanish from Tufts University and an MA in Bilingual Bicultural Education from Columbia University Teachers College. Kate specializes in teaching English learners and creating innovative assessments for second language learners. She is dedicated to supporting Empower scholars with interrupted or limited formal education, ensuring their success and bridging learning gaps. Outside of work, Kate and her family actively contribute to the community through the North Phoenix Christian Soccer Club. She is thrilled to connect with families and provide support to teachers and scholars throughout the year.
Gave Warrior is the Director of Exceptional Student Services at Empower. Gave has been in the field of Special Education for over 25 years. She served 18 years as a Special Education teacher in all types of settings. She holds her Bachelor Degree in Special Education and her Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision. Gave is passionate in working with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to meet the needs of our students with IEPs.
Empower yourself and others to make a difference
See what opportunities are available today to join our team!
Governing Board Members
Kevin Erickson
Board Chair
Brandi Adams Bressler
Patricia Welborn
Adam Brooks
Cynthia Daniels
Brian Holman
Ex Officio
