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Roy Kwon

Dr. Kwon began his career as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of La Verne. Since that time, he moved through the faculty ranks to earn tenure and held a number of administrative positions, including the Interim Chair of Sociology and Anthropology, Director of the Honors Program, and Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. More recently, he held different positions in the Office of the Provost, including Assistant Provost of Undergraduate Programs, Associate Provost of Faculty Affairs, Interim Provost, and Vice Provost.

Dr. Kwon received his bachelor’s from the University of California, Irvine, and his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside. As a quantitative sociologist with specializations in organizations and institutions, as well as political economy and social change, his areas of teaching and research revolve around the topics of economic sociology, income inequality, and world-systems analysis.

In terms of his personal life, he enjoys quality time with his wife, Susan, and two-year-old son, Henry. Specifically, he finds himself spending much of his recent free time at playgrounds, children’s museums, and zoos.

Dr. Paul Black, Ed.D., NCSP

Dr. Paul Black is a nationally certified school psychologist, early literacy advocate, and educational leader with a strong focus on early childhood development, foundational reading skills, and early identification of learning differences. His work emphasizes assessment-informed instruction and the use of evidence-based literacy practices to ensure young learners build strong language, reading, and social-emotional foundations.

Dr. Black is the President of PB Assessments, an organization dedicated to expanding access to developmentally appropriate literacy screeners and dyslexia-specific evaluations, with a particular emphasis on early identification and prevention in the primary grades. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for RISE (Reading Instruction for Success and Equity), where he supports initiatives that help schools and educators implement free, early literacy screening tools to identify and support students at risk for reading difficulties as early as kindergarten.

In addition to his work with RISE, Dr. Black serves on the boards of DIVY and Operation Read, contributing to efforts that increase access to high-quality, research-based reading instruction for children and families. Across these roles, he works at the intersection of the science of reading, child development, and social-emotional learning, with a focus on translating research into practical classroom and systems-level practices—particularly in early learning environments.

Dr. Black earned his Doctorate in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, where his capstone research examined the integration of mental health supports within literacy interventions for students with learning disabilities. He has presented nationally on early literacy, assessment, and equitable instructional practices at conferences including the Big Sky Literacy Summit, Utah Charter School Conference, and Wasatch Reading Summit.

Above all, Dr. Black is passionate about helping young children develop the early literacy skills, confidence, and sense of belonging that set the stage for long-term academic success. Drawing on his experiences as a practitioner, educational leader, and parent, he brings both professional expertise and a child-centered perspective to his service on behalf of schools, families, and communities.

Kelli Booth

Kelli Booth grew up in the small mountain valley town of Eden, Utah, where she enjoyed a Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn–style childhood shaped by independence, adventure, and a strong sense of community. Growing up in a place where everyone pitches in instilled a deep work ethic and a lifelong love of education, family, travel, soccer, and the outdoors—values that continue to guide her personally and professionally.

Kelli earned a Bachelor of Science in English from Weber State University and a Master’s degree in School Leadership and Administration from Utah State University. She is currently in her 11th year as Executive Director of the Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science (NUAMES). Under her leadership, NUAMES has doubled in size, expanded to two campuses, and became the first high school in northern Utah to earn a Platinum-Level STEM High School designation. NUAMES is consistently a top-performing school in Utah and, in 2025, became the first school district in Utah and the Intermountain West to be named a Top 50 School District in the United States by Newsweek.

Kelli has received numerous state and national recognitions, including the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology in 2022, Utah’s highest civilian honor for scientific and technological achievement, awarded for her leadership and advocacy for STEM education. Prior to NUAMES, she worked as a teacher and then principal in Weber School District. Kelli and her husband, Chad, live in Eden, where they raised four sons and welcomed two daughters-in-law. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking with her golden retriever Izzy, skiing, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Alex Johnson

My name is Alex Johnson. Having a child enrolled in the charter school allows me to provide the Board with a real-time, first-hand perspective on how the school is functioning. Although I am not a Utah native, I am a long-time resident and a graduate of Weber State University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a two-year degree as a Chemical Technician. This background allows me to bring a non-local perspective, along with strong “Wildcat Pride.” I enjoy the outdoors, basketball (coaching, watching, and playing), puttering, spending time with my wife, and—most importantly—being a father to my three children.

Cheri Walker

Cheri Walker is a dedicated educator and community leader with a deep-rooted commitment to the Ogden area. A proud alumna of Weber State University, Cheri earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, later enhancing her expertise with endorsements as a Media Specialist and in Gifted & Talented education.

During her tenure with the Ogden School District, Cheri spent over a decade fostering student growth across multiple roles. Her career includes two years in 3rd and 4th-grade classrooms, two years as a Media Specialist, and nine years specializing in 1st-grade Gifted & Talented instruction. Beyond the classroom, Cheri has been a cornerstone of the Treehouse Children’s Museum, serving on the Board of Trustees for 25 years, including a three-and-a-half-year term as Board Chair.

Cheri is married to Edward B. Walker. Together, they enjoy spending time with their two sons, their daughters-in-law, and their eight beloved grandchildren.