Our Story Begins Here
❊ About Us
Built by parents who wanted something better for their own child.
Like most parents, we started by asking what kind of school we wanted for our daughter. She was still a few years away from joining us at Bend Leadership Academy, but that question lit the spark.
We researched how traditional schools were built, what they were originally designed to do, and the results they’re producing today. What we found wasn’t encouraging: a system built for the industrial age, not the world our kids are growing up in now. Test scores are flat. Anxiety is rising. Too many kids are disengaged.
We knew we had to do something better.
So we built the kind of school we wished existed. A place where curiosity drives the day, kids take ownership of their growth, and families feel like partners in the journey. That’s Bend Leadership Academy.
Meet the Founders
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Co-Founder & Head CoachJenna was born to educate, coach, and be a mom. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Pepperdine University and spent more than a decade as a public school elementary teacher. Even inside that system, she challenged the “why” behind decisions that didn’t serve kids. Her goal was always simple: create thoughtful, respectful, independent little leaders.
At Bend Leadership Academy, Jenna is most excited to take the handcuffs of traditional education off and coach the next generation of critical thinkers.
She’s also deeply passionate about health and wellness, and she loves helping women transform their lives through movement, encouragement, and sustainable habits. More than anything, Jenna leads with heart and transparency, showing her friends, family, and community that no matter what life throws your way, you can and will overcome it.
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Co-Founder & Community DirectorSean’s life has always been driven by curiosity and a love of learning. Traditional education didn’t fit him, but that didn’t stop him from landing a job at Google, co-founding a labor marketplace startup, or leading global teams of over 1,200 people. He’s been a Director, Founder, Head Of…, food truck owner, and coach, and he currently leads Global Learning & Development Strategy at Chewy.
At Bend Leadership Academy, Sean oversees business operations and supports the design of our physiology and fitness programming. He holds certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine in Personal Training, Nutrition, and Youth Exercise.
Sean is also the founder of RuckTalks, a mission-driven organization built around movement, community, and growth. Through local gatherings, retreats, and workplace programs, RuckTalks helps people build stronger connections, develop resilience, and pursue growth in every area of life.
Outside of work, you’ll find Sean training in his garage gym, competing in the Tactical Games, learning everything he can, rucking before sunrise, or chasing adventures with Jenna and their daughter.
Why we’re here
Bend Leadership Academy is more than a school. It’s a community built by parents who believe kids are capable of so much more than what traditional classrooms allow. Our mission is simple: to help kids love learning, find their purpose, and build the life skills to thrive.