Tricia Mercado, a Pensar Academy Founding Board Member, is a proud resident of Glendale who received her accounting degree from Arizona State University. Ms. Mercado has a strong background in finance including experience as a charter school auditor. As an Accounting Manager for 6 years with Kelcka, Wilklins, and Klecka, Ms. Mercado specialized in auditing and grants management. At present, Ms. Mercado is a financial controller for the non-profit, Desert Botanical Gardens. Ms. Mercado brings a keen understanding of financial compliance regarding non-profit organizations to the Board at Pensar Academy.
Jason Klonoski, a Pensary Academy Founding Board Member, is the President of Morgan Realty Partners. His responsibilities include overseeing property acquisitions, development, and portfolio management in the Southwest. Mr. Klonoski began his career at Cushman & Wakefield in 1994 following a career in professional baseball. During his career he has established himself as a knowledgeable market leader, advising development clients on the underwriting, financing, construction and disposition of over 7 million square feet with a value in excess of $250 million. Mr. Klonoski currently sits on the board of The University of Arizona’s school of Finance, TeamCFA, and Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix Executive Council. Mr. Klonoski lends his expertise in board governance, facility acquisition and compliance, as well as school development to the Pensar Academy Board.
Samuel D. Francés Vázquez was born and raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Mr. Francés Vázquez earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with minors in Chemistry and Social Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao (UPR-H). In 2007, Mr. Francés Vázquez graduated Cum Laude and was awarded the Aguedo Mojica Award for his leadership and academic excellence. Upon graduation, Mr. Francés Vázquez received the National Science Foundation’s Bridge to Teaching fellowship reason for his move to Arizona. In 2008 Mr. Francés Vázquez graduated with his Master in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. Mr. Francés Vázquez has served as Math and Science Teacher, 21st Century Leanring Center Grant Facilitator, and Program Manager for the New Schools for Phoenix Program. Regardless of his role/title Mr. Francés Vázquez is a teacher at heart and nothing fulfill him more than aiding in the academic achievement of all students.
Gerry Garcia, a native of Phoenix, is a Pensar Academy Founding Board Member who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Consumer and Environmental Sciences from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. Gerry maintains a gifted endorsement and has been in the education world for over 9 years as a general and special education teacher, a gifted teacher, and a special education consultant. In addition, Gerry has a background in business where she has owned and operated various small businesses, works with public companies, and non-profit groups. Gerry has also served as a board member for multiple non-profit organizations that provide specific support to kids.
Pensar Academy 