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Northstar Academy

A fully accredited private online
Christian school for grades 4-12

Questions? 1.662.892.4380

Established July 1, 2025

NorthStar Academy Board of Directors

NorthStar Academy is blessed to be guided by its first independent Board of Directors, established July 1, 2025. The Board provides strategic, financial, and spiritual oversight, ensuring that NorthStar remains faithful to its mission as a nonprofit serving students and schools around the world. Together with the CEO and leadership team, the Board helps shape the vision and direction of NorthStar’s future.

The CEO serves on the Board in a non-voting capacity to align day-to-day leadership with Board vision and governance.

Danny Coyle
Chairman

Leadership coach and co-founder of 3eCoaching, Danny has guided leaders across business, ministry, and global contexts. A former business owner and church planter in Beijing, he brings wisdom in leadership transitions. Both of his daughters graduated from NorthStar.

Mark Porada
Vice Chairman

Mark is an Operational Excellence Executive with 20+ years of leadership experience. As a NorthStar parent of two graduates and two current students, he combines professional expertise with personal commitment. He is passionate about discipleship and Christian leadership.

Katie Ahmadzai
Secretary

Katie is an educator and administrator with 22 years of experience in U.S. and international schools, including 12 years at NorthStar. She is passionate about learning communities where every student is known, equipped, and inspired to live with purpose.

Phil Cornelius
Treasurer

Phil is a respected leader in the luxury motorcoach industry, serving as a top producer with Newell Coach after decades of record-setting sales at Foretravel and Marathon Coach. A NorthStar parent of an alumnus, he combines professional excellence with personal commitment to Christian education. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and pickleball.

Chuck Deitch
Board Member

Chuck serves as COO of Ready for Life, a nonprofit supporting young adults aging out of foster care. Formerly NorthStar’s Administrative Director of School Programs, he championed student safety and well-being. He brings deep care for accessibility and student support.

Erik Ellefsen
Board Member

Erik serves as Director of Networks and Improvement at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership and as a Senior Fellow with both Cardus and CACE. With more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership, he is passionate about strengthening schools, cultivating networks of educators, and advancing student flourishing.

Stephanie Shafer
Non-voting Board Member

Stephanie has served at NorthStar Academy since 2010 in roles including Business Administrator, COO, and now CEO/Head of School. She brings a strong background in business and organizational leadership combined with three decades of ministry and leadership experience. Stephanie is passionate about equipping students to discover their God-given gifts and impact the world for Christ.