♦ Meet Our People

Amy Hukkinen

Amy oversees a $31 million Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. She developed and implemented Bluum’s grant administration and technology systems, leveraging her expertise in process improvement, technology management, and cross-functional project leadership. Her work has helped support multiple rounds of federal grant competitions that expand access to high-quality public charter schools across Idaho.

Amy’s commitment to education was shaped by her own experience in an integrated advanced learning environment and the teachers and mentors who guided her academic journey. She has taught in rural Idaho and Hawai‘i as a member of the Teach for America corps, with classroom experience spanning grades 4–12 in special education, science, mathematics, and English.

She holds a B.S. in Business Administration Management and an M.S. in National Security Studies with a cybersecurity focus from New Jersey City University. Amy is also a member of Cohort 8 of the PiE Leadership Institute. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring national and state parks, visiting art museums, and taking long road trips.

Annie Edwards

Annie Edwards is a Finance & Operations Manager at Bluum, and a proud Idaho native.

After high school in Idaho, Annie attended Gonzaga University and obtained a BA in Accounting. When in Spokane briefly, Annie worked with the Hospice of Spokane, where she was first introduced to non-profit finance work. After returning to Idaho and prior to joining Bluum, she served as Finance Manager with St. Alphonsus Health System and has held several finance-related roles in her nearly 20 years with the organization.

She has always felt a pull to non-profit work and is thrilled to expand her experience into the world of education at Bluum. She has grown committed to supporting the success of education and children in her home state of Idaho, a mission she holds dear to her heart.

Outside of work, Annie has two teenagers that keep her on her toes. You’ll often find her driving to activities around the Treasure Valley, cheering them on in their many adventures. She has also always been active in her own team sports, but most of her free time these days is embracing watching her own kids in theirs. Annie enjoys watching the Zags play basketball, hiking in the foothills, music festivals, and being with family and friends.

Ashley Cotton

Ashley Cotton serves as the Director of Collaboration & Partnerships at Bluum, managing the day-to-day operations of the entire team, coordinating school visits, and planning all logistics for Bluum events. Ashley spent her undergraduate years at Kansas University with a double major in Latin American Studies and Spanish. She then went on to receive her master’s at Texas A&M in political science. Ashley’s connection to public charter schools began at a young age, when she graduated from Alicia R. Chácon International school in El Paso, Texas. During her master’s program, she spent significant amounts of time publishing research on international politics in Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Beyond her work at Bluum, Ashley is a military spouse and is the lead Key Spouse for the 391st MHAFB Key Support Group. Fluent in English, Spanish, and conversational Russian, Ashley’s life is a reflection of her commitment to strengthening communities, empowering Idaho’s students, and supporting those who serve. Recognized by the Idaho Business Review as one of the state’s Most Accomplished Under 40 in 2025, she brings both passion and purpose to her work.

In her free time, Ashley loves spending time with her dog named Pickle, her husband Chris when he isn’t deployed, and volunteering with the Junior League of Boise.

Cole Skinner

Cole Skinner is a Finance & Operations Manager at Bluum with a background in finance, accounting, and technology. He manages payrolls, financial reconciliations, supports financial forecasting, and ensures compliance with state and federal reporting for multiple high performing public charter schools around Idaho. He also reviews and assists with funding requests for the over 32-million dollars in Federal Charter School Program funding awarded to public charter schools in the Gem State.

Cole’s career started at Boise State University as a Financial Technician, providing financial support and guidance to a variety of student clubs and organizations. Prior to Bluum he worked for a corporate domain registrar, facilitating various client requests, and working with domain registries around the world. Cole earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing an MBA from Oklahoma State University.

Outside of work, Cole enjoys all the great outdoor activities that Idaho has to offer. He enjoys exploring the mountains with his wife Allie and two labradors.

Desiree Rivera

Desiree Rivera serves as the Special Education Program Development Specialist for Bluum and is a passionate advocate for inclusive education. She began her journey as an Extended Resource and Behavior Program Special Educator in the Caldwell School District. She later served as the Special Education Director at Elevate Academy. Being part of Elevate’s founding years was a pivotal chapter in her career, reinforcing her belief in innovative, student-centered approaches to education.

After firsthand navigating the steep learning curve of starting a special education program, Desiree is passionate about helping other directors avoid any pitfalls faced early on. Her goal is to support educators in focusing their time and energy on students by equipping them with everything needed at the start to build strong, compliant, and student-focused programs.

Her path into education was sparked when her own children began school, inspiring her to pursue higher education as an adult. Desiree holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Boise State University. She is a proud mother of two, and after experiencing personal loss in 2023, finds renewed purpose in supporting schools and students through impactful work.

When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, camping, exploring the outdoors with her family, spending time with her four dogs, and has recently discovered a newfound love for golf.

Duncan Robb

Duncan Robb has dedicated his career to expanding educational opportunity and helping students access high-quality learning experiences. After relocating to Boise from Washington, D.C., he served as Chief Policy Advisor to Idaho State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra, where he developed a deep understanding of Idaho’s education landscape and policy environment.

During his tenure, Duncan played a leading role in shaping Idaho’s federal education plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and helped advance key initiatives, including the implementation of rigorous academic standards and the Idaho Reading Indicator.

Following his service in state government, Duncan advised national education foundations and nonprofit organizations on K–12 strategy and implementation. His clients included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, yes. every kid. Foundation, the George W. Bush Institute, the Foundation for Excellence in Education, and the National PTA.

Most recently, Duncan co-founded Waypoint Education Partners, a national education policy and communications firm. While the firm continues its successful work nationwide, Duncan has refocused his efforts on advancing educational opportunities closer to home in Idaho.

Today, he serves on the boards of Gem Prep and Mosaics Public School, continuing his longstanding commitment to improving outcomes for students and families. Duncan began his career in education as a Teach For America corps member, teaching sixth-grade mathematics in Houston.

He holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Oregon and a Master of Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University. Duncan lives in Boise with his wife, their two children, and a black Labrador retriever.

Jennifer Ribordy

Jennifer Ribordy is Bluum’s Special Education Development Director, bringing over 25 years of experience spanning every level of K-12 special education. She has served as a special educator, educational diagnostician, district trainer, and special education programming consultant for a district serving more than 40,000 students. Her career has given her a deep understanding of how to meet diverse student needs while building and sustaining high-quality, school-wide special education programs.

Jennifer began her career in Texas, working in both rural and urban districts, and gained valuable insights into varied educational landscapes. As a proud Idaho native, she was thrilled to return to Boise to advance inclusive education in her home state.

She holds a B.A. in Special Education, Secondary Education, and Psychology from the University of Idaho, an M.Ed. in Special Education/Educational Diagnostician from Sam Houston State University, and a certification in Educational Leadership from Idaho State University.

At Bluum, Jennifer partners with leaders to strengthen special education programs, providing strategic guidance, system-level expertise, and instructional planning support. Her leadership has driven several key initiatives, including launching a Special Education Fellowship Program, creating a Special Education Leader Community of Practice, and establishing a Medicaid Billing Department that has collectively helped schools secure over $2 million in reimbursements.

Jennifer also contributes nationally through organizations such as the Center for Learner Equity and the NICE Coalition, shaping policy and advocating for equity and access at scale.

Julie Jones

Julie Jones serves as the Medicaid Billing Coordinator for Bluum and is so happy to be part of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children through education. She has worked on behalf of school districts throughout the state and multiple developmental disability agencies in Idaho as well.

Julie is committed to maximizing reimbursement monies for schools and is always looking for ways to improve processes and increase efficiency.

Keith Donahue

Keith Donahue is the Director of School Strategy and Operations for Bluum. He has over 11 years of charter school leadership experience to work for Bluum’s network of partner schools. Prior to his career in the education sector, Keith spent 12 years in the legal profession.

Keith earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder and his Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark School of Law in Portland, Oregon. Keith has extensive experience advising government clients, drafting legislation, and ensuring compliance with state and federal law. He also has experience managing government programs, including securing funding, overseeing budgets, managing employees, and meeting program milestones.

He has served 11 years in various roles with Sage International School of Boise, joining first as a founding board member prior to Sage opening its doors to students. Keith then transitioned to Development Director for four years. In this role, Keith was responsible for Sage’s fundraising activities, grant writing, and the financing, purchase and redevelopment of Sage International’s Boise Campus. Keith then assumed the role of Executive Director, where he oversaw the strengthening of Sage International’s finances, operations and academics while also directing the launch of a second school, Forge International School in Middleton, Idaho.

Keith is excited to help school boards and leaders successfully launch and grow innovative schools that bring high-quality educational choices to K-12 students across Idaho.

Laura Swift

Laura Swift is a Finance & Operations Manager at Bluum. She’s moved around a great deal, and even lived overseas twice, but considers Idaho to be home.

She comes to Bluum with 13 years’ experience in accounting and finance from various industries including nonprofit, higher education and fintech. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from Boise State University.

Laura is thrilled to be diving into the world of K-12 school finance and learning about what makes each school experience unique. When she’s not shuttling her two kids to various sports and activities, Laura enjoys spending time with family and traveling every chance she gets.

Lauren Tassos

Lauren joins the Bluum team as Finance & Operations Manager. She’s spent the majority of her life in Idaho, having grown up in the Hailey and Boise areas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Gonzaga University and a master’s degree in teaching from Pace University.

Lauren has 9 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, the majority of which was spent leading the development and donor relations department for the Idaho Community Foundation in Boise. She’s served more than 10 years in the field of education, including two years as an 8th grade teacher in the Bronx as part of the Teach For America New York region, four years as fundraiser and chief of staff for Teach For America Idaho region, and most recently four years leading operations and finance for local charter Future Public School, a school for which she was proudly a founding parent and board member.

Outside the office Lauren and her family of four, including kids Sam and Katie, can be found camping, hiking, and exploring Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. When she can find a moment to sneak away, Lauren loves to read and is an aspiring runner.

Natalia Miller

Natalia Miller is Bluum’s Accounts Payable Specialist, and an Idaho native. Born and raised in Boise, a chance encounter while rafting the Payette River led her to a twenty-one-year career with The Boise Co-Op, managing their Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable.

Natalia is thrilled to be working for a company whose main purpose is to improve the lives of Idaho’s children, and is honored to be working with people who continually inspire her.

Marc Carignan

Marc Carignan is the CFO of Bluum, bringing a blend of corporate and non-profit experience in finance, accounting, information systems and management. As Bluum’s CFO, he oversees accounting, financial reporting, grant management and school back-office support.

Marc earned his BA in business management from California State University, Fullerton.

His career started in 1993 as a CPA at Grant Thornton LLP, where he spent seven years auditing non-profit and for-profit entities. Before joining Bluum in late 2014, Marc spent fourteen years as a hands-on finance, information systems and operations manager for several manufacturing companies.

Nicole Kiefer

Nicole Kiefer is Bluum’s Director of Operations. A proud Idahoan for most of her life, she’s also spent time living in Texas, Utah, California, and Michigan. Her passion for education led her to earn an interdisciplinary degree in Business Management and Family Relations—an achievement she’s especially proud of completing in her thirties.

As a mom of three, Nicole has always loved learning and works hard to pass that love on to her kids. She previously served as an Operations Manager at a charter school and found deep satisfaction in supporting students and staff. Now she’s thrilled to bring that same energy and experience to Bluum, helping to advocate for education through school choice.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, documentaries, and cheering on her kids at their various activities.

Ruth Turner

Ruth brings more than 25 years of specialized accounting experience to Bluum. As an Idaho native, she is proud to collaborate with a team dedicated to advancing the future of education for children across the state. In her role, she provides essential support to Bluum's Finance and Operations managers, ensuring optimal fiscal accuracy and efficiency.

Outside of her professional commitments, Ruth maintains a well-balanced lifestyle by exploring Idaho's diverse landscapes through hiking, biking, and camping. She spends as much of her personal time engaging her granddaughters in creative crafts, local park outings, or visits to Zoo Boise.

Sydnee Ames

Sydnee grew up here in the Treasure Valley and is a proud Boise State University alum, where she earned her B.A. in Integrated Media & Strategic Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations, along with a certificate in Leadership & Human Development. She later received her M.A.Ed. from George Washington University in Organizational Leadership & Adult Learning.

Before joining BLUUM, Sydnee spent several years in retail leadership, where she discovered a passion for building strong teams, creating meaningful experiences, and fostering authentic connections. She is excited to combine her background in public relations and strategic communications with her leadership experience to support BLUUM’s operations, strengthen engagement, and help advance educational opportunities for Idaho students and families.

Outside of work, Sydnee is an avid sports fan and craft enthusiast. She’s always on the hunt for the Treasure Valley’s best coffee shop and enjoys taking walks along the Greenbelt, one of her favorite parts of living in Idaho.

Terry Ryan

Terry Ryan is the CEO of the Boise-based education nonprofit Bluum and Board Chair of the Idaho Charter School Network. He leads efforts to double the number of students in Idaho’s high-performing public charter schools and oversees Bluum’s strategic and operational activities, including overseeing an $8.63 million annual budget. He coordinates all activities with key partners like the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and many Idaho public charter schools.

Terry is responsible for Idaho’s $25 million federal Charter School Program (CSP) grant, which is Idaho’s second CSP grant managed by Bluum. Before Idaho, he was Vice-President for Ohio Programs and Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute from 2001 to 2013. He began his education career as a teacher in Poland and worked with the Polish Ministry of Education on civic education issues. In the 1990s, he served as research director for the UK-based 21st Century Learning Initiative.

He has served on various educational councils, task forces and boards, including Idaho Governor Brad Little’s “Our Kids, Idaho’s Future” education task force and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Policy Advisory Council, the CAEP Commission and the boards of GEM Prep Innovation Schools and American Classical Schools of Idaho. Terry is a published author, has been a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, and a 2008 Aspen Institute/Pahara Fellow.