Campus Leadership
Supporting campuses daily to help students work hard, have fun and achieve their goals.
Ms. Francie Austin, M.Ed.
Executive Chairman
Throughout her educational career Francie has been committed to the students whose disabilities and behavior impeded their ability to learn.
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Mr. Brian Esterly
President & Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Brian Esterly holds a bachelor’s degree from Villanova and a master’s from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, both in Business Administration. Brian has 30 …
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Mr. Garen Austin
Chief Operating Officer
Garen Austin is an Arizona native. Growing up in a household of teachers, Garen always aspired to become an educator. Garen graduated from Arizona State University, Summa Cum Laude, with …
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Ms. Christine Peter, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Christine Peter was born in San Jose, CA and raised in Redmond, Washington. She completed her Bachelors Degree in Accounting from University of Montana and continued on to receive …
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Mr. Paul Thiessen
Chief Training Officer
Paul Thiessen has been working with exceptional students for over twenty years in a multitude of settings.
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Ms. Kristin Reinert
Vice President of Human Resources
As Vice President of Human Resources, Kristin Reinert brings a strong blend of corporate experience, strategic insight, and people-first leadership to The ACES.
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Mr. Anthony Pozar, M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools/ VP of Operations
Anthony joined Austin Centers team in August 2006. Mr. Pozar started his professional career with Austin Centers at the Peoria campus as a Junior High School and Jumpstart Vocational teacher. …
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Mr. John Doran, M.Ed.
Western Regional Administrator
Born and raised in Buffalo N.Y., John first gained his Bachelor’s degree in Art and pursued a career as an illustrator and portrait artist. He began his career in education …
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Mr. Micheal Badger
Senior Director of IT
Driven by a passion for optimizing technological workflows and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction, Micheal continues to guide The Austin Centers towards unparalleled success in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
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Ms. Kristi Chua, MS, RN, BSN
Nurse Manager
Kristi has a BSN from The University of Texas at Arlington, and a MS from Arizona State University. Kristi has been a nurse for 30 years working in a variety …
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Mr. Landrian F.K.H. Hinton III M.S. SLP-CCC
Director of Related Services
With over two decades of dedicated service in the field of speech-language pathology, Landrian’s professional journey has evolved to a leadership role where he now serves as the Director of …
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Mr. Devin Van Tussenbroek
Director of Buildings & Grounds
Devin is a seasoned maintenance professional with over 15 years of industry experience. He has 3 years’ experience Co-owning a custom fabrication shop, 2 years as an Electrician, 3 years …
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Ms. Kim Gorrell
Director of Transportation
Kim Gorrell attended ASU but is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Kim comes to us with years of experience as a district transportation supervisor for Chandler USD and also experience …
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Ms. Stacey MacGregor
Chief of Staff
Stacey is an Executive Administration Specialist with over 20 years of experience, primarily focused on supporting multiple C-level executives simultaneously. Streamlining operational processes and driving strategic initiatives while coordinating cross-functional …
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Mr. Eric Small
PBIS and Lead Training Coordinator
Mr. Eric Small has been working in special education for the last eighteen years. Sixteen of those years have been as a member with the Austin Centers. His journey at …
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Mr. Andrae Holland, M.Ed.
Principal, Peoria Campus
Mr. Andrae Holland migrated to Arizona as a senior, graduating from Peoria High School. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and participating on the university’s football team, …
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Mr. Brad Trout, M.Ed
Principal, Westminster, CO Campus
Brad Trout is an experienced educator and the newest Principal at our newest Campus
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Mr. Min Hong M.Ed
Principal, Paradise Valley Campus
Mr. Min started with the Austin Centers in 2004 at the Peoria campus. Over the years from 2004 – 2016 and 2023-2025, he has had the privilege of growing with …
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Mr. Zach Zimmerman, M.Ed.
Principal, Tempe Campus
Zach Zimmerman started at the Austin Centers in 2007 as a therapeutic support staff and quickly developed a passion for working with students with special needs. He was the first …
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