GOAL Leadership
Meet The C Team
Jill Toussaint
Chief Executive Officer
Jill Toussaint received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Colorado State University – Pueblo and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. Jill’s career as an education professional has been spent in two of Colorado’s most innovative charter schools. As an education professional, Jill has transitioned from a high school science teacher to a school administrator tasked with implementing progressive educational policies that increase opportunities for Colorado students. Jill is well qualified to do so. She spent six years serving on the Colorado Advisory Board overseeing the implementation of state legislation for the Concurrent Enrollment and ASCENT programs. Jill is committed to advocate for legislation to positively support Alternative Education Campuses in our state.
In 2010, Jill joined the Guided Online Academic Learning (GOAL) Academy’s administrative team as the Concurrent Enrollment and Career and Technical Education Coordinator, significantly expanding and enhancing both programs. She has served as GOAL’s Director of Academic Advising and Associate Academic Officer of the Pueblo Region. Since fall 2016, she has served as GOAL’s Chief Academic Officer. In this role, Jill supports GOAL’s Six regions and regional staff along with the oversight of all of GOAL’s academic programs including: Curriculum and Instruction, College and Career Counseling, English Language Learners, Intervention Resources, Career and Technical Education, Professional Learning and Development, Exceptional Student Services, and Student Support Services.
Education is… a right that should not be withheld from anyone.
Jill is happily married and is the proud mother of two amazing children.
Bryana Burns
Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer, Bryana Burns provides strategic leadership and oversight of GOAL’s financial operations, ensuring the organization’s resources are managed with integrity, transparency, and purpose. She brings over 15 years of experience in accounting, nonprofit finance, education finance, and auditing to her role.
Bryana previously served as GOAL’s Director of Finance for five years, where she played a key role in strengthening fiscal systems, improving financial reporting, and aligning financial strategy with the school’s growth and long-term goals. Her collaborative leadership style and data-driven approach help ensure that financial decisions directly support GOAL’s mission of developing productive members of society.
A proud Colorado native, Bryana is deeply committed to youth and education. She takes great pride in helping build the financial foundation that allows GOAL to provide opportunity and support to students across the state.
Bryana holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from Colorado State University–Pueblo and earned her Certified Public Accountant designation in 2012.
Outside of work, Bryana enjoys sports, outdoor activities, traveling, tackling home renovation projects, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Jason Hochevar
Chief Academic Officer
Jason Hochevar is a dedicated educational leader with a strong foundation in engineering and military service. A proud Pueblo native, Jason graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, earning a degree in Marine Engineering and receiving his commission as an officer in the United States Navy. He served for seven years as a Marine Engineer and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Following his military career, Jason transitioned into education, beginning as a math teacher at Dolores Huerta Preparatory High. During his four years there, he played a pivotal role in developing the online learning model that would evolve into GOAL Academy. While at the school, Jason served as Head Track and Field coach for all 4 years.
In 2010, Jason joined GOAL Academy full-time. He began as a math teacher and student advisor. He grew along with the school, holding numerous leadership roles, including oversight of the Pueblo Mall and Pueblo Nature Center sites, as well as serving as Principal of the Southern Region. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to student success, innovation in online education, and deep community engagement. He believes whole-heartedly in GOAL’s mission, and GOAL’s opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth.
Jason lives in Pueblo with his family and remains passionate about supporting students and families across Colorado. He looks forward to continuing his work with the amazing staff students at GOAL Academy as the Chief Academic Officer.
Jamie Trujillo
Chief Information Officer
Jamie Trujillo serves as the Chief Information Officer for GOAL Academy. Jamie joined GOAL in 2016 after a successful 10 year leadership role as the Director of Information Technology for Doss Aviation (now CAE Initial Flight Training) based in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, CO.
In his current role at GOAL, Jamie is directly responsible for leading GOAL’s Technology efforts, including infrastructure management, application development, and cybersecurity protections. In addition, Jamie is passionate about student success, encouraging the technology division to prepare students for a life centered around technology. Jamie partners closely with all departments at GOAL to ensure technology initiatives are aligned with GOAL’s mission to Develop Productive Members of Society.
Jamie is a 25 year veteran of the Tech industry. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in IT Administration from Western Governors University. He possesses 13 technical operation and technical management certifications. Born and raised in Western Colorado, Jamie is a fifth-generation Colorado native and is proud to champion technology that supports student learning in every part of Colorado.
Jamie is a proud founder and former Director of the Microsoft Showcase Schools Global Advisory Board, a member of the Board of the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation, an active member of the Colorado Association of Leaders in Educational Technology (CALET), a high school basketball official, and a proud husband and father to two wonderful sons. In his free time, Jamie enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors of Colorado and on the golf course, mentoring the next generation of tech leaders, and networking and sharing ideas with other technology professionals across Colorado.
Principals
Wendy Haut
Principal
Wendy Haut grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado and earned her bachelor’s degree teaching license in 2001 from Colorado Christian University. In 2016, she went back to school earning a Master’s in Teaching and Learning with a focus on Educational Leadership from CSU-Global.
As an educator of 20 years, her background, knowledge and experience spans multiple age groups with a focus on at-risk youth. She has support students in Pre-K thru High School, including special needs students, giving her a knowledge base to be able to provide insight at multiple levels to facilitate learning needs.
Through the years, Wendy has provided support and education in both teaching and leadership positions in Colorado and Wisconsin. She was instrumental in the creation and implementation of a reading and math tutoring program for at-risk students in a Wisconsin school district before moving back to Colorado. In 2010, Wendy joined GOAL High School and continues to strive to make a difference in the communities she serves.
Outside her role as a mentor and educator, Wendy enjoys spending time in the mountains hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring with her daughters, their mini aussie, and golden retriever!
Ryan Mathews
Principal
Ryan Mathews brings nearly a decade of leadership experience at GOAL High School to their new role as Southern Regional Principal. With a strong foundation in online learning and educational leadership, Ryan has served in multiple capacities across the organization, most recently as Assistant Principal for the Four Corners area.
Ryan holds a Principal’s License and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Education with a focus on Technology and Design. They also earned a Master’s in Education, Leadership and Technology, and a Bachelor’s in K–12 Art Education. This creative background informs a student-centered leadership style that emphasizes meeting learners where they are and helping them succeed.
As Southern Regional Principal, Ryan is committed to guiding teams across multiple sites toward continued growth and excellence. Their vision is rooted in collaboration, data-driven practices, and a shared commitment to GOAL’s mission: “Best Today, Better Tomorrow.” Ryan looks forward to leading with purpose, inspiring progress, and supporting every student’s journey toward graduation and lifelong success.
Cameron McLaughlin
Principal
Cameron McLaughlin graduated from Poudre High School in Fort Collins, Colorado before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in History Education from Colorado State University in 2007. In 2016, he graduated from the American College of Education with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Cameron began teaching Social Studies in 2007 in the subjects of World History, Psychology, Physical Education, US History and Government in the small mountain town of Westcliffe, Colorado. He has also coached Wrestling for over 10 years in Illinois and Colorado. Cameron started his career at GOAL High School in 2010 as a homeroom instructor. Over the past 10 years, he has worked at GOAL in a variety of positions before becoming the Principal in 2016.
Hobbies: Playing Guitar, Piano, Hiking, Camping and Playing blocks with his two young daughters!
Quote: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Dr. Derek Staves
Principal
I am a father of three and have a deep appreciation for the love and support that the school staff has given my children. Some of the best advice I have ever received happened early in my career, “treat the children in your classrooms like your own children and your own children like those in your classroom.” I am committed to each of the students that we serve and our role in building necessary relationships to help all our student find their own success.
I have been in education for 19 years and have worked with at-risk students for 16 of the 19 years. I have served as a classroom teacher, pre-service teacher education instructor, dean of students, professional learning consultant, assistant principal, and reading specialist. I hold a Bachelor of Science, Master of Education in reading instruction and diagnoses, Certificate of Advanced Study in school administration and supervisor, and a Doctor of Educational Leadership. I love new challenges and talking to everyone. I root for the underdog and will help others reach their goals and aspirations. I enjoy spending time with my kids, building, and construction, playing music, painting landscapes, CrossFit, and learning anything new. The school was always difficult for me as a child, I am the product of a few amazing teachers who saw my potential as a student with a disability. I am a first-generation college student who believes that any student who wants to succeed can with a little help from people who care. Please reach out to me and we will enjoy a cup of coffee as we solve the world’s problems. As an extreme extrovert, I am always ready for a chat.
I have spent, many years in education, and I am truly humbled to be a part of the GOAL family. Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to the end of this year and the impact we will have in the years to come. Now enjoy, the fruits of your labor and the celebrations to come. You have earned it!
Scott Elliott
Principal
I am excited to be the Principal of the Central Region! As the leader of the Central Region, I fully commit myself to furthering GOAL’S mission of developing productive members of society. My journey in education began 20 years ago as a coordinator for an after school program at a local elementary school. During my time in this position, I realized my love for teaching and acquired my Master’s Degree in Education. Throughout my time teaching, I enjoyed leading educational teams, specifically in the acquisition of technology. It became apparent that I wanted to pursue a role in leadership, so I attained an administrator license. I then transitioned out of the classroom and into a technology leadership role where I mentored teachers. This role led me to my first Administrator position at a local high school, where I served as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. four years ago, I was given the privilege of becoming an Assistant Principal for Goal High School at the Canon City location. I thoroughly enjoyed working in this role and it became apparent to me that this organization aligns fully with my vision for students in education. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with everyone in this role. I love working with educators, students, and families to meet our mission and vision. I can honestly say that GOAL feels like home and I feel blessed to be part of this organization.
Kyle York
Principal
My name is Kyle York and am the new GOAL Academy High School Principal in the Colorado Springs Region. My wife’s name is Esther and I have two wonderful daughters Madeline and Sarah. Esther is a licensed realtor with HomeSmart in the Colorado Springs area, Madeline is completing her second year at the University of Northern Colorado majoring in Nursing, and Sarah is a fourth-grade student at Liberty Tree Academy in Falcon, CO. We love the Springs and all the hiking, biking, and outdoor activities available in the area.
I grew up in a third-generation ranch management family, for Silver Spur Ranches, based out of Wyoming. I played multiple sports in high school, participated in 4-H and FFA, and was a member of National Honor Society. I then went to college at the University of Wyoming and graduated with a degree in Secondary Education Mathematics. From there I worked as a math teacher and three sport coach for six years and applied for my master’s program at the University of Northern Colorado. Tragedy hit my family with the death of my father, and I went back and worked as a Ranch and Recreation Manager with Silver Spur Ranches for five years. My eldest brother became the CEO of Silver Spur Ranches during that time which gave me the opportunity to reapply for my position at the University of Northern Colorado’s master’s program. After receiving my master’s degree in educational leadership, I took a job in Yuma, CO as their Assistant Principal of the K8. During my time with them we received two national awards, three State awards, and 4 district awards for growth and academic achievement. These accomplishments projected my career into principalships for the next eight years and gave me several opportunities to work with students in alternative education settings.
As principal I was able to set up two alternative schools and in my last assignment was able to acquire an EARSS grant that provided well over a million dollars to establish a separate school with an open concept design very similar to GOAL Academy High School sites in the Colorado Springs area.
I chose GOAL Academy High School because of the opportunities of working with like-minded colleagues who truly share my passion for educating alternative students. I also chose GOAL because of the students I knew I would be getting to meet and work with at the several sites in the Colorado Springs area. I was excited to work with students who were authentically engaged and not forced engagement that regular brick and mortar schools are accustom. Other items of interest were working with teachers to develop blended learning models and having the opportunity to work in the most advanced and cutting-edge education model in the country. It also didn’t hurt to know that I would be getting to work with Microsoft as the only online school in the country to be awarded as showcase school.
Go Gladiators! Show Up – Connect – Succeed!