The Ovation Company » Who We Are

We are The Ovation Company. Inspired by the idea that everyone should be appreciated for their own unique talents and special gifts, The Ovation Company exists to recognize what is important, celebrate being human and stand up for the good in all of us. It is our mission to grow and cultivate positive interactions with all who share the school environment. The Ovation Company is here to ask you…“What do you stand for?”

A native Oregonian, Kari grew up in a teaching family. Her father taught French and Spanish for over 35 years in the Hillsboro school district, a bedroom community of Portland, OR. Surrounded by educators and administrators, Kari gained an appreciation for education and teaching that profoundly impacted her life. Kari received her BA degree in Speech Communication, with an eye toward training, and has since spent nearly 20 years teaching software and personal fitness. Kari has immersed herself in marketing, graphics and communications, fulfilling not only her creative outlet, but in turn supporting the efforts of The Ovation Company. Kari has a passion for learning and living life to the fullest. Carefully balancing her life as full time parent and dedicated professional, Kari brings her diverse experience, training and knowledge to The Ovation Company. As the Executive Director of marketing/communications, development and operations, Kari brings her passion to assist schools in building solid programs that help maintain focus on positive student interactions. Kari does not know how to sit still and strives to show others how to become a “mover and shaker”. Her hobbies include fitness instruction, dancing, trampoline, hiking, ice skating, crafts, graphics, event planning and just about anything new and interesting. Kari’s biggest commitment is to her family; husband Keith, and children Justice, Echo and Bennet. Kari stands for the positive in ALL circumstances.

Stu is a specialist in developing positive school climate and culture and lives in Littleton, CO with his wife Callie and his two kids Maddie and Jackson. Stu is a long time lover of the theatre and has been a professional actor for over 20 years. With a double Masters degree in education and a B.A. in Drama, Stu has taught high school and middle school, is a children’s theatre expert, has worked with professional theatre companies, both nationally and internationally, and is an advocate for arts education and awareness for young people. Stu’s varied, and sometimes quirky background includes building his own house, restoring old cars, riding a unicycle, juggling and the unique ability to balance things on his face (a strange talent he does for fundraisers and local non-profit organizations to help raise money). Currently, Stu works around the country with students and teachers alike to help build strong school communities and improve campus culture and climate. His association with Learning for Living Corporation (school wide community building) and the Boomerang Project (student transition programs like Link Crew and WEB) have been his primary focus since 1999. Stu is the founder of The Ovation Company…standing up for what is good (2004). He now works around the country training students and educators to take active roles in defining their school climate. From keynote speaking and leadership retreats to staff development and on site student programs like Connecting the Dots and 4Word Momentum, Stu is applying his unique background and experience to work side by side with students, educators and schools to help meet the needs of an ever changing school environment. Stu stands for compassion, community and kindness.

As a third generation Washingtonian, Geoff was born into a teaching family. His mother is an elementary teacher and his father is a high school English teacher as well as track and cross country coach. With aunts, uncles, cousins and both sets of grandparents in education, Geoff didn’t have to look far to find a rewarding career. After two years at North Idaho College, Geoff began working at a local high school as an educational assistant in the special education program. It was then that Geoff decided to embark on his journey as an educator. Geoff graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelors degree in Education and endorsements in K-8 general education and K-12 in reading with a minor in special education. While attending college, Geoff was heavily involved in theatre, both on and off the stage, and also worked with the Coeur d’ Alene Summer Theatre as the shop Foreman and assistant Technical Director. Since graduation from college in 2003, Geoff has had the opportunity to teach a broad spectrum of subjects and grade levels. He has taught Kindergarten, LAP/Title reading programs to 1-4th graders, Physical Education and woodworking as a shop teacher at Shaw middle school in Spokane, WA (and still has all his fingers and toes). Geoff has recently joined the Idaho Drug Free Youth team in Coeur d’Alene, ID. He is busy traveling the state of Idaho and working on drug and alcohol prevention with the great youth of Idaho. Geoff is a proud Scotsman with a big red beard and an energy that is hard to equal. This self proclaimed goofball finds that his strength and passion comes in working with Elementary and Middle school students. Geoff has a youthful approach to life coupled with an old world charm that makes speaking and teaching a good fit. Geoff has had a recent addition to his family in the form of his son Emmett. He is a blessing and just about the cutest thing Geoff has ever seen. Some of Geoff’s hobbies and interests include: avid karaoke singer, guitar player, martial artist, actor, fly fisherman, home remodeling enthusiast, dog trainer, hearty eater, brother, husband, father, son and friend to all. Geoff shares his life with his beautiful wife Danelle, who is working on her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy, and his awesome K-9 Seamus. Geoff stands for honesty, loyalty and love!

Mike was born and raised in Colorado and still makes it his home. At a very young age, Mike knew he wanted to become a firefighter. Truly, he was blessed when he was able to achieve that goal and begin working for a large metropolitan department. As he progressed through more ranks and roles he undertook more leadership responsibilities. Currently, Mike is a Captain and after seventeen years in emergency medical services, is still a practicing paramedic. Throughout his professional career Mike has been able to combine his passion for emergency services, leadership and education as an instructor, facilitator, and consultant. He has presented in classrooms, auditoriums and gymnasiums, locally, nationally and internationally. This has given him the opportunity to see beautiful places, meet wonderful people and share in their lives. Along the way, Mike has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, two Associates degrees and is finishing his Masters in Adult Education this year! He is supported by a tween and a teen daughter and an ever patient wife who is an elementary school teacher. In his free time, Mike is an avid football fan, loves to read, travel and try to solve all the world’s problems in coffee shop lobbies. Mike stands for choices, knowledge and outreach.