Leadership Tapestries

Anne-Kathleen Borushko

Headmaster, Forest Heights Lower School

Headmaster Borushko initially entered the field of education as a district high school English teacher, moved to Great Hearts for its limited technology focus, and then found her true home in the “joyful order, the emphasis on Great Books, and the beautiful knowledge-based curriculum that focuses on the educating the whole child.” On the occasion of leading at another school, Ms. Borushko says, “It has been such an honor to have this opportunity - to see the similarities and differences among various Great Hearts schools within the same network, as well as to understand that some differences are necessary in order to serve the unique populations at each of our schools.”

Headmaster Borushko deeply appreciates the welcoming and open support of the Forest Heights faculty, and she also values her time under the leadership of two very different but uniquely talented and dedicated GH Headmasters, Trinette Keffer and Charles Brogan. Ms. Borushko reflects, “Headmaster Keffer taught me how to foster a vibrant school culture and empower teacher-leaders. Headmaster Brogan taught me about emotional constancy and the art of crucial conversations.” More broadly she notes, "Great Hearts – this organization and this community – has had a profound impact on my life and the lives of my children. I believe we are better because of the experiences we have had with Great Hearts."

Kate Imber

Headmaster, Monte Vista South

Now in her 8th year at Great Hearts, Headmaster Imber has served in a variety of roles, from math interventionist to 5^th Grade lead to Assistant Headmaster. Drawn to Great Hearts for its

emphasis on classical children’s literature and high academic expectations, she credits two headmasters (now Executive Directors), Mandi Cannon and Monet Lessner, as fundamental to her growth and career path. “When I sought improvements or efficiencies in our math instruction,” she remarks, “Ms. Cannon pushed me to prove those changes were needed using data. Ms. Lessner saw potential that I didn't see in myself, and she promoted and supported me in my leadership aspirations."

She highlights that her most fulfilling moments occur when “I am helping to solve problems for students who are struggling – this is where my heart lies.” Ms. Imber finds many challenges in her new role daily, particularly juggling such a large amount of information while still learning the ropes, but she has already set a personal growth goal to understand fully the processes and procedures in order to create a stable and fully functional academy for staff and families.

Kreigh Knerr

Headmaster, Irving Middle School

With previous experience as headmaster in a private classical school, Kreigh Knerr joined Great Hearts in the fall of 2022 as Assistant Headmaster at Irving Upper School. While in college, Mr. Knerr found leadership inspiration through a year-long independent tutorial on classical leadership philosophy centered on such great thinkers as Quintilian and Cicero. He also references the incredible support at Irving Upper in his now second year, sharing, “Here at Great Hearts, the regular conversation with other internal campus leaders has proven invaluable. I’m also fortunate that the whole leadership team at Irving Upper took such care last year in onboarding me to all things Great Hearts.”

As he enters this first year as Headmaster, Mr. Knerr expresses, “I really want to increase my dexterity with the technical aspects of charter school leadership in Texas, but the most fulfilling thing about this new role is simply that my faculty and staff have been so trusting and deeply invested in my success. ‘We will make certain that Mr. Knerr flourishes in his role’ seems to be the motto of the middle school this year, and I’m grateful for that consideration. It’s a very Great Hearts thing to be concerned with the well-being of your leaders, but it’s still noteworthy and lovely!”