Board of Directors

Rachel Romans - Board Chair

I grew up overseas & spent my high school years volunteering. Especially formative moments were spent at special need orphanages. As an adult my husband & I had 6 kids & then adopted 2, both who have special needs. That began a passion for special education & advocation. I have a Masters in Special Education & my time teaching is provided valuable experience & insight. Opening the learning center has been a dream come true. I am passionate about individualized, loving education that supports the entire special needs family.

Angie McKenzie - Secretary

It is with genuine enthusiasm that I join the Exceptional Minds Learning Center Board of Directors. I firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to receive an education that will empower them to discover and fulfill their unique potential, and I am confident that Exceptional Minds is a place where this vision becomes reality.

Laura Hiramatsu - Treasurer

My husband and I have called Ontario home for 45 years, building a life rooted in community and family. After dedicating 35 years to accounting and food safety at Murakami Produce, I retired in 2022, grateful for the experiences and friendships forged along the way. Together, we raised four wonderful daughters in Ontario and are now the proud grandparents of eleven energetic and curious grandchildren.

My greatest joys come from gardening, losing myself in a good book, and, above all, spending time with family—whether it’s gathering for celebrations, embarking on road trips, or traveling

to new places with my husband.

Mary James - Board Member

I grew up in Meridian, Idaho and attended the College of Idaho, where I majored in Biology, Sociology, and Spanish. I worked as a primary care clinic administrator for a few years and then attended Idaho State University to become a certified physician assistant. I have worked in the Ontario and Fruitland areas since 2010 as a Pediatric Physician Assistant. In 2014 I became an owner of Snake River Pediatrics and am proud to continue to provide pediatric care there. I am so excited to be a part of Exceptional Minds Learning Center and look forward to helping provide an opportunity for children who thrive in different learning environments. In my spare time I enjoy walking, reading, cooking, skiing and spending time with my husband, our 2 beautiful children, and our dog!

Becky Hawkins - Board Member

I have lived in the Treasure Valley all of my life. I taught elementary school for 18 years and completely enjoyed it. While teaching, I often thought that some special needs children would be better served using a different platform. I was very excited when I learned about the idea of Exceptional Minds Learning Center.

Exceptional Minds Learning Center Staff

Brittany Fife - Special Education Instructor

Hello!

I am married and have four great kids, one dog, and two cats! I love to watch my kids play sports, bake, and spend time with my family!

I have spent eleven years of my life, following in my mother's footsteps, dedicated to educating children, from birth through high school, specifically in the special needs area.

I am passionate about what I do and eager to learn and become better every day. That is one of my favorite aspects of working in education is being constantly challenged and taught something new every day! I believe that children deserve the very best versions of ourselves as educators.

~If they can't learn the way we teach, then we must teach the way they learn~ unknown

Elaine Farnsworth - Development Director

For more than two decades, I have cared for and taught children in both school and community settings. As an art teacher, I have witnessed the transformative power of individualized learning. Thus, I am thrilled to be part of Exceptional Minds Learning Center, where passionate teachers lovingly address each child’s unique needs.

In my spare time, I love to be with my four children and travel.