Business Development Team


Karen LeFever, Educational Services of America
Karen LeFever, Ed.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer

Karen LeFever, an experienced educator and administrator, directs the company's new business development strategy. She has special expertise in leading the development of partnerships that connect public school and school district achievement concerns with innovative services and programs that benefit students, school districts and communities.

Office: (303) 730-3371 | Cell: (303) 588-0547 | Email: klefever@spectrumschools.com

Lisa Chitty
Lisa Chitty, Senior Vice President, Business Development

Lisa Chitty began her career as a teacher and subsequently held numerous educational leadership positions, including executive director of a private pre-school. She also founded and served as principal of a private elementary and middle school for non-traditional learners before joining the company in 2006.

Region: Southwest, Midwest, Florida | Phone: (561) 346-2138 |
Email: lchitty@spectrumschools.com

Tony Van Gytenbeek
Tony Van Gytenbeek, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives

Tony Van Gytenbeek has more than 30 years of experience as an educator in the K-12 public school system. Prior to his 2011 retirement as the Deputy Superintendent in the Aurora Public Schools, Tony worked as an assistant superintendent of human resources, a middle school principal, a high school assistant principal and dean, among other positions.

Region: West | Phone: (303) 770-0793 | Email: tvangytenbeek@esa-education.com


Phyllis Lucia
Phyllis Lucia, Senior Vice President, Business Development

Phyllis Lucia began her career as a teacher with ESA, where her skill in building strong partnerships with students, parents and faculty led to leadership posts that included admissions director, assistant principal and principal. Her educational expertise has also included roles as a curriculum writer and an advocate for parent and community involvement.

Region: Southeast | Phone: (561) 747-6959 | Email: plucia@spectrumschools.com


Chris Hammill, Vice President, Business Development
Chris Hammill, Vice President, Business Development

Chris Hammill has more than 20 years of experience as a Michigan educator. Over the course of his career, Chris has served as an elementary school principal, Interim Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and COO and Superintendent.

Region: Michigan | Phone: (810) 824-3424 | Email: chammill@spectrumschools.com


Carmen Rivera
Carmen Rivera-Jara, M.P.H., M.A., Vice President, Business Development

Carmen Rivera-Jara, M.P.H., M.A., has more than 20 years experience in special education and mental and public health. She has supervised all phases of special education for students who have autism, emotional disturbance and developmental disability, and has served as a special education administrator in non-public schools.

Region: California | Phone: (951) 264-1958 | Email: crivera-jara@spectrumschools.com