New Beginnings Academy
Kendra and Mark Custance:
Kendra grew up in Pierson, Manitoba. Spending her youth playing hockey and actively volunteering in the community. After graduating high school Kendra decided to move to Alberta where she attended Red Deer College. She took her Level 3 in Early Childhood Education. After graduation she worked in and managed Child care centers and ran a licenced dayhome for 8 years.
Kendra and Mark have a deep passion for being lifelong learners, always investing in continuing education and going to conferences which is how we have ended up here.
A friend shared Laura Sandefer’s book (Courage to Grow) with Kendra and this is how they got started on setting up their own school . A desire for something greater not only for their children but also for other families. A desire to relight the spark in so many people’s lives.
Laura Sandefer: Advisor & Co-Founder of the Acton Academy
Laura lived on both US coasts and in between as a child, then settled into Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science.
After being awarded the highly competitive Walter Wattles Fellowship at Lloyd’s of London, Laura worked in the aviation insurance industry in New York City. Deciding to follow her calling into the world of education, Laura returned to Nashville and earned her Master of Education at Peabody College. This led her to her work at the Oklahoma Arts Institute, creating fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students.
Laura married Jeff Sandefer and is the happy mother of Sam and Charlie and step-mother to Taite. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy. Her greatest hero is her mother who was a Master Teacher. Her wisest mentor is her father who sent her off to college with two words of advice: “Be curious”.
Jeff Sandefer: Advisor & Co-Founder of the Acton Academy
Jeff Sandefer lives a dual life as an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide.
As an entrepreneur, he founded his first company at age 16 and went on to found or
co-found seven successful businesses.
Jeff is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he served for over twenty years on the school’s governing committees. He was a longtime director of the Philanthropy Roundtable and National Review magazine and one of the youngest members ever elected to the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
