The Children First Education Fund stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for students with disabilities in Utah.
Established with the mission to provide education choice for these students, Children First Education Fund (CFEF) administers the Utah Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship program, enabling children to have their education in a private school or homeschool settings that best cater to their unique learning requirements. This article delves into the dedicated individuals behind CFEF—the Board of Directors—whose unwavering commitment ensures that children with special needs receive the quality education they deserve.
Board of Directors: Champions of Special Needs Education and Advocates for Educational Choice
The Board of Directors at CFEF comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to the organization’s mission. Their collective dedication to special needs education is evident through their personal and professional experiences.
- Jordan Clements, Board Chair: Jordan is a partner at Rock Creek Capital, LLC, and serves as a director at Clements Midway Partners. He has been actively involved in the education choice movement in Utah for many years and has served on the CFEF board for nearly three years. Jordan is a graduate of Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School.
- Elisa Clements Linde, Director: Elisa is the Chief Operating Officer for the American Federation for Children, a national school choice advocacy organization. Prior to joining AFC in 2012, she served as Academic Partner Manager at Career Step, an online career training school. She also spent six years at Parents for Choice in Education, an organization dedicated to expanding school choice in Utah. Elisa holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in English and a master’s in Business Administration, both from Brigham Young University.
- Bill Aho, Director: Bill is the recently retired CEO of VidAngel Entertainment. His professional career includes executive positions with Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Darden Restaurants. He has served on non-profit boards and, with his wife Rebecca, volunteered for over a decade serving and mentoring youth in correctional and rehabilitation facilities.
- Kim Coleman, Director: As one of the founders of CFEF, Kim served as its first executive director. She is a member of the American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network and a Conservative Education Reform Network Policy and Advocacy expert. A graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminology, Kim continues to be involved in public policy and advocacy work both locally and nationally.
- Don Mantyla, Director: Joining the board in 2024, Don and his wife, Sue, are parents to five children, including a daughter with special needs. Their daughter’s journey has been a profound source of learning for them. Professionally, Don had a career as a CPA in public accounting before retiring in 2017. After graduating from the University of Utah in 1978, he worked for a regional accounting firm before beginning his own firm, with a trusted partner, in 1989. The firm grew to be one of the largest and most trusted local firms in Utah, before being acquired by the international accounting and consulting firm, BDO Global, in 2016. Since then, Don and Sue have served together in various church and community capacities, primarily working with young people.
- Matt Field, Director: Matt is a financial and business leader with over 20 years of experience in the banking and retail industries. Currently, he serves as the President of CCBank, a Utah based community bank. His passion for special‑needs advocacy runs deep. As the father of Preston, an autistic child, Matt understands first‑hand the challenges families face when seeking the right education. He is passionate about the CFEF’s mission—ensuring that every child, regardless of learning differences, can access tailored educational environments that help them thrive. Matt is a Utah licensed CPA and holds a B.A. in Accounting from Brigham Young University and earned his MBA from the University of Utah. CCBank has generously supported CFEF, and Matt is proud to strengthen that collaboration through his board service.
- Ronnie Daniel, Executive Director: Ronnie brings vast 35 years of nonprofit leadership experience to his role. His journey began with the Boy Scouts of America, where he served for 16 years across California, Colorado, and Indiana. He later worked as the development director for the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Ronnie also served as the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah and the director of philanthropy for WHOlives. His passion for educational choice stems from being the father of a deaf son, driving him to work diligently to ensure children with disabilities in Utah have access to optimal educational opportunities.
A Unified Mission
The synergy between CFEF’s Board of Directors is the cornerstone of the organization’s success. Their combined efforts ensure that the Utah Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship program operates efficiently, providing families with the resources and support they need.
The program, established by the state legislature in 2020, offers education choice options for children with disabilities, allowing them to attend private schools or homeschool environments that best suit their needs. CFEF administers these scholarships, working closely with donors, partner schools, and families to fulfill its mission.
Empowering Families Through Education
At the heart of CFEF’s mission is the belief that parents should have the autonomy to choose the best educational setting for their children. By providing scholarships, CFEF empowers families to make decisions that align with their child’s unique learning requirements. The organization’s commitment extends beyond financial assistance. CFEF serves as a resource hub, offering guidance and support to families navigating the complexities of special needs education.
Collaborations and Partnerships
CFEF’s success is amplified through its collaborations with various stakeholders. The organization partners with private schools, service providers, and community organizations to create a comprehensive support system for students with disabilities.
These partnerships enable CFEF to offer a wide range of services, from specialized therapies to extracurricular activities, ensuring holistic development for each child. By fostering a network of dedicated professionals and institutions, CFEF creates an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Looking Ahead
As CFEF continues to grow, its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students with special needs remains steadfast. The organization is exploring innovative programs and initiatives to further support families and students, ensuring that every child has access to quality education tailored to their needs. Learn more by visiting the CFEF website.
