Board of Directors
KORE Academy is supported and directed by a Board of Directors comprised of past and present KORE Academy parents, grandparents, community leaders, and the KORE Academy Director (ex-officio). The Board makes decisions that affect the operation and goals of the school. Meetings are held regularly and are open to the public.
Current Board Members:
Joseph Svec, President
Debbie Masters, Treasurer
Bonnie Watkins, Secretary
Rizwan Ali, MD
Jamie Cheak
Jonathon Keefe, Member-at-Large
Tim Martin
Joey Svec
Joey and his wife, Erica, are parents at KORE and have been involved with the academy since 2021. Joey is a founding member and CEO of Building The Bluegrass, a multi-disciplinary firm of trusted property professionals that help clients with Real Estate, Construction, Design, and Land Development. He was raised in Lexington, KY, and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Joey is a faithful Christ follower and believes in servant leadership. He is blessed by his loving wife Erica, 2 sons Asher and Judah, and their daughter Eden.Click here to change this text

Debbie Masters
In 2003 I was one of the founding members of KORE Academy. Along with seven other families, we established KORE Academy to help children with learning differences. My son was in the first graduating class of KORE. I have been on the KORE board since KORE was established. Currently, I am the KORE Academy Treasurer.
Professionally I am the Plant Accountant for Oldcastle Infrastructure since 1982.
Current and previous volunteer work: Youth Education Director for Temple Adath Israel, Foster Care Review Board, PTO Board for Red Oak Elementary, Youth Advisory Councils for various schools, Jr. Achievement, Religious school teacher, Treasurer of Temple Adath Israel, Vice President of Temple Adath Israel.
KORE Academy has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have been a part of in my volunteer world. I look forward to KORE’s success in helping current and future students become productive and happy members of society.

Bonnie Watkins
In 2003. I was one of the founding members of KORE Academy. Along with seven other families, we established KORE Academy to help children with learning differences. My son, Jason, graduated from KORE in 2008. I have been on the KORE board since KORE was established. Currently, I am the KORE Academy Secretary.
Professionally, I’ve owned Alpha and Omega Consulting LLC since 2013 where I work with physicians across the US on insurance.
Current and previous volunteer work: Vacation Bible School Teacher, Church Secretary, Missions Committee Member, Operation Christmas Child Church Relations Team Member, Operation Christmas
Child Community Relations Coordinator
I am proud to be a founding member of KORE Academy and thankful for its success. It is important to me that KORE continues to help students learn at their unique levels so they may achieve their best and succeed both in school and in the future.

Jamie Cheak
My name is Jamie Cheak and I am the parent of a Kore student. Our family came to KORE when our 18-year-old son was in 2nd grade. It changed his life.
I currently work in Human Resources for Fayette County Public Schools. Also, I worked in the principal’s office at Dunbar High School for 11 years and I was the secretary for SBDM (School-Based Decision Making) Council for 5 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, but my love of helping kids led me to work in a school environment. At KORE, I have always enjoyed helping with special events and being part of the KORE family.

Rizwan Ali
My name is Rizwan Ali and I have been a board member for several years. I moved to Kentucky in 1997 and made it my home. This has been one of the most enriching experiences for me. I have seen our students bloom and become productive members of society.
Professionally, I am a psychiatrist who specializes in behavioral disorders, addiction, and acquired brain injury. I look forward to Kore expanding and helping students succeed.
