Franklin Center Board of Trustees

Franklin Center is governed by a working Board of Trustees composed of Franklin Center and committed community leaders. They are responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs that will enable the school to reach its educational, operational, and financial goals. People who volunteer to serve on our board of trustees come from a variety of backgrounds, yet are all united in their passion for the mission of Franklin Center and its students.

2025-2026 Franklin Center Board of Trustees

Officers

blankChris Rahill – Chair

Chris has over 20 years of experience in the marketing industry, including 11 years as the Chief Strategy Officer at Yamamoto. He has a dual BA in English and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Chris has been involved with several area nonprofits’ fundraising efforts, including serving as the Chair of the Basilica Block Party and providing strategic and creative services to ensure successful events. He has a neurodiverse son and would like to play a small role in expanding awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the difference that Franklin Center can make in the lives of the neurodiverse.

blankSteve Hall –  Vice Chair/Chair Elect

Steve is honored to serve as the Vice Chair and Chair Elect on the Franklin Center Board of Trustees. He recently retired from Groves Learning Organization where he had served in marketing and literacy product development roles. Previously, he worked in marketing positions at The Gillette Company, Sunbeam, and LeapFrog Enterprises. He also taught elementary school in the San Francisco Unified School District. Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts in German Language from St. Cloud State University and his Master of International Business Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his husband live in Minneapolis with their two sons; their older son is a 2020 graduate of Groves Academy, and their younger son is a 2025 graduate of Franklin Academy and currently participates in Franklin Capstone.

blankTina Lamb – Development Chair

Tina is currently a Co-Chair and Parent Representative for the Tonka Cares Community Coalition. In this role, she leads coalition meetings with community partners with the goal to promote youth wellness and prevent underage substance use and misuse. Tina’s past experience includes international licensing and marketing for St. Paul Pioneer Press, Warner Bros. and Target Corp. Tina graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Broadcast Journalism, and she is currently the CEO of KinderRead Books. Tina’s son JP is in 11th grade at Franklin Academy.

blankAndy Lanik – Treasurer/Finance Chair

Andy is an audit partner in the Minneapolis office of KPMG and specializes in providing professional services to healthcare and not-for-profit organizations. Andy is also a board member and finance chair of Twin Cities R!se. Andy earned his Bachelor of Arts from Boston College.

blankDavid Salmon – Governance and Nominating Chair

David serves as chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. David is an attorney at Fredrikson & Byron P.A. where he represents private equity funds, venture funds, and other strategic buyers in mergers and acquisitions matters. Before practicing law, David was an Internal Auditor for Ecolab. David earned his BS in Finance and Political Science from Iowa State University and his JD from the University of Iowa.

blankAki Yoshino – Secretary

Aki serves as the Secretary of Franklin Center’s Board. She began her career as a Teach For America high school math educator in Los Angeles, California. After teaching many grades and subjects in the United States and Japan, she shifted into a business career for a national retailer. When her son was diagnosed with autism, she decided to dedicate all of her time to helping her son realize his fullest potential. She is the proud mother of a Franklin Academy senior and is excited to begin her sixth year on the Board of Trustees.

Members-At-Large

blankDr. Casey Burrows

Dr. Catherine (Casey) Burrows is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and a licensed psychologist at the Autism Clinic at the University of Minnesota. She loves working with children with unique perspectives on the world and is thrilled to be a Board Member of Franklin Center.

blankSophie Frank

Dr. Sophie Frank is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the doctoral psychology program at Augsburg University. She teaches classes and mentors students on research and clinical practice with children and families, with a focus on neurodiversity. Sophie is particularly interested in strengths-based and community-informed approaches to assessment and care. In her research and clinical practice Sophie hopes to help increase wellbeing for neurodiverse children and adults by addressing issues related to the availability of and access to effective, acceptable, and evidence-based care.

blankRahul Kansara

Rahul has more than 22 years of experience in the hotel industry owner of Solus Hospitality. He has served on the boards of the City of Inver Grove Heights and Days Inn Alliance. Rahul earned a BA in Molecular Biology from UC Berkeley. One of Rahul’s twin sons has attended Franklin Academy and Franklin Therapy for 7 years. Rahul has always been interested in taking part in an organization that helps his children’s success. He hopes that his 22 years of experience in business can help the organization grow.

blankTisha Mette

Tisha brings over 20 years of experience in business management, advocacy, and autism services to the Franklin Center Board of Trustees. She serves as Controller at Holland Center and Finance & HR Manager at Holland Life, overseeing programs that support individuals with autism through therapy, adult day services, and clinical care. She also directs the Holland Biomedical Clinic & Hyperbaric Center. A dedicated autism advocate since 2008, Tisha has volunteered with national organizations such as The Autism Community in Action (TACA) and Generation Rescue, and has lobbied at the Minnesota Capitol for improved autism services and insurance coverage. She has served on nonprofit boards including the Autism Treatment Association of Minnesota, Children with Autism Deserve Education, and Autism Minnesota, helping to pass key legislation and organize major community events. With deep roots in Minnesota’s autism community, she is passionate about advancing awareness, access, and long-term support for individuals with autism and their families.

blank Apurva Patel

Apurva has his Architecture degree from California Polytechnics San Luis Obispo, and is a business owner in Real Estate Investments and Development. He has fundraising experience with development and donor retainment with homeless shelters in California, as well as the Big Brother and Sister program. Apurva is interested in joining the Franklin Center Board to help students feel like they belong and are contributing to the community. Smiles and knowing he made a difference motivate Apurva as a volunteer.

blankJessica Rice

With over 20 years of education experience, Jessica currently works for the Minnesota Department of Education in the COMPASS division supporting districts across the state to receive evidence-based support in the areas of data and assessment. She’s excited to bring her experience as a classroom teacher, district leader and now state leader to support Franklin Center’s mission and holistic approach to support the neurodiverse community.

blankLeah Schelin

Leah joined the Board of Trustees for Franklin Center in 2023. She has over 25 years of experience serving the healthcare sector, including positions at Accenture, UnitedHealth Group, GoodRx, and SVP of Product at UpHealth. Leah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UCLA. She has two children: one in the Upper School at Breck and one at Franklin Academy.

blankDarren Schuler

Darren’s son Sam is in our Capstone Program. Darren is the current Superintendent of schools PreK-12 for Watertown-Mayer Public School ISD 111. In this role, he led the district through 25-million-dollar bond referendum building projects in 2020-2023, directed the district through a strategic planning process in 2023, and manages a 20-million-dollar annual budget. Darren has his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, as well as his Masters of Education from St. Thomas, Educational K-12 Administrative Licensure through St. Mary’s University, and his Graduate Certificate in Education Administration-Superintendent from St. Mary’s University.

blank Audra Williams

Audra sits on the Development Committee. She is General Counsel for Kraus-Anderson Companies, Inc., and has previously practiced law with Ryan Companies US, Inc. and Dorsey & Whitney, LLP. Her son is a senior at Franklin Academy.

blankMark Zeman

Mark is the president and a founder of Zeman Construction Company, where for nearly 40 years he has built more than projects—he has built relationships, trust, and community impact. His connection to Franklin Center began when Zeman Construction Company was selected to construct its new campus, a project that sparked a lasting partnership. Mark continues to support Franklin Center and other organizations through his company’s work, financial sponsorship, and board service, offering both business leadership and community connections. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Carrie, and their three children.