
Meet the Board
Brian Prior
Board Chair 2026-2027
Brian Prior is a U.S. Air Force veteran with 13 years of service and currently works as a Vendor and Project Manager at Citi Bank, where he manages global partnerships and leads operational initiatives across diverse teams. While working full time, he is completing he Bachelor’s degree in Project Management at Arizona State University and is on track to graduate summa cum laude in May 2026.
Paul Grijalva
Board Chair Elect 2026-2027
Paul Grijalva Paul Grijalva is a practicing lawyer with over a decade of experience advising clients ranging from higher education to start up companies. Paul’s practice focuses on corporate and intellectual property law. Paul has served in legal roles at major universities, including University of Miami, University of Arizona, Pima College, and University of California Los Angeles. Paul and his wife Maria have all three of their children enrolled at IST in multiple language programs. Paul was born and raised in Tucson. Fun fact, Paul’s mother was Principal at Jefferson Park Elementary in the early 2000’s.
Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D.
Past Board Chair
Dr. Pickard is a consultant at WittKieffer, a global executive search firm that dedicates its services to mission-driven organizations predominantly in higher education and healthcare. Dr. Pickard brought her skills to WittKieffer after nearly two decades in higher education serving in academic and student affairs roles, first at Northwestern University and the University of Maryland and later at the University of Arizona. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowling Green State University and her doctoral and master’s degrees, both in College Student Personnel, from the University of Maryland.
Dr. Pickard became an IST parent in 2017 when her daughter joined the preschool French program and joined the IST Board in January 2020.
Morgan Domenick
Secretary 2026-2027
Morgan Domenick serves as Associate Athletic Director for Administration at the University of Arizona, where she oversees human resources operations, strategic communications, letterwinner engagement, special events, and several sport programs. She also leads department-wide strategic planning and organizational initiatives that strengthen student-athlete success and community connection. With a Juris Doctor from LSU and extensive experience in governance, project management, and higher education administration, Morgan brings expertise in leadership and strategic growth to IST. A former Division I tennis student-athlete, she is passionate about education as a driver of opportunity. She and her husband, Korey, are the proud parents of Margaret (Bobcats) and Georgie (Cactus Blossoms).
Joan Daniels
Joan Daniels brings over 25 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum specialist, and administrator within the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). She has also dedicated many years to community service through her involvement with the Friends of Jefferson Park neighborhood association. Her granddaughters attended international schools in Puerto Rico and graduated from an international school in Bogotá, Colombia—experiences that have profoundly shaped their development into globally minded young adults. Joan’s grandnephews are currently enrolled at the International School of Tucson, further deepening her connection to the school. A passionate advocate for the IST model, Joan champions its positive impact not only on students but also on the broader Jefferson Park community.
Rachel Ruder
Rachel Ruder brings 20 years of experience in education to the IST Board and looks forward to supporting the school’s mission of elevating its academic and programmatic offerings. She currently serves as a Program Coordinator for Federal Programs and School Improvement in a local school district. As the parent of two former IST students, Rachel knows the benefits of language immersion. She believes strong governance is key to ensuring IST’s financial sustainability and growth for many generations.
Chantelle Warner
Board Member
Chantelle Warner is a longtime educator and scholar of second language teaching and learning. As a professor in the Department of German Studies and former director of the University of Arizona’s language center, she has spent the past two decades supporting and advocating for world languages across all levels of education. In her current role as Associate Dean in the College of Humanities, she collaborates with the many language programs at the University of Arizona. She is excited to support IST’s role in the community, including its unique place within the broader network of language education. Chantelle will serve a four-year term, from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2030.
Dana Weant
Board Member
Dana Weant is a retired diplomat who lives in Jefferson Park, very near IST. His son attended the school in its original location, an experience that began a lasting connection to IST. Dana was trained in Russian and Spanish and has lived and worked in eight countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. His work with the U.S. State Department focused on international relations and conflict resolution, skills he hopes will be of value in his new role as a Trustee. Dana will serve a two-year term, from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2028.
Juan Mendez
Board Member
Juan Mendez is a proud parent of an IST student who has been part of the community since preschool and is currently in J2. He brings expertise in leadership, cybersecurity, and agile project management, backed by a distinguished 21-year career in the United States Air Force, a Master’s degree in Information Technology Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. As a certified Project Management Professional, Juan looks forward to applying his background to support the school’s mission and community goals. Juan will serve a four-year term, from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2030.
Selda Mansur
Board Member
Selda Mansur brings over 15 years of school leadership and systems-auditing experience to the IST Board of Trustees. As a long-time school improvement advisor and professional development facilitator, she is deeply committed to IST’s mission of nurturing multilingual, globally aware, and culturally grounded learners. Selda currently serves as an independent educational leadership consultant and looks forward to applying her expertise in quality assurance, good governance, and accreditation to advance IST’s Strategic Plan, while upholding its commitments to language immersion and holistic student growth. Selda will serve a two-year term, from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2028.
Toni Altland
Board Member
Toni Altland is a Senior Development Coordinator with Banner Health Foundation, bringing experience in healthcare philanthropy, donor relations, and project management. With more than 10 years in administrative services, Toni has worked alongside executive leadership, boards, and community-focused organizations across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She is pursuing a Master of Public Health and is passionate about strengthening community health and well-being. A parent at IST for more than 10 years, Toni has two children currently in the M6 and J4 French program and looks forward to contributing her professional experience and community perspective to IST’s continued growth and mission. Toni will serve a four-year term, from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2030.