The Executive Board Members are responsible for implementing the organization's mission, making strategic decisions for the non-profit, and governing the organization.
Advisor
Susan has 30 years of business management experience, 10 of those in non-profits. She and her family resided in Colorado while her daughter was young, but have moved to Idaho where her daughter graduated from Boise State University. Following her father’s example, Susan believes that learning should never stop; serving on the Silver SPRUCE Academy Board of Directors gives her the opportunity to provide continuing contributions to the field of education.
Advisor
Luri Owen is the Learning Center Coordinator at Southwest Colorado Community College (PCC) in Durango, CO, and a Library Assistant at Ignacio Community Library in Ignacio, CO. She previously taught at the Pine River Community Learning Center in Ignacio and Bayfield, and she has also taught for schools in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. She is a firm advocate for lifelong learning. She has served on several non-profit boards and was a founding partner for a non-profit language school in Montgomery, Alabama. She lives in Bayfield, CO.
Advisor
Beth has been an instrumental part of SPRUCE since 2016 as a parent to her children as participants, serving as board president, helping as program assistant, and continuing as an Advisor for the Board bringing a lifelong passion for education, family, and community service.
Born in Durango, Colorado, to James and Jean Etzler, Beth was raised on her family's farm near Ignacio, where she developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for agriculture and rural life. She was actively involved in athletics throughout her school years, participating in hockey, volleyball, softball, track and field, and basketball. She also enjoyed science and trivia competitions and was a dedicated member of 4-H for six years. At the age of 14, Beth began working off the family farm, further strengthening her sense of responsibility and independence. She graduated from Durango High School in 2008.
Beth and her husband are the proud parents of two children—a daughter and a son—whom she homeschools. Her commitment to home education reflects her belief that learning is best nurtured through curiosity, meaningful experiences, and strong family relationships. After the birth of her daughter, Beth and her husband relocated to Dumas, Texas, where she earned her college degree in 2016. During her studies, she was recognized as one of the campus's Top Ten Academic Students for two consecutive years. She also became involved with the local Lions Club and enjoyed tutoring fellow students in mathematics while balancing family life.
In 2016, Beth returned to her family's homestead outside Ignacio, Colorado, where she created a small "funny farm" featuring a wide variety of animals, including goats, horses, chickens, and even an ostrich named Clarice. Each year, she shared her love of agriculture by providing animals for Ignacio's FFA Days Petting Zoo, giving local children the opportunity to interact with and learn about farm animals firsthand. Beth was actively involved in SPRUCE classes and programming for over five years as a board president, program assistant, and parent of her two children as participants.
In 2020, Beth and her family embraced the RV lifestyle as they traveled for her husband's work, spending much of that time in Lindale, Texas, along with several months in Lindsay, Oklahoma. In early 2025, they relocated to Brownsville, Texas, where they are currently establishing a permanent home. Beth continues to homeschool her children in collaboration with SPRUCE, serve her community, and enjoys creating art, listening to music, caring for animals, and exploring new places with her family. Her diverse experiences, dedication to lifelong learning, and passion for supporting homeschooling makes her an instrumental and valued member of our Advisory Board.
Advisor
Janna is a founding member and Board Advisor for Silver SPRUCE Academy, where she previously served as Executive Assistant from 2014 to 2026. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping the organization by helping develop its policies and procedures, establishing the academy's website, introducing its beloved mascot, Bruce the SPRUCE Moose, and contributing to other aspects of the academy that helped build SPRUCE into what it is today.
Janna has pursued studies in Marriage and Family Studies at Brigham Young University–Idaho, reflecting her passion for strengthening children, families, and communities. Her experience in nonprofit daily operations, educational programs, community coalitions, and family advocacy supports her commitment to create opportunities that help children and families thrive.
Janna grew up in the Four Corners region and now resides in Utah while still maintaining a home near Navajo Lake. An avid Jeep enthusiast, she enjoys exploring the mountains and backcountry in her Jeep Wrangler. In her free time, she loves kayaking, hiking, camping, scrapbooking, and photography.
