Prelude Prep is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for the oversight and stewardship of public resources. The board provides governance, fiscal oversight, and strategic direction to ensure the school operates with integrity, accountability, and a focus on student outcomes. Board members bring expertise in education, finance, nonprofit governance, healthcare, military service, and community leadership to support the school’s long-term sustainability and academic success.
Board Chair | Founding Board Member | Former Treasurer and Finance & Development Committee Chair
Jennifer Paquette has served as Chair of the Board of Directors at Prelude Preparatory School since September 2024. A founding board member, Jen previously served as Treasurer and as Chair of both the Finance and Development Committees. With more than 25 years of experience in executive leadership, nonprofit development, and strategic operations, she has played a central role in shaping Prelude Prep’s financial sustainability, operational growth, and long-term vision.
Jen led the development of the school’s strategic plan and has provided critical guidance in areas including organizational budgeting, governance responsibilities, and financial oversight, including board training on nonprofit compliance and interpretation of IRS Form 990s. Her leadership has supported key operational and marketing initiatives while strengthening the board’s capacity for responsible stewardship of public resources. Jen holds an Executive MBA from Rice University, a Master of Public Administration from St. Mary’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University.
In addition to her service at Prelude Prep, Jen is the founder and CEO of The JPaq Group, a consulting firm specializing in compliance, capacity-building, and leadership development for nonprofits and small businesses. She is a former CEO of the Green Beret Foundation, a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, and a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit governance and fundraising. Her honors include the USSOCOM Patriot Award and recognition from the Special Forces Association for her work supporting military and veteran communities. Jen’s depth of expertise and commitment to strong governance continue to elevate Prelude Prep’s mission and long-term impact.
Kim Muñoz is a founding board member of Prelude Preparatory School and serves as Chairwoman Emeritus, Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee. As the school’s first Board Chair, Kim helped guide Prelude from vision to reality, shaping its early governance, financial systems, and community partnerships.
With more than 20 years of experience in business operations and public service, Kim brings a strong operational and community-centered perspective to the board. She currently works with VIA Metropolitan Transit supporting employer-based transportation solutions and remains a trusted advisor and advocate for Prelude Prep’s continued growth and sustainability.
Dr. Denise Miner-Williams is a founding board member of Prelude Preparatory School and serves as Board Secretary and Chair of the Academic Excellence Committee. A retired U.S. Army Nurse Corps officer and accomplished educator, Denise brings deep expertise in academic rigor, curriculum review, and instructional quality.
She holds a PhD in Nursing and completed postdoctoral fellowship training in palliative care at UT Health San Antonio, where she also served as a professor and researcher. Denise’s commitment to excellence, service, and student success continues to shape Prelude Prep’s high academic standards and supportive learning environment.
Founding Board Member | Governance Committee | School Safety & Facilities Advisor
Steve Viola is a founding board member of Prelude Preparatory School with more than 25 years of leadership experience in military operations, emergency response, and public safety. A decorated U.S. Navy veteran and former Command Master Chief, Steve brings extensive expertise in preparedness, logistics, and crisis management.
At Prelude Prep, Steve has directly supported campus safety by training staff in active threat response, CPR, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed, as well as advising on facilities and security planning. His hands-on leadership and commitment to student safety continue to strengthen the school’s operational readiness and learning environment.
Founding Board Member | Development Committee | Advancement Advisor
John Sanchez is a founding board member of Prelude Preparatory School and a seasoned advancement professional with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, and institutional development. He currently serves as Executive Director for Advancement at Texas A&M University–San Antonio.
At Prelude Prep, John supports the school’s development strategy and long-term sustainability through his expertise in relationship building and philanthropic partnerships. His commitment to educational access and opportunity continues to support the growth and success of Prelude Prep and the families it serves.
Board Member | Development Committee | Education & Community Advisor
Sonya Cardenas is a board member of Prelude Preparatory School with more than 34 years of experience in public education and school leadership. A retired school principal, Sonya brings deep expertise in instructional leadership, family engagement, and organizational operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, and an Administrative Certification.
In addition to her education background, Sonya has extensive experience in employee benefits administration and client relations as a licensed Life and Health Agent. Her work supporting organizations through enrollment planning, relationship management, and service delivery reflects her strong commitment to people-centered systems and effective operations.
At Prelude Prep, Sonya contributes a thoughtful, student-focused perspective to board discussions and development efforts. Guided by her “People First” philosophy, she remains a dedicated advocate for families, educators, and community partnerships that support student success.
Laura Rhoades brings more than three decades of educational leadership and organizational expertise to the Prelude Prep's Board of Directors. Following a 30-year career in elementary education with the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Laura retired after faithfully serving generations of students, families, and fellow educators.
Her work in public education was marked by exceptional organization, thoughtful collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success. Laura managed comprehensive academic records and confidential documentation, designed and implemented curriculum plans, and provided instructional leadership as a Second Grade Team Leader—coordinating communication, scheduling, and shared planning across grade-level teams and administration. These experiences shaped her strong belief that structured support, clear communication, and high expectations create environments where every child can thrive.
In addition to her classroom leadership, Laura’s broader professional background in business operations, insurance, and customer service strengthens her ability to contribute practical insight, operational awareness, and community-centered perspective to Prelude Prep’s governance and long-term sustainability.
Laura earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from Our Lady of the Lake University and completed her teacher preparation in Elementary Education at Texas Lutheran University. She is passionate about ensuring access to high-quality education for all students and is proud to support Prelude Prep’s mission.
