Board of Directors

Andrew Bailey, ma, lmft, President and ceo

Andrew Bailey is the founding director and chief executive officer of Anova. He is the original creator of the "Multidisciplinary Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Impairments in a Private Educational Setting" and the Anova Center for Education (ACE) Schools, models he pioneered over the past 20 years. Since opening in 2003, his ACE School model has successfully educated and treated hundreds of students and their families.

A veteran clinician and highly skilled educational consultant, Mr. Bailey has dedicated more than 35 years to working with children and families. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from John F. Kennedy University. As a licensed marriage and family therapist for nearly 30 years, he has provided treatment and consultation to thousands of children and families on the autism spectrum.

Mr. Bailey is also a respected leader in legal and public policy. In 2012, he was appointed chair of the California Senate Select Committee on Autism's North Bay Regional Task Force. He continues to be an active advocate for advancing the interests of children and families with neurological differences, providing hundreds of trainings and lectures to professionals, educators, and parents on a wide range of topics, including autism treatment, behavior analysis, and early intervention.

rick herbert, chairman

Rick Herbert is a local real estate investor and entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of businesses across California. He is a partner in two well-known Sonoma County ventures, the Marina at Lake Sonoma and Sports City indoor soccer centers.

Educated with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource planning from Humboldt State University, Mr. Herbert began his career with the California Coastal Commission and the California Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. He later founded a pier design and building company in Lake Tahoe, which led to his ownership in Camp Richardson Resort and Marina, Lake Tahoe’s largest summer resort.

With over 30 years of board experience, Mr. Herbert recently concluded his tenure as vice president of Northern California Lakes for the Marina Recreation Association. He currently serves on the board of directors for The Friends of Lake Sonoma and brings his entrepreneurial and leadership experience to the Anova board. He is dedicated to helping Anova achieve its ambitious dream of building a world-class school that reflects its significant contributions to the community.

Matt Foulger, corporate secretary

Matthew Foulger brings over a decade of experience in education technology to the Anova Board of Directors. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), his expertise includes implementing student information systems, learning management systems, and K-12 assessment software. His leadership has been instrumental in major educational initiatives, including a large-scale assessment project for New York City schools and the digital learning initiative for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

A native of Santa Rosa, Mr. Foulger's deep roots in local education stem from both of his parents, who retired from positions at the Sonoma County Office of Education. He joined the Anova board in 2017 and was elected corporate secretary in 2018. The father of five, he remains actively involved in his children’s education, with his wife Rebecca serving as PTA president and himself as a member of the Cache County School District Community Council.

barry fleck

Barry Fleck is a stock trader and investor with a strong work ethic. His background in finance and accounting, which he studied at the University of Cincinnati, has guided a career built on developing lasting relationships and a deep commitment to his clients.

A dedicated husband and father, Barry has a lifelong passion for education. This personal conviction fuels his commitment to Anova's mission, where he brings his professional experience and dedication to the Board of Directors.

James Hampton, ph.d.

Dr. James Hampton brings over two decades of academic and administrative experience to the Board. He is a professor of Biology at Buena Vista University, where he teaches genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology. His research students focus on topics including aging, gene expression, and plant transformation.

A graduate of Cornell University with a Ph.D. in Genetics and Development, Dr. Hampton's career includes a fellowship with the American Council on Education, where he assisted the president of Harvey Mudd College. He has served on selection panels for the Council of Independent Colleges and as the chair of the finance committee of the Iowa Academy of Science. In addition to his teaching role, Dr. Hampton has held several administrative positions at Buena Vista University, including assistant dean of faculty and chair of the faculty senate.

Katie kelly

Katie combines an Ivy League education with deep corporate experience to lead as sales manager for the two largest Compass real estate offices in Wine Country. Her career is marked by leadership roles, including serving as vice president of operations for a renowned corporate hospitality firm where she oversaw programs across the U.S., London, and Paris. Katie's global perspective was further shaped by her work as a premier hospitality consultant for the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and as an industry partner with a major international cruise line.

A longtime Bay Area resident, Katie's personal interests include hiking, yoga, and aerial silks. Her connection to Anova is both personal and long-standing; her oldest son attended the school for 16 years. Joining as a second grader in 2009 when the school was located on the first floor of an office building, he finished his last semester of the transition program at the amazing new campus in the spring of 2025. This firsthand experience with the school's growth and mission provides Katie with a unique and invaluable perspective.