About Us

James Potts – President

James completed his education to become a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant while in his senior year at Westlake High School. He attributes the ability to continue his educational and professional careers to his technical certification and aims to extend the same opportunity to students in need. Currently, James is studying business and science at the University of Utah and aspires to attend medical school after completing his undergraduate degree.

In addition to his studies, James works full-time as a medical assistant in Urgent Care at the University of Utah and conducts research in the fields of bariatric surgery and supply chain management for the COVID-19 vaccine. James is thrilled to serve as the president of In Stride Scholarship Foundation and truly believes that the acquisition of a  technical certification helps students to pursue successful educational and professional careers of their own. 

Sean McKnight – Director of Fund Development

Sean McKnight is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah interested in finance, consulting, and community engagement. At In Stride, the goal is to provide an opportunity for high school students to attain a technical certification. He sees this as a gateway for students to pursue a strong career in their field of interest or as a gateway toward higher education. Sean is excited to be a part of the team and work toward a collective objective; helping students to take their next stride. 

Nefi Gamez – Treasurer

Nefi has a passion for serving people and enjoys being a tool for mission-driven organizations and helping the underprivileged. Nefi has over 20 years of experience assisting Utahn’s finding an affordable, decent, and safe place to live. He is a Finance student at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. Nefi is committed to encouraging and supporting high school students as they pursue higher education.

Reagan Rappleye – Director of Media and Public Relations

Reagan is a student at Utah Valley University studying communications with an emphasis on public relations. During her senior year of high school she attended Mountainland Technical College to complete her certification in dental assisting. Although Reagan did not end up pursuing a career in the dental field, the dental assisting course allowed her to discover her strengths and passion for higher education.

Reagan is excited to work with In Stride, helping and mentoring students actualize their careers and academic potential.

Mack Tempero – Vice President

Mack Tempero is an undergraduate student studying anthropology with an emphasis in health at the University of Utah.  He is passionate about chemistry and is currently performing ecological and cultural research to build relationships between Indigegnous tribes’ use of fire in California and wildfire that burned naturally.  He aims to further his education by attending medical school after his undergraduate studies.  Mack understands that learning and opportunity are critical elements of a successful early career.  He is involved with In Stride Scholarship Foundation as the goals of the organization are closely aligned with his own.  Mack is enthused to be a member of the Board of Directors for In Stride, where providing a framework of financial support, mentorship, and the acquisition of a technical certification is viewed as a beneficial step toward higher education.

Scott Brown PA-C – Director

Scott Brown is the founder and cultural architect of 212° and Peak Performance International Outdoor School of Leadership. He is a graduate of Bethel University in Minneapolis Minnesota where he received a BA as well as a master’s degree in counseling psychology. After more than 20 years in the nonprofit sector, Scott went on to attend the University of Utah School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant program. Now, in addition to running a nonprofit organization, Scott is also working in his community as a medical provider at a busy urgent care clinic for the University of Utah medical group. Scott is honored to be a member of the Board of Directors for In Stride Scholarship Foundation, where we seek to inspire individuals to achieve their full potential through scholarship opportunities that enable them to impact the world around them.

Travis Cooper – Director of Technology

Travis has an extensive background in technology working in many fields such as IT, system administration, technology consulting, online marketing, web design, and more. He is currently pursuing a degree in computer science at Utah Valley University and aims primarily to work in cyber security.

Additionally, Travis is the founder of the web design company Websites by Travis. He is excited to join the In Stride Scholarship Foundation and increase its efforts online to greatly increase widespread accesibility while providing security for its donors, applicants, and members.

Savannah Hodapp – Secretary

Savannah completed her degree in International Studies with an emphasis in Global Health at the University of Utah, with hopes this would widen her expertise in assisting others in various circumstances. She plans to apply to nursing school and move towards a career as a nurse practitioner. Her lifelong desire to serve first began when she was a patient and felt the tremendous efforts from her medical team. Savannah had the opportunity to attend technical training for phlebotomy, which helped direct her towards her professional career. 

She has worked closely with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America for over a decade and is eager to be working with In Stride. Savannah understands how important it is to assist students in pursuing higher education and recognizes the importance of technical certification. She is ecstatic to be on the team and assist with In Stride’s goal of supporting students in their journey.