MEET THE TEAM
We’re a purpose-driven team of educators and administrators helping scholars exceed expectations and change the trajectory of their futures.
Central Office
Brian Holman is the Founder and Executive Director of Empower College Prep. Previously, he supervised teachers in general education and special education for grades K-12 as a Program Director for 4 years with Teach For America. Mr. Holman has also served his community as the chair of his church’s outreach team and Secretary of the Diaconate. He holds Master’s Degrees in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix and in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. His Bachelor’s Degree is in Journalism from Indiana University, where he also majored in Political Science and was published for his honors thesis, The Supreme Court and the Establishment Clause. He is deeply devoted to his wife, Jeanette, and their three children, James, Dezmond, and Ava.
Dave Dillman serves as Empower College Prep’s Director of Operations, where he thrives on tackling the daily challenges that arise and creating solutions that allow Scholars to excel. He holds an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in theology and graphic design from Grand Canyon University and brings a diverse professional background in construction, project management, and information technology.
Dave has been part of Empower since its founding and is proud to contribute to a school dedicated to equipping children for success. Originally from Chicago, he moved to Arizona in 2004 and has called it home ever since. In addition to his work at Empower, Dave is actively involved in leading a non-profit school transportation organization.
He and his wife are raising six children, whose ages range from 23 to 6, and he values the opportunity to serve both his family and his community through his work.
Angela Ortega graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration and a minor in Business Administration. During her time at GCU, she participated as treasurer for the Latino Student Union and served as a council member for Diversity Leadership Alliance, which provides free leadership workshops for high school and college students. Prior to working as the External Relations Coordinator at Empower, Ms.Ortega served as a Student Recruitment Director for Empower College Prep. Ms. Ortega is deeply connected to ECP’s mission and is thrilled to be part of Empower.
Luis is a Human Resources professional with five years of experience, including three years specializing in the education sector. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Business Communications, which has helped him develop strong communication and relationship-building skills. He has experience in employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and HR operations. Luis is passionate about supporting employees, fostering positive workplace relationships, and helping organizations build strong, people-focused cultures where employees feel valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed. Outside of work, Luis enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and finding opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Natalina Mariscal, LMSW serves as the Director of Student Social Services and McKinney-Vento Liaison at Empower College Prep. She earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from Arizona State University. With experience in child welfare and behavioral health, Natalina is passionate about removing barriers that prevent students from thriving both academically and personally. Since joining Empower College Prep, she has led the development of a comprehensive student social services program that connects students and families with essential resources, mental health supports, community partnerships, and basic needs services.
Jose Martinez is entering his seventh year at Empower College Prep, where he serves as Manager of Operations and Head Coach of both the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Soccer Teams. Known for his leadership, strong work ethic, and commitment to student success, Jose plays a vital role in ensuring the school operates efficiently while inspiring excellence on the field.
As Manager of Operations, Jose oversees campus logistics, transportation, vendor relations, and daily operational systems that keep Empower running smoothly. His ability to anticipate challenges, attention to detail, and maintain high standards has made him a trusted leader and a go-to resource for the Empower community.
On the soccer field, Coach Martinez has built programs defined by teamwork, discipline, and resilience. His leadership reached a historic milestone in 2025, when he guided Empower College Prep to a state championship and was honored as Coach of the Year, a testament to his dedication, strategic mindset, and belief in his players’ potential.
Whether managing operations or coaching championship teams, Jose’s work reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence, teamwork, and the mission of Empower College Prep.
Elementary and Middle School
Becky Jones is the K-8 School Director at Empower College Prep. Originally from Texas, Becky holds a BA from Texas Lutheran University, an MA in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, and will graduate in October 2026 with her Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis on Adult Learning. Becky has vast experience teaching grades K-6 and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in one of her last years in the classroom. She joined Empower in 2016 leading the school to achieve remarkable growth, moving from a D to a B on the Arizona accountability report card and moving from 65% staff retention to 80-90% staff retention consistently. Becky is surrounded by excellent faculty and staff who make results like these possible.
A proud Arizona native, Minette Klenner brings over 20 years of experience in education to Empower College Prep. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of grade levels—from 3rd and 5th grade to middle and high school (6th–12th grade)—giving her a comprehensive perspective on student learning and growth.
Now in her sixth year at Empower College Prep, Minette began her journey with the school as an Instructional Coach, supporting teachers in delivering high-impact instruction. She is currently entering her fourth year as Vice Principal.
Minette is deeply passionate about the success and well-being of every student. A firm believer that all children deserve a first-rate education, she is committed to using data-driven strategies to support both teachers and students in achieving their highest potential. Her leadership is grounded in purpose, equity, and the unwavering belief that education can open the door to a brighter future.
Karen has been a dedicated member of the Empower College Prep community for more than 7 years, serving as the K-8 Registrar. She is passionate about supporting students and families through the enrollment process and helping create a welcoming, positive experience for everyone who walks through Empower’s doors.
Throughout her time at Empower, Karen has built strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Her commitment to serving the school community earned her the Staff Member of the Year Award in 2021. She takes pride in fostering a front office team that values compassion, collaboration, and exceptional service.
Karen is also the proud mother of two children who attend Empower. She and her family are deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support they have received from the Empower community throughout their journey, especially during the life of their youngest son, Jose. The kindness of the students, families, and staff has left a lasting impact on their hearts and continues to inspire Karen’s dedication to serving the Empower community every day.
Kate Lezama is the K-8 EL Coordinator, Academic coach and K-12 District Test Coordinator. Kate holds a BA from Tufts University, in Massachusetts and a Masters Degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from Columbia University Teachers College in New York City. She has been part of the Empower community since 2019. She is proud to be part of an educational movement that seeks to change the world one scholar at a time.
High School
Heather Love is excited to work with the Empower College Prep High School Community. She has previously served on school Leadership Teams as an Academic Coach and Dean of Academics. Heather has over twenty years of experience in education, with ten of those years spent in the classroom as a High School English Teacher. Heather, who is passionate about education, builds strong relationships with teachers, scholars, and families because she knows it takes all of us working together in order to help scholars succeed. It is her belief that by championing an equitable, culturally diverse curriculum all students will be empowered to reach their full potential. Heather received her degree in English from the University of Illinois, has a Masters degree in Secondary Education, and a Masters degree in Leadership and Administration both from the University of Phoenix. Heather is certified as a K-12 Principal and 6-12 Teacher for the state of Arizona. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, music, and travel.
Mr. Mario Murillo is excited and honored to serve Empower College Prep as the High School Vice Principal. A Phoenix native, he is passionate about serving the community where he was raised and helping students reach their full potential. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Arizona State University and his master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Since beginning his career in education in 2012, Mr. Murillo has served in a variety of roles, most recently as an Assistant Principal at Central High School. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to student engagement by serving as a varsity boys basketball coach, JV volleyball coach, Link Crew advisor, and Student Government sponsor.
Mr. Murillo believes that every student can succeed when they feel supported, valued, and encouraged to take meaningful risks. He is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive school culture where students and staff feel connected and empowered to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of school, Mr. Murillo enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 kids, staying active, supporting the Suns, D-Backs, and Cardinals, and playing basketball.
Milani Clements is the Registrar and Alumni Liaison for Empower College Prep (ECP). She has had the pleasure of watching ECP grow over the years. She has watched the organization grow from one 4th grade class, ten years ago, to the powerhouse we are today. In her role, Milani oversees the accuracy of student information, records, and attendance. However, the role she cherishes most is the connections she makes with students within our ECP community. Milani helps our students navigate both academically and socially through their careers at Empower College Prep which has enabled her to foster lifelong bonds with the alumni of ECP. Milani is dedicated to the motto “go to college…change the world”. She feels blessed to be a part of the student community. Milani enjoys cruise ships and spending time with her family. She has four children that she loves deeply, along with her English bulldog, Cash.
Jocsan Tamayo is ecstatic to form part of and serve Empower College Prep as High School Vice Principal. He received both his B.S. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Mathematics and his Masters in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. While growing up and attending Phoenix schools, he became intensely passionate about education and the transformative power it can have in opening unlimited doors and changing lives. Through that passion, he advocates for a safe and equitable learning environment for all students, staff, parents, and community members. For the past 10 years, Mr. Tamayo taught various levels of high school math while exercising his servant leadership in the Administrative Leadership Team, serving as a New Teacher Mentor, a PLC Leader, and the Math Department Instructional Leader.
Apart from the educational world, Mr. Tamayo enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and children, working on his lawn and home projects, cooking for the family, and reading a wide range of genres.
Empower yourself and others to make a difference
See what opportunities are available today to join our team!
