​A lifelong resident of Indiana and a proud alumnae of Indiana University, retired after a 33 year career as Vice President and Trust Officer with JPMorgan Chase Bank.   Active in her community and church as a volunteer all of her adult life she has served on several not-for-profit boards, including St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation and United Way of Madison County.  Angela and her husband of 40 years, Tom, began visiting Borrego Springs in the early 80’s and now call Borrego their “home away from home” from January to May.  In Borrego, Angela volunteers at the elementary school and at the Borrego Art Institute and belongs to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.  Angela and Tom have two sons and two grandchildren.

Joanne S. Ingwall, Ph.D. is currently Emerita Professor of Medicine (Physiology) at Harvard Medical School, having retired from an active research career in cardiac energetics and function in 2012.  Since moving back to California in 2006, Joanne has transferred her energy from the academic arena to several volunteer organizations, including the ABDSP Paleontology Society and the ABDSP Botany Society.  Joanne’s major volunteer activity in Borrego has been as a member of the board of BASIC. She has served as its CFO/treasurer, a member of the scholarship selection committee and associate director of BASIC’s Cradle to Graduation C2G program. In the summers, she and her husband Dick are active in several citizen scientist projects in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Mary is a native San Diegan with a background in Computer Science and a passion for innovation and adventure. She spent 20 years in Los Angeles developing systems for major corporations, including the Walt Disney Company, before returning home. A licensed commercial pilot, she flew traffic helicopters for several years before shifting her focus to real estate. Since 2004, she has been a full-time resident of the Anza Borrego Desert area, where she owns and operates her own real estate office. A devoted mother and grandmother, she cherishes her family connections across the U.S. and beyond.

Ken ​holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s in Special Education, and both an Education Specialist and Administrative credential in Education. Passionate about ensuring that all children can learn, he believes educators play a key role in unlocking each student’s potential. After moving back to Borrego Springs with his wife, Diane, in 2023, he was eager to continue his work in education. Now serving as the Dean of Students for the Learning Academy, he remains dedicated to supporting struggling students during the summer program and contributing to the growth of BASIC. Be sure to say hello when you see him around town!

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Esmeralda grew up in Borrego Springs and graduated in 1997. After marrying in 2001, she moved to Salinas, CA, before returning in 2014 to raise her children. Guided by her father’s teachings on hard work and innovation, she built a successful career at Chiquita Fresh Express, developing expertise in procurement, international shipping, agricultural business, water rights, and administration. Her dedication to community service led her to a fulfilling role with the Borrego Water District, where she continues to make an impact. A founding member of Organización LatinX De Borrego, she actively champions local initiatives that empower the community. As a devoted mother, she is deeply engaged in BASIC’s mission, contributing her expertise to support students and families in meaningful ways.

Richard and his wife, Rosemary, have cherished Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park since the 1970s, making it their permanent home upon his retirement in 2021. An avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, he continues to explore the desert as a Paleontology Volunteer. As a full-time community member, he recognizes the vital role of volunteer organizations in supporting Borrego’s future. His involvement in the Circle of Art further reinforced his commitment to service. Now, through BASIC, he is dedicated to helping local children and young people reach their full potential through educational support and opportunities.

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Sharon Goldsmith and her late husband, Jerry, discovered Borrego Springs in 1990 while birdwatching, and it soon became their seasonal home. When not in Borrego, she resides near the Everglades in Southwest Florida. Holding a PhD in Developmental Psycholinguistics from the City University of New York, she has focused her research on reading and language disabilities. An internationally recognized expert in Standards, Certification, and Accreditation, Sharon leads a consulting group that helps educational institutions worldwide align with best practices. Her career has spanned roles as a teacher trainer, Director of Special Education in Massachusetts, and Assistant Commissioner of Education, before serving as Director of Professional Affairs and Senior Advisor for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in Washington, D.C. She continues to advocate for high-quality education and student success.

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Joann Stang is the Founder of BASIC’s Learning Academy and a founding member of BASIC.  She chaired the Circle of Art for 9 years, served on the scholarship committee for 18 years and served the organization in a variety of leadership roles.  Joann’s passion for support of education comes from her belief that education of all is a foundation of our democratic system.  She has had leadership and management responsibility as Corporate Director for Human Resources at Solar Turbines, a Caterpillar Company, with international human resources societies and in volunteer organizations in San Diego and Michigan, her summer home. 

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Heidi brings over two decades of experience as a K-12 educator, driven by a deep passion for literacy and the transformative power of education. With degrees in Psychology, Educational Administration, and Social Work, she has dedicated her career to fostering opportunities for learners of all ages. A respected leader in Borrego, she serves on the Civic Foundation and Friends of the Library boards and is a founding member of The Art Center of Ramona, bridging the gap between professional artists and education. As she transitions from teaching in the Borrego Springs District, she remains committed to education through roles such as District Assessment Coordinator and instructor at the Learning Academy. Beyond her work in education, she is currently writing a children’s picture book and embracing new adventures through travel.

Peter has been a full-time resident of Borrego Springs since 2020 and brings a lifelong passion for learning, technology, and community impact. With a background in computer technology and digital solutions, he has dedicated his career to improving quality of life through innovation. As the founder of 73rd Street Associates, he developed software systems that served over 500 companies nationwide in medical scheduling and insurance management. He also founded Silicon Valley Code Camp, the largest programming conference in the world, which ran for 15 years. A graduate of Cornell University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering, he now finds joy in working with children and looks forward to supporting BASIC’s programs to help young learners thrive.

With 20 years of experience as an administrator in the Borrego Springs Unified School District, Martha Deichler has a passion for the families and children who call our rural desert oasis their home. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center as well as a Trustee on the School District’s Board of Education. Martha serves as an advisor to the BASIC Board and supports the important work that BASIC does for the youth in our community.

Nidia Meza holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing with over 20 years of professional experience in leadership and management operations with responsibilities for steering improvement projects, building and guiding top-performing teams, and optimizing internal operations. Nidia is the Managing Director for BASIC, serves on the finance committee, and is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library coordinator. Nidia immigrated as a child from Mexico, the first in her family to graduate from college, fluent in Spanish, and understands the client community. Nidia volunteers for many organizations in Borrego Springs, and understands the importance of Education as the cornerstone of lifelong achievement.