AXL Leadership Team
Who We Are
Mehran Ahmed
Executive Director
Why AXL: I have a passion for working with scholars of all ages and a conviction for watching people grow. Being in Aurora and having an option for scholars like AXL will support the growth of our community. AXL is a place where committed stakeholders are coming together to help our scholars thrive and that is energizing.
What I love: I love traveling, collecting art, eating good food, and spending time with my loved one. I also am an avid sports fan... I played rugby for 15 years and love watching baseball games.
Noah Tonk
Middle School Principal
Why AXL: Traditional education is not serving our children well, and Aurora scholars deserve an equitable opportunity to drive their own learning through the Expeditionary Learning model. The AXL Academy community is a warm and welcoming environment focused on equity, student growth, and student ownership, and I am grateful to be part of it.
What I love: I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, hiking, camping, swimming, Star Wars, fantasy & dystopian fiction, office pranks, Stephen King, movies, jam bands, and over-my-head home improvement projects.
Jack Bissonnette
Elementary Principal
Why AXL: I choose to serve the AXL community because I highly value the diversity of the community, the expeditionary instructional practices, and the mission's emphasis on promoting social equity
What I love: I love reading and learning new things, building strong connections, being physically active, and most of all I love my family and friends.
Nick Assaf
Instructional Coach
Why AXL: Everyday AXL gives me another opportunity to do good work worth doing with people who pride themselves on being on the frontlines of building a better future for kids.
What I love: coffee, party games, all things NBA, cooking, jersey aesthetics, Kafka, brainstorming sessions, looking after the GOAT pen, podcasts, spending time with family, not looking at my phone for extended periods of time.
Emily Thomsen
Director of Operations
Why AXL: Because every child matters and at AXL, that is a priority from every angle.
What I love: My family, being a boy mom, tennis, serving in the Junior League of Denver, baking, reading, being outside and DIY/home renovations.
