The Backbone Team
Toll Free: 1-800-480-3935 Fax: 602-277-9266 info@backbonecommunications.com 5025 North Central Ave Suite 422 Phoenix, AZ 85012Let us help you create your 21st Century Classroom!
Backbone Communications has been providing educational software tools to schools in the Southwest for over 15 years. Our headquarters are located in Phoenix, AZ with regional offices in Nevada, California, Utah, and New Mexico. Our staff includes many years of teaching and technology experience and we are proud to partner with over 500 schools to provide solutions that help all students whether they are below grade level, on grade level, or above grade level.
Our vision is “Empowering Education Through Technology”. Our mission is “To help students succeed in school and life through the use of our products and services”.
These principles drive our decision making. Backbone’s solutions are respected by industry experts as the best technology tools available. All technology and software tools are scientifically proven, research-based programs that help students succeed. Superior customer service and proven implementation strategies are reasons why Backbone Communications continues to be schools’ source for software tools to increase student achievement.
| Management | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Leah Dines, M.Ed., President | Brian Snyder, Northern |
| Josh Leitz, Regional Director | Matt West, Southern |
| BJ Dines, Technology & Training | |
| California | Nevada |
| Brian Snyder | Steve Leitz |
| New Mexico | Utah |
| Geoff Warren, M.Ed. | Josh Leitz |
| Educational Tech Consultants | Support Specialist |
| Chloe Rhea Beauford | Zac Johnson |
| LaRae Kendrick, M.Ed. | |
| Michael Bidlack |
Leah Dines, M.Ed, President / 602-791-6138
Leah started Backbone Communications in 1999, believing that making the up-to-date and proper learning tools available to larger numbers of students would be doing the most for the most students. She has an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in Political Science and a Masters Degree from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership. She is a member of the following organizations: Women & Philanthropy – ASU Foundation for A New American University, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at NAU, and NAPEW, National Association of Professional & Executive Women.
She has experience in the classroom as a Job Developer/Placement Teacher working with adults with Learning Disabilities as well as with Foster Care students. Before that she worked as a Client Care Worker with violent offender boys age 12-18 years old. Leah had the honor of working with Senator Jon Kyl while in college at ASU, and followed that with a job with the Arizona Board of Supervisors. Using the tools that Backbone Communications represents will enable students to reach goals and dreams they may not have thought possible.
Josh Leitz, Regional Director / 602-770-9152
Josh Leitz has been with Backbone Communications since January 2005. After receiving his Concurrent Degree from ASU in Business Marketing and Business Management he pursued his K-8 education certificate. He was a classroom teacher for grades Kindergarten through 8th grade and used The A+nyWhere Learning System® with his 5th & 6th graders in order to differentiate the curriculum and provide appropriate content to his many students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). When Josh joined Backbone, he began meeting with schools, assisting in implementation, and training teachers and administrators on various software tools. With today’s competitive marketplace, Josh is passionate and committed to helping students realize success and achieve permanent gains by providing the students the right content at the right time.
BJ Dines, Technology & Training / 602-369-3120
BJ joined Backbone Communications in 2001. He has a CIS & Marketing Degree from NAU. BJ has experience working with technology and training with schools providing Internet solutions. His determination and drive in training teachers, consulting administrators and supporting the BBC Account Managers stems from his true goals – to help make schools successful. His experience has taught him the keys to a successful software implementation. Learn how to avoid the common mistakes and make your investment worthwhile. By following Backbone’s implementation plan, Administrators and Teachers know what is expected of them and can now measure its effectiveness.
Brian Snyder, Arizona & California Regional Manager / 602-614-0226
As a teacher, Brian used The A+nyWhere Learning System® software in schools in Arizona and Nebraska and taught various classes in grades K-12. He spent four years at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (Y.R.T.C.) in Kearney, Nebraska. After his tenure at Y.R.T.C., Brian was offered a position to teach a self-contained 7th and 8th grade class as well as the Independent Study teacher in their credit recovery program at Perris Union High School District in California. After three years, Brian was given the opportunity to start an alternative school in Pierce, Nebraska. While teaching for Pierce Public Schools, Brian used A+® as his core curriculum software in the alternative education program. As well as being involved in the alternative education program, Brian also taught Strength and Fitness and was an assistant varsity coach for football and boys and girls basketball. He was also the head strength coach for a very successful athletics program at Pierce High School.
Brian is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, B.A.E., K-12.
Matt West, AZ Southwest Regional Manager / 602-349-3693
Matt has been in education since receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University in 2000. He was a certified teacher and taught for 7 years in the Phoenix area. Outside of the classroom Matt served as Technology Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist, and AIMS Test Coordinator at different schools. He also coached various girls and boys sports before joining Backbone Communications. He is currently finishing his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. Matt uses his classroom and leadership experiences to help schools implement and use software as a powerful educational tool.
Steve Leitz, Nevada Regional Manager / 702-442-1108
After receiving his B.S./B.A. in Marketing & Management from The Ohio State University, Steve spent almost 20 years in the Fashion Eyewear Industry. As Vice President of Sales and National Accounts Manager, Steve was responsible for building designer and private label collections for Dillards, Foleys, J.C. Penney, and the Ski Areas throughout the Southwest United States. Upon the sale of his company, Steve was approached to help the owners of Backbone Communications to help students and teachers in Nevada. Steve’s enthusiasm for healthy self esteem for kids, his volunteer work in that area for over 20 years, and his excitement in seeing his oldest son Josh succeed as a teacher and educational software professional helped Steve decide to join the Backbone Team. Steve looks forward to working with each one of you, and bring his years of partnership experience to help develop a plan to reach your goals.
Geoff Warren, M.Ed, New Mexico Regional Manager / 505-228-8009
Geoff has been involved in education for 13 years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Arizona State University in 2000. He was a certified teacher and was in the classroom for 5 years in the Phoenix area. Upon receiving his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2004 he moved into administration. During his administrative career he became an expert in motivating the unmotivated, becoming a specialist in alternative methods of instruction, and creating an environment of hope and opportunity. In 2010, he moved from public education to private sector at the University level as a program manager. In 2012, he joined the Backbone Communication Team. Geoff uses his ability to lead and empower educators in New Mexico to implement the use of technology in the classroom.
Chloe Rhea Beauford, Certified Educational Technology Consultant /
602-471-7392
As an experienced trainer and workshop leader, Chloe has helped thousands of educators implement successful Reading and English Language Learning solutions. Over the past 15 years, she has conducted workshops and led presentations at many national, state, and local educational conferences. She has also conducted on-site training workshops for hundreds of schools. Chloe recognizes superior professional development as key to integrating new techniques and methods with fidelity.
LaRae Kendrick, M.Ed., Certified Educational Technology Consultant /
801-699-9213
LaRae Kendrick, M. Ed., is a native of San Jose, CA now living in Gilbert, AZ. She earned her master’s in Education Administration at ASU and holds an Arizona Principal’s and Teaching Certificate. She is an experienced educator specializing in Language Arts instruction and integrating technology into the classroom. As the former Director of Curriculum Development for A+ Educators, she oversaw the design of interactive whiteboard lessons for Digital Nation. LaRae has presented countless workshops nationwide on a variety of topics such as the Common Core State Standards, the Six Traits of Writing, interactive whiteboard strategies, the A+nyWhere Learning System, the Writing and Technology Connection, and iPad integration. As a former classroom teacher, she understands the need to master standards while being realistic about life in the classroom. She is also the author and creator of Our Six Writing Friends™ that has helped thousands of students become better writers. LaRae is a teacher’s teacher, energizing and inspiring her fellow educators. A participant in one of her professional development writing workshops recently stated, “Your workshop was so motivating for me…I couldn’t even sleep last night because I could not wait to get back in the classroom and start teaching writing. You have inspired me.”
Michael Bidlack, Certified Educational Technology Consultant /
602-430-9734
Michael was a certified high school English instructor for eight years in Phoenix, Arizona before joining the Backbone Communications team. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University in 2005. Additionally, Michael is currently finishing his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from ASU. Michael is excited and passionate about working with K-12 schools to implement educational software that furthers the academic success of students throughout the southwestern United States.
Zac Johnson, Regional Support Specialist / 602-576-2199
Zac Johnson started with Backbone Communications in 2012. He holds a degree in Political Science from Arizona State University and previously worked for an advertising company. He is also currently a Lieutenant in the Marine Reserve. Zac is a Regional Support Specialist supporting our Certified Trainers and Regional Mangers. Zac is dedicated to working with school districts throughout the Southwest to help students succeed by providing powerful educational tools through compelling content and effective instruction methods.
