After four years of dedicated service at Hope Academy, our director of operations, Jane Panyard, is stepping into a well-deserved retirement at the end of the month. Jane has been with Hope Academy since the recovery school established its new charter at its current location in 2020. However, her journey truly started much earlier through her work at Fairbanks Addiction Treatment Center, where she served as the accounting manager before transitioning full-time to Hope Academy.
Jane’s background as an accountant provided a strong foundation for her multifaceted role at Hope. Her official title might have been Director of Operations, but her responsibilities spanned far beyond managing finances. Jane tackled everything from managing the budget and overseeing payroll to handling day-to-day operational challenges, including, humorously, “fixing the toilets.” This hands-on approach endeared her to the entire Hope Academy community, where she became affectionately known as “Auntie Jane.”
Beyond her professional contributions, Jane made a lasting impact on our students. She enjoyed the opportunity to interact with them, imparting wisdom on basic manners, respect, and the importance of healthy boundaries. Her approachable nature helped create a nurturing environment that has certainly contributed to our students’ personal growth. Her primary goal with the students was for them to know they were supported, not judged at Hope Academy.
Reflecting on her time at Hope Academy, Jane shared, “I’ll really miss the people at Hope Academy. It’s been great for me, and I’ve learned a lot from the staff and students over these years. I wouldn’t change a thing, but I’m ready for a little R&R.”
In her retirement, Jane is looking forward to gardening, fixing up her home, and traveling more. She plans to make more frequent trips to Portland, Oregon, where she can spend time with her grandkids who are growing up fast. While we will deeply miss her presence and contributions, we are excited for Jane as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.
As we send Jane off on her next adventure, we share our gratitude for her dedication and the impact she has left on the Hope Academy community. Jane, you have been an integral part of Hope Academy’s growth and success, and for that, we are thankful. Enjoy your retirement and the adventures that lie ahead—you’ve earned it!