Oxford Preparatory Academy
Board of Directors
Roster
2025-2026
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Director
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Officer Role
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Current Term
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Amy Smith, Ed.D.
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President
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1/13/2025 - 6/30/2027
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Elizabeth (Betsy) Freiler
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Vice President
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7/1/2024 - 6/30/2026
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Vacancy
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Delite Travis
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Treasurer
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7/1/2025 - 6/30/2027
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Ashkan Akasheh, M.D.
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Member
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7/1/2025 - 6/30/2027
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Amy Smith
President
Dr. Smith is an education professional currently working on education reform and special projects at the state-level with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office and Foundation for California Community Colleges. She brings over 10 years of experience in education and workforce development, having worked in both K-12 and postsecondary environments. Her experience includes policy reform, partnership development, program design, and program implementation in array of areas including career technical education, early college programming (dual enrollment/articulation), employment transition services, student outreach, K-16 pathways, transfer, and work-based learning. Dr. Smith also has extensive grant development and project management experience, having successfully acquired, and implemented millions of dollars in federal, state, and private funding. Continuously learning and pursuing additional education is important to Dr. Smith. She has earned a B.S. in Business Marketing from Sonoma State University, a M.A. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Adams State University, and an Ed.D. in Adult Learning and Leadership from Kansas State University.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Freiler
Vice President
Mrs. Elizabeth (Betsy) Freiler is a seasoned financial professional and dedicated community volunteer with extensive experience in accounting, project management, and customer service. With a strong foundation in financial practices and a hands-on approach to leadership, Betsy has excelled in various roles, including serving as the Chairman of the School Site Council and Vice President of the Honour Society at Oxford Preparatory Academy (OPA). She has been a part of the OPA community for 11 years. She has demonstrated a passion for educational excellence and a commitment to fostering environments where students can thrive.
Mrs. Freiler's professional career spans over two decades with a strong background in finance, where she worked with prominent organizations such as AMEX, VISA, MasterCard, and Citibank, managing substantial credit operations and ensuring fiscal accountability. Her technical expertise includes proficiency in Oracle, SAP, QuickBooks, and other financial software, making her a versatile and resourceful asset in any organization.
Delite Travis
Treasurer
Mrs. Delite H. Travis brings more than two decades of distinguished leadership experience to nonprofit institutions, where she has consistently driven growth, innovation, and success. As a seasoned member of the Board at Oxford Preparatory Academy (OPA), she stepped into the role of Board President in July 2024. In this role, she is focused on leveraging her extensive experience in strategic planning, board governance, and the successful implementation of policies and programs to support OPA's growth, prosperity, and fulfillment of its education mission. Mrs. Travis's commitment to OPA is deeply personal; three of her daughters graduated from the Saddleback Valley campus, and two of her children are currently enrolled in OPA. Her intimate understanding of the academy's values and goals makes her an invaluable asset to its future.
In her professional capacity, Mrs. Travis serves as Vice President of Development at Whittier College, spearheading all facets of development and advancement. Mrs. Travis's professional career is marked by notable achievements across various philanthropic sectors, including healthcare, nonprofits, and higher education. Her tenure as Vice President of Strategic Engagement, Development, and Campaign at Chapman University is particularly distinguished, having contributed significantly to a $250 million fundraising milestone toward a $500 million campaign goal.
Mrs. Travis holds a Master's Degree in Leadership Development from Chapman University and Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science and International Relations from Pepperdine University. Additionally, she maintains affiliations with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Ashkan Akasheh
Member
Dr. Ashkan Akasheh is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with experience in both hospital-based and virtual care delivery. He practices in the hospital setting while also contributing to virtual care to enhance patient access, operational efficiency, and quality outcomes through technology integration. Dr. Akasheh is also actively involved in education and training as a TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer and instructor in critical event simulation, designing high-fidelity scenarios that strengthen teamwork, communication, and performance in high-stakes environments.
Dr. Akasheh brings a systems-based approach to board service, grounded in leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement. His background emphasizes collaboration, operational oversight, and measurable outcomes—principles that support effective governance and long-term organizational success. He also has a history of service in the U.S. Army Reserve, reflecting his commitment to leadership and service. As a parent of three children within the Oxford Preparatory Academy community, he is deeply invested in supporting academic excellence, responsible fiscal stewardship, and transparent decision-making.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science from UCLA, his MD from UC Irvine, and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center and Olive View–UCLA Medical Center.
