About Us
Rob Muhlstein
CEO
The story of Harmony Educational Services begins with Rob Muhlestein, founder and CEO. Rob’s diverse path in leadership and education, along with a passion to educate his own children, has provided him with many opportunities to lead. One tremendous leadership role for Rob was serving as president of the Utah Association of Charter Schools, in which he oversaw 1,500 charter schools. He also served as the principal of American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, Utah for four years.
Rob started to see firsthand that some students did well within the classroom setting while other students did not. Consequently, serving as the principal, building enrollment was paramount to funding. The huge question in his mind was, “How can we reach every child?” His desire was to offer a personalized learning opportunity for each student and to bridge the gap between home and school, creating more unity and “harmony” within the system. Creating a win-win situation for both the schools and homes. Providing funding for both entities. As a lifelong entrepreneur, his vision became a reality, and Harmony Educational Services was born in 2008.
John Thorn
President
John Thorn, serving as president of Harmony Educational Services for over 10 years, has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company. His leadership has impacted nearly two dozen schools throughout the United States through using new and innovative educational solutions. John is passionate about Harmony’s mission of helping parents access an individualized approach to their children’s education. All three of his children have benefited from Harmony’s programs. John has a fun tradition of playing egg toss games with his family every year on his birthday.
Shawni Carver
National Program Director
Shawni Carver, National Program Director has 20 years experience serving the public schools. She is a certified teacher and has taught in Utah, Hawaii, and California. She also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Counseling. Shawni is an entrepreneur at heart and has served educators in several capacities including teaching, training, and guiding employees with their retirement accounts. Shawni has a heart to help schools and loves the mission of Harmony: “Standards inform..Experiences Transform.”
In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving around the world with her husband and spending time with her grandchildren.
Vonda Dastrup
National Program Director
Vonda Dastrup, National Program Director, is an educator at heart. With 25 years of experience in various educational capacities including elementary, middle school, and corporate training, her passion is the empowerment of individuals through education. She has taught in public, private, and homeschool settings and loves them all. She owned and directed two preschools in Arizona and Utah and currently runs a voice and piano studio. Her years in corporate training have honed her skills in what our children need to succeed as adults. Vonda believes Harmony Educational Services to be the perfect link between public schools and those who choose to educate at home.
She enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with her husband, three children and two grandchildren.