About Us
Our Story
StarQuest was founded in 1998, with the vision of changing the way people value learning in the workplace. Our mission is to increase the potential of people by expanding their capacity for growth, development and progress.
Equipped with a wealth of experience, knowledge, resources and creativity, we are committed to delivering relevant, application-oriented training programs that develop peoples' potential for superior on-the-job performance.
Our Principals
Jill H. Athenour
Director of Curriculum Design
Jill Athenour is responsible for the design and development of StarQuest's curriculum—including all e-Learning content and instructor-led programs. She is one of the original co-founders of StarQuest and brings a wealth of experience in education and adult learning.
Jill has spent her entire career in adult education, and was previously the director of marketing and admissions, then assistant dean for Regis University's adult undergraduate program. She has also worked for such organizations as University of Denver, and St. Mary's College of California. Her professional experience in marketing, sales, management and adult learning provides a robust backdrop when designing and developing relevant curriculum.
She has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Santa Barbara, CA; and an MA in education from St. Mary's College, Moraga, CA.
Ken Reed
Director of Information Systems
Ken is responsible for system development and all technical aspects of the StarQuest Online web systems and online course delivery. Ken is an engineer and author who has published a dozen textbooks on the subjects of computer networking, the Internet, and web development.
Ken began his career as a software engineer. After several years of developing software, Ken managed a number of different engineering groups composed of software developers, hardware and software testers and software librarians. Ken holds undergraduate degrees in Electronics and Computer Information Systems and graduate degrees in Management and Telecommunications Engineering.
Tom Athenour
Director of Client Services
Tom Athenour is responsible for strategic sales and marketing. Tom's professional experience has transpired predominantly within the financial services and learning and development industries, and has included leadership positions in marketing, operations, and sales. Prior to co-founding StarQuest, he was vice president of marketing for International Learning Systems, Inc., an international performance development consulting firm that worked with Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
He has served on the board of directors for the Goodwill Industries of Denver and is a member of the American Society for Training and Development and the Society of Human Resource Management. He has spoken at numerous national conferences on the subject of leadership, organizational change and talent development.
Tom holds an M.B.A. from St. Mary's College of California and a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Santa Clara.