FACULTY AND STAFF
Dustin Cady | Department Co-Chair & Fifth Grade Math Problem Solving Teacher
Dustin is driven to teach by his desire to give students the tools and confidence to succeed in life, regardless of their backgrounds. While a student at the University of Oregon, he spent his junior year studying abroad in Chile, followed by an internship with a micro-finance NGO in Peru. After graduation, his travels took him to Spain where he spent eight months as an assistant English teacher in a Spanish high school. Dustin is thrilled to be working with an Atlas Prep staff that shares his passion for working with youth and his determination to close the achievement gap in Colorado Springs. A Colorado native, he grew up loving the mountains and is excited to explore the hiking west of town.
Kevin Cady | Seventh Grade Writing Teacher
Kevin believes that all students deserve a college education if they have the desire to go and are willing to work to get there. He spent his undergraduate years studying rhetoric at Miami University in Ohio while teaching rock climbing and other outdoor sports. Kevin moved West after college to pursue his Masters degree at Colorado College and explore the mountains. He is excited to be a part of the Atlas team and looks forward to making an impact in the Colorado Springs area.
Kate Chadwick | Homework Center Teacher and Coach
Kate's belief that positive social change and peace both start at the community level have brought her to the world of education and Atlas Prep. Prior to coming to Atlas Prep, Kate served as an intern at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. With the ICRC Kate worked in the division on Law and Cooperation Within the Movement, where she assisted in the creation and facilitation of delegate trainings on cooperation and leadership. Prior to her time with the ICRC, Kate worked as an administrative associate at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University. Kate is an alumna of Colorado College where she was a member of the Division I women's soccer team. Kate has a long history of coaching experience, and is excited be a part of the creation of the Atlas Prep athletic program. She also is extremely motivated to work as a Homework Center teacher, and to help instill a hard-work ethic and pride in the students of Atlas.
Hunter Chambers | Grades 5-7 Creative Enrichment Teacher
By becoming a teacher at Atlas Preparatory School, Hunter is fulfilling a lifelong dream of working in the classroom. After receiving his degree in Studio Art at Baylor University Hunter moved to Colorado Springs to begin a new chapter as a teacher. Hunter believes that Atlas plays a powerful role in shaping the lives of its students and empowering them to grow into successful and enriched adults.
"All art is autobiographical. The pearl is the oyster's autobiography."
-- Federico Fellini
Erin Chapman | Grades 5-6 Social Studies Teacher
Erin joined the Atlas faculty because she believes that all children should have the opportunity to attain an excellent public education. As a student at Indiana University, Erin studied History and Conflict Resolution Studies. Her commitment to international human rights led her to volunteer for organizations including Free Tibet in London and Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope) in Peru. That same desire to provide individuals a chance to improve their lives motivates her to become an excellent teacher for the students of Colorado Springs. A new member of the Springs community, she is excited to start biking and to paint some mountain scenes.
Debra Crowell | Office Manager
Debra is a Colorado Springs native who brings with her 11 years of experience in the education field. She has previously worked with District Eleven and Fountain Valley School, positions which have equipped her with a diverse and highly useful skill set. Debra is also a certified mediator and a member of the Colorado Council of Mediators & Mediation Organizations (CCMO), and has most recently worked on cases with the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. Debra is the proud mother of four children and a grandmother of three. As the Office Manager at Atlas Prep, Debra is responsible for managing the day to day operation of the front office, administrative duties and parental correspondence. She has a passion for educating and empowering underserved youth, and is thrilled to be a part of the Atlas Preparatory School team.
Catherine Dance | Seventh Grade Science Teacher
Cate joins Atlas with a strong belief that the education gap must be closed and that every student deserves a strong and enjoyable learning environment that will lead towards life long opportunities. A graduate from the University of Oregon Clark Honors College, Cate began her journey into teaching as an Anthropology Teaching Assistant. After working on the East Coast in the international nonprofit sector, and coaching youth soccer, she became interested in rejoining the teaching world. Cate has returned to her home state to work with the motivated and enthusiastic teachers, staff, and students of Atlas Prep. She is also excited to get back to skiing, snowboarding and the great Colorado outdoors!
Nora Duane | Grade & Department Chair, Founding Teacher - Social Studies
Nora is excited to join the Atlas Prep team; she strongly believes that it is the right of every child to have access to a quality education and a safe school. A graduate of Stonehill College, Nora began teaching in Fall River, MA through PACT, a volunteer program, while earning her M.Ed. at Providence College in RI. After, she moved on to the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter School in the Hyde Park section of Boston, a school which shares a similar vision to Atlas Prep. Nora is coming to Colorado Springs from her beloved home state of Vermont, and she is looking forward to comparing Green Mountains to Rocky ones.
Arianna Duncan | Fifth Grade Math Procedures Teacher
Arianna is a Teach For America Corps Member who is ecstatic about joining the Atlas Prep team in empowering the youth of Colorado Springs. Arianna is committed to ending educational inequity because she believes that every child deserves a quality education that allows them to flourish in the real world. Arianna majored in Advertising at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign while studying abroad and volunteering in over ten countries. She is most eager to share her worldly experiences with her students in the one language that is truly international - mathematics, and prepare them to understand and explore their role as global citizens.
Pamela Fitzsimmons | Founding Teacher - Athletic Enrichment
Pamela's experiences working with youth have helped to develop her belief that education can empower and change the lives of youth. Whether teaching struggling students in a large, inner-city school in Long Beach, California for three years, teaching rural under-served students in Eastern Colorado, or serving as School Counselor for two years, she has sought individual success for ALL learners as an educator. She began working with youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster, California in 1998. This work inspired her to complete her studies in Psychology and complete the teaching program through California State University-Fullerton. Pamela looks forward to working assist Colorado Springs students in achieving high expectations and in becoming productive members of their global community!
Margaux Frank | Learning Lab Director
A recent graduate from Colorado College, Margaux comes to Atlas Prep with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature. In college, she worked as an advocate for reproductive rights and co-founded a coalition to encourage young voters to exercise their right to vote. She has spent time in various corners of the globe including Argentina and Japan, and loves learning about other parts of the world (especially language and food). Before coming to Atlas, she worked as a home health aide, farm hand, research assistant, and substitute teacher. Atlas Prep is exciting for Margaux because for her, learning is a lifelong pursuit, and she cannot wait to be part of a team that encourages and challenges students to have big dreams and even larger achievements.
Daniel Gibbons | School Counselor
Atlas Prep provides Danny with a wonderful sense of fulfillment and challenge, something he has always wanted from his work. As the School Counselor, he enjoys learning about each student and challenging them to reach their full personal and academic potential. He is excited to continue building positive relationships with students, families, and staff members. Danny graduated from King's College with a BS in Business Administration and worked for Merrill Lynch, and then BlackRock Inc., both in Princeton, New Jersey. He was presented with a terrific opportunity and decided to move to Colorado Springs, attend graduate school, and change careers. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a Master's in Counseling and Human Services. Danny loves sports, traveling, and the company of family and friends.
Rebecca Hooley | Grade & Department Chair - Grades 5-6 Science Teacher
Coming from a long line of public school teachers, Rebecca believes that all students deserve access to a challenging, high quality education that prepares them for the collegiate world and beyond. After earning a degree in biology from Lewis & Clark College, Rebecca entered the field of education as an environmental educator with nature centers in Minnesota and Colorado. Rebecca taught middle school science at a KIPP school in Denver prior to enrolling in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. In addition to teaching, Rebecca also enjoys cooking, gardening, skiing, and hiking and snowshoeing with her two dogs, Otto and George.
Tiffany Hsieh | Special Education Teacher
Tiffany is entering teaching because of her strong belief that a quality education is a right for all, regardless of circumstance. While a student at the University of California at Berkeley, she witnessed the achievement gap firsthand while working with students in Berkeley, Oakland and rural Uganda. After graduation, Tiffany worked at a nonprofit in Washington, DC focused on international development in Sub-Saharan Africa. She is thrilled to further her passion for social justice and join the talented Atlas team to empower all students to succeed both academically and personally. She is also excited to explore all of the different outdoor activities in Colorado.
Jessica Kautz | Homework Center Teacher and Coach
This is Jessica's first year at Atlas Prep and she is very excited to join such an energetic and enthusiastic team. She is passionate about providing a high-quality education to all students regardless of economic and social background. Jessica has done a lot of traveling and volunteering, but is excited to now be living here in Colorado Springs. Originally from Lake Tahoe, California Jessica grew up skiing and playing soccer. She completed her undergraduate work at Colorado College.
Stephanie Kernan | Fifth Grade Writing Teacher
Stephanie comes to Atlas in pursuit of giving her students the quality education that every child deserves. After graduating from Colorado College with her Elementary teaching certificate, she moved back to California to teach in the school district she was a product of. After a few years of teaching, Stephanie traveled to Italy to become certified to teach English as a foreign language. She is ecstatic to move back to Colorado where she can continue to explore the Rocky Mountains. Inspired by Atlas Prep's mission, Stephanie is thrilled to join the dedicated staff and to help give students the tools in life they need to achieve their dreams.
Amber Kochman | Seventh Grade Math Teacher
Amber is a firm believer that it is part of our nation's promise to give every student an excellent education. After witnessing the educational inequities present her home city of Chicago she joined Teach For America to be a part of the movement working to end this fundamental injustice. She holds a B.A. in Economics and History from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a M.A. in Teaching from Dominican University. Since entering the classroom in 2008 her passion for ending educational inequity has grown and she is excited to be a part of the Atlas Prep team.
Mary Lamb | Fifth Grade Reading Teacher
After several years outside her native state, Mary is overjoyed to return to Colorado as an educator. She earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Education at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. As a student teacher in Los Angeles County and a Teach For America Mississippi Delta corps member, Mary entered the teaching profession with the goal of working toward academic achievement for every student. Mary is excited to join the Atlas team and continue improving student literacy.
Mark Lanning | Athletic Enrichment Teacher
After mentoring youth for ten years, Mark joins Atlas Prep eager to impact Colorado Springs. Mark graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Ethnic Studies. After working with underserved youth at the Boys and Girls Club, he decided to obtain his teaching certificate from the University of Colorado Denver. Before teaching at Atlas Prep, Mark worked tirelessly to close the achievement gap at an urban elementary school. In his classroom, students will become excited about the possibilities a college preparation education can provide. He is eager to participate in a school that is meticulously devoted to student achievement. On weekends, you can find Mark exploring the great outdoors with his dog Tattoo.
Adam Lenzmeier | Sixth Grade Reading Teacher
Adam looks forward to exploring the Colorado outdoors and starting a new teaching experience at Atlas Prep. Following his graduation from Gonzaga University (Go Bulldogs!), Adam entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant where he served under the 10th Mountain and 1st Infantry Divisions. Upon completion of his military service obligation, Adam joined the Teach for America New Orleans corps where he worked relentlessly to close the achievement gap as an 9th and 10th grade English teacher at L.B. Landry High School. Now at Atlas Prep, Adam looks forward to providing 6th grade reading students with a high-quality and interactive education that will prepare them for college graduation and future community leadership opportunities.
Anne Long | Grade & Department Chair - Sixth Grade Reading Teacher
Anne's passion for teaching stems from her belief that all students are entitled to receive an exceptional education that ensures opportunities for a successful future. After graduating from Lewis and Clark College in 2005, Anne began her teaching career as a Teach For America teacher in Gallup, New Mexico where she taught for four years. She holds a master's degree in elementary education from Western New Mexico University. Anne is excited to embark upon new learning opportunities at Atlas Prep and to work with students, parents and teachers in order to provide learning experiences for students to help them achieve their highest potential. She is also thrilled to explore the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
Landon Marder | Sixth Grade Math Problem Solving Teacher
Landon is excited to teach math problem solving at Atlas Prep because he values how important it is for all students to become analytical thinkers. He is a 2011 Teach For America Corp Member. As an Economics major and an International Relations minor at the University of Pennsylvania, Landon developed a passion for how mathematics can explain the world around him. He is excited to share this passion with his students and firmly believes that all students no matter their socio-economic background can become successful math problem solvers and thinkers. These are skills that will help all students towards the path of college and infinite career choices.
Joseph Mikolaj | Director of Community Outreach
Former Atlas Intern and Community Organizer, Joe is excited to play yet another role as a part of the Atlas team. He has seen first-hand the transformational power of Atlas' vision and mission for children and adults alike. A firm believer in closing the achievement gap, Joe was a part of the Music in Schools initiative in New Haven, CT, a program through the Yale School of Music that brought Yale graduate music students into local public school music programs. When he isn't at Atlas, Joe teaches voice at the Colorado Springs Conservatory, performs with the Old Tribe Theater Project, and once in a blue moon even dilly-dallies in singing/songwriting. If you're looking for him on an Atlas field day, look for his Basset-Hound, Buddy, and Joe is sure to be near.
Rebecca Pontieri | Seventh Grade Reading Teacher
Rebecca is excited to join the Atlas Prep team to help give its students an excellent education and middle school experience. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Rebecca began teaching in the Bronx as a Teach for America corps member while earning her M.S. for Teachers at Pace University in New York. She continued working in the Bronx as a 6th, 7th and 8th grade literacy teacher and literacy coach, and received an M.A. in Organization and Leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University. She is enjoying the gorgeous Colorado landscape and all the outdoor activities there that require you to wear a helmet.
Kaili Purviance | After School Coordinator
Kaili originally joined Atlas Preparatory School as a substitute teacher, but soon wanted to contribute in a greater capacity. After graduating with a B.A. in Economics at the University of Texas at Austin, Kaili pursued his athletic goals as a professional triathlete, which ultimately brought him to Colorado. With a flexible entrepreneurial schedule, Kaili has embraced the opportunity to work in education with hope of applying his experience in business development and fundraising to make an impact on students' lives and increase equity in education. Kaili believes that all students deserve the access to a quality education that gives them the tools to be successful adults. These beliefs, reinforced by the Atlas Preparatory mission, inspire Kaili as he joins a team that is changing the education paradigm.
Mary Ramsey | Special Education Teacher
Mary is a 2011 Teach For America corps member and is thrilled to join the Atlas Prep team. Mary believes that all students should have the opportunity to attain an excellent education, and she is excited to share her passion for literature with students at Atlas Prep through her reading classes. Prior to teaching, Mary worked at Teach For America's New York regional office for many years, where she engaged members in the community in Teach For America's work to close the achievement gap. Mary also spearheaded initiatives to grow and strengthen the regional team, with the goal of ensuring that all Teach For America corps members and alumni maximize their impact as leaders in the education reform movement. Mary graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in English. She is new to Colorado and can't wait to experience her first ski season.
Alex Simpson | Special Education Teacher
Alex is a Teach For America Corps Member that wants to help students succeed in the classroom, as well as become contributing members of society. She is driven to close the achievement gap by supporting that all students should have the right to a strong education. As a recent graduate from Arizona State University she is excited to join the Atlas team. Originally from Washington, D.C., she developed her love for working with students by being a camp counselor for the past five summers. She is excited to take her experiences with kids and include them in her reading classes. Alex has enjoyed learning about Colorado Springs and is excited to go skiing, hiking, and spending time in the beautiful state of Colorado.
Shiho Ushijima | School Counselor Aide
Shiho has always had a passion for working with children and adolescents and is thrilled to be working as the school counselor aide. During her time as a Psychology major and Education minor at Colorado College, she was extensively involved in teaching, tutoring, and mentoring at-risk youth in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas. At Atlas, she hopes to make a formative difference in the lives of students by helping them meet their academic and personal goals. Shiho believes that a college education is the surest way for people to find satisfying work and to lead fulfilling lives, and she feels honored to belong to a community of staff and parents who are committed to providing students with the best college-preparatory education possible.
Jamie Volkhardt | Administrative Assistant
With a heart for serving and passion for building up the next generation, Jamie is excited about her role on the Atlas Preparatory team. After graduating from Colorado State University-Pueblo Jamie joined AmeriCorps where she served as an environmental educator at Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park. Returning to Colorado Springs, Jamie began working for Mountain Springs Church as an administrative assistant. She quickly became the Outreach and Missions Coordinator, trying to build community and focus the church into providing for the city of Colorado Springs and its residents. Jamie has a heart for the city of Colorado Springs and is excited to be part of an organization that provides opportunities to our city's underprivileged and overlooked younger citizens.
Justin Wagner | Facilities Manager
Justin is a Colorado Springs native who loves the scenery and amazing things to do in Colorado. He is a hands on learner and worker, and has four years of management experience that he is very excited to bring to Atlas. When he's not busy building or fixing something, he loves being able to do whatever he can to help make a difference in and around Atlas for students and staff.
Kyra Werdehausen | Community Organizer
As a master's of sociology student at UCCS, Kyra is thrilled to work for a school that is dedicated to providing urban youth with the possibility of a brighter life through education. She is firm believer that education can take you places, as it has brought her from her home state of Missouri, where she received her BS in Sociology at Missouri State University, to the beautiful state of Colorado. Kyra is ecstatic that she can help make a difference for students by representing Atlas in the community and reaching out to families so their children can have the opportunity to join such a phenomenal school with such an inspiring philosophy.
Candace Wong | Special Education Teacher
Candace begins her career at Atlas Prep after witnessing the achievement gap first-hand in her native state of California. After earning a B.A. in English and French at UC Berkeley, she joined Teach For America Colorado. In college, Candace spent two years working with youth ages 6-14 from low-income families in the South and West Berkeley community. It was her experience as a tutor and Student Director at Berkeley Youth Alternatives (BYA) that inspired her to work with TFA to provide all students with a quality education, regardless of their ethnic or economic backgrounds. As a Special Education teacher, Candace is excited to collaborate with the Atlas team, as well as with students and families at the school.
Gisellys Zarzuela | Department Co-Chair & Grade 6 Math Procedures Teacher
As a recent a graduate from Cornell University, where she majored in Psychology and Spanish, and minored in Latino Studies, Gisellys is committed to ensuring that all children receive the quality education that they deserve. She fervently believes that the achievement gap is a solvable problem and will work hard in the effort to make education in America more just. Gisellys is enthusiastic to join Atlas's talented team in their vision to create a safe learning environment geared towards a college education. She is also looking forward to living away from the east coast for the first time and exploring the west.
