Faculty & Staff Directory

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have had two different series of rabies shots! I love animals, and sometimes rescuing them comes with a shot.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
Teleportation. I love the notion of being able to magically go back in time or into the future to experience firsthand what life was like and to be able to better understand people and places.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
I have learned kindness from my students. Small gestures can make people feel noticed and important. Saying hello or remembering something specific to a person can immediately build a bridge. Lessons learned: Smile more, and be kind!

What did you want to be growing up?
A novelist

What draws you to working with students?
Working with students allows me to draw a new purpose daily. I love the changing environment and the opportunity to try new things throughout the day. It is a rewarding experience when students have "light bulb" moments and I like being able to contribute to that in any way I can.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
I was drawn to our experiential learning models. I fully believe that being able to emotionally be connected to your responses to the world around you better prepares you for life. I love that we invest in students' actions and thought processes through travel and hands-on experiences. I am excited to get to know everyone and become an active part of our community.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
My favorite spot in the world is the British Isles. I love the beauty, history, and architecture of Ireland and Scotland. I am an avid reader, and favor novelists from this region.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I started college as a music major with no interest in math. After taking my first college math class with a very inspirational professor, I fell in love with it and switched majors.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
Definitely being able to fly. Mostly for the view and areal perspective.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
I have learned never to take myself too seriously. I will make mistakes from time to time, and I always encourage students to call me out on them. I think it would be hard to teach and be overly worried about self-image.

What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a music teacher or join the coastguard.

What draws you to working with students?
I have always been a teacher in some form or another. I think I enjoy teaching math because it's fun in a way that people often don't see. It's a subject where I feel I can make a difference and pass along some of my enthusiasm.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
My airplane. I have no favorite geographical place but I always feel at home in the air.


John Paul received his BS in mathematics from Pacific University where he also studied education and music. During this time, he completed and graduated from the Spacial Dynamics five-year training in movement and movement analysis, which has been a great aid to him in the classroom. In addition to teaching Math and Physics during the school year, he flies competition aerobatics in the summer. This is a sport that he believes has shaped him as a person and something that drives him to pursue new learning opportunities and push himself to the edges of his comfort zone.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I love camping and kayaking.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
To make people laugh

What is one thing you've learned from students?
To see the humor in things.

What did you want to be growing up?
An oceanographer. I was going to marry Jacque Cousteau and live on the Calypso.

What draws you to working with students?
It is never boring! I live for the ah-ha moments and seeing kids excited about their learning.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
Everyone's positive attitudes and dedication.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
The beach! Some of my best memories are of vacations near the shore.

Gina began teaching in 1988 at Pine Cobble School in Williamstown, Mass., as the director/lead teacher of the preschool, kindergarten, and after-care program. She then taught at Williamstown Elementary as the kindergarten/first-grade teacher, where she also directed their inclusive summer camp. Gina and her family moved to Colorado in 1997, and she was the general manager of Jack Quinn's Irish Restaurant and Pub for almost seven years before working as a real estate agent. In 2011, she was back to teaching at KinderCare as the Kindergarten Readiness teacher, and then in 2016, began as the Pre-3 teacher at the children's center at Colorado College before joining CSS in 2022.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy collecting and listening to vinyl records.

What did you want to be growing up? I've wanted to be a teacher since 8th grade.

What is your favorite spot in the world? Granada, Spain. I lived there for a bit and loved trekking around the Alhambra.

Thomas began teaching in 2000 in the mountain town of Carbondale, Colorado, before leaving the profession for 10 years to work as a banker and a financial planner. He returned to teaching science in 2010 at Falcon High School, where he was head of the Science Department. In 2016, began teaching AP Chemistry, Chemistry, and PLTW Introduction to Engineering at Woodland Park High School. He also received a Master's in Educational Leadership and earned a Principal's License. Thomas became the Director of Panther Academy, the alternative school for the Woodland Park School District, as well as the Director of Online Education for the district. Growing up, he attended private school from grades K-12. When he was hired as the Upper School Director for CSS, he was excited to return to independent school education. He is thrilled to be a part of the CSS community!

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I play in three Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, and I'm a big Magic: the Gathering fan.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why? With the power to manipulate time, I would finally have enough time to do everything I want to do.

What is one thing you've learned from students? How to keep trying even when the task seems impossible. You won't know if you can do it unless you try.

What did you want to be growing up? A rocket scientist.

What draws you to working with students? I love watching students grow over the course of a class. I also love that my students always manage to teach me just as much as I teach them.

What is your favorite spot in the world? My favorite spot in the world is my grandparents' house on the Mississippi Lake in Carleton Place, Ottawa. I love to watch the ducks and the geese swim by, and the way the sunlight bounces off the water in the mornings is so pretty. It's also really quiet and serene. It feels like time stands still there, and it's always so relaxing.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
If I were a superhero, I’d choose the power of flight. The ability to fly above the world would allow me to travel effortlessly, try new foods, and connect with people from all walks of life. It would be an ongoing adventure, offering both freedom and the chance to learn and grow constantly!

What draws you to working with students?
I’m passionate about working with students because it allows me to be part of their personal and academic growth. I find it rewarding to build strong, supportive relationships with students, helping them discover their unique strengths and navigate their challenges. Watching students gain confidence and find their voice is what makes this work so fulfilling.

What is your favorite spot in the world and why?
One of my favorite places in the world is Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York. The park’s beauty holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I’ve shared many memorable moments with my family. Whether it’s hiking the trails, enjoying the waterfalls, or simply spending time together, it’s a place that brings me comfort and joy!

Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a specialization in child and adolescent mental health. She brings experience from a range of settings including schools, outpatient clinics, private practice, and primary care. She has developed a person-centered approach to care, focusing on meeting each student where they are, and creating a safe space for students to explore challenges and build resilience. Originally from Rochester, NY, Emily moved to beautiful Colorado Springs last year.