Faculty & Staff Directory

What is your role at CSS?⁣ I am a Middle School history teacher (World Geography, American History, and Ancient Civilizations), and the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ Middle School soccer programs.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS? There are many things I love about working at CSS, but the thing I have loved best is the chance to work with students in a variety of settings, whether teaching in the classroom, leading overseas trips, paddling on rivers, squirming through caves, skiing on Colorado’s slopes, coaching on Boddington Field, or logging countless hours in CSS vans. This has allowed me to get to know students’ personalities, strengths, and areas of challenge in a way that would not have been possible in a traditional school setting.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? This isn’t a typical answer, so I run the risk of being accused of being a lame superhero; however, I have said for years that if I could have any power, I would love to have the ability to never sleep. Imagine what one could accomplish and experience with all that extra time!

What did you want to be growing up? Growing up, I was all in on being a professional soccer player. Although I didn’t quite make it, soccer has been a huge part of my life for almost 40 years. As a coach, I have really enjoyed trying to kindle a love for soccer in young people and helping them achieve their goals.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? Despite loving to joke around and being energetic with groups of students, I am actually pretty shy and an introvert.

What draws you to working with students? I love the fact that students have their whole lives ahead of them with so many exciting possibilities. It is energizing to see young people find and develop their passions. When it happens in a class, seminar, or sport I am teaching, it is particularly gratifying.

What is one thing you’ve learned from students? I have learned not to take myself too seriously. It is a lot more fun that way.

What is your favorite spot in the world? My favorite spot in the world is Moraine Lake in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with jagged peaks surrounding it, Moraine Lake’s otherworldly turquoise-blue water is something I will never forget.

What is a favorite memory at CSS? This is a tough question, as I have had so many great experiences at CSS. One of my favorites was an 18-day trip to Peru I took with 15 Middle and Upper school students in June 2002. Experiencing Cusco, hiking the Inca Trail for four days to Machu Picchu, and then completing a high Andean trek that took us through remote villages while circumnavigating 21,000 ft. Mt. Ausangate were all amazing. Seeing first-hand the joy of these discoveries through the eyes of the students made it even more memorable.

What did you want to be growing up?
An Astronaut! Space is awesome, and I love Sci-Fi. It seemed like a logical conclusion.

What draws you to working with students?
Students always have a different point of view than what adults tend to consider. They look at problems in a completely different way and solve them in methods we often overlook. They see the world from a genuine place of exploration.

Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in the information technology industry, with areas of excellence in business intelligence, technical project management, and research. As the IT Coordinator, she is responsible for resolving technical issues for students and staff, as well as maintaining and upgrading the technical environment for The Colorado Springs School.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I'm a first-generation immigrant from Belgium/Congo. French is my first language, and listening to American music helped me learn to speak English.

What did you want to be growing up? An Actor

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS and why? I enjoy the community aspect and love how most families are involved and contribute to the school.

What is your favorite spot in the world? Morocco. It is a beautiful country that is spiritually rich.

Samir is a recording artist, creative thought leader, and accomplished speaker. As one-half of the musical group The Reminders, he has toured nationally and internationally. He also facilitates workshops and residencies in universities and for organizations across the country.