Mountain Academy

Faculty & Staff

Meet our faculty and staff who engage with our students daily to understand who they are and how they learn. Teacher-student relationships are the foundation of a student’s educational journey.

Meet our Team

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Jonathan Silver

Interim Head of School, Mountain Academy Jackson Campus

Jonathan Silver

Interim Head of School, Mountain Academy Jackson Campus

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, I was surrounded by educators in my family (my mother, grandmother, two aunts, and two cousins, to list just a few). I caught the teaching bug while an undergraduate at the University of Rochester (NY). Over 35 years, leading, learning, empowering, and educating has been a rewarding journey. Highlights include:

  • Being a member of the leadership team at Shady Side Academy while working on my doctorate in history at Carnegie Mellon University
  • Becoming a strong advocate for place-based learning as the Assistant Head of School and Upper School Director for Emery/Weiner School (Houston, TX)
  • Establishing a new high school program for the Village School (Houston, TX) where outdoor adventures centered around students from differing backgrounds and cultures

Several threads weave these dynamic leadership experiences together. I strive to be a visionary, strategic, collaborative, and empathetic leader who maintains a keen eye on how we, in schools, need to evolve our pedagogy, programs, and operational practices to meet the immediate needs of our students and faculty.

Leila Poutiatine

Head of School, Teton Valley Campus

Leila Poutiatine

Head of School, Teton Valley Campus

Raised in New England, Leila first experienced the majestic mountains of the west at college in CO. Comforted by the humbling impact of living near vast natural places, she settled on the CA coast for 18 years before moving with her family to Teton Valley in 2018. Her own early fascination with exploring the natural world led her to pursue a BS in biology from Smith College. She put her science skills to use teaching 7th grade biology when she launched her career in independent schools in 1994. Most recently she has been honing her love of teaching and learning in schools committed to honoring the natural curiosity and wonder inherent in unique learners of all ages.

Mountain Academy Administration

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Betsy Trowbridge

Director of Teaching and Learning, Lower School Faculty, Teton Valley Campus

Betsy Trowbridge

Director of Teaching and Learning, Lower School Faculty, Teton Valley Campus

A transplant originally from New England, Betsy joined Teton Science Schools in 1995 to participate in the newly established graduate program. After a brief stint in Berkeley for graduate school and a few years teaching upper elementary, Betsy returned to TSS to join the faculty of Journeys School in its third year. Over the years at TSS, Betsy has held various roles focused on creating engaging learning environments rooted in place. She now returns to the Director of Teaching and Learning position after spending a few years coaching with TSS's Professional Learning Team and writing curricula for organizations such as YELLOW and PBL Works.

Macey Ackman

Director of Teaching and Learning, Grades 5-8 ELA & K-8 Intervention/Learning Support Coordinator, Jackson Campus

Macey Ackman

Director of Teaching and Learning, Grades 5-8 ELA & K-8 Intervention/Learning Support Coordinator, Jackson Campus

Please check again later!

Lee Zderski

Learning Support Team Coordinator and Learning Specialist, Teton Valley Campus

Lee Zderski

Learning Support Team Coordinator and Learning Specialist, Teton Valley Campus

Lee Zderski joined TSS at the beginning of the  21-22 school year,  as a Learning Specialist and Faculty Member. She continues her role as a part of the Learning Support Team on the TVC campus. Lee was drawn to Mountain Academy's dedication to Place Based Education (PBE). Lee is also IB PYP certified, she embraces how IB brings the real world into the classroom while honoring the child's attributes. She believes PBE takes an additional step to this by facilitating real world experiences within our students' community,  environment, culture and history.

 

Skiing has drawn Lee and her family to the valley for over twenty consecutive years. Lee also loves to read, play tennis, and cook. Exploring the beauty of 'home' with her family is a priority.

Katie Rose Griffith

Director of Farm & Garden and Outdoor Education

Katie Rose Griffith

Director of Farm & Garden and Outdoor Education

Katie Rose Griffith joined Mountain Academy in 2017, after spending time working for Mountain RootS Education in the garden. She is currently the farm and Garden and Outdoor Education Director. Katie Rose was drawn to the experiential learning through outdoor classrooms at the Teton Valley campus garden. 

 

When Katie Rose isn’t teaching she is in the mountains and visiting the ocean.

Avalee Fray-McCroskey

Office Manager, Teton Valley Campus

Avalee Fray-McCroskey

Office Manager, Teton Valley Campus

Avalee is from Washington state where she spent many years running summer programming at camps in the San Juan Islands. She managed a horseback riding program and later logistics for a sea-kayak based trip program. She attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida where she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Religious Studies. Avalee spends her free time doing yoga, swimming, hiking, and skiing.

Jackson Campus Faculty

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Matt Bisk

Head of Middle School, Middle School Faculty

Matt Bisk

Head of Middle School, Middle School Faculty

Matt was a graduate of the Teton Science Schools Graduate Program in 2021. After some time spent that year on the Teton Valley Campus, Matt joined the Jackson Campus faculty to instruct middle school math. Matt came to Mountain Academy for the opportunity to build community through place-based education. By connecting learning to the human and more than human communities in the area, he is hoping that students can engage in a holistic learning approach to math.

 

Matt can be found hiking or backpacking on trails in both the Teton and Gros Ventre ranges, hopefully to a lake or creek in which he can take a dip. Otherwise he can be found reading, practicing yoga, biking, cooking, playing board games, listening to music, or watching new films.

Grant Ross

Middle School Math & Maker Space Faculty

Grant Ross

Middle School Math & Maker Space Faculty

Grant possesses a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Aerospace, from the University of Dayton, and a Master's degree in the same discipline from Oregon State University. His expertise in Math and Science, coupled with a zeal for teaching and a variety of experiences such as his service in the Peace Corps and research endeavors in Malawi, shape his distinctive pedagogical style. With more than four years of experience as a Teaching Assistant and math instructor, he also participates in coding, maker space initiatives, and spearheads extracurricular activities, all complemented by his enjoyment of the outdoor pursuits available in the Tetons.

Jeffrey Post-Holmberg

Head of Lower School, Lower School Faculty

Jeffrey Post-Holmberg

Head of Lower School, Lower School Faculty

Lucy Hayward

Lower School Faculty, Grades 3 and 4 & Middle School History

Lucy Hayward

Lower School Faculty, Grades 3 and 4 & Middle School History

Karly Perry

Lower School Faculty, Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2

Karly Perry

Lower School Faculty, Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2

Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio I never would have guessed that I would end up teaching in Los Altos, California for seven years and two more in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina before moving to this stunning place I now get to call home! At a young age I had several experiences that gave me my worldview and I think make me uniquely suited to be in the classroom. I was lucky enough to have lived overseas in Seoul, South Korea and Kobe, Japan for a total of six years.  At a young age I learned about standing out in very different cultures and really understood how challenging that can be.  I can empathize with anyone who feels different. When I was six years old (still living overseas), I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and spent six months undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy while managing to only miss a few weeks of school!  I realized that every challenge we face makes up the fabric of our life, shapes us into who we are and ultimately becomes a blessing to us all. While my family is now living in Ohio, I am so looking forward to making this state – and this school – my home.  A few of the things that still give me goosebumps including: working with children, my family (I am the oldest of four children), snowboarding, live music, water sports (I love wakeboarding and wakesurfing), and I am a fanatical Alabama Crimson Tide football fan! I am looking forward to a fantastic year in the Mountain Academy community!

Mayme Sullivan

Spanish Faculty K-8

Mayme Sullivan

Spanish Faculty K-8

Mayme holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in Spanish and a master’s degree in Spanish from the University of Wyoming. Mayme has spent time in Chile teaching English and is looking forward to instilling a passion for world languages to the Mountain Academy students.

Paige Fisher

Director of Early Childhood, Jackson Campus

Paige Fisher

Director of Early Childhood, Jackson Campus

Paige’s appreciation and curiosity about the natural world began in both New Mexico and Vermont. Paige furthered this curiosity through her educational journey at the University of Vermont and discovered a love for teaching about nature through a sense of place during her time spent at Shelburne Farms. As a Peace Corps volunteer, serving for three years in the high Andes of Ecuador, Paige recognized the beauty of experiencing the world through different perspectives and languages. Paige continued her love for ecology and education through the graduate program at TSS. Paige is a passionate educator who strives to inspire curiosity and empathy in children through their play and discovery of the world around them. Paige is excited to collaborate with and lead the early childhood team at Mountain Academy.

 

When Paige isn't teaching she loves spending time exploring the Tetons, floating the Snake, enjoying good food with her husband and friends or spending time relaxing with her cat Chipi.

Grace Werner

Assistant Director of Early Childhood & Lead Preschool Faculty

Grace Werner

Assistant Director of Early Childhood & Lead Preschool Faculty

In pursuing her Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a Certificate in Outdoor & Community Education at the University of Washington, Grace formed her teaching philosophy. She believes learning is grounded in authentic relationship building, and that learning is personal and lifelong. While pursuing her Master’s, Grace found a love for working with 3-5 year-olds and curiosity for early childhood education as a groundwork for lifelong learning. Whether indoors or outdoors, Grace encourages students to be curious, flexible, growth-oriented, and above all themselves. Grace’s new role as the assistant director of early childhood allows her to support the entire early childhood program and she is loving getting to know all of our children and families.

Danny Martin

Lead Preschool & Pre-K Outdoor Explorations Faculty

Danny Martin

Lead Preschool & Pre-K Outdoor Explorations Faculty

Danny arrived in Jackson Hole first through Teton Science Schools’ Graduate Program in 2019 following nearly a decade of sharing his passion for the natural world with young people in unique experiential learning environments. Just prior to joining the TSS community, he shared his love for creating nutritious and delicious food as the chef in an experiential learning kitchen at a small Montessori School in Southeastern Nebraska. Danny has also shared his love for gardening and bicycling with children in non-profit settings, teaching garden-to-table concepts and leading group bike rides all over the nature-filled city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stemming from his roots as a lifelong lover of learning outdoors and the wide array of literature to back it up, Danny believes that outdoor classrooms offer integral and distinctive lessons that encourage a child’s social-emotional growth as well as their healthy physical and cognitive development. In his free time, Danny may be found in the woods hiking, biking, and swimming in natural bodies of water, or at home reading, snuggling his cats, and playing board games, cooking and dancing with friends.

Veronica Banks

Preschool & Pre-K Outdoor Explorations Assistant Faculty

Veronica Banks

Preschool & Pre-K Outdoor Explorations Assistant Faculty

Veronica hails from a southeastern Pennsylvania suburb where they grew up rolling in the mud, splashing in puddles, and climbing sweet gum trees. A childhood spent outdoors has led to a career in environmental education where she shares her passion for the natural world with students of all ages. After graduating from Temple University, Veronica taught children about not-so-creepy crawlies at the Philadelphia Insectarium. Veronica then hopped over the Delaware River to work at Fernbrook Farms where they crafted outdoor education programs for preschool to elementary-aged students. Once their time on the farm came to a close, Veronica worked leading hikes at North Cascades Institute in Washington. Afterwards, they worked for Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center in Boston Harbor, leading students in climbing, team building, and salt marsh explorations. Veronica spends their free time hiking, climbing, reading, writing, crafting, and exploring new hobbies. They are excited to spend the school year outside with children flipping over logs, dancing, creating nature crafts, and finding joy in each day!

Krisanna Andrews

Lead Pre-Kindergarten Faculty

Krisanna Andrews

Lead Pre-Kindergarten Faculty

Krisanna graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in elementary education with a concentration in science. She loves teaching but dislikes sitting at a desk, so she is passionate about place-based education and can’t wait to share the wonder of the world with young children. Krisanna spent two summers working with Teton Science Schools Early Childhood Summer program adventuring and exploring this place with young children. She is so excited to return to Teton Science Schools as a member of Mountain Academy to lead the Pre-Kindergarten class. When she's not Nordic skiing she spends her free time trail running, reading, summiting peaks, and sleeping under the stars.

Briella Brice

Early Childhood Assistant Faculty & After School Curriculum Coordinator

Briella Brice

Early Childhood Assistant Faculty & After School Curriculum Coordinator

Briella grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and lush forests that inspired my love for nature. Briella moved to Utah in 2017 to attend the University of Utah and play in the Wasatch mountains. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Briella spent time living in Yosemite National Park. Briella is deeply passionate about the natural world and her experience as a ski instructor has sparked a desire to combine these two passions. Briella is excited to learn and explore alongside young children at Mountain Academy as she embarks on this new journey. Briella is also excited to experience all that the Tetons have to offer while being inspired by bright young minds.

Emily Winder

Young Toddler and Toddler Lead Outdoor Explorations Faculty & After School Teacher

Emily Winder

Young Toddler and Toddler Lead Outdoor Explorations Faculty & After School Teacher

Emily is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University and has been working in Wyoming for the past two summers as a Course Director for SOAR. Emily majored in Outdoor Education and is so excited to use this knowledge and experience in her new position at Teton Science Schools.  Emily loves working with children of all ages, but early childhood holds a special place in her heart. Emily admires and loves their curiosity and their untainted view of the world. Emily is excited to explore the Reggio Emilia philosophy and intertwine place-based learning into her teaching practice. When not in the classroom Emily loves hiking and trail running. She is excited to use both interests to explore the Tetons and the Jackson Hole area!

Paige Sisemore

Toddler Lead Faculty

Paige Sisemore

Toddler Lead Faculty

Paige was born and raised in Redlands, California and attended The University of Redlands after high school.  Paige received a Bachelor's degree in Business and after college realized her true passion was working with children.  In the last five years, Paige has taught kindergarten, first grade, and 5th and 6th grade science. Paige was drawn to TSS because of the outdoor learning experiences and nature based approach that they provide for their students.  Paige is excited to get an opportunity to learn and implement The Reggio Emilia approach and experience the beauty of Jackson with young explorers. In her free time Paige enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Reese.

Maria Vazquez

Young Toddler Lead Faculty

Maria Vazquez

Young Toddler Lead Faculty

In her many years of working with young children Maria has developed a deep passion for working with small children. The growth that happens between a young toddler and a toddler is incredible. Maria believes that being a part of their journey as they learn how to name and handle their emotions, such as when they are feeling sad, angry or frustrated is an honor. Children are just learning how to use their words at this age and Maria enjoys being there to guide them through this process. Maria continues to be excited to learn more about place based education at Mountain Academy through using the Reggio Emilia philosophy and Nature based practices. Maria feels that we live in such a beautiful place and she is excited to connect with children to our natural world!

Teton Valley Campus Faculty

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Brooks Taylor

Middle School Co-Division Head, Middle School Faculty

Brooks Taylor

Middle School Co-Division Head, Middle School Faculty

Brooks joined Teton Science Schools through the Graduate Program in 2018, and Mountain Academy the following year as a teaching fellow. Brooks currently is a Division Head and Humanities faculty on the Teton Valley Campus Brooks was drawn to Mountain Academy through his love of hands-on, experiential, and Place Based Education. Brooks has been immersed in “place” from studying the Civil War at Gettysburg College as an undergrad, to retracing the Lewis and Clark trail in a homemade canoe.
Outside of teaching Brooks enjoys fly fishing around the valley, exploring on his bike, and spending time with his family.

Kelsie Leu

Middle School Co-Division Head, Middle School Faculty

Kelsie Leu

Middle School Co-Division Head, Middle School Faculty

Kelsie started her journey at Teton Science Schools in 2014 as an AmeriCorps member.  She then worked in Field Education as a lead instructor and eventually a faculty member.  Kelsie joined Mountain Academy in 2020 and teaches middle school math, science, and project lab on the Teton Valley Campus. Through her professional experiences in environmental education and youth development, Kelsie cultivated a teaching philosophy that prioritized the intersection of place and people. She is eager to develop the next generation of leaders and thinkers who are curious about the world around them.

 

In her free time, Kelsie enjoys exploring the surrounding mountain ranges on foot and on bike. 

Tim Gruber

Lower School Division Head, Lower School Faculty

Tim Gruber

Lower School Division Head, Lower School Faculty

Undergraduate at University of Richmond.
Masters in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University.

Tim Gruber joined the Mountain Academy community in the fall of 2021 as a lower school faculty member on the Teton Valley Campus (TVC) and now serves as the Division Head for the lower school on the TVC. Tim loves the unique opportunity to form deep relationships with kids, families, colleagues, and community members.

 

Outside of the classroom you can find Tim running, reading, and sharing stories.

Molly Gillespie

Lower School Faculty

Molly Gillespie

Lower School Faculty

Molly is a curious soul with a passion for the outdoors and a love of learning. She grew up in the northeast where she spent her time exploring the mountains, biking, hiking, enjoying the ocean, and frolicking in gardens. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She is incredibly drawn to giving students opportunities and desire to learn about and be comfortable in their natural surroundings. Molly loves living in the Tetons where she relishes the opportunity to learn something new about the area every day.

Dana Magnani

Lower School Faculty

Dana Magnani

Lower School Faculty

Dana Magnani is new to the Teton Valley Campus and has previously lived in New Jersey, Vermont, and California. Dana has earned a Bachelor's Degree in both Communications and Education. She is excited to learn and grow within the place-based education environment at the TVC. She has almost a decade of lower elementary teaching experience and is passionate about helping young learners connect to the world around them! Dana is eager to help her students develop respect, responsibility, and efficacy within themselves and in regard to their classroom and community.

When Dana is not teaching, she enjoys running and hiking with her husband and two Australian Cattle dogs. She also loves to tend to her garden and create art with natural elements.

Katie O’Connell

Lower School Faculty

Katie O'Connell

Lower School Faculty

Katie O'Connell started at Teton Science Schools (TSS) in the Graduate program in 2018. After completing her Masters in Place Based Education and a fellowship on the Teton Valley Campus Katie stayed on the team as a K/1 teacher. She spent four years in the K/1 classroom before moving up in age to teach in 4/5. Katie loves TSS because of its sense of community and connection to the natural world. Place-based Education and Project-Based Learning are two passions of Katie's and special parts of this school for her. Recently, Katie has enjoyed learning more about Social and Emotional learning in order to incorporate this more in the 4/5 class and the Middle School Life Skills class. She believes learning is done best when students are feeling comfortable, safe, and happy.

While not in the classroom, Katie can be seen walking her dog Spud, hiking, running, skiing, and working on lots of crafts.

Elise Pierce

Preschool Division Head, Preschool Faculty

Elise Pierce

Preschool Division Head, Preschool Faculty

Elise Pierce joined the preschool team on the Teton Valley Campus in 2019 and has been there ever since. She was drawn to the early childhood program's focus on hands-on, place-based, emergent curriculum and building relationships with the natural world both in and outside of the classroom. 

When Elise is not teaching, she is traveling to far away places, spending time with family and friends, playing outside, digging in flowers, veggies, and growing things in the garden.

Emma Downie

Lower School Faculty

Emma Downie

Lower School Faculty

Emma Downie joined the Mountain Academy community in 2023 as lower school faculty on the Teton Valley Campus. A University of Vermont graduate with a degree in Sociology, Emma leverages her understanding of social dynamics to enrich her teaching practice. She moved to the Tetons to fulfill a childhood dream and is passionate about fostering the “whole-child” approach, committed to creating an environment that supports academic, social, and emotional development.

Outside the classroom, you can find Emma learning new sports, singing or enjoying time with her family.

Brianne West

Preschool Faculty

Brianne West

Preschool Faculty

Bri grew up in California, spending time on both the central coast and in the mountains of the Sierras. After moving to Colorado and earning a degree in Spanish Literature and Education, Bri returned to California to pursue a career in Outdoor Education. Bri has experience working with children of all ages but especially loves Early Childhood Education.  Since moving to Teton Valley, Bri’s love of sharing and learning in the outdoors with children has only increased.  Bri is excited to continue to foster wonder and curiosity in students through outdoor learning and adventure.

Allison Swan

Preschool Faculty

Allison Swan

Preschool Faculty

Allison started working with Mountain Academy in 2021 as the after school teacher and is now a full time preschool faculty member on the Teton Valley Campus. Allison was drawn to the place-based, nature-based early childhood program.

In her free time, Allison enjoys hiking, birding, and exploring the woods and water with her favorite field companion, her pup Boulder.

Amanda Adelman

Preschool Faculty

Amanda Adelman

Preschool Faculty

Amanda, a native of Santa Cruz, CA, graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection with a focus on Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Having worked as an environmental educator and Geographic Information Systems Analyst, Amanda made her pivot to early childhood education while working with young children at the Botanical Garden in San Luis Obispo. With three years of experience teaching in diverse preschool environments, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and forest schools, she has had the opportunity to explore a variety of environments that create engaging and enriching educational experiences. Amanda focuses on nurturing children’s holistic development, creativity, and curiosity, while facilitating their individual connection to the natural world and environment at large.

Theo Snowdon

Spanish Faculty

Theo Snowdon

Spanish Faculty

Theo Snowdon was enticed to the Teton valley from Galicia, Spain where he was living and teaching English. Drawn by Teton Science School’s commitment to Place-Based Education plus the seemingly endless options for outdoor recreation, when Theo arrived on campus he knew he made a good choice. Theo is passionate about teaching students how language learning can be the gateway into worldwide connection, and about how playful and fulfilling learning a second language can be. Theo is eager to work with the curious and thoughtful students at Mountain Academy.
Outside of the classroom, this midwestern native can be found enjoying all that the mountains and rivers have to offer. If he’s not inside, he’s probably reading, writing, listening to music or spending time with friends.