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
Jonathan Silver
Interim Head of School, Mountain Academy Jackson Campus
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
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
Betsy Trowbridge
Director of Teaching and Learning, Lower School Faculty, Teton Valley Campus
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
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
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
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
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
Matt Bisk
Head of Middle School, Middle School Faculty
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
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
Head of Lower School, Lower School Faculty
Lucy Hayward
Lower School Faculty, Grades 3 and 4 & Middle School History
Lower School Faculty, Grades 3 and 4 & Middle School History
Karly Perry
Lower School Faculty, Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brooks Taylor
Middle School Co-Division Head, Middle School Faculty
Middle School Co-Division Head, Middle School Faculty
Kelsie Leu
Middle School Co-Division Head, Middle School Faculty
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
Lower School Division Head, Lower School Faculty
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
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
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
Lower School Faculty
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
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
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
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
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
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.