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
Chris Bessonette
Head of School, Jackson Campus
Head of School, Jackson Campus
Connect with me: 307.203.7892, chris.bessonette@tetonscience.org
Chris’s path, like a great hiking trail, has been full of twists and turns. Originally from a small town in western Oregon, he has lived in Austria, California, and Germany, teaching outdoor education and working in independent schools. Chris first moved to Jackson to teach at Teton Science Schools’ Journeys School. After fourteen years teaching at a dual language immersion public school, he will now lead Mountain Academy as the Head of School. Chris received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wyoming.
Additionally, he studied language acquisition and holds an English as a Second Language teaching endorsement. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher, a National Geographic Certified Teacher, and was honored as a Milken Educator in 2018. An avid adventurer, he has guided expeditions for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a backpacking and rock climbing instructor. Chris recently completed a new educational adventure by studying bilingual education in Taiwan on a Fulbright teacher research program. He lives in Jackson, Wyoming, with his wife and teenage son.
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
Jenny Brackin
Director of Teaching and Learning, Jackson Campus
Director of Teaching and Learning, Jackson Campus
Jenny graduated with a degree in education from the University of Colorado Boulder and has an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on arts integration, from Lesley University. She holds certifications and state licensure to teach K-6 and K-12 art. Jenny has been an elementary classroom teacher since 2009 and an informal educator long before that. She is a passionate educator dedicated to igniting the spark of curiosity in her students by designing creative and engaging curricula. She believes in project-based, hands-on learning and strives to cultivate an environment where each student is inspired to explore and discover.
Joanna Cooke
Student Support Teacher for Kindergarten – 8th, Jackson Campus
Student Support Teacher for Kindergarten – 8th, Jackson Campus
Joanna’s journey in education has centered around connecting young people to nature. In 1997, she began her career as an outdoor educator in California. She spent ten years teaching school groups in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and working as an interpretive park ranger in Yosemite National Park. She has written six books for young readers, all focusing on the human connection to nature and science. Joanna holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Mount Holyoke College, an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University, and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Prescott College. She and her family have lived in Jackson for 17 years. She teaches third grade at Munger Mountain Elementary School, a Spanish dual immersion program in the Teton County School District.
Avalee Fray-McCroskey
Office Manager & Summer Program Director, Teton Valley Campus
Office Manager & Summer Program Director, 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.
McKenzie McBride
Kindergarten – 2nd Faculty & Office Manager, Jackson Campus
Renee Pilbeam
Senior Director of Enrollment Management
Senior Director of Enrollment Management
Renee Pilbeam joins Teton Science Schools as Senior Director of Enrollment, where she is excited to help families discover a community of learning, belonging, and adventure. She brings more than 15 years of experience in admissions, enrollment, marketing, and educational leadership, and holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology from Arizona State University. Originally from northern Wisconsin, Renee recently relocated to Jackson from Boise, Idaho, with her son, Preston, and is grateful to now call the Tetons home. She is passionate about building authentic relationships and helping families find the right educational fit for their children. Outside of work, she enjoys sewing, thrift shopping, riding bikes, and exploring the mountains and trails with Preston. She looks forward to getting to know the Teton Science Schools community and welcoming families to this remarkable place!
Betsy Trowbridge
Director of Teaching and Learning, Math Faculty, Teton Valley Campus
Director of Teaching and Learning, Math 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.
Donna Tully
Middle School Curriculum and Kindergarten – 8th Place-Based Education Support, Jackson Campus
Middle School Curriculum and Kindergarten – 8th Place-Based Education Support, Jackson Campus
Donna, originally from West Virginia, has called many places home—including Germany, California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Hawai‘i, and now Wyoming. Her passion and curiosity about science and nature were gained at a very young age, having spent countless hours exploring the great outdoors. Her earlier work with The Nature Conservancy further ignited a deep and lifelong commitment to protecting wild places and the life they sustain. With a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education, Donna has spent the past 18 years as a high school science educator in Oklahoma, Hawai‘i, and the past seven years in Jackson. Her educational philosophy emphasizes instilling a sense of curiosity, stewardship, and a deep connection to place in her students, as she invites nature into the classroom and her students into nature. Passionate about experiential and place-based learning, she has recently engaged in 2-week field courses situated in Nepal, Ecuador, the Galápagos, and Iceland. Donna is an avid gardener, hiker, backpacker, community volunteer, reader, and traveler, always eager to explore new landscapes and cultures. She lives in Wilson, Wyoming, with Simba, the feline who rescued her, and continues to be inspired by the beauty and wonders of the world around her.
Lee Zderski
Director of Learning Support, Teton Valley Campus
Director of Learning Support, Teton Valley Campus
Jackson Campus Faculty
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.
Rachel Rubin
Early Childhood Assistant Director and Lead Preschool Teacher
Early Childhood Assistant Director and Lead Preschool Teacher
Rachel is an educator who finds joy in creating spaces where young children can explore and connect deeply with the world around them. Her years working at an outdoor education school in Houston, Texas, shaped her belief in the power of nature and play to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection in young learners. With an M.Ed. from Vanderbilt University and a background in early childhood and auxiliary programming, she has led classroom and after-school programs and summer camps. She is passionate about building strong, collaborative teams that center children’s needs, support joyful learning, and foster a deep sense of belonging for students, families, and educators. Whether designing hands-on programming, guiding explorations in nature, or creating opportunities for play and discovery, she leads with intention, creativity, and care. Outside of school, she’s often found on the trails with her dog Rosie, riverside camping, or bird watching.
Maria Del Rosario Vasquez
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!
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!
Nikki Samuels
Kindergarten – 2nd Faculty
Tony June
3rd – 5th Faculty
3rd – 5th Faculty
Tony’s passion for education grew from early experiences working in outdoor education, summer camps, and team-building programs, where he saw firsthand how challenges and relationships help learners grow.
After earning a degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, Tony began his teaching career near Asheville, North Carolina, at a school founded on experiential learning principles. Since then, he has taught in China, Colombia, and Qatar while earning a Master of Education in International Education with a focus on Educational Technology. Across these diverse settings, he has developed a passion for inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and helping students connect their classroom experiences to the world around them.
While teaching students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, Tony found the opportunity to explore the elements of the Place Triangle in a variety of ways.
McKenzie McBride
Kindergarten – 2nd Faculty & Office Manager, Jackson Campus
Anna Szalay
Middle School ELA and Humanities Faculty
Sam Neirman
Middle School Math Faculty
Middle School Math Faculty
Sam comes to Teton Science Schools sincerely believing in the power of place, people, and stories. His story began in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where he still vividly remembers his “special place” atop an eroded riverbank overlooking the Ompompanoosuc River. His curiosity for the outdoors led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Plant Biology. As much as Sam admired the intricacies of sugar maples and white pines while working as a forestry consultant, he yearned for the inspiration of people. For the past dozen years, in a diverse array of managerial and teaching experiences, Sam has explored the intersectionality of education and science. This journey has molded his educational philosophy, in which we all arrive at any moment with a story to tell. It is our responsibility to ensure we provide an inclusive space where that story can be heard and valued. He looks forward to hearing your story when he has the privilege of meeting you. Sam holds an M.S. in Natural Science Education from the University of Wyoming, a graduate program at Teton Science Schools, and a B.S. in Forestry and Plant Biology from the University of Vermont.
Claire Wiley
Middle School Science, Maker, & Project Lab Faculty
Jeffrey Post-Holmberg
Kindergarten – 8th Outdoor Education and Social Emotional Learning
Kindergarten – 8th Outdoor Education and Social Emotional Learning
Jeffrey Post-Holmberg holds a BS in Forestry from Oregon State University. He earned his Master's in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. From 1981 to 2006, he was a Course Leader with the National Leadership School (NOLS), where he spent 500 field weeks teaching outdoor skills and leadership worldwide. After earning his Master's degree in 2009, he embarked on a 13-year journey in his private practice as a couples, child, and family therapist in Portland, Oregon. He lives in the Teton Valley with his wife, Sarah, and two sons, Koven and Tenzin.
David Berry
Art Faculty
Art Faculty
David has been shaped by life in Washington, Idaho, Texas, Tennessee, and Wyoming—he's a bit of everywhere rolled into one. With over a decade of experience as a professional artist specializing in oil painting, photography, and art instruction, he infuses creativity and depth into all his endeavors. David is drawn to the mountains, fueled by a love for horses, and always ready for the next adventure.
Teton Valley Campus Faculty
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.
Tim Gruber
Lower School Division Head, Kindergarten & 1st Grade Faculty
Lower School Division Head, Kindergarten & 1st Grade 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.
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.
Katie Rose Griffith
Head of Farm & Garden
Head of Farm & Garden
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.
Carla Kanieski
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Faculty
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Faculty
Carla is a passionate and creative educator with degrees in Behavioral Neuroscience and German from Ohio State University. She brings a wealth of experience from working in pediatric healthcare settings, including ABA therapy and behavioral day treatment programs. Carla thrives in dynamic, outdoor environments and is committed to creating joyful, enriching spaces where children can explore and grow. A fluent German speaker with a love for travel, animals, and environmentalism, she brings a global perspective and nurturing spirit to her work.
Emma Berry
2nd & 3rd Grade Faculty
2nd & 3rd Grade Faculty
Emma Berry 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 the academic, social, and emotional development of children.
Outside the classroom, you can find Emma learning new sports, singing, or enjoying time with her family.
Katie O’Connell
4th & 5th Grade Faculty
4th & 5th Grade Faculty
While not in the classroom, Katie can be seen walking her dog Spud, hiking, running, skiing, and working on lots of crafts.
Mike Spence
4th & 5th Grade Faculty
4th & 5th Grade Faculty
Mike Spence joined Mountain Academy in 2025 when his family acted on a longtime dream to move to the Tetons. His passion for teaching is rooted in his time as an NCAA track & field and cross country coach, where he discovered his love for developing the talents of young people. After coaching at Utah State University and the University of Oklahoma, Mike became a full-time dad to raise and homeschool his two sons. In 2018, he launched Athletics United, a nonprofit that uses running, soccer and tutoring as a way to build community with refugee youth and other new American families. Mike majored in economics at Princeton University, and - although he studied A LOT of math - his favorite subject is definitely history. He especially loves teaching the “Why” of education, watching students develop confidence as they unlock their unique purpose and passions through learning.
Mike, his wife (Kristi), their two boys, and their dog love to explore the natural spaces around them by hiking, backpacking, climbing, paddling, running, and cycling every trail they can find.
Theo Snowdon
Spanish Faculty
Spanish Faculty
David Berry
Art Faculty
Art Faculty
David has been shaped by life in Washington, Idaho, Texas, Tennessee, and Wyoming—he's a bit of everywhere rolled into one. With over a decade of experience as a professional artist specializing in oil painting, photography, and art instruction, he infuses creativity and depth into all his endeavors. David is drawn to the mountains, fueled by a love for horses, and always ready for the next adventure.
Anna Clements
Outdoor Education and Middle School Science
Outdoor Education and Middle School Science
Anna grew up in rural Kentucky, spending most of her free time helping out on the family farm or simply playing on it. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, she spent her first seven years as a middle school math and science teacher at Georgetown Middle School while also earning her master's degree in Educational Leadership.
Looking to explore west of the Mississippi, Anna left Kentucky with the intention of taking a few years away from the classroom to travel. She worked for a rafting company on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, CO, but quickly found herself back in the classroom the following year—this time in the northeast corner of Wyoming.
After a few years of meandering around the West—from Wyoming to California and many places in between—doing a variety of odd jobs, including duck farming, substitute teaching, and coaching volleyball, Anna eventually settled in Teton Valley. She is overjoyed to have found a place at Mountain Academy as the Outdoor Education teacher and Middle School Science teacher.
Outside of work, Anna enjoys paddling new rivers, trail running, climbing, and painting.