Will Tracy
DIRECTOR
[email protected]
With a dynamic background that bridges outdoor leadership, experiential education, and school administration, Will brings a unique blend of vision, heart, and hands-on experience to the role of Director. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Adventure Education. He received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University.
Throughout his career, Will has designed innovative learning experiences in both traditional and wilderness settings—leading extended backcountry expeditions, developing therapeutic programs, and teaching at institutions such as Plymouth State University, The Oliverian School, and Open Sky Wilderness Therapy. As Dean of Pillars at the Oliverian School, he oversaw curriculum, staff development, and program design, gaining valuable administrative and leadership experience.
Deeply aligned with Aldo Leopold Charter School’s mission, Will is passionate about fostering student growth through experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and strong community connections. Known for his integrity, creativity, and dedication to student-centered education, he is excited to contribute visionary leadership to a school that shares his values and educational philosophy.
DIRECTOR
[email protected]
With a dynamic background that bridges outdoor leadership, experiential education, and school administration, Will brings a unique blend of vision, heart, and hands-on experience to the role of Director. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Adventure Education. He received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University.
Throughout his career, Will has designed innovative learning experiences in both traditional and wilderness settings—leading extended backcountry expeditions, developing therapeutic programs, and teaching at institutions such as Plymouth State University, The Oliverian School, and Open Sky Wilderness Therapy. As Dean of Pillars at the Oliverian School, he oversaw curriculum, staff development, and program design, gaining valuable administrative and leadership experience.
Deeply aligned with Aldo Leopold Charter School’s mission, Will is passionate about fostering student growth through experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and strong community connections. Known for his integrity, creativity, and dedication to student-centered education, he is excited to contribute visionary leadership to a school that shares his values and educational philosophy.
Jackie Riley
Business Manager
[email protected]
With a foundation in finance, human resources, and administrative leadership, Jacqueline (Jackie) Riley brings over two decades of experience and dedication to public education. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Western New Mexico University and is licensed in Procurement by the State of New Mexico. Jackie has built a reputation for managing contracts, fiscal planning, and compliance with integrity and precision across various educational settings.
Throughout her career, Jackie has held a variety of roles that showcase her versatility and commitment to service. As a former Chief Procurement Officer and Grants Specialist for Cobre Consolidated Schools, she supported complex purchasing and funding processes while ensuring adherence to state regulations. Her background also includes leadership in human resources—facilitating staffing, onboarding, and licensure compliance. Early experience in private-sector office management further refined her skills in financial oversight, documentation, and organizational operations.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Jackie brings exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving abilities to every environment she supports. Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and deep understanding of confidentiality, she thrives in roles that demand both independent judgment and collaborative teamwork.
Deeply rooted in her local community and committed to educational advancement, Jackie embodies a work ethic centered on trust, consistency, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about contributing to systems that empower students, staff, and schools—and brings heart, expertise, and professionalism to every role she undertakes.
Business Manager
[email protected]
With a foundation in finance, human resources, and administrative leadership, Jacqueline (Jackie) Riley brings over two decades of experience and dedication to public education. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Western New Mexico University and is licensed in Procurement by the State of New Mexico. Jackie has built a reputation for managing contracts, fiscal planning, and compliance with integrity and precision across various educational settings.
Throughout her career, Jackie has held a variety of roles that showcase her versatility and commitment to service. As a former Chief Procurement Officer and Grants Specialist for Cobre Consolidated Schools, she supported complex purchasing and funding processes while ensuring adherence to state regulations. Her background also includes leadership in human resources—facilitating staffing, onboarding, and licensure compliance. Early experience in private-sector office management further refined her skills in financial oversight, documentation, and organizational operations.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Jackie brings exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving abilities to every environment she supports. Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and deep understanding of confidentiality, she thrives in roles that demand both independent judgment and collaborative teamwork.
Deeply rooted in her local community and committed to educational advancement, Jackie embodies a work ethic centered on trust, consistency, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about contributing to systems that empower students, staff, and schools—and brings heart, expertise, and professionalism to every role she undertakes.
Allison Heneghan
INTERNSHIP/YCC COORDINATOR
STUDENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
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INTERNSHIP/YCC COORDINATOR
STUDENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
[email protected]
Cheryl Head
COUNSELOR
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Cheryl Head was born in Silver City, but grew up in Loveland, Colorado in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Early life was spent outdoors as much as possible, water and snow skiing, biking, and playing sports. Cheryl attended Colorado State University for 2 years, then completed her B.S. in Secondary Education at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. Cheryl’s career in education began as a math teacher and she taught students in grades 7-12 and also worked as an adjunct math professor at WNMU for many years. After completing a Master’s degree in Counseling in 2008, Cheryl worked in the clinical field before coming to work at Aldo Leopold in 2010.
Since coming to Aldo, Cheryl has had the privilege to work closely with students, supporting both academic and personal concerns. She loves her job and the daily variety that it brings.
Cheryl has been married to Tom for 23 years and is the proud mother of two awesome young adults, Emma and T.J.. She continues to enjoy time outdoors and loves to travel, read and spend time with friends and family.
COUNSELOR
[email protected]
Cheryl Head was born in Silver City, but grew up in Loveland, Colorado in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Early life was spent outdoors as much as possible, water and snow skiing, biking, and playing sports. Cheryl attended Colorado State University for 2 years, then completed her B.S. in Secondary Education at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. Cheryl’s career in education began as a math teacher and she taught students in grades 7-12 and also worked as an adjunct math professor at WNMU for many years. After completing a Master’s degree in Counseling in 2008, Cheryl worked in the clinical field before coming to work at Aldo Leopold in 2010.
Since coming to Aldo, Cheryl has had the privilege to work closely with students, supporting both academic and personal concerns. She loves her job and the daily variety that it brings.
Cheryl has been married to Tom for 23 years and is the proud mother of two awesome young adults, Emma and T.J.. She continues to enjoy time outdoors and loves to travel, read and spend time with friends and family.
Maia Chaney
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Growing up in Silver City, N.M., Maia discovered her love for nature and animals while exploring the Gila National Forest on horseback. After receiving her B.S. in Zoology from Western New Mexico University in 2002, she decided to pursue a career where she could share her passion for science and make a positive impact on the community where she was born and raised. In 2004, she received her M.A.T. with an emphasis in secondary science education. Maia began her teaching career in 2007, working in both public and private schools in the area. She joined ALCS in 2016 as a middle school math and science teacher. Maia still enjoys horseback riding, along with going on adventures with her family, hiking, gardening, photography and spending time in nature – especially at the ocean.
Jennifer Lepisko
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES
MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS
[email protected]
Jennifer Lepisko was raised in Vermont, but when she was 19 she decided to be like the Pilgrims she would later teach about and head west to seek a different life. Between then and now she has lived in Seattle and made attempts to be a Vermonter again, but it is only southern New Mexico that has held her. After living on the other side of the Gila River for five years her older daughter said, “No more homeschooling!” they moved to town, enrolled her daughter at Aldo, and Jennifer returned to college where she found inspired English professors who showed her the beauty and value of language. After earning her degree in English, she was hired at ALCS as an Educational Assistant in the middle school, where Mark, Scott, and Laura taught her how to teach. Since then she has become the co-coordinator of the middle school weekly experiential education outings, journalism teacher, writer of the Weekly Update and an 8th grade language arts and social studies teacher. Middle schoolers are entertaining beyond belief and Jennifer feels so lucky to spend her days with these people on the cusp of themselves. Teaching in a middle school has made Jennifer a better parent to the two best young women she knows. When not studying for the classes she teaches or the classes she takes, Jennifer likes to hike, play tennis, hunt for bargains at the thrift stores, and make meals for her family.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES
MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS
[email protected]
Jennifer Lepisko was raised in Vermont, but when she was 19 she decided to be like the Pilgrims she would later teach about and head west to seek a different life. Between then and now she has lived in Seattle and made attempts to be a Vermonter again, but it is only southern New Mexico that has held her. After living on the other side of the Gila River for five years her older daughter said, “No more homeschooling!” they moved to town, enrolled her daughter at Aldo, and Jennifer returned to college where she found inspired English professors who showed her the beauty and value of language. After earning her degree in English, she was hired at ALCS as an Educational Assistant in the middle school, where Mark, Scott, and Laura taught her how to teach. Since then she has become the co-coordinator of the middle school weekly experiential education outings, journalism teacher, writer of the Weekly Update and an 8th grade language arts and social studies teacher. Middle schoolers are entertaining beyond belief and Jennifer feels so lucky to spend her days with these people on the cusp of themselves. Teaching in a middle school has made Jennifer a better parent to the two best young women she knows. When not studying for the classes she teaches or the classes she takes, Jennifer likes to hike, play tennis, hunt for bargains at the thrift stores, and make meals for her family.
Garrett Ferguson
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH & SCIENCE
[email protected]
I am a Silver City native, having lived here for the majority of my life. I am looking to share my love of knowledge and curiosity for the unknown in our observable universe and beyond to any and all willing minds. Peace and blessings to you all!
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH & SCIENCE
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I am a Silver City native, having lived here for the majority of my life. I am looking to share my love of knowledge and curiosity for the unknown in our observable universe and beyond to any and all willing minds. Peace and blessings to you all!
Joshua Rex
6th GRADE
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Joshua Rex Vanderhoof brings a rich and diverse background in education and mindfulness to his role as a 6th-grade teacher. With advanced degrees in both Communication and Teaching, he combines his academic expertise with a passion for fostering social-emotional learning in students. Joshua earned his Masters of Arts in Teaching with a Dance Emphasis and a Masters of Arts in Communication from New Mexico State University. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
In his professional career, Joshua has demonstrated a commitment to education through various teaching roles. Currently, he serves as a College Instructor at Western New Mexico University, where he teaches Yoga classes and supports the design of the Yoga Teacher Training program. Additionally, as an SEL Specialist at Guadalupe Montessori School, he designs and implements programs that support the social-emotional learning of students, providing training in trauma-informed SEL best practices. His extensive experience also includes roles with the College Assistance Migrant Program at NMSU, a teaching guide at Acton Academy, and Roots Charter elementary in Denver, CO.. Joshua is excited to bring his wealth of experience and innovative teaching methods to the 6th-grade classroom, where he aims to inspire and empower students through developing their wonder into a lifetime of opportunity.
6th GRADE
[email protected]
Joshua Rex Vanderhoof brings a rich and diverse background in education and mindfulness to his role as a 6th-grade teacher. With advanced degrees in both Communication and Teaching, he combines his academic expertise with a passion for fostering social-emotional learning in students. Joshua earned his Masters of Arts in Teaching with a Dance Emphasis and a Masters of Arts in Communication from New Mexico State University. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
In his professional career, Joshua has demonstrated a commitment to education through various teaching roles. Currently, he serves as a College Instructor at Western New Mexico University, where he teaches Yoga classes and supports the design of the Yoga Teacher Training program. Additionally, as an SEL Specialist at Guadalupe Montessori School, he designs and implements programs that support the social-emotional learning of students, providing training in trauma-informed SEL best practices. His extensive experience also includes roles with the College Assistance Migrant Program at NMSU, a teaching guide at Acton Academy, and Roots Charter elementary in Denver, CO.. Joshua is excited to bring his wealth of experience and innovative teaching methods to the 6th-grade classroom, where he aims to inspire and empower students through developing their wonder into a lifetime of opportunity.
Serena Murill
LANGUAGE ARTS
[email protected]
Serena is a fourth generation New Mexican. Because of her deep roots here, she wanted to try to make a positive impact on her community, and that is how she ended up in the teaching field. She graduated from Western New Mexico University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in History, and returned to WNMU to complete her Master of Arts in Teaching in 2011. She has taught in different districts, at different grade levels, and started with Aldo in 2021.
Serena enjoys spending time with her dogs, gardening and going on adventures in our Gila National Forest.
LANGUAGE ARTS
[email protected]
Serena is a fourth generation New Mexican. Because of her deep roots here, she wanted to try to make a positive impact on her community, and that is how she ended up in the teaching field. She graduated from Western New Mexico University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in History, and returned to WNMU to complete her Master of Arts in Teaching in 2011. She has taught in different districts, at different grade levels, and started with Aldo in 2021.
Serena enjoys spending time with her dogs, gardening and going on adventures in our Gila National Forest.
Ray Cressler
LANGUAGE ARTS
Ray Cressler was born in Shippensburg, a small town in South-Central Pennsylvania, but moved to Silver City in 2013. He has worked a variety of jobs, from construction to food service to owning a coffee shop on Bullard Street for 6 years with his wife Brooke, all the while maintaining creative side jobs as a musician, writer, and editor before coming to work at ALCS in 2021 (first delivering lunches, then as an EA, now as a High School Language Arts teacher).
Ray received a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Philosophy in 2008 from Susquehanna University. In 2009 he continued his education by hiking the Appalachian trail from Georgia to Maine. In 2023 he received a Master of Arts in Teaching from WNMU.
With a love for literature, philosophy, and interpersonal dialogue, Ray believes deeply that the reading, listening, thinking, understanding, and communication skills emphasized in the Language arts are essential to maintaining a free and democratic society.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Ray Cressler was born in Shippensburg, a small town in South-Central Pennsylvania, but moved to Silver City in 2013. He has worked a variety of jobs, from construction to food service to owning a coffee shop on Bullard Street for 6 years with his wife Brooke, all the while maintaining creative side jobs as a musician, writer, and editor before coming to work at ALCS in 2021 (first delivering lunches, then as an EA, now as a High School Language Arts teacher).
Ray received a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Philosophy in 2008 from Susquehanna University. In 2009 he continued his education by hiking the Appalachian trail from Georgia to Maine. In 2023 he received a Master of Arts in Teaching from WNMU.
With a love for literature, philosophy, and interpersonal dialogue, Ray believes deeply that the reading, listening, thinking, understanding, and communication skills emphasized in the Language arts are essential to maintaining a free and democratic society.
Alison Phillips
VISUAL ARTS
[email protected]
Alison Phillips joined the New Mexico community from southern Arizona. She earned her degree in Visual Art Education from Northern Arizona University, certified K-12. She originally pursued an ecology degree, however, when she spent most of her field time drawing the trees and insects instead of collecting data, she realized there might be a better path for her. Also, apparently when pursuing a science degree, you can't take a bunch of art classes. Alison ultimately blended her love for the natural world with visual art. Many of her own art pieces focus on the local flora and fauna.
Alison created a 'back-up' plan to student teach in Silver City. Then she found herself moving from Flagstaff to Silver City to student teach at Silver High. After her student teaching, she was hired to teach visual art at Jose Barrios Elementary. She instantly fell in love with her students and the Silver City community. After four years at JB, Alison took the art educator position at the brand new Aldo Leopold Middle School. Soon after that, she started the art program in the high school.
While teaching art, Alison became a student again; this time at Western New Mexico University where she earned her masters in visual art and special education from Western New Mexico University. She spent many wonderful hours in the clay studio and gained more knowledge to share with her students.
Alison cannot imagine not being a visual art teacher. She loves to support her students to succeed artistically and to share their creations with the community. Twice a year she organizes an art show of Aldo student art work at a local coffee shop.
In her spare time she likes to be with her amazing husband, son, four dogs, two fish, thirteen chickens and one guinea pig. And also to be outside as much as possible, traveling, camping, backpacking, hiking, and creeping on animals.
VISUAL ARTS
[email protected]
Alison Phillips joined the New Mexico community from southern Arizona. She earned her degree in Visual Art Education from Northern Arizona University, certified K-12. She originally pursued an ecology degree, however, when she spent most of her field time drawing the trees and insects instead of collecting data, she realized there might be a better path for her. Also, apparently when pursuing a science degree, you can't take a bunch of art classes. Alison ultimately blended her love for the natural world with visual art. Many of her own art pieces focus on the local flora and fauna.
Alison created a 'back-up' plan to student teach in Silver City. Then she found herself moving from Flagstaff to Silver City to student teach at Silver High. After her student teaching, she was hired to teach visual art at Jose Barrios Elementary. She instantly fell in love with her students and the Silver City community. After four years at JB, Alison took the art educator position at the brand new Aldo Leopold Middle School. Soon after that, she started the art program in the high school.
While teaching art, Alison became a student again; this time at Western New Mexico University where she earned her masters in visual art and special education from Western New Mexico University. She spent many wonderful hours in the clay studio and gained more knowledge to share with her students.
Alison cannot imagine not being a visual art teacher. She loves to support her students to succeed artistically and to share their creations with the community. Twice a year she organizes an art show of Aldo student art work at a local coffee shop.
In her spare time she likes to be with her amazing husband, son, four dogs, two fish, thirteen chickens and one guinea pig. And also to be outside as much as possible, traveling, camping, backpacking, hiking, and creeping on animals.
Zachary Tecca
HIGH SCHOOL HEALTH, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTY & PHYSICS
[email protected]
Zachary Tecca has backgrounds in performing arts and science. He had acted professionally for a few years, before shifting his focus to science and conservation. He has earned two Bachelors of Science degrees, in Zoology and Botany, and has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western New Mexico University.
His love for the nature stems from growing up in the “llano.” He spent his childhood catching and identifying every organism he could in the deserts of Lordsburg, New Mexico. With a passion for natural systems and genetics, his intentions in teaching are to instill a similar passion for biology and cultivate an environmentally conscientious mindset.
HIGH SCHOOL HEALTH, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTY & PHYSICS
[email protected]
Zachary Tecca has backgrounds in performing arts and science. He had acted professionally for a few years, before shifting his focus to science and conservation. He has earned two Bachelors of Science degrees, in Zoology and Botany, and has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western New Mexico University.
His love for the nature stems from growing up in the “llano.” He spent his childhood catching and identifying every organism he could in the deserts of Lordsburg, New Mexico. With a passion for natural systems and genetics, his intentions in teaching are to instill a similar passion for biology and cultivate an environmentally conscientious mindset.
James Allen
[email protected]
Greetings. I’m very fortunate to be a Math teacher here at ALCS. I was born in Georgia and raised in rural Mississippi. I grew up hunting, fishing, and playing a lot of baseball and football. I attended WNMU, graduating in 1999. In 2006, I attained a technical degree in Process Technology and worked in the energy industry for the next 10 years. In 2017 I returned to college, attending Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, attaining a BS in Biology with a strong emphasis in entomology. During this time, I worked as a supplemental instructor in the university Math department, teaching and tutoring College Algebra. Since then, I’ve conducted research on terrestrial arthropods, taught Science in public schools, and worked in biotechnology.
I’ve visited a large part of the world and most of the U.S. My fondest memories include the friendly and welcoming people in southern Italy, the fresh seafood on the Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Panama, and a research trip to Bangladesh (where I spent a week sleeping on a large boat in the Sundarbans- to avoid becoming a tiger’s meal). Mostly, I’m very happy to be back in Southwest New Mexico. This is one of the most unique places on Earth- and should be treasured. I’m very excited to be a part of ALCS. My hope is to tap my experiences to open eyes to possibilities. Demonstrating how Math (and every other subject) is relevant to students is a huge part of that. I am “all in” with the mission of learning by doing and training our brains to “think outside the desk”.
[email protected]
Greetings. I’m very fortunate to be a Math teacher here at ALCS. I was born in Georgia and raised in rural Mississippi. I grew up hunting, fishing, and playing a lot of baseball and football. I attended WNMU, graduating in 1999. In 2006, I attained a technical degree in Process Technology and worked in the energy industry for the next 10 years. In 2017 I returned to college, attending Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, attaining a BS in Biology with a strong emphasis in entomology. During this time, I worked as a supplemental instructor in the university Math department, teaching and tutoring College Algebra. Since then, I’ve conducted research on terrestrial arthropods, taught Science in public schools, and worked in biotechnology.
I’ve visited a large part of the world and most of the U.S. My fondest memories include the friendly and welcoming people in southern Italy, the fresh seafood on the Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Panama, and a research trip to Bangladesh (where I spent a week sleeping on a large boat in the Sundarbans- to avoid becoming a tiger’s meal). Mostly, I’m very happy to be back in Southwest New Mexico. This is one of the most unique places on Earth- and should be treasured. I’m very excited to be a part of ALCS. My hope is to tap my experiences to open eyes to possibilities. Demonstrating how Math (and every other subject) is relevant to students is a huge part of that. I am “all in” with the mission of learning by doing and training our brains to “think outside the desk”.
Nathan Shay
HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL ED
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I grew up in Silver City, but have also visited foreign countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, France, Switzerland and Italy as well as other parts of the US. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and bicycling, which help me maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. For the past four years I have been the head coach of the ALCS mountain bike team. Student-athletes compete in five Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League (AICL) events in the Fall season. This has been a successful program which continues to grow and expand.
I have been in several leadership/instructor roles in both military and civilian situations. I’m good at problem solving and dealing with people and situations as they come. I’m also technically, linguistically and mechanically skilled. I currently teach Special Education at the AlCS High School. I enjoy teaching kids which I have done for the last fourteen years, most recently as a Special Ed teacher at ALCS Middle School. I love the Aldo school’s ability to offer experiential education opportunities to students that conventional public schools cannot. This is the most beautiful place for those opportunities to foster and grow our students into tomorrow’s leaders.
HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL ED
[email protected]
I grew up in Silver City, but have also visited foreign countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, France, Switzerland and Italy as well as other parts of the US. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and bicycling, which help me maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. For the past four years I have been the head coach of the ALCS mountain bike team. Student-athletes compete in five Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League (AICL) events in the Fall season. This has been a successful program which continues to grow and expand.
I have been in several leadership/instructor roles in both military and civilian situations. I’m good at problem solving and dealing with people and situations as they come. I’m also technically, linguistically and mechanically skilled. I currently teach Special Education at the AlCS High School. I enjoy teaching kids which I have done for the last fourteen years, most recently as a Special Ed teacher at ALCS Middle School. I love the Aldo school’s ability to offer experiential education opportunities to students that conventional public schools cannot. This is the most beautiful place for those opportunities to foster and grow our students into tomorrow’s leaders.
Pete Rankin
HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY
COMMUNITY ORIENTATION COORDINATOR
BACKPACKING TRIP COORDINATOR
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Pete has lived in the Southwest since 1987. Graduating from high school in Farmington New Mexico on the Colorado Plateau, a bio-region where he was blessed with many days bow-hunting, riding horses and playing soccer. He then lived in Durango Colorado and attended Fort Lewis College from 1993 until 1997, earning a BA in Political Science. After that, he attended law school at the University of New Mexico before deciding that his career passion was in the realm of working with young people instead of in a courtroom.
From 2000 until 2009, Pete served as head boys soccer coach and educator at Farmington High School, while escaping 6 hours south to the Gila wilderness as often as possible to bow hunt, camp and hike. In late 2009 -- on a sabbatical from teaching -- he relocated to the Gila watershed and, shortly thereafter, stumbled across this remarkable school named after Aldo Leopold, one of the founding fathers for protecting wilderness in the United States. Thereby, as luck would have it, he is actualizing his dream of living & working, in the outdoors, within this beloved, biodiverse region of mountains, deserts & free-flowing waters. Pete's journey at ALCS over the past 6 years represents a blending of the age-old love for wild pathways with a love for facilitating an experiential process of life-long, inquiry-based learning within himself and others.
HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY
COMMUNITY ORIENTATION COORDINATOR
BACKPACKING TRIP COORDINATOR
[email protected]
Pete has lived in the Southwest since 1987. Graduating from high school in Farmington New Mexico on the Colorado Plateau, a bio-region where he was blessed with many days bow-hunting, riding horses and playing soccer. He then lived in Durango Colorado and attended Fort Lewis College from 1993 until 1997, earning a BA in Political Science. After that, he attended law school at the University of New Mexico before deciding that his career passion was in the realm of working with young people instead of in a courtroom.
From 2000 until 2009, Pete served as head boys soccer coach and educator at Farmington High School, while escaping 6 hours south to the Gila wilderness as often as possible to bow hunt, camp and hike. In late 2009 -- on a sabbatical from teaching -- he relocated to the Gila watershed and, shortly thereafter, stumbled across this remarkable school named after Aldo Leopold, one of the founding fathers for protecting wilderness in the United States. Thereby, as luck would have it, he is actualizing his dream of living & working, in the outdoors, within this beloved, biodiverse region of mountains, deserts & free-flowing waters. Pete's journey at ALCS over the past 6 years represents a blending of the age-old love for wild pathways with a love for facilitating an experiential process of life-long, inquiry-based learning within himself and others.
Brie Gottschalk
6TH GRADE ELA & SOCIAL STUDIES
[email protected]
Brie Gottschalk — known to her students as "Mrs. Brie" — grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and holds degrees in Elementary Education and Sustainable Communities, the latter focused on food systems, both from Northern Arizona University. Over the course of her career she has taught a range of subjects, giving her a broad, adaptable approach to the classroom. She has a particular love for teaching ancient civilizations, and thrives on the challenge of helping reluctant readers fall in love with books. Her teaching philosophy centers on hands-on, project-based learning that balances rigor with genuine fun.
She and her family moved to Silver City about five years ago, drawn by the vibrant, small-town feel of the community — and honestly, a big part of the decision was wanting her own son to be a student at Aldo. Brie spent a year and a half substituting at ALCS before joining the staff full-time, and she's thrilled it's now a permanent home.
When she's not teaching, Brie is happiest spending time with family, hiking, riding her (very colorful) bike, and tending an ever-expanding garden of unusual vegetable varieties
6TH GRADE ELA & SOCIAL STUDIES
[email protected]
Brie Gottschalk — known to her students as "Mrs. Brie" — grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and holds degrees in Elementary Education and Sustainable Communities, the latter focused on food systems, both from Northern Arizona University. Over the course of her career she has taught a range of subjects, giving her a broad, adaptable approach to the classroom. She has a particular love for teaching ancient civilizations, and thrives on the challenge of helping reluctant readers fall in love with books. Her teaching philosophy centers on hands-on, project-based learning that balances rigor with genuine fun.
She and her family moved to Silver City about five years ago, drawn by the vibrant, small-town feel of the community — and honestly, a big part of the decision was wanting her own son to be a student at Aldo. Brie spent a year and a half substituting at ALCS before joining the staff full-time, and she's thrilled it's now a permanent home.
When she's not teaching, Brie is happiest spending time with family, hiking, riding her (very colorful) bike, and tending an ever-expanding garden of unusual vegetable varieties
Avery Jepson-Browne
Spanish, Physical Education, and Community Orientation Teacher
[email protected]
Avery was in the first class of students to graduate after four years at Aldo - starting way back in 2005! At the very first school camping trip, he discovered his love for experiential education. After years of schooling and many travels, he decided that it was time to go from student to educator. He is, however, a committed lifelong learner, and his job at ALCS is crucial to that goal. He hopes to instill important skills in his students, but also the idea that education is also valuable in and of itself - we should all aspire to be lifelong learners. To that end, he still travels internationally when possible. He especially loves to visit his former home in Chiapas, Mexico.
Avery is so grateful to live in a tight-knit community such as Silver City, on the foothills of one of the greatest wild places (and communities) in the world.
Spanish, Physical Education, and Community Orientation Teacher
[email protected]
Avery was in the first class of students to graduate after four years at Aldo - starting way back in 2005! At the very first school camping trip, he discovered his love for experiential education. After years of schooling and many travels, he decided that it was time to go from student to educator. He is, however, a committed lifelong learner, and his job at ALCS is crucial to that goal. He hopes to instill important skills in his students, but also the idea that education is also valuable in and of itself - we should all aspire to be lifelong learners. To that end, he still travels internationally when possible. He especially loves to visit his former home in Chiapas, Mexico.
Avery is so grateful to live in a tight-knit community such as Silver City, on the foothills of one of the greatest wild places (and communities) in the world.
