Alicea, Joisse
PreKindergarten Teacher
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B.S., Elementary Education PK-6, Old Dominion University
Associate of Art, Social Sciences: Specialization in Education, Virginia Penninsula Community College
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B.A., Theatre, Adams State University
B.A., English, Adams State University
B.A., Creative Writing, Adams State University
What is your role at Ģý? I am a theatre teacher and a Middle School Spanish teacher.
What are you looking forward to at Ģý? I am looking forward to utilizing my strengths in Spanish and Theatre to connect with the community at Ģý. I am happy for the opportunity to share my first language with eager students. I am also looking forward to building onto the legacy of the Ģý theatre program.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? The first language I spoke was Spanish. I was born in Puerto Rico. And I have successfully eaten the 72-ounce steak challenge in Amarillo, Texas.
What is one thing you’ve learned from students? PATIENCE! Students always respond to patience and a deeper need for understanding.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? I would like to be an Earth Bender. I have always wanted to mold the elements.
What did you want to be growing up? I have always wanted to be a teacher! Also, an actor.
What draws you to teaching? The idea that I can pass on my knowledge to the next generation is intriguing. I feel that I am good at relating complex ideas using simple concepts.
What is your favorite spot in the world? Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico.
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Bachelor's, Special Education, Lander University
Bella Billups is an educator with eight years of teaching experience across diverse settings. She began her career in special education, working with students of varying abilities and needs, and later expanded her practice internationally. Most recently, she spent three years teaching in China, where she worked with bilingual and international students, further deepening her appreciation for cultural diversity in education.
From an early age, Bella knew she wanted to become a teacher. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive classroom environment that values each student’s unique strengths, personalities, and learning styles. She believes that teaching is a reciprocal process, one in which she learns just as much from her students as they learn from her.
Outside the classroom, Bella enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and engaging in activities that keep her active, including hiking and trying new workout styles. She values continuous growth, both professionally and personally, and looks forward to contributing her experience, dedication, and enthusiasm to her new role.
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What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I ran a half-marathon in China.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
Teleportation
What is one thing you've learned from students?
How to adapt and listen more carefully.
What did you want to be growing up?
A teacher
What draws you to working with students?
The ability to reach so many different minds from so many different backgrounds and abilities. I love learning from the students.
What is one thing you enjoy about Ģý?
So far, it has been the kind spirit each staff member I have met has had. Everyone has been so nice and helpful. The support is coming from a genuine place.
What is your favorite spot in the world?
Thailand! It is so beautiful, and I am the most at peace when I am there.
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M.S., Chemistry, University of Toronto
B.S., Chemistry, University of Waterloo
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have four children. Three boys, who all served or still serve in the US Coast Guard, and a teenage daughter who lives in Hawaii and plays for the USA Water Polo team.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Magneto! I would love to have the ability to manipulate magnetic fields and control metals and light.
What is one thing you've learned from students?
With rigor, grit, flexibility, and empathy, any student can learn science and about our world.
What did you want to be growing up?
Professional hockey player
What draws you to working with students?
Their enthusiasm for understanding.
What is one thing you enjoy about Ģý and why?
It is the only school I know of that enables real-world experiential learning for each and every student.
What is your favorite spot in the world?
Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The most peaceful ancient city where you can meditate with the monks and listen to the water.
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Ph.D., History, University of Colorado Boulder
M.A., History, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
B.A., History, University of North Georgia
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M.A., Educational Leadership, University of Northern Colorado
B.A., Early Childhood Education, University of South Carolina
A Charleston, South Carolina native, Erin Cerezo moved to Colorado Springs in 2011 to continue her career with the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Her journey in education has taken her from classrooms in South Carolina to leading missionary relief efforts in Haiti and inner-city New York, and later into leadership roles in Harrison School District 2 before joining Ģý.
With more than 15 years of experience as an educator and school leader, Erin is passionate about creating innovative and dynamic learning environments. She has designed and led programs that bring experiential education, STEAM learning, and project-based opportunities to students, with a special focus on serving diverse learners. Her leadership style centers on building schools with soul—places that feel like home and spark curiosity, creativity, and connection.
She is also deeply committed to supporting teachers throughout their professional journeys. She emphasizes mentorship, reflective practice, and strong systems of support that empower educators to create meaningful learning experiences for students. In every role she has held, she has worked to shape schools where students, teachers, and families feel valued, inspired, and part of a thriving community.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado.
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M.Ed., Teacher Leadership, Lamar University
B.A., Spanish, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
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M.M., Choral Conducting, University of Tennessee
B.M., Music Education (with honors) and Minor in World Music, West Virginia University
Bronwyn Clagett teaches private voice and piano at the Colorado Springs Conservatory, where she also serves as an instructor in the Partner Program. An active performer and conductor in the Colorado Springs area, she appears regularly as a soloist and choral musician.
In May 2025, Bronwyn conducted the opera scenes program, Wings Unfolded, at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Other recent engagements include conducting the workshop premiere of scenes from The Devil’s Dream, a new opera by Dr. Mara Gibson, and serving as Assistant Chorus Master for Opéra Louisiane’s 2022 production of Amahl and the Night Visitors.
From 2017 to 2020, Bronwyn was the music teacher and choral director at Kingwood Elementary School in Preston County, West Virginia, where she founded the Kingwood Elementary Choir. In 2019, she expanded her impact by establishing the choral program at Central Preston Middle School. A dedicated advocate for the arts, she secured over $22,000 in grants to support her choirs and programs. She also served at the state level as an Executive Board Member of the West Virginia All-State Children’s Choir and Vice President of the WV Society for General Music.
Bronwyn is ABD in choral conducting from Louisiana State University and is completing her research on the accessibility of choral music written by historically excluded composers. She holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and a Graduate Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy from the University of Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education, graduating with honors from West Virginia University, with a Minor in World Music. Additionally, she holds certification in World Music Pedagogy from the Smithsonian Folkways Institute.
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B.A., Visual & Performing Arts, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I am a classically trained clown.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why? I would have Super Strength because I just think that would be a fun time!
What is one thing you've learned from students? There is always a new and better way to do things.
What did you want to be growing up? A Geologist. A Marine Biologist. An Actor. A Comedian. A Transformer. I was all over the place.
What draws you to working with students? I really strive to show the magic and fun that theater can be to students.
What is one thing you enjoy about Ģý? I love how beautiful everything is. Everyone is also so nice here.
What is your favorite spot in the world? My favorite spot is the beach, especially in a spot where the waves are crashing on the rocks. I think the power of the ocean really recharges my batteries.
Creston handles internal and external event organizing at Ģý and ensures the technical side of the theater runs smoothly. In his work, he believes that through creativity and determination, impossible outcomes can be achieved. Nothing is impossible. Creston has previously worked with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs as the Interim Technical Director and with Theatreworks as both an actor and a designer. Most recently he has worked with Green Box Arts taking care of the Green Mountains Skyspace by world-renowned artist James Turrell. He is extremely fortunate to have been a part of amazing teams working on incredible projects.
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M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
B.A., Speech Communication; Emphasis: Elementary Education, University of Northern Colorado
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I built my first home with my husband. It was called an Earthship and was made of tires and completely off the grid.
What is a favorite memory at Ģý? Every memory involves the community - first as a parent, now as both a parent and teacher. We have such incredible people here!
What is one thing you’ve learned from students? You can ALWAYS learn something new!
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? I would invent a new one: octopus arms that I could deploy when I need to be doing several things at once!
What did you want to be growing up? A teacher - a nurse was a close second.
What draws you to teaching? The wonder and joy of children - helping to build on that is an incredible gift!
What is your favorite spot in the world? Any place with my family!
Ģý is an independent day school serving students from PreKindergarten through 12th grade.
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