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What would people be surprised to learn about you? I have an identical twin sister.

What is your favorite spot in the world? Kauai, Hawaii because I lived there for two years.

Serena has worked as a preschool teacher for more than 20 years in New York City and in Colorado Springs. She is thrilled to bring her experience as a Preschool Director to Ģ����ý and continue her passion for teaching.

Erik Playe, a Northampton native and graduate of the prestigious Williston Northampton School, holds a Bachelor’s in English Literature with a minor in Spanish from St. Michael’s College in Vermont, and a Master’s in Liberal Studies—Humanities from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

For nearly two decades, he has made a significant impact teaching English and guiding students as a college counselor at top U.S. independent schools and an international school in South America. In addition to his work in the classroom and college counseling office, Erik has held key leadership roles as academic dean, residential dean, and director of student activities.

He and his wife, Kelly—a horticulturist, resilient landscape entrepreneur, and local nonprofit director—thrive in Colorado Springs, where they share a passion for hiking, snowshoeing, biking, gardening, and birding.

Erik’s dedication to his students is reflected in the numerous student-driven honors he has received at Ģ����ý. The class of 2023 dedicated their yearbook to him, the class of 2025 chose him to deliver their commencement address, and in 2024, the student body presented him with the Mary Wicks Award, recognizing the faculty member who most enriches student life throughout the year.

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If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
I would be able to ripen an avocado just by touching it. I would even be able to bring avocados back from being overripe by touching them. I could make a dent in world hunger this way and also make guacamole at any moment.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
Patience...maybe. I am still working on it.

What did you want to be growing up?
A Jedi and a waterskier.

What draws you to working with students?
Their energy and never wondering if I am doing something meaningful.

What is one thing you enjoy about Ģ����ý and why?
I love that we are the Kodiaks. I have been a Wildcat, a Purple Knight, a Winged Beaver, a Cardinal, a Sun Devil, a Hawk, and a Warrior, and now I am happy to be a Kodiak.

What is your favorite spot in the world and why?
Pagosa Springs, CO. My wife, Kelly, and I have a piece of property in Pagosa where we camp. It's our happy place.

What is your role at Ģ����ý? I am the Visual Arts teacher for grades 3-12. I teach a variety of Art electives in the Upper School such as Ceramics, Jewelry-Making, Printmaking, Video Production, and Digital Photography.

What is one of your favorite memories at Ģ����ý? One favorite memory is when guiding a student in class they said, “Mrs. Reynolds, you are like a magician - you are amazing!”

What did you want to be growing up? I wanted to be two things: a musician and an artist. I wasn’t sure what kind of artist, but I wanted to become famous for my art! I played the cello when young, and I wanted to learn how to play the guitar and sing so I could be in a band.

What draws you to teaching? I grew up with a Mom as an artist and a Dad as an architect. We often went to museums, and I would think about how I could share my love of art with others. In addition to creating my own artwork, teaching became a rewarding way to share my love of art with young people. I get incredible joy from creating, making, discovering, and exploring different mediums of art, and I wanted to share that passion with students.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? They might be surprised to know that I created my own business, called Mountain Clayworks, where I was a professional potter for 12 years, making and selling my work locally at Commonwheel Artist Co-op in Manitou Springs, as well as making special orders for people such as dinnerware sets, mug sets, etc. Two years ago, I created another business called Colorado Karma Jewelry by Kaja, where I make beaded, leather, and forged copper jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. I sell my jewelry locally at a wonderful Artists Cooperative called EclecticCO, located in downtown Colorado Springs.

Lea Siegel has devoted nearly two decades to advancing education, beginning her career in Fort Worth, Texas, as a high school teacher inspiring students through service and entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, credentials that have supported her progression from classroom teacher to campus administrator and ultimately to district leadership as Head of Operations in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She is currently proud to serve as Chief Operating Officer at Ģ����ý.

A sought-after guest lecturer and presenter, Lea shares her expertise on leadership, educational operations, and community engagement with audiences across the country. A committed community leader, she serves on multiple boards in the areas of fine arts, planning, and development. Her dedication to service includes mentoring youth, volunteering with non-profits that focus on food stability, and championing programs that enrich the student experience beyond the classroom. Her work has earned recognition from Good Morning America, The Birthday Party Project, and No Kid Hungry.

With a background that blends philanthropy, service, and operational expertise, Lea brings a holistic perspective to fostering student success and supporting families and faculty. Since relocating to Colorado Springs in 2022, she has been honored to contribute to the Ģ����ý community. She is the proud mother of two adult sons, Chris and Bobby, and in her free time enjoys traveling, exploring historic architecture, live music, and spending time outdoors with her family.

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What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have had two different series of rabies shots! I love animals, and sometimes rescuing them comes with a shot.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
Teleportation. I love the notion of being able to magically go back in time or into the future to experience firsthand what life was like and to be able to better understand people and places.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
I have learned kindness from my students. Small gestures can make people feel noticed and important. Saying hello or remembering something specific to a person can immediately build a bridge. Lessons learned: Smile more, and be kind!

What did you want to be growing up?
A novelist

What draws you to working with students?
Working with students allows me to draw a new purpose daily. I love the changing environment and the opportunity to try new things throughout the day. It is a rewarding experience when students have "light bulb" moments, and I like being able to contribute to that in any way I can.

What is one thing you enjoy about Ģ����ý?
I was drawn to our experiential learning models. I fully believe that being able to emotionally be connected to your responses to the world around you better prepares you for life. I love that we invest in students' actions and thought processes through travel and hands-on experiences. I am excited to get to know everyone and become an active part of our community.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
My favorite spot in the world is the British Isles. I love the beauty, history, and architecture of Ireland and Scotland. I am an avid reader and favor novelists from this region.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I love camping and kayaking.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
To make people laugh

What is one thing you've learned from students?
To see the humor in things.

What did you want to be growing up?
An oceanographer. I was going to marry Jacque Cousteau and live on the Calypso.

What draws you to working with students?
It is never boring! I live for the ah-ha moments and seeing kids excited about their learning.

What is one thing you enjoy about Ģ����ý?
Everyone's positive attitudes and dedication.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
The beach! Some of my best memories are of vacations near the shore.

Gina began teaching in 1988 at Pine Cobble School in Williamstown, Mass., as the director/lead teacher of the preschool, kindergarten, and after-care program. She then taught at Williamstown Elementary as the kindergarten/first-grade teacher, where she also directed their inclusive summer camp. Gina and her family moved to Colorado in 1997, and she was the general manager of Jack Quinn's Irish Restaurant and Pub for almost seven years before working as a real estate agent. In 2011, she was back to teaching at KinderCare as the Kindergarten Readiness teacher, and then in 2016, began as the Pre-3 teacher at the children's center at Colorado College before joining Ģ����ý in 2022.