Faculty & Staff Directory
Thomas Cleary
Director
Thomas Cleary has 19 years of teaching experience in Elementary, Middle School, and High School. He taught for nine years at CCS, and nine years in American curriculum schools in India and Mali, W. Africa. He is credentialed and experienced in elementary general education, secondary math, and secondary science. He has a BS in Environmental Geology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, both from Colorado State University. He is also certified as a Master Environmental Educator through the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education. Prior to becoming a formal educator he spent 15 years as an outdoor instructor and wilderness course director. His commitment to Crestone and experiential education brought him back to CCS with the desire to build upon its mission and core values: stimulating experiential and academic programming that includes nurturing the whole student and their relationships and responsibilities to self, community, and environment. His goal as a school leader is to create a supportive atmosphere where students and staff feel safe to explore, grow, and learn. Thomas is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys rock climbing, river rafting, skiing, bicycling, and soaking in hot springs with his wife and two young adult children.
Early Elementary
cmcmahon@crestonecharter.com
Candace MacMahon- Kindergarten First Grade Teacher
Candace McMahon is a passionate early childhood educator drawn by a deep personal connection to the Crestone area. With over a decade of experience teaching grades K–5, including three years in a Spanish Immersion setting, Candace brings a wealth of knowledge, heart, and creativity to the classroom. She holds an undergraduate degree and two master’s degrees in early childhood education and teacher leadership. She worked as a leading advocate for the Compassionate Schools Project—a pioneering initiative in partnership with the University of Virginia aimed at integrating compassion, and holistic well-being into inner-city classrooms—has deeply informed her teaching philosophy. Candace is thrilled to bring her vibrant energy, experience, and genuine care to the K1 students and families of the Crestone Charter School.
Primary/MTSS Primary Lead
Cary Yang-Second and Third Grade Teacher
Cary Yang is from Minneapolis, Minnesota and has lived in Crestone since 2019. Cary has a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Mathematics and literacy as a Specialist Teacher from the University of Minnesota. Cary has 20+ years experience as a highly qualified public education teacher. Cary teaches with structure, eloquence and fun. Her students excel in the classroom and well as on camping trips and trips to the climbing gym. Cary believes it takes all of us working together to support the students. Cary enjoys riding her bike, the color blue and trips to Minnesota lakes.
Primary Aide
Chris Emerson- Second and Third Grade Aide
Chris hails from the Bay Area of California and moved out to Colorado in 2013. He spent a decade in the Boulder area where he received a master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University. In Boulder he served a wide variety of folx for about six years with an alternative mental health treatment organization called Windhorse Community Services. He also spent two years working in after-school childcare with elementary school age kids around this time. He moved to Crestone in 2024. In his free time he likes to make art/memes, listen to music/dance, have fun with friends and play outside.
Intermediate
Daya Scheide- Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher
Daya came to Crestone in 2011 to teach at the Crestone Charter School because he is passionate about CCS’s mission to provide experiential learning to the community. Daya earned his Master’s Degree at the University of Pittsburgh and completed his alternative teaching licensure at the Community College of Santa Fe. You’ll usually find him with a guitar or ukulele in his hands. Every day in his classroom begins and ends with joyful music. Daya has worn many hats at the Crestone Charter School, including Middle School and Intermediate lead teacher, music teacher, and theater teacher. He brings passion, personality, and creativity to every hour he spends with his students. Daya likes to ski, hike and play the bass with his band Chronic Joy.
Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies
Peter Sé-Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies
Peter Sé joins CCS as the new Middle School English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher. He brings over a decade of diverse educational experience to the classroom, with a background that includes international teaching and environmental education. Outside of school, his pursuits include traveling, creating artwork, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Middle School Math and Science
dhart@crestonecharter.com
Dan Hart -Middle School Math and Science
Dan Hart entered public school classrooms five years ago after many years as an archaeologist doing field work for state and local governments and agencies. His teaching style is heavily experience-based with an emphasis on culture, the human experience, critical thinking, and opening oneself to new experiences and ways of thinking. He is able to present both academic methods as well as real-world ways of thinking and doing. He is excited about the unique opportunity to teach to CCS students’ needs and to challenge them in areas that will help them grow as human beings and be successful and adaptable in an ever-changing society and as citizens of their community as well as citizens of an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
Middle School Aide
nwood@crestonecharter.com
Nate Wood -Middle School Aide
Nate Wood is a Classroom Aide for the Middle School classrooms. Nate attended University of Florida, and has seven years of experience in education in a Pre-K setting. Nate is a new father and takes pride in showing up for his family and the youth community. Nate’s experience brings gentle guidance and structure for all of our students, all while honoring their individual gifts, magic and abilities.
High School Language Arts and Social Studies
Sam Goering- High School Language Arts and Social Studies
Sam Goering was born in Durham, North Carolina and grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland just outside of Washington, DC. Sam attended the University of Maryland where he earned a B.A. in English with Minors in Creative Writing and Philosophy. Sam is in his eighth year of teaching and combines traditional standards-based teaching methods with experiential, project-based, holistic, and integrated approaches. He describes his pedagogy as learner-centered, culturally responsive, democratic, and anti-oppressive. He has a passion for the humanities, music, the outdoors, and adventurous learning. Sam puts student choice and collaboration at the center of his teaching practices, designs fun projects that incorporate authentic, employable skills, and enjoys seeing his students grow into responsible young adults. He is fascinated by game-based and simulation-based learning, and loves team-building activities and role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Sam is a saxophonist and band kid at heart, and he believes music and the arts to be one of the best things in the world for healing, emotional processing, and brain development.
High School Mathematics and Science/MTSS Secondary Lead
Hillary Clayton-High School Mathematics
Hillary Clayton is the Teachers Instructional Coach at Crestone Charter School. Hillary has worked in education for over a decade as a Secondary Science and Math teacher. Hillary received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Ohio State University, majoring in International Relations and Diplomacy, Spanish, and Globalization Studies. Hillary then went on to receive her Master's Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University after working for an educational Americorp Program. Hillary's efforts in supporting teachers ultimately supports students.
She has a vital role in supporting teachers with their professional growth, curriculum planning, and implementation. She collaborates daily with teachers to meet them where they are and finds ways to best support students. When she is not at school you can find her at the Stables feeding goats and horses.
High School Aide
Cori Conlon- High School Aide
Cori Conlon is excited to join Crestone Charter School as the new K–1 classroom aide. She brings over 30 years of experience as a librarian, homeschooling parent, and caregiver for children with unique learning needs. She looks forward to nurturing curiosity and helping young minds grow. She has recently published her first book and loves traveling to see her grandchildren in Wisconsin.
K-8 Art and Greenhouse
Rachel Kellum- K-8 Art/Greenhouse
Rachel Kellum is the K-8 greenhouse specialist and visual arts teacher. Born and raised in Illinois, she earned her BFA in visual arts and a minor in English at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. She earned her MA in English education at Colorado State University. She taught writing for two years at CSU and completed certification to teach secondary language arts and K-12 visual arts. As full-time English and art faculty at Morgan Community College for eleven years, she also directed the CACE Gallery of Fine Art and hosted open mic poetry events featuring prominent Colorado poets. After relocating to Crestone in 2017, she taught English at Salida High School for a year and K-12 visual and language arts for six years at Moffat School. During this time, she also taught a summer writing course for Adams State University for five years and concurrent enrollment literature and humanities courses for Trinidad State College on the Moffat School campus for three years. Throughout her twenty-one year teaching career, organic gardening has been her place of refuge and abiding joy. Now an avid geodesic dome greenhouse keeper and teacher at CCS, she relishes the opportunity to share her passion for the visual arts, outdoor adventure and growing green things with Crestone’s youth.
Physical Education Teacher
Patrick Campo- Physical Education Teacher
To say Patrick is passionate about health is an understatement. Patrick exudes well being, positivity and fitness. Patrick lives in Crestone with his wife and has three sons that attend the Crestone Charter School. Patrick has been the Physical Education teacher for four years. Patrick’s focus here at the school is to create healthy habits and to motivate students to achieve their dreams through exercise, strength and confidence. A healthy body equals a healthy mind! Patrick loves swimming, snowboarding, mountain biking, camping and climbing. Patrick has been teaching Yoga since 2009, and holds a 2000 hour ERYT with an extensive training in anatomy and physiology, Patrick owned Phoenix Yoga Lounge in Manitou Springs, Colorado. He looks forward to his upcoming soccer coaching season.
Technology Coordinator and Instructor
Umesh Dhakal - K-12 IT Coordinator/ Technology Instructor
Umesh is from the beautiful Himalayas of Nepal. He has been living in the US for the last five years. The moutains of Colorado remind him of his home country. Umesh brings IT experience working as a Java Developer and Network Support Specialist. Umesh graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science and Information Technology, 2022. Umesh helps the school, students and staff in all technological aspects. Umesh is a nature-loving person who likes hiking, camping, surfing, cycling and golf. He engages enthusiastically with his students and is often found playing soccer with staff and students.
Business Manager
Lynn Nehez- Business Manager
Lynn Nehez is the Business Manager. She comes to CCS from Georgia where she spent 30 years as the founder and director of a Montessori school which included securing the schools non-profit status. She and her husband relocated to the valley in 2022. Lynn is passionate about education and is excited to support the growth and development of programming at CCS. Lynn is a certified Montessori teacher for ages 3-6 and 6-12 and taught for seven years in her school in Georgia. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Information Systems from Georgia State University and her Master of Education Degree from Loyola University, Maryland. Lynn has extensive experience in finance, human resources, and running a school.
Front Office Manager
evonswearingen@crestonecharter.com
Emily vonSwearingen- Front Office Manager
Emily vonSwearingen is CCS's new office manager. As a former guest teaching artist/musician at CCS, she was delighted to collaborate with students and staff in several immersive projects and became so inspired by the welcoming and experiential environment at CCS, she decided to move to Crestone to join our team! She brings extensive experience in working in the arts and disability sectors as a director in non-profit organizations for over three decades. As a certified Nature/Forest therapist guide, she is looking forward to decompressing in Crestone's natural healing environment. You can find her playing a diverse collection of instruments from around the world, experimenting with art materials and walking her adventurous cats on leashes.
All School Experiential Education
Carissa Conner-All School Experiential Education
Carissa is originally from Oregon and moved to the Crestone area 6 years ago with her family. She has had her children in Crestone Charter School for the last 4 years and worked for the school for 3 years. During that time, she has worked with our facilities staff keeping the school clean, freshly painted, and safe for the students, supported fundraising efforts as a volunteer, assisted in classroom learning efforts as a paraprofessional, and acted as a chaperone during experiential learning excursions.
In her current role as our Experiential Education Coordinator, Carissa plans our spring trips, the all-school campout, and many other outings and experiences for our students; an important part of our experiential learning philosophy!
SEL (Socio-Emotional Learning)/Self Regulation
Kallie Hyer- SEL (Socio-Emotional Learning)
Kallie Hyer is CCS’s new Social Emotional Learning Specialist, where she is eager to utilize her skills in community-based education and restorative practices. Her journey into this field began during a high school internship program. Her professional approach is rooted in Positive Psychology, where she emphasizes student-centered growth and development. Whether in a Montessori classroom, as a residential counselor at Parsons Child and Family Center, or as a Program Guide at Pacific Quest’s integrated therapy program, she has honed her ability to meet children and families where they are, offering support in times of emotional dysregulation and guiding them back to a balanced, present mindset.
Counselor
Collette Fisk - Counselor
Collette grew up in the Ozarks and graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She went on to earn her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University, and is a passionate advocate and dedicated agent of change striving to provide support to anyone struggling with mental health challenges. On her days away from CCS, Collette enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and taking intentional time to savor the Valley's awe-inspiring sunsets.
Special Education Coordinator
Jeanne Weider-Special Education Coordinator and School Psychologist
Jeanne Weidner has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 1990, an Alternative Teaching certification, and a School Psychologist degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2001. Jeanne taught in Texas schools grades 4-8 in Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies. She went back to school for School Psych Education in 2013 working in Iowa schools focusing on behavior issues and academic achievement helping students to achieve their highest potential. Jeanne guides intensive instruction for students to bring back to the classroom. Jeanne enjoys kayaking, hiking, reading and dancing.
Facilities Manager
April Thomas-Facilities Manager
April Thomas is the Building Facility Manager for CCS. April is a lifelong resident of this community and is dedicated to the students of Crestone. She has many years of experience in supporting the facility needs of CCS since 2019. Her knowledge and expertise led to her appointment as the Building Facilities Manager in 2022. April keeps the school and all its complex systems running smoothly, as well as managing the maintenance and transportation employees. April loves Halloween.
Custodian
Sammy Prien- Custodian
Sammy Prien is CCS’s second custodian. At the risk of over-stating, he is passionate about cleaning. He co-founded a cleaning service in Denver where he worked both on the floor and behind the desk, successfully building a thriving business which he later sold to his business partner. Moving to Crestone has brought his skills to CCS and he has settled into one building, working with April, and getting to know the children and teachers.
Transportation Coordinator
Kailou Cleary-Transportation Coordinator
Kailou Cleary was born in Fort-Collins, but grew up in Crestone and graduated from CCS in 2018. He spent his gap year delivering pizza and playing in the mountains, then earned an Associates of Applied Science at Pueblo Community College. Over the last 2 years he has been a driver for MSD #2 in several roles.
His time at CCS and living overseas has taught him the value of travel, outdoor education, and experiential learning. As the Transportation Coordinator, he loves to facilitate the mentorships, sports, and trips that make our school great.
Technology Instructor/Lead Driver
Dave Edwards-Technology Instructor/Lead Driver
~more to come
Front Office Assistant
Victoria Kosovich- Front Office Assistant
Victoria Kosovich comes to CCS as the new administrative office assistant from Colorado Springs where she worked with neurodiverse children, demonstrating patience, empathy, and understanding in all interactions with clients and their families. She also has experience in logistics management, retail, and human resources and looks forward to engaging and supporting CCS families. In her spare time, she draws, writes, and builds scale models.