Faculty & Staff Directory

What is your role at CSS? I am a theatre teacher and a Middle School Spanish teacher.

What are you looking forward to at CSS? I am looking forward to utilizing my strengths in Spanish and Theatre to connect with the community at CSS. 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 CSS 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.

Aubryn Bednar is a development professional and strategic leader advancing institutional missions through relationship-driven fundraising, alumni engagement, and community-building initiatives. As Director of Development at The Colorado Springs School, she designs and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies that achieve immediate goals while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Specializing in cultivating meaningful connections with alumni, parents, donors, and community partners, Aubryn has successfully secured major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations in support of strategic priorities. She works closely with school leadership to align fundraising initiatives with organizational vision and values, ensuring each effort advances the institution’s mission.

Her leadership extends to planning and executing high-impact events—including alumni reunions, donor recognition receptions, annual galas, and community engagement activities—that strengthen the school’s network and foster a culture of philanthropy.

Prior to joining The Colorado Springs School, Aubryn served in leadership roles within government and the judiciary, including positions at Arlington County Government and the Supreme Court of the United States. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Business Administration from American University.

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 CSS 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.

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 The Colorado Springs School.

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.

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 CSS? 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 CSS 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.

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 CSS?⁣ 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!⁣
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⁣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!⁣