Faculty & Staff Directory

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
If I were a superhero, I would have teleportation ability and I would definitely take my students to places where they could have a first-hand experience of the topics we see in class every day.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
One thing I've learned from students is the importance of feedback and recognition, it can truly make a difference in someone's day and life even, no matter how big or small the milestone is.

What did you want to be growing up?
I come from a huge family, so I was always surrounded by kids, older and younger, and I always felt compelled to take the lead or call the shots, and I would always find myself teaching them something. So teaching just came naturally to me.

What draws you to working with students?
Their ability to learn and their immense potential to shape and reshape the world as they see and experience it.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS and why?
One thing I enjoy about CSS is the passion for teaching my colleagues showcase. They inspire me to raise the bar continuously.

Alfonso brings more than a decade of experience in language teaching. He enjoys using his professional skills as an educator to contribute to students' integral education through the teaching of a second language. He strongly believes in providing opportunities for students to partake in today's interconnected world and culture and in all the positive effects that speaking a second language could have on the way our brains work. Outside of work, he enjoys being active. He loves hiking and mountain biking with family and friends.

Brooke Kelly Rawls’ career in enrollment management is inspired by a genuine passion for supporting students and families in meaningful ways. She began her professional journey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from DePaul University, where she developed a teen dating violence prevention curriculum that was adopted by the Chicago Public School system.

Her commitment to making a difference continued as she worked for the Department of Child Services in Indianapolis, serving on the domestic violence unit and later with a nonprofit, providing wraparound support to youth in crisis—experiences that enriched her communication and relationship-building skills.

Brooke has also embraced her creative side by successfully running her own bridal makeup business, where she honed outstanding customer service skills and deepened her love for connecting with people.

In 2015, she and her family made Colorado Springs their home, enrolling their children at The Colorado Springs School. From her very first tour, she was truly captivated by the beautiful campus, warm community, and the school’s unique teaching philosophy. This connection inspired her to actively volunteer, allowing her to gain a profound appreciation for CSS’s rich history and inspiring vision.

Brooke joined CSS in 2021 as the Admissions Associate and was promoted to Director of Enrollment Management in 2023. Her unwavering passion for CSS drives her dedication to growing enrollment and ensuring that every student and family feels valued, welcomed, and an integral part of the vibrant CSS community.

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What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I LOVE rodeos, western heritage, and hope to one day live on a ranch.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Teleport. I love to travel but HATE flying!

What is one thing you've learned from students?
We can all do hard things.

What did you want to be growing up?
A social worker

What draws you to working with students?
Their curiosity, excitement, and ability to be unapologetically themselves.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS and why?
CSS feels like home. The people are warm and welcoming, and I am proud to be a part of this community.

What is your favorite spot in the world and why?
Grand Lake—it's beautiful, serene, and a place I visit regularly with my family.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have visited all of the U.S. states, except Alaska! It is on my bucket list for one day!

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
If I could have a superpower, I would choose to be able to fly! It would save so much time and open up lots of opportunities!

What is one thing you've learned from students?
I have learned so much grit and determination from my students over the years. Watching as they put aside things they were going through to show up as their best selves in the classroom has taught me to continue to do the same! We can’t always control what’s happening in the world, but we can always show up and be present!

What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a lawyer or a teacher!

What draws you to working with students?
I love that I learn as much from my students as they do from me. The energy with Lower School students is contagious, and there is never a boring day!

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
I love all of the different opportunities to explore what we’re learning in the real world! I think it’s so powerful to make connections and create lifelong learning.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
It might sound a little cheesy, but home! As a military family, we often have to spend time apart or move, so my favorite place is where we are together!

Bio: Bridget Lester has been teaching for 10 years, in elementary and middle school. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Virginia Tech, a Master of Education, Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Master of Education (Elementary Education PreK-6th) from Liberty University. She also has a Graduate Certificate in STEM Leadership that she earned in a cohort before helping to open one of the first STEM elementary schools in Virginia!