Faculty & Staff Directory

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!

Cathie brings over a decade of experience in event planning, coordination, and customer relations to CSS. Known for her calm approach and can-do attitude, she excels at supporting both vendors and guests—ensuring smooth communication, thoughtful logistics, and a positive experience for everyone involved.

With a strong background in customer service, Cathie builds lasting relationships and acts as a reliable point of contact throughout every phase of an event. Her passion for hospitality and attention to detail make her a trusted partner in creating welcoming, well-executed gatherings.

When she’s not behind the scenes making things happen, Cathie enjoys spending time with her husband and coffee dates with friends!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I sang professionally for the Michigan Opera Theater at the Detroit Opera House as a child through my teen years.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
I’d love to have the ability to teleport, so I could travel all over the world more efficiently!

What is one thing you've learned from students?
Have fun! Learning happens best through exploration and play!

What did you want to be growing up?
I always knew that I wanted to do something in music, whether that be performing or teaching.

What draws you to working with students?
I love the joy that comes from my students and their eagerness to learn.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
I love seeing all the smiling faces on campus because it makes me feel welcomed.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
Paris is probably my favorite spot in the world because the architecture is so beautiful and my birthday happens to fall on Bastille Day!

Emily is a composer, pianist, and educator who recently relocated to Colorado Springs from the San Francisco Bay Area. She spent the last three years teaching K-8 performing arts and music composition at an independent school in Menlo Park, California. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Emily began her professional music career at an early age singing for the Michigan Opera Theater Children's Chorus. Emily holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition and a minor in Piano Performance from Columbia College Chicago. In her professional career as a composer, she experimented with extended techniques using acoustic instrumentation and a digital approach to sound. Her compositions have been performed by various New Music ensembles in Chicago. While at Columbia, she also began teaching so she could share her joy for music with students of all ages. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student is capable of expressing the skill of creativity through collaboration and curiosity.