Faculty & Staff Directory

Marie Newbrough has made it her career mission to help amazing organizations share their stories with the world. She joined CSS as the Director of Communications & Marketing at The Colorado Springs School in 2023.

As part of the Leadership team, she combines her passion for families and education (from a family line of educators) with her love of creative problem-solving in the non-profit sector, working alongside the school team to showcase what makes CSS’s PreK-12 education so special. She gets the privilege to support all four academic divisions, athletics, admissions, fundraising, and the overall school community.

Her background is in business administration in travel and marketing, where she was raised in New York State (Go Bills!) and has since taken her all over the country and world. But there is nowhere like Colorado, and she’s raised her family here since 2008.

During her 20-year career, Marie has partnered with over 30 organizations and nonprofits to amplify their missions, and she’s thrilled to be at CSS! She believes education is such an incredible platform to serve young people and make dynamic citizens, and even more unique in an independent school setting. She loves highlighting and elevating the stories of the experiential education magic that happens every day at CSS.

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 CSS and continue her passion for teaching.

Dr. Ira Pernick’s career in education began as a high school English teacher in New York City. After earning his educational leadership certifications, he served as an assistant principal before stepping into his first principalship in Queens, New York.

Following a successful 10-year tenure in Queens, Ira moved to Port Washington to become the principal of Paul D. Schreiber High School, where he served for 11 years. He then transitioned to the district office, taking on a wide range of responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Dr. Pernick has remained committed to fostering positive school cultures by building strong relationships with students, parents, and staff. He is also deeply passionate about delivering high-quality instruction to help students exceed their expectations and achieve their goals.

Dr. Pernick holds a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Albany, a Master’s Degree from CUNY Queens College, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organization from the University of Pennsylvania. A proud father of Sam and Molly, Dr. Pernick and his partner, Erica Fazzari, are excited to join the CSS community.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be a hemodialysis technician.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
I'd love to be a healer and be able to cure and ease pain for people.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
With the correct support system, there is no end to their resilience.

What did you want to be growing up?
A nurse practitioner

What draws you to working with students?
Being able to be a part of the origin stories of the next generations. There are children who will no doubt do amazing things that will change the world for the better.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
The community of faculty and staff who are completely invested in not only the students but the school as a whole.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
Maui, Hawaii. I was able to live there for seven years until the Lahaina Wildfire, and it really is paradise. It's the only place you can truly experience the Aloha spirit and focus on what truly matters most: 'ohana (family).

With more than 15 years of experience in administrative support, Erikka thrives in environments where multitasking is key, and she finds joy in supporting her team members to achieve their collective goals. Knowing that she contributes to the success of her colleagues is incredibly rewarding. Outside of work, Erikka loves cooking, baking and exploring all the nature of Colorado. As she looks to the future, she is excited about the opportunities for growth and collaboration at CSS, as she is eager to continue developing her skills and taking on new challenges.

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 The Colorado Springs School. 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.

***

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 CSS 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.