Faculty & Staff Directory

What is your role at CSS? I am the Visual Arts teacher for grades 3-12. I teach a variety of Art electives in the Upper School such as Ceramics, Jewelry-Making, Printmaking, Video Production, and Digital Photography.

What is one of your favorite memories at CSS? One favorite memory is when guiding a student in class they said, “Mrs. Reynolds, you are like a magician - you are amazing!”

What did you want to be growing up? I wanted to be two things: a musician and an artist. I wasn’t sure what kind of artist, but I wanted to become famous for my art! I played the cello when young, and I wanted to learn how to play the guitar and sing so I could be in a band.

What draws you to teaching? I grew up with a Mom as an artist and a Dad as an architect. We often went to museums, and I would think about how I could share my love of art with others. In addition to creating my own artwork, teaching became a rewarding way to share my love of art with young people. I get incredible joy from creating, making, discovering, and exploring different mediums of art, and I wanted to share that passion with students.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? They might be surprised to know that I created my own business, called Mountain Clayworks, where I was a professional potter for 12 years, making and selling my work locally at Commonwheel Artist Co-op in Manitou Springs, as well as making special orders for people such as dinnerware sets, mug sets, etc. Two years ago, I created another business called Colorado Karma Jewelry by Kaja, where I make beaded, leather, and forged copper jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. I sell my jewelry locally at a wonderful Artists Cooperative called EclecticCO, located in downtown Colorado Springs.

Lynn Shepherd has been a member of The Colorado Springs School community since 2015, when she and her family relocated to Colorado Springs from Indianapolis. From the moment they discovered CSS, they knew they had found the right fit, drawn by the school's deep commitment to experiential education and learning beyond the classroom walls.

In 2026, Lynn joined the CSS staff as the Experiential Education Coordinator, bringing her passion for the school's mission along with a diverse professional background. Her experience spans retail management, restaurant and event ownership, and yoga instruction, providing her with strong organizational, planning, and logistical skills that support the many moving parts of experiential education.

Lynn has been an active volunteer and leader within the CSS community, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, President of the Parents' Association, and coach of the CSS Landsharks.

Outside of work, Lynn enjoys skiing, reading, knitting, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.

Lea Siegel has devoted nearly two decades to advancing education, beginning her career in Fort Worth, Texas, as a high school teacher inspiring students through service and entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, credentials that have supported her progression from classroom teacher to campus administrator and ultimately to district leadership as Head of Operations in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She is currently proud to serve as Chief Operating Officer at The Colorado Springs School.

A sought-after guest lecturer and presenter, Lea shares her expertise on leadership, educational operations, and community engagement with audiences across the country. A committed community leader, she serves on multiple boards in the areas of fine arts, planning, and development. Her dedication to service includes mentoring youth, volunteering with non-profits that focus on food stability, and championing programs that enrich the student experience beyond the classroom. Her work has earned recognition from Good Morning America, The Birthday Party Project, and No Kid Hungry.

With a background that blends philanthropy, service, and operational expertise, Lea brings a holistic perspective to fostering student success and supporting families and faculty. Since relocating to Colorado Springs in 2022, she has been honored to contribute to the CSS community. She is the proud mother of two adult sons, Chris and Bobby, and in her free time enjoys traveling, exploring historic architecture, live music, and spending time outdoors with her family.

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What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have had two different series of rabies shots! I love animals, and sometimes rescuing them comes with a shot.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
Teleportation. I love the notion of being able to magically go back in time or into the future to experience firsthand what life was like and to be able to better understand people and places.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
I have learned kindness from my students. Small gestures can make people feel noticed and important. Saying hello or remembering something specific to a person can immediately build a bridge. Lessons learned: Smile more, and be kind!

What did you want to be growing up?
A novelist

What draws you to working with students?
Working with students allows me to draw a new purpose daily. I love the changing environment and the opportunity to try new things throughout the day. It is a rewarding experience when students have "light bulb" moments, and I like being able to contribute to that in any way I can.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
I was drawn to our experiential learning models. I fully believe that being able to emotionally be connected to your responses to the world around you better prepares you for life. I love that we invest in students' actions and thought processes through travel and hands-on experiences. I am excited to get to know everyone and become an active part of our community.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
My favorite spot in the world is the British Isles. I love the beauty, history, and architecture of Ireland and Scotland. I am an avid reader and favor novelists from this region.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I love camping and kayaking.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
To make people laugh

What is one thing you've learned from students?
To see the humor in things.

What did you want to be growing up?
An oceanographer. I was going to marry Jacque Cousteau and live on the Calypso.

What draws you to working with students?
It is never boring! I live for the ah-ha moments and seeing kids excited about their learning.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
Everyone's positive attitudes and dedication.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
The beach! Some of my best memories are of vacations near the shore.

Gina began teaching in 1988 at Pine Cobble School in Williamstown, Mass., as the director/lead teacher of the preschool, kindergarten, and after-care program. She then taught at Williamstown Elementary as the kindergarten/first-grade teacher, where she also directed their inclusive summer camp. Gina and her family moved to Colorado in 1997, and she was the general manager of Jack Quinn's Irish Restaurant and Pub for almost seven years before working as a real estate agent. In 2011, she was back to teaching at KinderCare as the Kindergarten Readiness teacher, and then in 2016, began as the Pre-3 teacher at the children's center at Colorado College before joining CSS in 2022.

Emily Warren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a specialization in child and adolescent mental health. She brings experience from a range of settings, including schools, outpatient clinics, private practice, and primary care. She has developed a person-centered approach to care, focusing on meeting each student where they are and creating a safe space for students to explore challenges and build resilience. Originally from Rochester, NY, Emily moved to beautiful Colorado Springs two years ago.

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If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
If I were a superhero, I’d choose the power of flight. The ability to fly above the world would allow me to travel effortlessly, try new foods, and connect with people from all walks of life. It would be an ongoing adventure, offering both freedom and the chance to learn and grow constantly!

What draws you to working with students?
I’m passionate about working with students because it allows me to be part of their personal and academic growth. I find it rewarding to build strong, supportive relationships with students, helping them discover their unique strengths and navigate their challenges. Watching students gain confidence and find their voice is what makes this work so fulfilling.

What is your favorite spot in the world and why?
One of my favorite places in the world is Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York. The park’s beauty holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I’ve shared many memorable moments with my family. Whether it’s hiking the trails, enjoying the waterfalls, or simply spending time together, it’s a place that brings me comfort and joy!

What is your role at CSS?⁣ I am a Middle School history teacher (World Geography, American History, and Ancient Civilizations), and the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ Middle School soccer programs.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS? There are many things I love about working at CSS, but the thing I have loved best is the chance to work with students in a variety of settings, whether teaching in the classroom, leading overseas trips, paddling on rivers, squirming through caves, skiing on Colorado’s slopes, coaching on Boddington Field, or logging countless hours in CSS vans. This has allowed me to get to know students’ personalities, strengths, and areas of challenge in a way that would not have been possible in a traditional school setting.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? This isn’t a typical answer, so I run the risk of being accused of being a lame superhero; however, I have said for years that if I could have any power, I would love to have the ability to never sleep. Imagine what one could accomplish and experience with all that extra time!

What did you want to be growing up? Growing up, I was all in on being a professional soccer player. Although I didn’t quite make it, soccer has been a huge part of my life for almost 40 years. As a coach, I have really enjoyed trying to kindle a love for soccer in young people and helping them achieve their goals.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? Despite loving to joke around and being energetic with groups of students, I am actually pretty shy and an introvert.

What draws you to working with students? I love the fact that students have their whole lives ahead of them with so many exciting possibilities. It is energizing to see young people find and develop their passions. When it happens in a class, seminar, or sport I am teaching, it is particularly gratifying.

What is one thing you’ve learned from students? I have learned not to take myself too seriously. It is a lot more fun that way.

What is your favorite spot in the world? My favorite spot in the world is Moraine Lake in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with jagged peaks surrounding it, Moraine Lake’s otherworldly turquoise-blue water is something I will never forget.

What is a favorite memory at CSS? This is a tough question, as I have had so many great experiences at CSS. One of my favorites was an 18-day trip to Peru I took with 15 Middle and Upper school students in June 2002. Experiencing Cusco, hiking the Inca Trail for four days to Machu Picchu, and then completing a high Andean trek that took us through remote villages while circumnavigating 21,000 ft. Mt. Ausangate were all amazing. Seeing first-hand the joy of these discoveries through the eyes of the students made it even more memorable.