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.

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 started college as a music major with no interest in math. After taking my first college math class with a very inspirational professor, I fell in love with it and switched majors.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
Definitely being able to fly. Mostly for the view and areal perspective.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
I have learned never to take myself too seriously. I will make mistakes from time to time, and I always encourage students to call me out on them. I think it would be hard to teach and be overly worried about self-image.

What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a music teacher or join the coastguard.

What draws you to working with students?
I have always been a teacher in some form or another. I think I enjoy teaching math because it's fun in a way that people often don't see. It's a subject where I feel I can make a difference and pass along some of my enthusiasm.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
My airplane. I have no favorite geographical place but I always feel at home in the air.


John Paul received his BS in mathematics from Pacific University where he also studied education and music. During this time, he completed and graduated from the Spacial Dynamics five-year training in movement and movement analysis, which has been a great aid to him in the classroom. In addition to teaching Math and Physics during the school year, he flies competition aerobatics in the summer. This is a sport that he believes has shaped him as a person and something that drives him to pursue new learning opportunities and push himself to the edges of his comfort zone.

Dr. Teneshia A. Taylor is an accomplished educational leader with over 20 years of experience creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Currently serving as Dean of Student Life at The Colorado Springs School, Dr. Taylor brings exceptional expertise in student behavioral support, social-emotional learning implementation, and restorative justice practices to foster a positive school culture centered on student voice and agency.

As the 2023 Asa G. Hilliard III and Barbara A. Sizemore Research Fellow, Dr. Taylor has distinguished herself as a champion for child well-being and educational equity. She holds an Ed.D. in Education Policy and Leadership focused on education reform and innovation from the University of Northern Colorado, where her dissertation earned a Distinguished Dissertation Award nomination, along with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. With additional certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, her innovative, student-centered leadership philosophy prioritizes amplifying student voices while developing each child's character, community connections, and curiosity.

During her international experience as a consultant for U.S. Department of State-supported schools all over the world, she developed groundbreaking initiatives that elevated student voices in social-emotional programming, designed restorative justice workshops where students co-created solutions for identity-based harm, and facilitated youth-led conversations around social and emotional intelligence—always placing child protection and well-being at the forefront. As Co-Founder and Committee Chair of the Research Collaborative for the Association of International School Leaders of Color (AIELOC), Dr. Taylor mentored emerging scholars who honor student experiences. Her scholarly work includes several peer-reviewed publications on child safeguarding, and she has been a presenter at the prestigious American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting.

She is a Colorado Springs native and happy to be back here with her husband, children, and dog named Aspen.

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What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am a certified chef.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Fly. Because, flying.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
They see a future we can't imagine.

What did you want to be growing up?
A day trader on Wall Street. My parents once gave me $100 to invest. I studied the NY Stock Exchange in the Wall Street Journal and made $1,000. I was hooked and even worked in finance for several years.

What draws you to working with students?
Their ingenuity, their flexibility, and their unsurpassed resilience. Their abilities never, ever cease to amaze me.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS?
The warmth, talent, and expertise of every faculty and staff member I have met.

What is your favorite spot in the world?
Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan. It is serene, untouched, and denotes the magic of this world. (The movie Dune was filmed there.)

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!