Faculty & Staff Directory

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.

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.

Erik was born and raised in Northampton, MA, where he graduated from the Williston Northampton School. He attended St. Michael’s College in Vermont, where he majored in English Literature and minored in Spanish. He earned a master’s degree in Liberal Studies, with a focus in Humanities, from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. For the past 13 years, he has been teaching English and/or has served as a college counselor at three U.S. independent schools and at an international school in South America. He served, most recently, as Director of College Counseling, Academic Dean, and Softball Coach for a boarding school in Arizona. Erik and his wife, Kelly, are excited to be moving to Colorado Springs. Kelly is a horticulturist, who is starting her own business in resilient landscape design. Kelly and Erik enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, biking, gardening, and birding together. Erik loves teaching and working with high school students. He hopes there will be no livelier place on campus than his college counseling office, and is excited to share his enthusiasm with students and families at The Colorado Springs School.

Jennifer Reishus began her accounting career in 2005 and has garnered experience in a variety of private industries, the nonprofit sector, and public accounting. She owned a boutique accounting practice before joining The Colorado Springs School as Chief Financial Officer.

Jennifer graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Dakota, having served as Vice President of Programming for Beta Alpha Psi during her time there. She passed the Certified Public Accountant exam on her first attempt in 2008 and is actively licensed in Colorado and North Dakota. She currently serves as treasurer on multiple boards of directors.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, achieving personal physical fitness goals, and indulging in culinary experiences.

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.