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Odyssey Staff Directory

Andrea Aragon
Headshot of Andrea Aragon
719-328-5985
 

Family and Consumer Science/Hospitality and Tourism 

Greetings from the Hospitality Pathway!  My name is Andrea Aragon and I have been a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher for 17 years.  A native New Mexican and graduate of Eastern New Mexico University, I moved to Colorado Springs eight years ago and have been working in D11 at the Wasson Campus ever since.  I serve as a Chapter Adviser and Spanish Peaks District Consultant for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).  As the 2017 Colorado ProStart Teacher of the Year, I continue to build industry partnerships and create student opportunities with the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association and the Pikes Peak Lodging Association. 

Crystal Apple Award Recipient 2024

 


 

Angela Banfield
719-328-5986
 

English and Journalism Instructor

I have a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor's degree in English. I also have received a certificate from Denver University to teach college English. I have taught an award-winning journalism program for 19 years and am the one and only certified journalism educator in D11. I have been married for 30 years and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. I enjoy traveling, crafts, sewing and reading. 

Crystal Apple Award Recipient 2025


 

Anthony Beretta
719-328-7695
 

PPCC Math Instructor - 2014 PPCC Adjunct Faculty of the Year 

As a math teacher, I enjoy helping my students learn the fundamental concepts of math.  When coaching  student council, it is a blessing to see our students here at Odyssey develop events for student council .  Also, I enjoy teaching math each day and it is awesome to see our students succeed! Each day is a new adventure, and this is an awesome place to work.
 

 

 
Erica Bourland
719-328-3446
 

English Instructor

I have my master’s in English language and literature, as well as a minor in education. I have taught college freshmen, sixth graders, and now ninth graders. I enjoy fostering students’ growth as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. In my spare time, I love to read, write, and watch reality and true crime TV. My life revolves around the whims of my three feline roommates.
 

 

Jennifer Coil
719-328-5990
 

Art Instructor

I have an MAT from Webster University. I've been teaching since 1993. I've taught 1st grade through adults. I spent 14 years teaching at-risk students at Spring Creek Youth Services Center. I joined Odyssey ECCO in 2014.
 

 

Zach Cooper
719-328-7152
 

Assistant Principal

My name is Zach Cooper and I have been working in education for the past ten years. In that time, I served as a Social Studies and English teacher, dean of students, and now am the proud Assistant Principal of Odyssey ECCO! My formal education includes a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education, a Masters in U.S. History, and a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership/Principal Licensure. When not at Odyssey, I love fly fishing, being outside, and spending time with my family.
 

 

 
Wendy Crunkelton
719-328-2031
 

Principal's Secretary

I grew up in Oklahoma and then moved with my husband and Air Force to Washington State. My family moved to Colorado Springs into District 11 in 2015. I have been with D11 since 2016. I am new to Odyssey in 2022. I know how special Odyssey is and the amazing opportunities it provides not only as an employee of D11 but also as a parent of two kids that have attended Odyssey. I have 3 children who keep me very busy. I love my family, animals, crafts, and baking. I am excited to help Odyssey families in any way I can, especially with enrollment issues, records, and transcripts.
 

 

 
Anna Eaton
719-328-4452

Science Instructor

I am thrilled to be teaching science at Odyssey ECCO!  Getting students excited about science is my number one goal!  Science is an amazing field and it is empowering for our students to understand the world around them. I teach high school honors biology and college introductory chemistry.  In honors biology, we use the scientific process to understand how organisms interact with the environment and function.  In chemistry, we deep dive into the atomic and molecular interactions that form the basis of life.  Throughout both classes, the scientific process is at the heart of how I teach.

I completed a Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, College Park from the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics.  My research focused on the chemotaxis signal transduction pathway of E. coli.  Chemotaxis is the process of how bacteria swim and its fitting that I researched that area as I am a swim coach and swimmer myself.  I also received a B.S. (magna cum laude) in biological science with minors in mathematics and biochemistry from Duquesne University.  I enjoy playing piano, leading outdoor trips with the Colorado Mountain Club and travelling in our RV motorhome with my husband, four children and 2 dogs!

 


 

Katrina Everette
719-328-2058

Counselor (N-Z)

Hello! I am the School Counselor for last names N-Z. I have been a School Counselor since 2002 and I have been with Odyssey since 2016. My goal is to make sure that all of our students are successful and that they are on a path to earn an Associate’s Degree that is aligned to the student’s desired interests, strengths, and career choices. I do this by closely working with students to advise the student academically and, also, by working closely with PPSC to monitor student progress, determine appropriate coursework, and finding any necessary additional resources for students. I am always happy to talk with students and their families, so feel free to call or make an appointment with me to discuss any questions or needs that you or your student may have.
 

 

Lisa Fowler
719-328-2007
 

Lead Counselor, A-K

I have been a counselor at Odyssey since 2019 and support students with last names A-K. I have a Bachelors in Music from Ithaca College and a Masters in School Counseling from Adams State University. I love working at Odyssey ECCO with the small high school atmosphere where I have a chance to get to know each student and help focus in on college and career opportunities and build relationships.
 

 

Taura Gandy
719-328-2053
 

Counselor, L-M and Career Pathways

I have been a school counselor at Odyssey ECCO since 2021 and I support Odyssey students whose last names begin with L-M and with students throughout D11 who attend our Career Pathways program. I earned both my Bachelors in Sociology and my Masters in School Counseling from Adams State University. I help students by providing guidance on academic planning, personal development, and career exploration tailored to their individual needs. I am committed to creating a supportive space that empowers students to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and reach their full potential.
 

 

Brittany Hardy
719-328-2053
 
Family and Consumer Science/Education Pathway Instructor

I am so excited to start my adventure at Odyssey Early College and Career Options and Coronado High School as an instructor in the Future Educator Pathway. I have been a teacher in School District 11 for almost 18 years and a CTE teacher for two years. I grew up in California and moved to Colorado for a college internship. Little did I know, I would also find my best friend and future husband. I returned to California to finish my business degree from California State University, Chico. We married in 1994, and I followed him to Georgia for military duty in the United States Army.  

After returning to Colorado, we both attended Regis University to receive our master's degrees in education. We have three amazing kids and an awesome son-in-law. In July of last year, I earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. In my "free" time, I volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol and enjoy hiking and adventuring with my family. I have been married to Gary, who teaches at Jenkins Middle School, for almost 30 years.


 

David Kennington
719-328-3362
 

Social Studies Instructor

I began my teaching career in 2002 instructing mathematics at East Middle School in Colorado Springs School District-11. Subsequently, I taught for over a decade in Palmer High School’s International Baccalaureate program, instructing courses in World History, United States History, and World Religions.  
 
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Colorado and Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University. In 1992, I was commissioned in the United States Navy and served as a Naval Aviator until 2002, before leaving active duty and returning to Colorado to continue serving my country as an educator and to spend more time with my wonderful wife and four children.
 
I was pleased to join the staff of Odyssey ECCO in 2024, where I serve as a co-instructor for university courses through The National Education Equity Lab, as well as teaching classes in United States History and World Religions.
 

 

 
Robert Lessig
Head shot of Rob Lessig
donald.lessig@d11.org
719-328-4253
 

English Instructor

Suzanne Lord
719-328-5996

AVID & Aerospace Engineering (JSEP) Instructor, Link Crew Coordinator

The 2025-2026 school year marks my ninth year here at Odyssey ECCO and my 14th year of teaching. I have a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Education and am currently working on a master's degree in applied Geography. I enjoy helping students learn lifelong skills, exploring new concepts, and developing innovated solutions to real world problems.


 

Emma Lorton
Headshot of Emma Lorton
719-328-4684
 
 

Hello! My name is Emma Lorton, and I serve as the Gifted & Talented Resource Teacher at Odyssey ECCO. Gifted and Talented education focuses on supporting the unique learning needs of students who think and learn at a different pace or depth than many of their peers. I am thrilled to be part of the Odyssey community and love seeing students’ excitement and passion for learning each day. It's a special place and you feel it the second you walk into the building! 


 

Stacy Miller
719-328-2022

Principal

My name is Stacy Miller and I have been in the education profession for over 26 years. In that time, I served as a teacher, curriculum specialist, Middle School Assistant Principal, Middle and High School Principal, Senior Director, Early Childhood Education Director and most recently the very proud principal of Odyssey ECCO. My studies have included a bachelor's in business education, Master of Educational Administration, additional graduate work in Switzerland at the school of Economics, Relay graduate school of education and deep learning of project-based learning and effective instruction. I am a Colorado native and married with two remarkable boys. Our sons play football and study at Stanford (just graduated), Cal Berkeley and Michigan State.
 

 

 
Brenna Naufel
719-328-2088

Data Processor & Counseling Admin Assistant

My name is Brenna, and I am the Data Processor here at Odyssey ECCO. As part of the counseling department, I can help parents and students with counseling appointments, schedule changes, ACCUPLACER testing, SAT registrations, and with a variety of information you may need for college or scholarship applications. I received my Bachelor's degree at the University of Missouri and worked there for 14 years both in the Athletic Department and in the College of Engineering. I love what Odyssey ECCO is doing to help students not only gain access to higher education, but to do so for FREE, saving both time and money upon graduation.
 
I love spending time with my husband and two children, exploring Colorado, playing video/board games, and playing pickleball.
 

 

Dr. James Owino
719-328-5997
 

Science Instructor

I am an experienced soil and water conservationist, Agriculturalist and Educator. My work experience totals over 38 years, having started as an agricultural extension office in 1984. I then joined the teaching profession in 1986 and taught courses to Undergraduate and Graduate students in various colleges in Kenya. I have done research studies on vegetative soil erosion control, published and presented papers in various international conferences. I also served as Director of Board of Undergraduate Studies at Egerton University, Kenya. I immigrated to the USA in the year 2010 and became a naturalized citizen in 2016. I joined Colorado Springs School District 11 in the year 2013 as a Science and Agriculture instructor. I am also an adjunct instructor for Pikes Peak State College, Adams State University, Colorado State University – Pueblo and Pueblo Community College. I hold a PhD degree from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, MEd degree, from McGill University Canada and a BS degree in Agriculture from University of Nairobi Kenya. I have a professional teacher (Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources Education and Science Education) and Career and Technical Education (CTE- Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources) licenses issued by Colorado State Department of Education.

2019 Rotary Diamond Award
2016 Alpha Lillian Mallory Award

 

Anthony Paez
719-328-4679
 

Automotive Instructor

Hello, my name is Mr. Paez, the automotive teacher. I have been working on cars  from bumper to bumper and custom car & truck builds in high end European car and hot rod shops. I am 100% an automotive enthusiast!
 

 

Craig Seay
Staff Photo Craig Seay
719-328-6158

Telecom/IT Fundamentals Teacher

My name is Craig Seay and I have enjoyed teaching in the USAF and now Odyssey for a combined eight years. I currently instruct Introduction to Telecom, Network Copper, Network Fiber Optic, Wireless Communication, Grounding and Bonding and Green Energy courses that carry certifications from BISCI and CEDIA. I also instruct IT Fundamentals, Computer Apps for Computer Science, and Intro Cyber Security courses. I sponsor a fantastic group of students that is the Robotics teams at Odyssey.  I have a Bachelors of Science in Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University as well as Associates of Science; Instructor of Aircraft Maintenance Science and Technology along with an Aviation Maintenance Technology degrees from Community College of the Air Force. I grew up in SC, joined the USAF right after graduating high school, was a crew chief on the F-15 along with associated supervisory positions in the F-15 and F-16 communities. I spent 13 of 20 years stationed in Iceland, Netherlands, Germany, and Okinawa, traveled to 33 countries on vacation, and still have more to see.  I enjoy introducing students to observable and participative sciences like astronomy, archeology, photography and Ham radio concepts. If I’m not camping with my wife and pooches then I’m chasing wildlife with my camera or I’m in an aviation, science, or art museum in the area. I enjoy music, art, cooking, history, triathlon, and traveling.
 

 

Paulina Shaw
Headshot of Paulina Shaw in pink shirt

Paulina.Shaw@d11.org

 

Many, many years ago I moved to the United States, but my story with this country actually started a little earlier. I came as a foreign exchange student, and that’s when I met my husband. Fast forward six years, and we got married back home in Chile, where I am originally from.

Academically, I’ve been a proud Chippewa twice over, earning both my Bachelor of Science and my Master’s in school Administration and Leadership from Central Michigan University. Later, I pursued my love for language and culture with a PhD (minor dissertation) in Spanish Language and Literature at Michigan State University.

Teaching has taken me on quite a journey—I’ve taught everything from 6th grade all the way to the university level. One unique stop along the way was teaching engineers at the Chrysler Center who needed Spanish because they frequently traveled to Mexico for work.

On the personal side, I have a son and a wonderful daughter-in-law. As a family, we love hiking, traveling, and (without a doubt) food—we are definitely foodies! I’m excited to begin a new adventure here at Odyssey ECCO and to continue exploring beautiful Colorado.


 

Caren Vest
719-328-2092
 

Accounting Assistant

As the School Accounting Assistant at Odyssey ECCO, I assist our Principal in the management of the school’s budgets, audit purchases to assure respect for fiduciary principals, and manage the accounting requirements of all student fundraising activities. Students come to me to buy dance tickets, yearbooks, t-shirts, etc., and parents or guardians come to me to make payments or get clarification on student obligations for school property or fees. I joined Odyssey ECCO in 2022 and have been in Colorado Springs School District 11 since 2018. I am passionate about alternative education and believe that what they have built here at the Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus, and especially at Odyssey ECCO, is the future of public education.
 

 

Walter Wilson
719-328-4494
 

Math Instructor

Mr. Wilson graduated from Stanford with a master's degree in engineering. After working for many years as an engineer on various projects in high-level sports, he decided to work in education as a math teacher. Now in his second decade of teaching, he loves helping students with math and building their confidence as problem solvers.
 

 

Julene Zizza
719-328-7679
 
Special Education Teacher
 
Julene Zizza is the accommodations facilitator and special services provider. She teaches the students how to submit their accommodations to the college/universities and provides encouragement to students to find their "voice" for their accommodations. Ms. Zizza is an interventionist who provides systems and supports for students to find success.