Our Team

Jo is a Vermont native who has been living in Fairplay for 4 years. She is the Assistant Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club in Fairplay, has taught at the school on and off since 2020, and loves being involved in her mountain community in any way she can. She has her B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Champlain College. Youth development has always been a passion of hers and she is excited to be part of the High Rockies Community School family.

Kristine has a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Colorado Christian University and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from UC Denver. She started her career teaching outdoor education at Denver Audubon where she guided kids as they discovered the birds, wildlife, and pond creatures that lived in Chatfield. She transitioned into teaching in 2014 where she taught 4th grade for 3 years at charter schools in Denver and then taught 8th grade science in Bailey for 4 years. In 2021, Kristine started Curiosity Clubhouse to provide enrichment opportunities for students in Park County. She has owned and operated this business for the past 4 years offering STEAM enrichment programs on Fridays and in the Summer. Kristine is an avid birder, hiker, naturalist and reader who enjoys exploring the world around her.

Laura Noto is a passionate educator with over a decade of teaching experience working with diverse learners. She holds a BA in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Psychology as well as a Master of Education in Literacy from Wagner College. She began her teaching career in the New York City Public School System in Brooklyn, NY, before moving to Colorado and teaching in various rural mountain communities before finding her home at HRCS.

Laura has held numerous roles in education throughout her career including classroom teacher, Special Education teacher, English Language Learner teacher, Title 1 Interventionist, Literacy Coach, and at times even substitute principal. She is a lifelong learner who continues to grow her expertise through classes and training, and she loves sharing that knowledge with students and other educators.

Laura grew up in Pennsylvania playing sports, was a Division 1 Water Polo goalie in college, and has coached water polo, basketball, and the Girls on the Run program. She is also a published author, contributing her Master’s thesis as a chapter in the Handbook of Research on Effective Communication in Culturally Diverse Classrooms. When not educating, Laura enjoys hiking, skiing, sailing, reading, and spending time with her family.

Laurel Dumas is a dedicated and passionate leader with over 20 years of experience in education. Her career began as a paraeducator, evolving through roles as a Teacher, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Principal. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a Master’s degree in Teaching Mathematics. With a deep-rooted passion for teaching, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current role as Head of School.

During high school, Laurel served as a student board member on the local school board, an early indication of her commitment to educational leadership. Over the past four years, she has honed her leadership skills, and now serves as a coach for principals in the Early Literacy Pathway in the Colorado Department of Education’s Principal Leadership Institute.

A true mountain mom, Laurel enjoys hiking and rock climbing with her husband and 7-year-old daughter, as well as watching live music and trying new vegan recipes. She is an avid reader and lifelong learner, always seeking new knowledge and experiences.

With her extensive background in education, leadership, and a genuine passion for teaching, Laurel continues to inspire and lead with a focus on fostering a love for learning in every student and educator.